Does Shading with a Magnum Needle Hurt More Than Lining?

Michael Hollman
You're in the tattoo chair, and you've just made it through the linework. The outline is sharp and clean. Now, the artist switches their machine, and you brace yourself for...

A Guide to Tattoo Pain on Scar Tissue vs. Normal Skin

Michael Hollman
Getting a tattoo to cover a scar is a powerful and popular way to reclaim your skin and transform an old memory into a new piece of art. As you...

Do Different Tattoo Styles Hurt Differently? Realism vs. Traditional

Michael Hollman
You're planning a new tattoo, and you've narrowed it down to two distinct styles. Maybe you love the bold, powerful look of an American Traditional eagle, but you're also drawn...

What Part of the Tattoo Hurts the Most: The Outline, Shading, or Color?

Michael Hollman
You're in the tattoo chair, and you've just made it through the linework. The outline is sharp and clean. Now, the artist switches their machine, and you brace yourself for...

What Does the Vibration of a Tattoo Machine Feel Like?

Michael Hollman
When you're trying to figure out what does getting a tattoo feel like, most of the focus is on the pain of the needle. We use analogies like a "hot cat...

Does Tattoo Pain Get Worse with Longer Sessions?

Michael Hollman
You're planning your first large-scale tattoo—a full sleeve, a thigh piece, or a section of your back. You know how to prepare for tattoo pain for the first hour, but what...

How to Prepare for a Tattoo on a Bony Area: A Survival Guide

Michael Hollman
You're planning a new tattoo on one of the most striking and popular placements—the ribs, the sternum, the spine, the feet, or the collarbone. These areas are the perfect canvas...

Do Tattoos Hurt More on Your Dominant vs. Non-Dominant Arm?

Michael Hollman
You're planning a new tattoo on your arm, and as you decide between your left and right, a curious question emerges, one that is debated in tattoo studios all over...

The Psychology of Tattoo Pain: Why Mindset Matters

Michael Hollman
When you're getting ready for a new tattoo, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about the physical side of pain. How bad do tattoos hurt? What's the most painful...

A Guide to Tattoo Pain on Loose or Stretchy Skin

Michael Hollman
As our bodies change over a lifetime, so does our skin. Whether due to natural aging, significant weight loss, or simply the natural softness of areas like the inner bicep,...

Tattoo Pain vs. Piercing Pain: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Michael Hollman
It's one of the most common debates you'll hear when talking about body modification: which hurts more, a tattoo or a piercing? For anyone considering their first piece of body...

The Top 5 Most Surprisingly Painful Tattoo Spots

Michael Hollman
When people ask, "where is the most painful place to get a tattoo?" the usual suspects always come up: the ribs, the sternum, and the head. And while those spots...