Everyone has a different threshold for pain and so everyone has a different experience. For the most part, it is never as bad as people build it up to be, or your friends will lead you to believe. People have described the sensation as similar to a cat's scratch or bad sunburn, and most find it more annoying than anything (especially given that you're required to sit still for a length of time).

Tips to deal with the pain:
- with a relaxed body and mind, you will be able to handle the pain better than being tense and stressed. Just breathe, and find calm....really...that is the best way to deal with the pain!
- please avoid taking any pain killers as they may alter the consistency of your blood which can effect the tattoo and aftercare process.
- eating lots of pineapple the week leading up to your tattoo may help to lessen swelling and bruising.