Tattoos Behind the Ear: How Painful Are They Really?

One of the main reasons why most people avoid tattoos is the issue of pain; every tattoo, no matter where it is placed or how talented and careful the tattoo artist is, will cause some pain or at least discomfort. Of course, the level of pain is individual; not everyone experiences pain in the same way, and not everyone deals with or reacts to pain in the same way. What hurts one person may seem like discomfort to another.

Of course, some tattoos are notoriously more painful than others, which is why people fear them in the first place. And one of these painful tattoos is the one that can be done behind the ear. If you're thinking about getting a tattoo behind your ear but aren't sure about it because of the pain rumors, keep scrolling. In the following paragraphs, we'll talk about how painful behind-the-ear tattoos really are and whether they're worth getting. So let's jump right in!

Getting a tattoo behind your ear hurts: everything you need to know

Why is there a painful tattoo area behind the ear?

One of the main reasons people use the word "painful" when describing their behind-the-ear tattoo experience is, of course, because of the location. The skin behind the ear is very thin, and if you know anything about tattoos, it usually means bad news.

The thinner the skin, the more accessible the nerves under the skin, which means the tattoo will be more painful. When the skin is very thin, the needle can easily hit the nerve endings in the skin, which will certainly cause pain.

In addition, due to the thin skin, and also because the needle is located on the head, the work and buzz of the needle can create a rather unpleasant effect, causing people to either have a headache or even become very drowsy. The fact that the buzzing of a tattoo machine is right next to your ear can cause noise-sensitive people to lower their pain threshold and experience the tattoo more painfully than anywhere else.

And there is also an opinion that the tattoo is placed so close to the skull bone. Tattoos made around bones cause significantly more pain than those made on more sensitive areas. Generally speaking, the areas around the bones are filled with nerve endings, and the vibration of the tattoo machine also affects the bones, not just the nerve endings. Therefore, the pain immediately increases and causes significant discomfort throughout the tattooing process.

So, are tattoos behind the ear painful?

Generally speaking, yes; Behind the ear tattoos are considered to be one of the most painful tattoos you can get. However, you should keep in mind that some people are more tolerant of pain than others and therefore experience pain differently. As we mentioned earlier, what hurts one person doesn't have to be as painful for another.

Of course, the soreness of a tattoo can be determined by several factors;

• Individual pain tolerance
• Individual health and mental well-being
• Technique of a tattoo artist
• Did you use alcohol or drugs in the days before you got the tattoo, etc.

Clarify; people who are going through some kind of illness (let's say you just caught a bad cold) as well as people who are going through some emotionally stressful periods are more likely to describe their tattoo experience as very painful and unpleasant. This is because the body is not prepared to deal with pain, and a tattoo is known to cause your body to go into injury mode.

This causes the body to drain all of its energy in order to heal the "wound" or tattoo. Therefore, if your immune system is weakened due to illness or stress, getting any tattoo will definitely be more painful than otherwise.

Moreover, the drinking and taking drugs a few days before getting a tattoo is definitely a bad idea.. Both will lower your immune system and make you more susceptible to even the slightest pain. It is strongly recommended to abstain from alcohol and drugs for at least two weeks up to a month before the tattoo (especially if you plan to tattoo on the most painful areas of the body).

And finally, the way your tattoo artist handles the tattoo can make your tattoo behind your ear very painful or very pleasant. Of course, even with the most talented and experienced tattoo artist, you will experience some pain, but overall it will be a more enjoyable experience compared to a heavy-handed, inexperienced tattoo artist. Therefore, always make an appointment at a good tattoo parlor, where the masters are highly qualified and experienced.

How long does the pain last?

Depending on the size and type of tattoo, behind the ear tattoos can be done in one session, as is usually the case. Once the tattoo artist is done with the needle, you should be pain free. However, the effects of tattooing can be felt a few days after tattooing. Typically, you may experience tenderness in the area, as well as swelling, discomfort, and other symptoms that indicate that the tattoo has begun to heal.

After the first few days, your tattoo should be in full healing mode, so the pain should gradually go away. At this point, you may experience some itching sensations, but if you follow the care instructions correctly, this too will soon pass.

If your tattoo continues to hurt even a few days after the procedure, or if it is still red and swollen, you may have some complications, such as an allergic reaction or tattoo infection. In this case, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible. Be sure to also contact your tattoo artist for more information on what to do next.

Can I make a tattoo behind my ear less painful?

Yes, there are some tips and tricks that people use to make getting a tattoo as painless as possible. But before we get to them, we need to talk about the following; your mental state during the tattoo process can make it or break it for you. You have to be prepared to go through the buzzing and potentially throbbing of the tattoo machine, as well as the tingling and potential burning.

This is all that every person experiences in the process of tattooing. So, try to completely ignore it; focus on something else and try to take your mind off the noise. If allowed, we recommend that you listen to music or simply talk to your tattoo artist or friend; anything that takes your mind off the tattoo going on behind your ear.

Here are some of the other tips and tricks that people use to get their behind the ear tattoo as comfortable as possible;

• Before getting a tattoo, you need to get some rest! Get enough sleep and avoid parties before getting a tattoo. If you are tired or restless, your tattoo will hurt more, 100% guaranteed.
• It is highly recommended to stay away from booze and drugs for several reasons; both lower the immune system, make you more sensitive to pain, cause blood thinning which can turn a tattoo into a living hell for both you and your tattoo artists, make you nervous and restless during the process, etc.
• Staying hydrated and eating healthy is very important; Before getting a tattoo, try to drink plenty of water and eat energy-boosting foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and everything your body needs to process the tattoo.
• Choosing an experienced tattoo artist can make your tattoo look much better and more enjoyable, even if you're getting one of the most painful tattoos out there. The more experienced and experienced the tattoo artist is, the better your experience will be. In addition, experienced tattoo artists move quickly, so you will spend significantly less time in the chair, which means less pain overall.
• And finally, following the care instructions is essential for the tattoo to heal properly. This reduces the risk of complications such as tattoo infection and ensures that the tattoo heals properly and on time.

Final thoughts

Now we are well aware that tattoos behind the ear are considered quite painful. However, they are usually not as bad as people tend to make them out to be. Of course, you will feel a certain level of pain, but by taking care of your body and mental health, as well as consulting an experienced tattoo artist, you will minimize the level of pain and make the tattoo enjoyable. We wish you good luck and a happy tattoo! Don't let pain stop you from getting an amazing tattoo!