Tattoo

sparklingdiamond

So I have been thinking about getting a tattoo.  I really want a snowflake (I have always loved snowflakes!) on my shoulder.  My question is, does anyone here have one on their shoulder?  I am expecting it to hurt....but then again, I have had laser hair removal and it can't hurt worse than that right?  :-p

How long did it take to get yours done?  I know it depends on size and everything, but I am just curious!  TIA!

seujoanne

Not tatt related, but can you tell us about the laser hair removal?  I heard it's like stabbing yourself with a hot curling iron.  Did it work for you?

sparklingdiamond

Haha thats a funny way to describe it!  It's one of those things that I feel like you can't really describe to someone.  You never know what it feels like until you have it done.  But that can be an accurate description!  It hurts....I use the numbing cream, which takes the edge off a little, but it still hurts.  I have had my lower legs, bikini, and underarms done.  I can tolerate the legs a little better than the other two.  I am in my follow up treatments now and I have lost quite a bit under my arms and on my legs.  The bikini area I've lost about half.  But I do notice a difference. 

The first time I had it done, I felt like I was sunburned for a couple of days after.  The laser hair people said that girls have a way better pain tolerance for it than the guys though! :-p

cfibelkorn

I don't think it would hurt. I have a small tattoo on my foot and that didn't hurt at all, I would think your shoulder would be more pain tolerant than your foot 

I have heard the worst part is shading...so keep it simple. See how you feel and you can always go back and add shading

HTH!

bburks79

I have two tattoos, one on my foot and one on my lower back a.k.a. a tramp stamp.  They weren't the easiest things to get but from the sounds of the laser hair removal pain I think you will be fine.  The only thing to consider is the timing of this tattoo.  I'm not sure what your dress looks like but will it cover the tattoo because do you really want a tattoo showing in all your wedding pictures?  Just something to think about.  I think you should totally get a tattoo if you want one but just be mindful of the timing, you may want to wait until after the wedding.  JMO!

ETA: The one on my foot is fairly small only about an inch in diameter and it took about 20 minutes with all the shading and everything.  The one on my back which goes from hip to hip took about an hour and a half.

sparklingdiamond

Yea I have thought about that....it will show in my pictures.  But I don't think I will really mind if it shows.  I doubt I will have that many pictures taken from the back anyways.  But it is definitely something to keep in mind! :-)

swilson7921

I have a tattoo on my leg, my side, and my hip. It's painful at first but you get used to it. If you can handle laser hair removal, you can handle a tattoo!!

Good Luck!

linzcw04

I have a few tattoos...on my hip and my lower back (tramp-stamp club,lol)...from what you describe of the hair removal you will be fine. It feels more like a cat scratch - the outline was the most painful for me but it depends on how detailed you get. I would consider timing but if it something you don't mind then go for it!
Be mindful - they are addicting! I want another one right now...not sure where or what but in the near future. HTH

cfibelkorn

Thats what I would describe it as....It feels like some one is scratching you over and over and over in the same place and it starts to feel a little raw. It is more of an irritating thing more than painful

Hester930

I'm posting just to give you reassurance---I agree with PP---you will be fine with the tattooing process given the description of laser hair removal experience...!!!  It will be tender on the shoulder, but you'll be fine.  I have one on my side that stretches from just below my hip all the way to the underarm, nearly...it took nearly 5 hours...and I was ok.  I sat through (laid through) two sittings for it.  You won't have the aftermath pain, like you described with laser hair removal.  It'll be slightly tender, but not constant.  Good luck with it...post pics!!!

txex1996

I have had both laser hair removal (underarms, bikini and legs) as well as a tattoo (4-5 inches, detailed design) on my lower back. The sensation is fairly similar - a bit like a small rubber band repeatedly snapped against your skin.

I actually found the tattoo more painful. This is because the lower back has a very high concentration of nerve endings, and the tattoo took 3 hours. It is actually the lining that is most painful as it is the deepest. That being said, you get a bit used to it.   

A small snowflake on your shoulder should be smooth saiiing after the laser.

sparklingdiamond

Hmm that makes me nervous!  I am just scared to do it.  I really want to do it and I have thought about it for a long time.  You say you get used to the feeling, did you feel like you got used to the feeling of the laser hair removal?

txex1996

With the laser, it did get easier simply because there was less hair to zap. The sensation itself never changed.

As I said, my tattoo took a really long and time and was on the most painful place you can choose. It really hurt when it was passing over my spine.

IAfter the laser, I really do think you will be fine with the tattoo. If you are just thinking of a snowflake on your shoulder, I would guesstimate tthe pain level to be like a single session of your bikini line. If you decide to put it directly on your shoulder blade, that will hurt a bit more.

sparklingdiamond

Thanks for the advice everyone! :-) 

bobbileighb

I have four tattoo one on my lower back, one in the middle, top of my spine almost neck and going down and one on my shoulder.  The shoulder was the last one I got done and the smallest and I joked that if all tattoos were that painless I would have even more.  PP described it well I think its like a sunburn getting scratched over and over its really just irriatating, but IMO of all the places I have them the shoulder was the least painful by FAR and it only took about 35 min to complete where as some of my other took an hour or two.  I think the time it took and the location made that one so easy. 

Everyone is different though and I am not sure how big you are wanting but it sounds like about a 30 min tattoo so even if for some crazy reason you found it very painful it would be over quick.

NathanandJordan

i agree with bobbileighb

i have three tattoos-one on my foot, one on my ribs, and one on my shoulder. The shoulder was the least painful (less bones to go over=hurts less) and mine only lasted 30-ish min.  Go for it! Tattoos are fun!

MariCam

I have a tattoo on my left shoulder and it didnt hurt one bit. The only part that was bad is that I bled while they did they shading in but other than it was painless.

Kpetty1010

I have 3 tattoos--1 one my shoulder, 1 on my foot, and 1 on my hip...none of them really hurt but the color part was a little annoying, i just took my Ipod and took an asprin before hand to keep the esge off...you will be fine