Tattoos do they hurt really bad?

I am considering getting a tattoo, a small one on the outside of my calf. My question is how bad does it hurt. I get mixed reviews and the whole pain thing is what is stopping me from going. Any input will help

Honestly it depends on your level of pain tolerance. I personally haven't had any that hurt. But I do know that the higher fat areas hurt much much less, where as the more muscle or bone (spine, arm, chest, hip, calf) those places are more likely to hurt a lot more. But I will say that it's more of an annoyance rather than a strong pain. I'd also recommend getting something small to start, possibly on your ankle, to feel out the pain situation more.

everyone responds to different levels of pain. I believe they do hurt especially depending on where you get the tattoo. Some places are more sensitive than others

my friend got a tattoo really similar to drew barrymoore's butterfly tattoo under her belly button.

Surprisingly, she told me it really didn't hurt, it was just irritating when the artist went over the same spots with the needle- like going over and over it.

well, i have three. the first took 3 hours. and it was well worth it. and you can tell, i got 2 more after that. so it wasnt too bad. some say the outline hurts the worst. but i think it the filling in that hurts kinda bad. it just gets annoying that they rub over the same area over and over again. and it gets so warm that it feels like fire to your skin almost.

i know i am making this sound so horrible, but it is really worth it. tattoos are beautiful artwork, and you will be so proud when it is finished.

and if my mom can do it, anyone can. she cried before getting her ears pierced! and she sailed through the tattoo. we made her pick one out, then gave her a stiff drink. she loves it, wouldnt get another one just because she only wanted the one, but is damn proud to show it off. (she turned 50 this year, and is one awesome mama) i say just go for it! and the calf is probably one of the least painful of areas. good luck!

Mine is on my shoulder blade, and it felt like a hot curling iron was being pressed against my back. My little sister has 16 tatoos, and she told me it wouldnt hurt. She got one right after I did, by the same tatoo artist, and she started crying too. She said he was digging way too hard and they dont usually hurt like that