Anxiety surrounding tattoo pain often focuses on the difference between the initial outline and the subsequent shading. Shading is the process of filling in the lined areas, adding color, depth, and dimension to the design. This technique changes how the needle contacts the skin, resulting in a distinct sensation compared to the initial linework.
Shading Versus Outlining Pain
Outlining is typically described as a sharp, stinging, or cutting sensation, often compared to an intense scratch. This feeling is momentary but concentrated, as the artist creates the distinct border of the design with a single, focused pass. The intensity often causes an immediate spike in pain receptors, which is why it can be the most shocking part of the process.
Shading, by contrast, is generally felt as a duller, broader, or abrasive sensation. Many people describe it as a burning, scraping, or vibrating feeling across the skin’s surface. While this feeling may be less intense than the initial outline, it can become more irritating due to the need for multiple, repetitive passes over the same area. The cumulative trauma from the longer duration of shading is often what makes it more difficult to endure.
The Mechanics Behind Shading Sensation
The difference in sensation is rooted in the type of needle used for each technique. Outlining utilizes liner needle groupings, which are tightly clustered to create a fine, singular point of contact. This focused pressure allows the needle to penetrate the skin efficiently along a precise path, leading to the sharp, intense feeling.
Shading, however, employs larger needle groupings, such as magnums or flats, where the individual needles are spread out in a wider arrangement. This configuration disperses the impact of the needles across a greater surface area of the skin. By distributing the pressure, the sensation becomes less like a sharp point and more like a dull, dragging abrasion. The artist also often sets the shading needles slightly shallower than the liners, which contributes to reduced initial sharpness and increased surface-level irritation.
Variables That Affect Pain Perception
The location of the tattoo significantly influences the pain felt during shading. Areas with thin skin, high nerve density, and close proximity to bone, such as the ribs or ankles, are inherently more sensitive. The lack of underlying fat or muscle cushioning amplifies the sensation of the needle’s vibration and pressure.
The duration of the session is another major factor, as shading often takes the longest amount of time to complete. As the tattooing progresses, the skin becomes inflamed and sensitized, and the body’s pain-dampening endorphins begin to deplete. This cumulative effect, known as pain fatigue, means that even a dull sensation can become excruciating after several hours on traumatized skin. Factors like dehydration and low blood sugar can lower the pain threshold, making the experience more difficult to manage.