Does getting finance affect credit score?

Does getting a loan actually hurt your credit score? Ugh, it's so frustrating! Just the thought of applying for a loan makes my stomach churn. I mean, it feels like a total Catch-22, right? You need money – desperately, maybe – so you apply for credit, and bam! Your precious credit score takes a little hit. It's happened to me before, applying for that new washing machine after mine completely died – remember that flood? Anyway, the score did drop a bit, it was temporary, thankfully, and only a few points. But still! It's annoying. It feels so unfair, like you're being penalized for needing help, for trying to get your finances in order! Why should trying to improve your situation actually hurt it in the short term? Doesn't seem right, does it? I read somewhere that hard inquiries, which happen when you apply for credit, only knock off a few points, usually. But, like, those few points can still make a difference, especially if you're already borderline on something. It's enough to give you a serious case of the heebie-jeebies, I tell ya.