If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo but are worried about how painful it will be, you’re not alone. Tattoo artists are asked a lot of questions, with “What’s the most painful place to get a tattoo” being one of the most common. Every person has a different pain tolerance, but certain parts of the body are more sensitive than others.
In this guide, we’ll go over tattoo pain levels by body location, from least to most painful. We’ll also explain why some areas hurt more, how to prepare for an appointment, and how to manage pain before, during, and after a session with a tattoo artist.
Acknowledging the Pain: An Overview
Before we get into the pain chart, let’s take a few moments to understand why most tattoos hurt. Tattoo machines puncture the skin rapidly and repeatedly, using a needle to deposit colored ink into the second layer of skin (the dermis). The process activates nerve endings and pain receptors, particularly those in areas with more bones and less body fat. Multiple factors determine tattoo pain levels, including:
- Nerve density. If an area has more nerve endings, you’ll feel more pain when getting a tattoo.
- Skin thickness.Thicker skin cushions the needle more.
- Muscle and fat. Body parts with more muscle and fat usually hurt less than bony parts.
- Pain tolerance.Some people handle pain gracefully, and some don’t.
Read on to learn why some tattoos hurt more than others.
How Bad Does a Tattoo Hurt?
As mentioned earlier, getting inked involves thousands of needle marks being left on the skin. Although there’s no universal pain chart to follow, some level of discomfort is guaranteed. A recent survey states that 38% of young adults have tattoos, with most people considering them an artistic form of self-expression.
According to anecdotal evidence, areas with few nerve endings, substantial fat, and thick skin are the least painful places to get a tattoo. On the other hand, tattoos in bony areas with little fat and thin skin are quite painful. Below, we’ll rank tattoo pain levels by body part and severity, starting at the bottom of the pain scale and working our way upward.
Low Pain: The Outer Upper Arm
This body part is a great place for a first tattoo in Dallas, and for good reason. The outer bicep has plenty of fat and muscle, making it a less painful spot to get inked. The skin on the outer upper arm is relatively thick, and the area doesn’t move too much, which means tattoos done here heal faster. If you’re getting tattooed for the first time or the piece is large and intricate, the upper arm is a good starting point.
Low to Moderate Pain: The Thigh
The upper thigh is another good place for tattoo newbies to start. With ample padding and plenty of muscle, this body part will absorb much of the needle’s impact. While the inner thigh may be more sensitive due to its high number of nerve endings, outer thigh tattoos offer a less painful experience.
Low to Moderate Pain: The Calves
The calves are a good place for first tattoos because they’re fleshy and easy to work on. If you want a large and intricate design but are unsure about the pain, ask your artist about a calf tattoo. Be careful, though; calf tattoos that approach the shin or the back of the knee can be surprisingly painful.
Low to Moderate Pain: The Shoulder
With ample muscle and low sensitivity, the outer shoulder is another go-to tattoo spot for beginners. As pieces move toward the underarm or collarbone, feelings of pain may become more intense.
Moderate Pain: The Forearm
The forearm is considered a middle-of-the-road tattoo choice: not completely painless, but tolerable for most. The inner part of the forearm is a bit more sensitive than the outer part, simply because the skin is thinner and there are more nerve endings. Despite those minor drawbacks, the forearm is a good place for detailed work with minimal discomfort.
Moderate to High Pain: The Back
The back is a blank canvas, and tattoo pain levels vary by area. While the upper back and highly muscled areas (such as the lats) are tolerable, anything close to the bony, thin-skinned spine, lower back, or shoulder blades can get intense. Back tattoo sessions can lead to fatigue, especially when lying down for hours on end.
Moderate to High Pain: The Chest
Chest tattoos are statement pieces, but they’re not for the faint of heart. The closer the ink gets to the collarbone or sternum, the more pain you’ll feel. Men tend to feel it more because they have less fat in the area; women may find the area under and around the breasts to be highly sensitive. Deep breathing can help, as steady inhalation and exhalation minimizes discomfort.
High Pain: The Ribs
Tattoo artists and highly inked people will tell you: rib tattoos are no joke. With thin skin and minimal fat over the ribs, along with the constant motion of every breath, this is one of the most painful areas to get a tattoo. While it can hurt, and it’s not a good place for a first tattoo, the results are stunning.
High Pain: Fingers and Hands
There’s not much cushioning on your fingers and hands, and plentiful nerve endings make this area infamously painful. Tattoos on the hands generally fade sooner because of sun exposure and daily use, requiring frequent touch-ups. Because of the long-term maintenance and intense pain, some artists are reluctant to create hand tattoos on first-time clients.
High Pain: Toes and Feet
Much like the hands, the feet have little fat or flesh and an abundance of nerve endings. The top of the foot is particularly sensitive, and many clients describe the feeling of a foot tattoo as burning, sharp pain. The healing process can be challenging, as footwear irritates the area.
Very High Pain: The Throat and Neck
The skin of the neck is very thin, full of nerve endings, and constantly in motion, which makes for painful tattoos. The throat is even worse, and many clients describe the feeling as a searing pain. The tattoo machine’s vibrations can intensify the pain, which means neck and throat tattoos are not for beginners.
Extreme Pain: The Head and Face
Head and face tattoos are near the top of the pain scale! The skin in these areas is very thin, bones are near the surface, nerve endings are plentiful, and the needle’s vibration can make the pain worse. Before getting a tat on your face or head, consider it carefully. The high pain and social stigma attached to head and face tattoos have led many artists to disallow them completely.
Excruciating: Knees, Elbows, and Underarms
In surveys of tattoo artists and their clients, these areas rank as the worst. Skin tightness, nerve endings, and little cushioning make knee and elbow tattoos excruciatingly painful, and the underarms aren’t much better. Their awkward positioning and abundant nerve endings make them an uncomfortable place to get inked. Tattoos in these areas require mental endurance and a very high pain tolerance, making them the best for experienced clients.
Coping With Pain Before, During, and After Tattooing
Whether you’re a newbie or a long-time client, there are a few ways to make the process easier and less painful.
- Before your appointment: Hydrate properly, avoid blood-thinning caffeine and alcohol for at least 24 hours, and eat a good meal for stable blood sugar. Finally, get a good night’s sleep beforehand, as it improves pain tolerance.
- During the session: Bring headphones, a stress ball, or another distraction. Breathe evenly and deeply; holding your breath intensifies the pain. It’s okay to take breaks, but not for too long—after all, we want your tattoo experience to be as quick and painless as possible!
- Afterward: Follow your tattoo artist’s recommendations for cleaning and care. Don’t wear tight clothing over the area, and don’t scratch or pick at it as it heals—the friction and irritation will damage the design.
By following these recommendations and your artist’s aftercare guidelines, you’ll heal faster, and your tattoo will look beautiful and vibrant for years to come.
Pain is Fleeting, But Tattoos are Forever
While there’s no denying that tattoos can be painful, the level of discomfort depends on your tolerance, your mindset, and the area to be inked. With careful preparation and a positive attitude, most clients find the pain manageable—and they end up with a lifelong piece of art.
If you’re planning your first tattoo, start with one of the least painful areas on the list; you’ll gain valuable experience. When you’re ready to go all-in, make sure you know what to expect throughout the process. Tattoo pain goes away, but the results last a lifetime.
Do you have any questions about tattoo placement, design, or pain? Reach out to us; we’re here to help our clients make the right decisions for their next piece.
