Alright, let’s dive into the world of tattoos – the fun, the art, and yeah, the ouch factor. If you’re eyeing up your first tattoo or scouting for your next ink spot, you’re probably wondering where it’s going to hurt the most… and the least.
I remember when I got my first tattoo on my shoulder; I was bracing for a world of pain. But guess what? It was way chiller than I thought! So, let’s break it down, real talk style, with a simple pain guide.
Top 17 Most Painful Places to Get a Tattoo
While the most painful areas typically involve lots of nerve endings and thin layers of skin, everyone’s experience of how much pain they feel can vary.
When it comes to tattoo pain, a general rule of thumb is: the bonier, the ouchier. Why? Well, parts of the body with less fat and tighter skin (like your sternum, ribs, or toes) are often more sensitive.
These areas are closer to bone and nerve endings, making the sensation of the tattoo needle more intense.
Plus, bony areas often lack the cushioning that fleshy parts have, so each jab of the tattoo gun can feel sharper and more pronounced.
So, whether you’re eyeing your sternum, clavicle, or even your toes for your next tattoo, brace yourself for a bit more of a sting.
But don’t let that scare you off. A little bit of pain is part of the journey to getting some awesome art on your body. Just remember to breathe, stay relaxed, and remind yourself that it’s all part of the tattooing process. And hey, the bragging rights? Totally worth it!
Here’s a run down of some of the places and most painful spots to get a tattoo. Refer to a tattoo pain chart to get a general idea of the pain level you might expect in different areas of the body.
Rib Cage
Due to the thin layer of skin covering this area of the body, getting a tattoo here can really hurt more than other spots. With Super thin skin and right over the bone, it’s a recipe for a pretty intense tattoo experience.
Besides the pain, tattoos on the rib cage require a steady breathing pattern from the recipient, which can add to the complexity of getting inked in this sensitive area.
Breast Bone / Sternum
Directly over the bone and close to vital organs, making it a sensitive area.
Spine Tattoos
For those considering spine tattoos, be aware that this area can cause intense pain due to its surface of the skin being so close to the bone and having fewest nerve endings.
Clavicle
The thin skin over this bony area can make for a pretty tender tattooing experience.
The clavicle area, while offering a striking location for a tattoo, can be a test of endurance due to the direct contact of the needle with the bone underneath.
Inner Bicep
Contrary to what you might think, the inner bicep can be pretty tender due to its thin skin. With thinner skin compared to other parts, the inner bicep can surprise a lot of people with its high pain level.
The inner bicep, while a popular choice for its visibility and size, can prove challenging due to its softness and sensitivity, making the tattooing process more nuanced.
Lower Back
Although the lower back is a popular location for tattoos, it’s still one of the more painful places. The pain can get real near the spine, where the skin is tight and there’s little cushioning.
According to the tattoo pain scale, this spot ranks higher in different levels of pain, especially near the spine.
Lower back tattoos, often chosen for their allure and concealability, can be particularly painful near the spinal area, requiring careful consideration of design and placement.
Inner Thigh
It might look like a soft spot, but the thin skin here can up the ante on pain. Although not often considered one of the worst places for a tattoo, the inner thigh’s sensitivity can catch many off guard.
Back of the Knee
Lots of nerves and constant movement make this area a challenging spot for ink.
Elbow Tattoo
A combo of bony structure and sensitive skin makes elbows a tough tattoo spot.
For most painful body parts, the elbow ditch, known for its lot of nerve endings, can cause a significant burning sensation during the tattoo process.
Hip Bones
Less flesh and more bone means a more painful experience.
Head Tattoo
Thin skin and a boatload of nerves make head tattoos particularly intense. Lacking in thickest skin, head tattoos can be a true test of your pain threshold, as confirmed by scientific evidence.
Head tattoos, aside from being painful, are also a bold statement, given their visibility and the unique contours of the skull affecting the tattoo design.
Foot and Toes
The location of the tattoo plays a huge role in the amount of pain experienced; foot tattoos, for instance, can be quite challenging due to the least fat and proximity to bone. And undoubtedly the most painful part of the foot to tattoo is the toes.Packed with nerve endings and not much else, toe tattoos can be quite painful.
Top of the foot tattoos, while aesthetically appealing, can be quite challenging during the healing process, as this area is frequently in motion and exposed, while toe tattoos, although small, can be disproportionately painful, and their healing can be affected by the constant movement and friction from footwear.
Inner Wrist
Popular but painful, thanks to its thin skin and numerous nerves.
Inner wrist tattoos, often chosen for their personal significance and visibility, can be unexpectedly painful due to the thin skin and the area being used and moved frequently.
Ankle
Similar to the top of the foot, the ankle’s proximity to bones and its thin skin layer make it a more painful spot for tattoos.
Ankles, being a pivot point in body movement, not only bring a higher level of pain during tattooing but also have a more prolonged healing period due to constant use.
When you choose a spot like the ankle for your tattoo, remember you’re dealing with an area that’s not just bony, but also usually not covered by much fat or muscle. This means the tattoo needle is working closer to the bone, which can amplify the pain. However, as with all tattoos, pain tolerance varies from person to person. What might be a breeze for one might be a challenge for another. But regardless of the pain, the end result is often a piece of art you’ll love for a lifetime!
Groin Area
The groin area, often avoided due to its high pain level and proximity to lymph nodes, remains one of the most painful locations for tattoos.
Finger
The fingers, with their close proximity to bone and a high density of nerve endings, can be surprisingly painful for tattoos. The skin here is also thinner and more exposed, which can contribute to a higher pain level during the tattoo process
Armpit Tattoos
Not the most popular area for tattoos, but we’ve mentioned it due to the pain potential. This area is a nerve ending hotspot, making it super sensitive to the tattoo needle. Close to the axillary nerve, this area can cause a lot of pain, especially for those with low pain tolerance.
Not only are armpit tattoos painful due to the sensitive skin, but they’re also in a spot that moves frequently, which can affect both the tattooing and healing processes.
Top 10 Least Painful Places to Get a Tattoo
For those with less pain tolerance, selecting less sensitive areas or spots with a thicker layer of skin can make the tattoo session more comfortable. The healing process also varies depending on the tattoo placement; areas like the shoulder blades or upper arms, with little fat, might heal differently than more fleshy parts.
Upper Outer Thigh
Lots of fat and muscle here make for a cushier, less painful experience. This part of your body usually has a lot of fat, cushioning the skin and making tattoos here less painful.
The upper outer thigh is not only less painful for tattoos due to its fleshier nature, but it also offers a larger canvas for more intricate or larger designs, making it a versatile choice
Outer Bicep
A great place with thick skin and fewer nerve endings. Often considered one of the best places for a first tattoo, the outer bicep’s thicker skin can handle the tattoo needle well.
The outer bicep, while being one of the less painful areas, also has the advantage of being easily concealable and offering a smooth, even surface ideal for both large and small tattoo designs.
Outer Shoulders
A good spot, especially for a first tattoo, with thicker skin and not too many nerve endings.
Tattoos on the outer shoulders are popular due to the lower pain levels and the area’s ability to showcase designs well, especially those that flow onto the upper arm or back.
This was where I got my first tattoo, and it was definitely less painful than it could have been.
Upper Arms
Generally, a less painful area, thanks to a good amount of muscle and fat.
The upper arms are a great choice for those looking for a balance between minimal pain and high visibility, suitable for a wide range of tattoo styles and sizes.
Back Tattoos
Away from the spine, the back can be a good place with its thicker skin.
Back tattoos, especially in areas away from the spine, offer a vast space with less pain, ideal for expansive and detailed designs that require a larger area.
Forearm
A popular spot for a reason – it’s got a nice balance of thick skin and not too many nerve endings. The forearm’s placement of your tattoo can vary in pain, but it’s generally more bearable due to its moderate skin thickness.
The forearm serves as a popular spot for tattoos not only due to its lower pain level but also due to its visibility, making it perfect for tattoos meant to be shown off.
Calves
A lot of muscle here means a lower level of pain. Calves, with their muscle padding, experience less pain during tattooing, and their shape offers a unique contour for tattoos, especially ones that wrap around the leg.
Stomach
If you’ve got a bit of a cushion, the stomach can be a surprisingly less painful area. So for those with a bit more cushioning, stomach tattoos can be a good option, as the area usually has more fat than other parts.
The stomach can be a comfortable spot for a tattoo, particularly for those with a bit more cushioning, and provides a broad, flat surface for larger designs.
Outer Arms
Similar to the upper arms, with a lot of muscle and a decent amount of fat.
Outer arm tattoos benefit from the area’s relatively low pain level, making it a popular choice for both first-timers and seasoned tattoo enthusiasts alike.
Back of the Neck
If you stay away from the spine, this area can be less intense. While it’s not the thickest skin area, the back of the neck is usually tolerable for those with moderate pain tolerance.
The back of the neck is a favored spot for those seeking a tattoo with less pain and high visibility, especially for designs that peek out under hairlines or clothing
Remember, everyone’s pain threshold is different, and what might be a breeze for one person could be intense for another. Anecdotal evidence suggests that personal experience and biological sex can influence one’s pain perception.
Plus, the tattoo artist, the tattooing process, and even your own state of mind play a big role in the experience. And hey, if you’re really worried, there’s always numbing cream to take the edge off.
So, whether you’re a seasoned tattoo enthusiast or getting inked for the first time, keep this guide in mind. And don’t sweat it too much – the pain is temporary, but your awesome tattoo is forever!
Remember, the amount of pain can also be influenced by the tattoo process itself, including the technique of the artist and the complexity of the tattoo design, not to mention its size.
Whatever you go for, make sure to pay attention to your tattoo aftercare – how to sleep with a new tattoo, and so on.
Tattoo Design Inspiration
Settled on a spot to have your tattoo? Once you’ve found the best place, to minimise how much your tattoo will hurt, next up you need to pick the most meaningful design. Luckily we have tonnes of guides.
Check out just a few of our favorites below, and browse our entire tattoo category in the main menu.
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- Bear Paw Tattoo Meaning and Inspiration
- 39 Viking Symbol Tattoo Designs and Their Powerful Meanings
- 25+ Beautiful Arabic Tattoo Designs and Their Meanings
- 55+ Best Minimalist Taylor Swift Inspired Tattoo Ideas For Every Swiftie
Anna is a Wales-based writer and graduate from SOAS University of London.
As the voice behind On Your Journey, she empowers women to embrace holistic well-being and spiritual growth through her expert insights into wellness and symbolism.
When she isn't writing thought-provoking articles, you'll find her busy crafting and raising her 4 children.