Many people considering a tattoo wonder whether getting inked will hurt, which body areas are especially painful, and which are less sensitive. Everyone has a unique pain tolerance, yet most people do feel some pain during the tattooing process.

During a tattoo session, a needle repeatedly punctures the skin to deposit tiny ink pigments into the upper skin layers, which then remain in the fibroblasts of the middle layer. Since a tattoo is essentially a wound created by multiple needle pricks, it’s not surprising that you feel pain. The needles can be uncomfortable, but for most people, the pain is generally bearable for a few hours.

The distribution of nerve endings varies from person to person, which means not all tattoos are perceived as equally painful. Pain experiences differ and cannot be definitively classified, so the following information serves only as a guideline.

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Tattoo Pain Scale: Which Areas Hurt the Most?

Body areas with more fat, tendons, and muscles are often less sensitive to tattooing. These include, for example:

• Shoulder: Barely painful; pain increases slightly towards the neck and chest.
• Upper Arm: Perfect for your first tattoo. Only the inner part might be a bit more sensitive.
• Forearm: Similar to the upper arm, with the inner side being slightly more painful.
• Shoulder Blade: Generally well-tolerated.
• Shin: Opinions vary, but generally, a tattoo here is bearable.
• Thigh: Not very sensitive, so relatively pain-free.

Especially painful areas tend to be bony regions with little fat, such as:

• Armpit: This area is very sensitive and tattooing here can be unbearable.
• Back: Some find the back painful, especially near the spine.
• Hip: It can be uncomfortable, particularly in the kidney area.
• Chest: Tattooing over the sternum can be very painful.
• Calf: Getting a tattoo on the calf can be very painful.
• Joints: The inner elbow and knee crease are especially sensitive, making tattooing in these areas very painful.
• Foot: Due to the many bones just under the skin, tattooing the foot can be quite painful.

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Tips to Reduce Pain During Tattooing

To keep the pain as bearable as possible, proper preparation is key. Moisturize your skin for several days before your appointment—just not on the day of the tattoo. Make sure you get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and eat a substantial meal beforehand. A hungry stomach can amplify the pain, while being well-rested can help you stay calm and relaxed.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs before your appointment, and don’t use tanning beds. Clients who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs are generally not tattooed, as alcohol’s blood-thinning effects can lead to excessive wound fluid and bleeding.

When you get tattooed, the pain can quickly become overwhelming and spiral out of control. However, there are ways to manage the pain effectively. It’s important to remain relaxed, as tensing up only makes the pain worse. Your tattoo artist can help you better manage the discomfort.

Breathe slowly, deeply, and calmly to steady your heart rate and relax your muscles. Alternating between tensing and relaxing your muscles can also help reduce pain during the session. If the pain becomes too much, you can always speak with your tattoo artist and take a break or split the session into multiple appointments to avoid overwhelming yourself.

We’re here to advise you on these matters. Simply book a  non-binding and free initial consultation online with us, and we’ll be happy to help you.