What Are the Most Painful Tattoo Spots?
Did you know that most people who get tattoos say that it feels as if somebody was scratching a hot needle across their skin?
While tattoos can be a beautiful and meaningful form of self-expression, it’s important to consider where you’ll be getting the tattoo on your body.
Some areas are more painful to tattoo than others. This is why it’s important to be aware of this before committing to the tattoo.
To make things easier for you, we’ve written a guide that breaks down the most painful tattoo spots. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
The Most Painful Tattoo Spots
Some areas are more painful to tattoo than others. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s pain tolerance is different. What may be a painful tattoo for one person may not be as painful for another.
If you’re considering getting a tattoo in a particularly sensitive area, it’s a good idea to talk to your tattoo artist about any concerns you may have and to take steps to manage the pain.
This might involve using a numbing cream or taking over-the-counter pain medication before the tattoo session. Here are the most painful places on the body to get a tattoo.
Head
The head, including the scalp and face, is a highly sensitive area due to the high density of nerve endings. Tattooing this area can be extremely painful.
Some people compare getting a tattoo on the head to a migraine. You will probably notice stinging and scorching sensations when you’re getting your head tattooed.
Rib Cage and Chest
The rib cage and chest area contain a lot of nerve endings and thin skin, making it a painful spot to tattoo. The ribs themselves can also be a sensitive spot, as the tattoo needle has to penetrate through the bone.
Stomach
The stomach area is also a sensitive spot to tattoo due to the thin and elastic skin. The pain level can vary depending on how close the tattoo is to the belly button, as this area tends to be more sensitive.
People who have loose skin around their stomach will probably feel more pain than those who have tighter skin.
Nipples and Breasts
The nipples and breasts are highly sensitive. This means that it can be extremely painful to get a tattoo in this area. The pain level may vary depending on the size and placement of the tattoo.
Face and Ears
The face and ears are highly sensitive areas due to the abundance of nerve endings and thin skin. The pain may be exacerbated if the tattoo artist has to work around bone or cartilage.
Hands, Fingers, Feet, and Toes
These areas are all highly sensitive due to the high density of nerve endings and thin skin. Getting a tattoo on your fingers or toes can be especially painful. This is because the tattoo needle has to pass through the bone.
Keep in mind that it is harder for tattoo artists to create tattoos on body parts that are tiny and curved, such as fingers and toes.
Neck and Spine
The neck and spine are both sensitive areas to tattoo. The pain level may vary depending on the location of the tattoo and whether the tattoo artist has to work around bone.
It can be especially painful to get a tattoo on the neck because the needle often stimulates large nerves on the sides and the back of the neck.
Groins and Genital Area
The groins and genital area are highly sensitive because it is one of the body’s more meaty areas. It is painful to get a tattoo on this area because the genitals’ bundled nerves spread through the entire groin area.
Armpits
The armpits are painful areas to tattoo due because the axillary nerve passes through this part of the body. Lots of people who get tattoos on their armpits say that they experience a pain level of nine out of ten.
Least Painful Spots to Get a Tattoo
The least painful places to get a tattoo are generally considered to be the areas of the body that have the most fat and muscle. These areas tend to have fewer nerve endings.
The Outer Thigh
One such area is the upper outer thigh. This is a relatively large and fleshy part of the body that is well-suited for tattooing.
The outer thighs are also a popular choice for tattoos due to their visibility, as they can be easily seen when wearing shorts or a skirt. This is a great area for getting a floral tattoo.
The Forearms
The forearms are composed of both fat and muscle. This helps to cushion the tattoo needle and minimize discomfort.
The forearms are an easy-to-see location for a tattoo. This makes them a popular choice for those who want to show off their body art.
The Outer Shoulders
The outer shoulders are also a relatively painless place to get a tattoo. This is because they are composed of mostly muscle and fat.
Many people choose to get tattoos on this part of the body because they can be easily covered up with clothing if desired.
Outer Bicep
The outer bicep is a popular choice for tattoos due to its visibility and the fact that it is easily accessible for the tattoo artist. If you get a tattoo on your bicep, expect the pain to me moderate or mild.
The Calves
Since the calves are composed of mostly muscle and fat, they are a relatively painless place to get a tattoo. There are also very few nerve endings on the calves.
The Upper and Lower Back
The upper and lower back are composed of mostly muscle and fat. This helps to cushion the tattoo needle and minimize discomfort.
Additionally, the back is a large, flat surface that is well-suited for tattooing. It is the perfect place to get a large or more intricate tattoo. Many people choose to get their first tattoos on their upper or lower backs.
Factors Influencing How Much Tattoo Pain People Experience
There are a number of factors that can affect how much pain you will feel when you are getting a tattoo.
One such factor is sex. In most cases, women have a higher pain tolerance than men. But this is not always true.
Some research suggests that men and women may experience pain differently due to differences in brain structure and function, as well as hormonal differences.
Another factor that can affect how much pain you will feel when you get a tattoo is your prior tattoo experience. If you have already gotten a tattoo before, you may have a higher pain tolerance.
This is because your body may become accustomed to the sensation of the tattoo needle, making it less painful over time.
Age is another factor that can affect how much pain you will feel when you get a tattoo. As you get older, your skin becomes thicker and less sensitive, which may make it easier to tolerate the pain of a tattoo.
Your body weight will also determine how much pain you experience while getting a tattoo. People who are overweight tend to have more fat and muscle on their bodies.
This can help to cushion the tattoo needle and minimize discomfort. Factors such as your pain tolerance, anxiety level, and overall physical and mental health can all affect how much pain you will feel when you get a tattoo.
What Getting a Tattoo Feels Like
There are several common sensations and types of skin irritation that people may experience when getting a tattoo.
One common sensation is a burning pain. People often describe this pain as a sharp, hot sensation that may be more intense in certain areas of the body.
It is also common for people to experience dull or background pain. This is a type of constant, low-level ache that may be more tolerable than the sharp, intense pain of a burning sensation.
You also might feel a stinging sensation when the tattoo needle pierces through your skin. This pain might feel more intense in certain areas of the body.
Understand the Most Painful Tattoo Spots
If you’ve been wondering where the most painful tattoo spots are, keep in mind that most people agree that it is extremely painful to get tattoos on the head, stomach, rib cage, hands, and feet.
Are you interested in becoming a tattoo artist? If so, the Florida Tattoo Academy is here to help you. Don’t hesitate to check out our courses once you are ready to find out more!