Most to Least Painful areas
what you need to know
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a tattoo—congratulations! Whether it’s your first tattoo or your tenth, choosing the right spot on your body can make a huge difference in your overall experience. Pain is a big part of the tattooing process, but some areas of the body are known to be less painful than others. Read on to discover the least painful tattoo placements.
Illustration by Diego Sabogal - Healthline
VERY high pain
1. head/face
The skin on your face and head is thin and close to the bone, with a high concentration of nerve endings. This makes the tattooing process particularly intense and painful.
2. CHEST
The chest area, especially over the sternum and ribs, has thin skin and is close to the bone. Movement from breathing can also heighten the pain during the tattooing process.
3. STOMACH
The stomach area has thin skin and minimal muscle protection, making it sensitive and prone to intense pain during tattooing.
4. RIbS/SIDES
Tattooing the ribs is notoriously painful due to thin skin, minimal fat, and proximity to the bones. The ribcage's movement with breathing further adds to the discomfort.
High pain
5. NECK
The neck has thin skin and a dense network of nerve endings and muscles, making it a sharp and intense pain area for tattoos.
6. Lower back
Although there is some muscle and fat in the lower back, getting a tattoo near the spine can be quite painful due to the proximity to the bone.
7. knees
The knee area, particularly over the kneecap, is close to the bone with thin skin. The joint's movement can also contribute to the pain.
8. ANKLES/FEET
The skin on the ankles and feet is thin and close to the bone with many nerve endings, making these areas highly sensitive and painful for tattoos.
Moderate pain
9. Upper back
The upper back has more muscle and fat, which helps cushion the tattoo needle. However, tattooing near the spine or shoulder blades can still be quite painful due to proximity to bone.
10. thigh
The thigh is well-cushioned with muscle and fat, but the inner thigh can be more painful due to thinner skin and increased sensitivity.
11. lower leg
The lower leg has muscle and some fat, but areas like the shin, close to the bone, can be painful. The calf is generally less painful due to more muscle.
Low pain
11. Upper arm
The upper arm has ample muscle and fat, providing a good cushion against the needle. It’s one of the least painful spots for tattoos.
12. forearm
Similar to the upper arm, the forearm is well-cushioned with muscle and fat, making the tattooing process generally manageable and less intense.
Tips to reduce tattoo pain
Stay Hydrated: Drink water before your session to help your skin handle the tattooing process better.
Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can increase bleeding and pain, so it's best to skip it before your appointment.
Get Enough Rest: Being well-rested helps your body cope with the tattooing stress.
Consider Numbing Cream: Ask your tattoo artist about numbing creams if you're worried about pain.
Choosing the right spot can make a big difference in how much discomfort you experience. Use this guide to help select a location that suits your pain tolerance and enjoy your new tattoo with less worry!
Happy tattooing!
