Most tattoo pain charts consistently place the armpits and the region behind the knees as the two of the most painful places to get inked, with the latter in particular being super painful because it contains several nerve endings connected to your knee joint.
The least painful places to get a tattoo on your body are typically areas with a higher concentration of muscle and a lower density of nerve endings. These body areas offer a more comfortable experience for many individuals. Some of the least painful spots include the outer shoulder, upper arm, calf, and thigh.
Most Painful Tattoo Spots. Many of the most painful tattoo spots are bonier regions of the body, as our tattoo pain chart shows. If the bones are closer to the skin (meaning they don't have much padding), getting tattooed is likely to feel more painful there.
How bad do tattoos hurt? There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much pain you'll feel when getting tattooed. But if you're wondering what type of pain to expect, Caranfa says the experience is comparable to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn.
So what are the worst places to get a tattoo on the body? Areas like the feet, hands, stomach, chest, elbow, lips, and inner ear are not good tattoo locations. It's essential to consider a few things when choosing a proper placement, such as pain intensity, practicality, and visibility.
Generally, rib and stomach tattoos take the longest. A simple tattoo that would be on a low price range if placed on a leg could potentially double in price if placed on the ribs or stomach. This is because the skin stretches significantly, and tattooing takes twice as long with more skin to work with.
The rib cage is arguably the worst place on the body to get your first tattoo. Many people with tattoos rate the ribs as the most painful area to get inked.
You might feel stinging or burning when the artist outlines or details your design. If you're getting a bony spot inked, you might feel a vibrating sensation. The most common feeling, however, is a low-grade pain that's moderate enough for you to be distracted from by talking, watching TV, or listening to music.
Sometimes we all need a little extra help. Emla numbing cream is a trusted brand that can help you through your tattoo appointment. Emla can also be used to numb the skin before laser tattoo removal.
Needles used for lining are the least painful. Whereas magnum needles used for shading and coloring have larger tips and can be applied a bit deeper into the skin to get the desired effect. Areas with more nerve endings and less flesh feel more painful.
Feet/Ankles/Toes Tattoo Pain – 9 out of 10
Very painful — one of the most delicate areas to have tattooed. Also, hard to heal due to constant rubbing from socks and shoes. Nerves in the feet, toes, and ankles are unique compared to others in the body.
Just remember to use numbing cream before starting your session; take breaks throughout; choose smaller tattoos over large ones; avoid sensitive areas; and use ice both during and after your session! With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way towards getting the perfect traditional tattoo in no time—painlessly!
Avaliani recommends taking three or four Ibuprofen tablets an hour before your appointment so that your pain tolerance is higher by the time you feel the needle (which, by the way, looks more like the tip of a pen than a needle, in case that word scares you like it scared me).
“It's a hot, burning sensation, and it feels like someone is scraping your skin.” Nick: “It depends on where you get it, obviously, but I would say it feels like a constant sharp pressure… not unlike the initial needle poke from a shot.”
Ribcage: The ribcage has thin skin, little muscle, and many nerve endings, making it one of the most painful areas to get a tattoo.
Tattoo Placements That Age Well
If you're scouting for tattoos for older people, consider a tattoo placement that ages like fine wine. The upper arm, back, and chest are prime real estate. These areas usually face less environmental wear and tear.
Some placements, like along the thigh as seen here, seem to be more popular with women getting tattooed, which gives them a “feminine” reputation. “I suppose the most common areas I get requested by women are on the wrist, ribcage, sternum, spine, tricep, hip, and top of the forearm,” says Ruiz.