Where does a tattoo hurt the most?

Author: Prof. Brooke Langworth  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Here Are The Top 10 Most Painful Places To Get a Tattoo.
  • * Head. Migraine hurts. ...
  • * Rib Cage And Chest. Tattoos on the ribs and chest always look great, and they are generally big. ...
  • * Stomach. ...
  • * Nipples and Breasts. ...
  • * Face, and Ears. ...
  • * Lips. ...
  • * Hands, Fingers, Feet, and Toes. ...
  • * Neck and Spine.

Where is the most painful place for a tattoo?

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.

Where is the least painful for a tattoo?

Generally speaking, areas with few nerve endings and more fat and muscle, such as the thighs, lower back, shoulders, and upper arms tend to be less painful when getting inked. Although these spots may still be uncomfortable for some people, they generally cause less discomfort than more sensitive areas of the body.

How to make a tattoo hurt less?

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before your appointment. Staying hydrated can help your skin be more elastic and may reduce pain. Get Plenty of Rest: Ensure you have a good night's sleep before your tattoo session. Being well-rested can help you manage pain better.

What does tattoo pain feel like?

Physically it feels like you are getting poked over, and over, and over with small sharp needles. Your brain can interpret this feeling in very odd ways depending how your nerves fire: Numbness, tingling, burning or heat, stinging, pressure, are all possible.

Getting My First Tattoo In 8 Steps | I've Never Tried | Allure

What is tattoo pain comparable to?

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.

Do they numb you before a tattoo?

Many artists are happy to use and even provide numbing cream for your session, while others refuse to use it. And their reasoning might surprise you. Artists that are pro-numbing cream argue that it helps them work more efficiently with fewer interruptions.

How long will my tattoo be sore?

Tattooing tends to be a painful procedure because tattoo artists use needles to inject ink into the dermis layer of the skin. The injections cause localized swelling and damage to the skin. Once the tattoo procedure is over, the area may be sore for about a week before the swelling goes down.

Is there a painless way to get a tattoo?

HUSH Numbing Spray

Anesthetics are introduced to the skin by way of tiny drops or mists. It works immediately upon skin contact, making it a perfect product for keeping a painless tattoo while the artist concentrates on creating a mind-blowing masterpiece!

Do tattoo artists use numbing cream?

Not all tattoo artists are opposed to numbing creams, but some avoid them, primarily because of their effects on the skin. The last thing a tattoo artist wants is to trigger an allergic reaction in a client or compromise the quality of their ink.

Where not to get a tattoo?

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.

What tattoo needle hurts most?

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.

What is the best first tattoo to get?

Outlines are typically starting points for tattoos. Script or cursive tattoos are also among the best ideas for first tattoos. They are typically meaningful to those who get them and are a great way to start your tattoo journey.

Where do tattoos hurt the least for females?

Getting tattooed on the arm and upper back is only moderately painful compared to the head, armpit, and rib cage. While you should still expect to feel much discomfort, getting inked in these areas is tolerable for most people.

Do people cry during tattoos?

Do People Cry or Faint During a Tattoo? You might have heard horror stories about people passing out or crying from the intense pain of a tattoo. Pain, however, is usually not the culprit when someone faints during a tattoo.

Do tattoos hurt with numbing cream?

Numbing your skin with Emla before the tattooing starts helps reduce the pain making the whole experience more tolerable and less stressful. Less pain generally means less flinching. Being fidgety or moving about during tattooing can cause problems.

How much to tip a tattoo artist?

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

Where is the best place to get a first tattoo?

Before choosing a location, assess your pain tolerance. The best lower pain areas are the outer arm, upper thigh and calves. These are all good spots to consider for a first tattoo.

How long after a tattoo can you shower?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.

Is outlining or shading hurt more?

Pain Factor 2: The Intensity of Shading

We sometimes hear clients describe the pain from outlining as "cutting" and the pain from shading as "burning." In the case of a tattoo that features some simple black-and-grey shading, it may very well be your experience that the outline is the most painful part of the session.

Should I take painkillers before a tattoo?

With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand.

Why do tattoo artists not like numbing cream?

Skin Texture Changes: Numbing creams can alter the texture of the skin, making it more difficult to tattoo. This can affect the precision and quality of the tattoo.

Why no caffeine before a tattoo?

While it may be true that caffeine is your go-to energy booster in daily life. It is better to reduce your intake before your tattoo session. Excessive caffeine can make you feel more anxious or restless. This in turn can potentially affect your ability to sit still and relax during the tattooing process.

Previous article
Are peptides better than growth factors?
Next article
Does cellulite look worse when dehydrated?