Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt? What to Expect and Pain Management Tips

Understanding Tattoo Pain: What Does it Feel Like?

Let’s get straight to the point: yes, getting a tattoo involves some level of pain. A tattoo machine uses needles to insert ink into the dermis, which is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. This process naturally causes discomfort. However, “hurt” is subjective, and the sensation varies greatly from person to person and even from one tattoo location to another on the same person.

Instead of agonizing pain, most people describe tattoo pain as a:

Scratching sensation: Often likened to a cat scratch, especially in less sensitive areas.
Burning sensation: More common in areas with less fat or over bone, it can feel like a sunburn or a hot, stinging feeling.
Vibration or buzzing: From the tattoo machine itself, which can add to the overall sensation.
Dull ache: More noticeable during longer sessions or in sensitive areas, a deeper, throbbing pain.

Barbara from our team, @barbaradzerve, perfectly captures the range of sensations: “On the ribs it felt like wet fire was pulling my skin off – a solid 8.5/10. And my neck just felt like it was being chainsawed while being in a very uncomfortable position AND not being able to breathe properly – 9/10. Getting my elbow tattooed was hell.” While Barbara’s experiences sound intense, remember that pain perception is personal, and other areas might be far less intense for you.

Creative Content Manager Barbara Dzērve-Ozoliņa describing her neck tattoo experience

Pinpointing the Most Painful Tattoo Spots: Real Experiences from Tattoo Lovers

While pain is subjective, there are definitely areas on the body that are commonly reported as more painful than others. These are generally areas where:

Nerve endings are concentrated: More nerves mean heightened sensitivity.
Skin is thin: Less cushion between the needle and bone or nerves.
Bone is close to the surface: Vibrations and pressure can be more intensely felt.
Less fat or muscle: Reduced padding to absorb the needle sensation.

Our Stories & Ink team members have personal experience with many tattoo locations, and here are some spots they’ve found to be the most painful:

Emily (@emily_etc) shares, “I feel I’ve picked the worst places for mine; inner thigh, inner arm, ribs and top of feet!” She highlights several classic painful spots.

For me personally, the foot was a significant challenge. My first tattoo there at 18 took years before I dared to get another! Since then, I’ve braved underboobs, ribs, spine, and knee ditch, adding to the list of typically sensitive areas.

Based on our collective experiences and common consensus in the tattoo community, here’s a list of frequently cited most painful places to get a tattoo:

Feet and Toes: Thin skin and many nerve endings make this area notoriously sensitive.
Ribs: Thin skin over bone, with breathing movements adding to the discomfort.
Sternum: Bone close to the surface and thin skin contribute to higher pain levels.
Neck: Nerve endings and proximity to bone, especially the front and back of the neck.
Armpits: Highly sensitive due to nerve clusters.
Ankles: Thin skin, close to bone, and nerve endings around the ankle bone.
Spine: Bone and nerve endings running along the spinal column.
Knees (including back of knees/knee ditch): Bone, thin skin on the kneecap, and nerve concentration in the knee ditch.
Elbows and Elbow Ditch: Bone and nerve endings around the elbow joint, and thin skin in the ditch.

Stories & Ink team members showcasing their tattoos after a session at Leeds Tattoo Expo

It’s important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list, and individual experiences vary. What’s intensely painful for one person might be less so for another. Factors like pain tolerance, tattoo size, artist technique, and even your mood on the day can influence your pain experience.

Pain Differences: Are There Most Painful Tattoo Spots for Women vs. Men?

While anatomy is generally similar, some sources suggest slight variations in pain sensitivity for men and women in specific areas.

For women, areas with heightened sensitivity may include:

Nipples and Breasts: High concentration of nerve endings.
Sternum and Ribs: Thin skin and proximity to bone, potentially more sensitive for some women.

Some suggest considering gentler techniques like hand poke tattoos or simpler fine line designs for these areas if pain is a major concern.

Example of a hand poke tattoo technique, considered gentler than machine tattoos

For men, commonly cited more painful areas include:

Elbows and Feet: Bony areas with thin skin, similar to general painful spots.
Nipples: Also sensitive for men due to nerve endings.
Chest: Can be sensitive for some men, especially around the nipples and sternum.

Stories & Ink founder Stu, with tattoos on his hips and ankles, describes them as “equal in levels of scratchiness but not unbearable!” This reinforces the subjective nature of tattoo pain.

Managing Tattoo Pain: Tips and Tricks for a More Comfortable Experience

While you can’t eliminate tattoo pain entirely, there are several effective strategies to manage it and make the process more bearable:

Consider Numbing Creams: Topical numbing creams can significantly reduce pain, especially for longer sessions or sensitive areas. Important: Always do a patch test beforehand to check for allergic reactions and inform your tattoo artist if you use numbing cream, as it can affect the skin’s texture.
Proper Preparation is Key:
- Get enough sleep: Being well-rested helps manage pain and stress.
- Eat a meal beforehand: Keeps your blood sugar stable and prevents lightheadedness.
- Stay hydrated: Hydrated skin is generally easier to tattoo.
- Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine: These can thin your blood and increase sensitivity.
Communicate with Your Artist:
- Ask for breaks: Don’t hesitate to request short breaks if the pain becomes overwhelming.
- Adjust your position: If you’re uncomfortable, ask your artist to adjust the tattoo bed or provide cushions.
- Talk to your artist: Distraction can help, and a good artist will understand and support you.
Focus on Your Breathing: Deep, slow breaths can help calm your nervous system and manage pain.
Distraction Techniques:
- Listen to music or podcasts: Bring headphones and immerse yourself in something enjoyable.
- Chat with your artist: If you’re comfortable, conversation can be a great distraction.
- Squeeze a stress ball: Provides a physical outlet for tension.
Mental Preparation: Remind yourself why you’re getting the tattoo and focus on the final result. The temporary pain is for permanent art!

Healing After Tattooing Painful Areas: Aftercare is Crucial

Healing tattoos in more painful areas like ribs, feet, or armpits can also be a bit more uncomfortable. Barbara notes, “the worst to heal were my armpits, and honestly, that was worse than getting my ribs and neck tattooed.”

Here are some specific aftercare considerations for sensitive areas:

Feet: Expect swelling and soreness. Plan for rest and potentially time off work, especially if both feet are tattooed. Wear loose, comfortable shoes.
Ribs: Bras can be uncomfortable; consider wearing soft, supportive clothing. Sleeping on your side might be challenging initially.
Armpits: Keeping them clean and dry is essential. Avoid tight clothing that can cause friction. Your tattoo artist can offer specific advice on preventing sweat and sticking.

For comprehensive aftercare guidance, especially for sensitive areas, refer to our healing guide for sensitive body parts.

Support Happy Healing with Stories & Ink Aftercare

Stories & Ink Aftercare Duo product image for tattoo healing

To ensure your new tattoo heals beautifully, especially in potentially sensitive areas, consider using the Stories & Ink Aftercare Duo. This duo includes our gentle Aftercare Foam Cleanser and hydrating Aftercare Cream, formulated with 100% natural, dermatologically-tested, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and vegan-friendly ingredients.

The Stories & Ink Aftercare Duo helps to:

Keep fresh tattoos clean and bacteria-free.
Nourish and hydrate the skin.
Reduce inflammation.
Promote faster healing.

For optimal results, use the Aftercare Duo during the initial weeks of healing. Explore our full range of tattoo care products and shop our skincare collection now.

Ultimately, while getting a tattoo does involve some pain, understanding what to expect, choosing your tattoo location wisely (especially for your first tattoo!), and utilizing pain management and proper aftercare techniques can make the experience significantly more comfortable and rewarding. The beautiful artwork you gain is a lasting testament to your bravery!