Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but let’s face it, the anticipation often comes with a big question mark over pain. If you’re considering your first piece of ink or adding to your existing collection, understanding tattoo pain and where it hurts least is crucial.
Let’s get one thing straight: tattoos involve needles penetrating your skin, so discomfort is part of the process. Anyone who tells you tattoos are painless might be downplaying the sensation. A tattoo needle actually goes through five layers of your skin, which is why it’s definitely going to register as something. However, the good news is that pain levels vary significantly depending on the tattoo location. Some spots are considerably more bearable than others. Keep reading to discover the areas known for being the least painful to tattoo.
Discovering the Least Painful Tattoo Locations
When it comes to tattoo pain, location is key. The general rule of thumb is that the least painful areas are typically where you have thicker skin, fewer nerve endings, and a decent layer of fat beneath the surface. Think about it – the most painful spots tend to be the opposite: bony areas with thin skin and a high concentration of nerve endings, like your ribs, spine, and feet.
To get a real-world perspective, we polled our team and some seasoned tattoo enthusiasts to compile a list of the least painful tattoo spots:
- Forearms: Consistently ranked as the number one least painful spot.
- Outer Upper Arms: Another great option for a less intense experience.
- Outer Shoulders: Similar to the upper arms, offering a cushioned and less sensitive area.
- Outer Upper Thighs: Plenty of muscle and fat here to minimize discomfort.
- Calves: Often reported as surprisingly mild, especially the fleshy areas.
- Lower Back: For many, this area is less sensitive than expected.
If you’re a tattoo newbie, choosing one of these locations can make your first experience much more manageable. Remember, pain is subjective, and some individuals even report less pain on areas like their shins, scalp, fingers, or chest! However, for the majority, forearms take the crown as the least painful tattoo spot.
Forearm tattoos
Forearm tattoos are widely recognized as one of the least painful locations for tattooing, as experienced by the Stories & Ink team. Tattoos on @barbaradzerve.
Still unsure about the potential pain level of your chosen spot? Mikkel Elkjaer, Creative Director at Stories & Ink, suggests a simple trick:
“I always pinch myself where I’m getting tattooed; that way, I have an idea of how painful it’s going to be,” he explains.
Upper arm tattoos
The outer upper arm is also frequently mentioned as a less painful area to receive a tattoo.
Factors Influencing Tattoo Pain
While location plays a significant role, tattoo pain isn’t solely determined by where you get inked. Several factors can influence your individual pain experience, including your age, biological sex, the tattoo technique used, the duration of the session, your artist’s style, and even your own expectations.
Age and Pain Sensitivity
Some research indicates that pain sensitivity may decrease as we age. This suggests that older individuals might perceive tattoo pain as less intense. However, anecdotal evidence from tattooed individuals is mixed.
While some older individuals might experience less intense pain, others find it harder to endure longer tattoo sessions as they age. Personal experiences vary greatly. If you have tattooed grandparents, their insights on tattoo pain could be fascinating!
Biological Sex and Pain Perception
There’s some evidence suggesting that individuals assigned female at birth might “experience greater pain intensity, lower thresholds, and lower tolerance to experimentally induced pain.” However, this area requires more extensive research before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
For menstruating individuals, hormonal fluctuations during their cycle can also affect pain perception. Some may find their period influences their pain tolerance, making them more sensitive to pain at certain times.
Tattoo Technique and Pain
The chosen tattoo style can also impact the perceived pain level. Bold line, heavily shaded tattoos might feel more painful than delicate fine-line designs. Hand-poke tattoos, for example, are often considered gentler. Personal experiences vary, with some finding them less painful and even relaxing, while others find them more uncomfortable than machine tattoos.
Tattoo Session Duration
Smaller tattoos are generally less painful than larger, more intricate pieces, primarily because they require less time under the needle. The longer your tattoo session, the more trauma and irritation your skin endures. Discomfort from prolonged sitting or lying in one position can also amplify perceived pain over time.
Artist Technique and Style
The technique of your tattoo artist can significantly impact your pain experience. Some artists are known for having a “heavy hand,” while others are gentler. Factors like frequent “dry wiping” (wiping the tattoo area repeatedly during the process) can also contribute to increased irritation and pain. Unless you have prior experience with an artist or know someone who has, gauging their technique beforehand can be challenging.
Psychological Expectations
Your mindset and expectations can play a surprising role in how you perceive tattoo pain. Tattoo collector Alice Snape (@alicecsnape) shares her experience:
“I didn’t hate [getting] my bum [tattooed]. I’d heard it was the most painful place ever, so maybe I was just pleasantly surprised it didn’t live up to those expectations.”
If you anticipate extreme pain, the experience might feel more intense. Conversely, preparing for a potentially painful area based on others’ experiences might make it feel more manageable. Ultimately, pain perception is subjective and influenced by your mental preparation.
Daily Physical and Mental State
Your overall well-being on the day of your appointment can affect your pain tolerance. If you’re tired, hungry, dehydrated, or stressed, your tattoo might feel more painful.
Artist Hannah Kay (@ohkay_dohkay) emphasizes this point:
“If I haven’t had enough sleep or I can’t manage a good breakfast before a tattoo, I can definitely feel the difference in my pain tolerance. I often feel worse that evening too,” she notes. “If I’m feeling woozy, I’ll ask to stop and have a drink and snack on hand to help me power through.”
Tattooing Over Scars or Stretch Marks
Tattooing over scars can be more painful depending on the depth and size of the scar. Your tattoo artist can assess your scar and advise you on potential pain levels and suitable tattoo styles. Similarly, skin with stretch marks can be more sensitive, potentially leading to slightly increased pain in those areas.
Cover-Up Tattoos
Cover-up tattoos, designed to conceal or rework existing tattoos, can sometimes be more painful. If the underlying skin is scarred from the previous tattoo, it can increase sensitivity. However, individual experiences vary, and some find cover-ups no more painful than getting a fresh tattoo on virgin skin.
Thigh tattoo
The outer thigh is considered a less painful location for tattoos. Tattoo design by @mas_tattoos_
Least Painful Tattoo Spots: Gender Considerations
While pain perception is highly individual, there are some general trends regarding Less Painful Tattoo Spots for different genders.
Least Painful Tattoo Spots for Women
For women, areas with fewer nerve endings and thicker skin, such as the outer shoulders or outer upper thighs, are often cited as the least painful.
Least Painful Tattoo Spots for Men
Men often find the arms, particularly the forearms and outer upper arms, to be among the least painful tattoo locations. These areas are ideal for larger pieces like half or full sleeves.
Caring for Your New Tattoo
Regardless of the tattoo location, proper aftercare is essential. Before your tattoo appointment, we recommend using our Daily Moisturizer. Its hydrating and nourishing ingredients help prepare your skin. However, avoid applying moisturizer on the day of your tattoo, as it can interfere with stencil application. Explore our range of tattoo aftercare products for optimal healing.
Stories & Ink Daily Moisturiser
Stories & Ink’s Daily Moisturizer, designed for tattoo preparation and aftercare.
For more detailed guidance, consult our preparation guide to learn how to best prepare for your tattoo and minimize discomfort, ensuring the least painful experience possible.
