vlogigurl witchytat2 logo new white

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart for Men and Women | Tattoo Pain Guide

You have heard it before, tattoos hurt. But people that have never been tattooed before normally ask, do they actually hurt? How much does getting a tattoo hurt? Or the most popular question, what spot hurts the most to get tattooed on? Which are all great questions.

Getting a tattoo involves a needle filled with ink repeatedly and consistently puncturing your skin. Any needle going into your skin is going to hurt, at least a little, so over a thousand needle pokes are going to hurt quite a bit. However, pain is highly subjective, how much it hurts depends on a few factors such as pain tolerance, sex assigned at birth, and the most important one - the area of your body getting tattooed.

We have seen people sit through a 10-hour tattoo, in one of the most painful spots, and not flinch. On the other hand, we have seen people get a small 10-minute tattoo and start crying on the first line pull. The difference from person to person is ginormous. However, the most consistent part across everyone is which body parts hurt more. Your tattoo artist can also make a difference in how bad your tattoo hurts. Make sure to read your tattoo artist's reviews if the pain is a major factor for you.

In this article Vlogigurl - a well-renowned professional tattoo artist - goes over the most hurtful tattoo locations and detailed tattoo pain charts. Hopefully, this will help you make a decision or prepare for your next tattoo. Tattoo pain charts are detailed graphics that show how painful a tattoo will be in specific areas compared to other areas. Most of the other detailed charts online are just for design and do not actually give a clear representation of the human body. Each detailed tattoo pain chart will also have a paragraph to explain why it hurts (or doesn’t hurt) in that spot and what you should expect.

This information is based on the anatomy of the human body and tattoo testimonials from Vlogigurls clients. Your experience might differ greatly then what is described. Even a few inches can make a huge difference in how bad something will hurt. For example, a tattoo on the far left of your back won’t hurt that bad, but the closer you get to your spine the worse the pain will be. All information below is a general guide to follow, every tattoo experience will be unique to the individual. 

Make sure to share these graphs with your friends that are getting tattoos soon!

  • Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex (given at birth), and pain threshold.
  • The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your palms, armpit, spine, and head.
  • The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms and outer thighs.
  • Visit Vlogigurl’s tattoo FAQ page for more advice.

The forearm is one of the least painful areas to get a tattoo. Vlogigurl

The Forearm Is One Of The Least Painful Areas To Get A Tattoo. - Vlogigurl

Most Painful Places To Get a Tattoo

The large majority of data on how painful tattoos are is anecdotal. However, there are some general rules that apply to how painful a tattoo will be. For example, getting a tattoo on a part of your body with many nerve endings, close to bones without much fat, or where your skin is very thin will hurt more. The majority of body parts land in the most painful category because a needle is puncturing your skin so it is going to hurt!

Below, we list the most and least painful tattoos with a description of why for every area. We also used the 1 out of 10 scale to show how painful each tattoo should be.

  • Extremely severe – 8-10
  • Severe -6-8
  • Moderate – 3-6
  • Mild – 1-3

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart.

The Palm of the Hand - 10 out of 10

In general, tattoos are more painful on any part of the body with less padding - fat or muscle -  and where the skin is most sensitive. The palm of your hand is the worst in both categories, it has almost no fat padding and is one of the more sensitive areas of the body. The National Library of Medicine had this to say about hands, 

“Hands have a very delicate and complex structure. This gives muscles and joints in the hand a great range of movement and precision… Our hands also have very sensitive “antennae” for receiving information from the environment: There are a total of 17,000 touch receptors and free nerve endings in the palm. These pick up sensations of pressure, movement and vibration, so it is with good reason that the sense of touch is often associated with the hand. The skin on our fingertips is especially sensitive to touch.” - The National Library of Medicine

A tattoo needle going into one of the most sensitive areas of your skin is going to hurt. Most tattoo enthusiasts have said the palm is roughly four times more sensitive than the shoulder or calf. Palms regenerate quickly which means tattoos in this area tend to not last long. Color, small details, and Fineline tattoos tend to fade completely. If you want a tattoo that stays for longer than a year then strong, thick, and deep lines and blackwork are most of the time all you can get. These types of tattoos tend to hurt a lot more than tattoos with very few details. Combining all of these make the palm of your hand the most painful place to get a tattoo.

The Palm of the Hand Tattoo Recap:

  • Males and Females normally feel the same amount of pain during palm tattoos.
  • The palm of the hand is one of the most sensitive areas on your body.
  • Only specific types of tattoos will stay on your hand, most fade away quickly.

How bad do palm tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Palm.

Armpit - 9 out of 10

The armpit is one of the most painful areas to receive a tattoo. One of the main reasons the pain is so bad is due to the skin of the armpit being incredibly sensitive. Armpits contain a large number of nerve endings which amplifies the pain of getting tattooed on and around the area. The Lymph nodes are located directly above the armpit, which can begin to swell quickly after starting the tattoo process, and cause extreme pain shortly after starting the tattoo and even more while the tattoo is healing. 

While actually receiving an armpit tattoo is a 9 out of 10 on the pain scale, the healing process afterward is also very painful, long, difficult, and annoying. The armpit is considered a high friction area - areas of your skin that are constantly rubbing against another area of skin - which is why healing takes so long. Using a non-stiff or breathable bandage can help reduces some friction and shear. Some other factors that make the healing process worse are you can not wear tight shirts, deodorant, or shave for around 3 weeks.

Armpit Tattoo Recap:

  • Males and Females normally feel the same amount of pain during an armpit tattoo.
  • Armpit tattoos have one of the most difficult healing processes.

How bad do armpit tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Armpit.

Spine – 9 out of 10

Spines are one of the most popular areas to get tattooed, alongside arms. However, spinal tattoos are extremely painful and difficult areas for tattooers to tattoo on.

“Your spinal cord is a cylindrical structure that runs through the center of your spine, from your brainstem to your low back. It's a delicate structure that contains nerve bundles and cells that carry messages from your brain to the rest of your body.” - Cleveland Clinic

“Your spinal cord is one of the main parts of your nervous system,” explains Vlogigurl. Spines have an enormous amount of sensory nerves—the nerves responsible for our response to all physical sensations, such as pain. Similar to other areas of the body with a large number of nerves, they are extremely sensitive to pain. This is also why “tattoos that go over your entire spine tend to send strange sensations or spasms throughout your whole body depending on where the tattoo needle is on the spine” Vlogigurl says. However, nerves are just one of the factors that make spine tattoos one of the most painful. 

How thin the skin is around the spine is also an important factor. Areas of the body with thin skin or less padding are considered bony areas. These areas tend to be the most uncomfortable because there isn’t any fat or skin to protect your bones from the tattoo needle. Combining a lot of nerves and a bony area is a recipe for a painful tattoo. Vlogigurl has seen, from her own personal experience and client feedback, that “I always warn people about any tattoos near the spine or lower back because most clients are not able to handle the pain.”

Spine Tattoo Recap:

  • Tattoos on the spine normally feel the same for Males and Females.
  • Spine tattoos send strange sensations or spasms throughout your whole body.
  • Spines are one of the most popular areas to get tattooed.
  • Vlogigurl tends to warn clients away from the spine and lower back tattoos due to the pain.

How bad do armpit tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Spine.

Hands/Fingers – 9 out of 10

Tattoos on the top of your hands and fingers vary greatly in pain levels. The main factor is what kind of tattoo you are getting. Most tattoo enthusiasts tend to get small linework on their hands, which is a 7 out of 10 on the pain scale. Receiving a larger more detailed piece is time-consuming and is a 9 out of 10 on the pain scale. No matter what tattoo type of tattoo you get, it is going to hurt! This is because hands and fingers do not have any padding - they are a bony area - and every major nerve in your body ends in your extremities. 

Pain while getting a tattoo is not the only factor that we look at for the pain scale, tattoo aftercare is also important. Hand and finger tattoos have significant wear and tear during the healing process. Therefore, they are one of the most difficult placements for tattoos to heal. Since these tattoos will be exposed and touching foreign objects (cooking, opening doors, handshaking, etc) frequently, they are highly prone to infection. All of the movement from this area and friction from rubbing on other objects often degrade the tattoo quickly thus requiring multiple sessions and touch-ups. Hand and finger tattoos tend to fade quickly.

Hands and Fingers Tattoo Recap:

  • Hand and finger tattoos feel the same for Males and Females.
  • They do not last very long if you do not receive touch-ups.
  • Tattoo aftercare is difficult with hand and finger tattoos.

How bad do hand and finger tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Hands.

The Head – 9 out of 10

Head tattoos seem to have very different pain levels from person to person. The main reason for this is because, while getting tattooed, the tattoo needle vibrates the area getting tattooed and most people don’t like it near their head. Heads also have little-to-no fat or muscle so Vlogigurl’s clients tend to say “it felt like the tattoo needle was hitting my skull.” This needle is obviously not hitting anyone's skull, but it does feel that way. This sensation alone is why most people say getting a head tattoo is the worst.

“Cranial nerves are located on the bottom surface of your brain. There are 12 pairs of them, and they each have their own special function. These cranial nerves connect your brain to different parts of your head, neck, and trunk.” - North East Spine and Sports

The cranial nerves that connect the brain to the head and neck are housed in the head, making it the nerve capital of your body. As we have said before, many people describe the experience as "having your head drilled on." Because of this, and because head tattoos are among the least socially acceptable, this is an area that is not for people who aren't fully committed to the tattoo lifestyle. For individuals on the lower end of the pain tolerance scale, it earns its spot as one of the most painful tattoos.

Head Tattoo Recap:

  • Head tattoos should feel the same for Males and Females.
  • Many people have said head tattoos feel like "having your head drilled on."
  • Head tattoos are not socially acceptable

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart Head Tattoo

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Head.

Knee Ditch/Knee – 8 out of 10

The knee and knee ditch is often said to be the worst place on the body to get a tattoo. This is because the sciatic nerve, one of the body’s largest single nerve, run straight down the back of your leg. The back of the knee or the knee ditch is where the tattoo needle will aggravate this and cause extreme pain since the skin around the whole knee is very thin which is. On the other side, the front of the knee is painful because it’s only thin skin and bone.

Due to bending and friction, the knee area is also extremely tough to repair. In Vlogigurls’ experience, there are more painful tattoos to receive. However, knee tattoos are definitely in the top 10 worst tattoos to get.

Knee Ditch and Knee Tattoo Recap:

  • Knee tattoos should feel the same for both Men and Women.
  • Knee tattoos hurt because the skin around the knee is thin while also being bony and the largest single nerve runs through it.
  • Knee tattoos have a difficult healing process.

How bad do knee ditch and knee tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Knee Ditch And Knee.

Feet/Ankles/Toes – 8 out of 10

Even though feet/ankle/toe tattoos are only classified as an 8 out of 10 on the pain scale. Aftercare for these tattoos is one of the most difficult and painful. They are difficult to heal due to constant rubbing from socks and shoes. Most people wear shoes throughout the day which will rub against the tattoo and cause constant irritation. Feet tattoos are extremely likely to become infected unless the person who received the tattoo cleans the tattoo often and keeps it wrapped up.

Nerves in the feet are tactile and extremely sensitive. Not to mention the fact that this area has no fat or muscle cushioning. Which will make any needle going into your foot extremely painful. Vlogigurl’s clients have often said that getting their foot tattooed was a unique tattooing pain because it was a burning sensation. Furthermore, your Achilles tendon, which runs down the arch of your foot, stimulates even more nerve endings, making the ankles particularly painful.

Feet, Ankles, and Toes Tattoo Recap:

  • Both Men and Women feel feet, ankles, and toes tattoos the same way.
  • Feet, ankle, and toes tattoos have one of the worst healing processes.

How bad do feet tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Feet.

The Rib Cage – 8 out of 10

This is a notoriously uncomfortable region. And rightly so, because the rib cage is widely regarded as one of the most painful areas to get a tattoo. The increased pain perception is due to two factors in particular. The ribs are normally coated in a delicate, thin layer of skin that contains very little to almost no fat or muscle tissue. The reason having a thin layer of skin is an issue is because the distance between the tattooing needle and your rib bones is relatively small. To make matters worse, the discomfort in this location tends to stay longer than in others after getting tattooed. This is likely due to the skin being so thin.

Getting a tattoo on the ribcage, according to most individuals, feels like having a sharp instrument scraped over the skin. Tattoos on other areas of the body tend to feel like a ton of tiny needles going into your skin, which is what is happening. The feeling of skin being scraped is unique to rib tattoos. Aside from the skin scraping, the needle pushing into each of your rib cage bones will be the most noticeable sensation. Even having someone's finger push into your ribs is painful, a needle is much worse. Especially, after a few hours, the pain becomes much worse. Most tattoo enthusiasts describe the pain as “firey.” 

Rib Cage Tattoo Recap:

  • Vlogigurl has noticed her female clients tend to have an easier time than her male clients with rib tattoos. There isn’t any scientific data to back this up. 
  • Rib tattoos have a unique pain that most describe as “having a sharp instrument scraped over the skin.”
  • Rib tattoos hurt more the longer the tattoo last.

How bad do rib tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Ribs.

Groin Area – 8 out of 10

Most people would assume that groin tattoos are the most painful tattoo you can get, they are very painful and have difficult recover, but there are areas that hurt more. Our genitals, as we all know, are among the most electrifyingly sensitive areas of our bodies. The clitoris and penis include bundles of nerves that transmit blood flow, register stimulation, and aid in the conception process.  Even if the groin area surrounding the actual genitals appears to be meatier, make no mistake: it's still quite bad. This is due to a large number of nerves in your genitals that shoot out into the groin area and then extend outward.

Furthermore, the groin is in close proximity to lymph nodes, which adds to the pain and difficulties of healing. Groin tattoo healing can be a time-consuming and uncomfortable process. Any underwear or pants you're wearing will rub against the area on a regular basis. If you have the balls to get a tattoo here, plan on going commando for a few days afterward and wearing super-soft cotton or sweatpants for a few weeks. Also, no sexual activity for a while.

Groin Tattoo Recap:

  • Males should have a worse time with groin tattoos since their groin protrudes. 
  • You shouldn't wear underwear during the healing process.

How bad do groin tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Groin.

Outer Elbow/Elbow Ditch – 7 out of 10

Elbow tattoos are definitely attractive and help you stand out from the crowd since very few people will endure the pain. However, you may have some reservations, particularly if it is your first time. Elbow tattoos and knee tattoos are very similar when it comes to getting tattooed. Knees have one major nerve that passes through it while two of your arm's three nerves pass right through the elbow ditch. Furthermore, between the tattooing needle and the two nerves, the elbow ditch/elbow provides some of the least amounts of padding to cushion the tattoo needle from bones and nerves. When either nerve is pinched, as can happen while having a tattoo here, the remainder of your arm can become numb or painful. 

The outer elbow, while still painful, avoids the nerve problems that occur in the elbow ditch. The degree of sensitivity in various regions of the human body varies. Because of the vibrations created by tattooing on bone, parts of the body with skin adjacent to the bone are generally more sensitive. The elbow, along with the shoulders, ribs, feet, neck, and face, stands out in this classification.

Outer Elbow and Elbow Ditch Tattoo Recap:

  • Both Men and Women feel elbow tattoos the same way. 
  • Two of your arm's three nerves pass right through the elbow ditch.

How bad do outer elbow and elbow ditch tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Outer Elbow And Elbow Ditch.

Stomach – 7 out of 10

Tattoos are painful, as we all know. A needle is piercing your skin, which is bound to cause some discomfort to anyone. Unlike other areas of the body, stomach tattoos have a unique problem when being tattooed. When most people breathe their stomachs also move, which can mess up a tattoo artist while they are tattooing. While receiving a stomach tattoo you will need to control your movement as much as possible. In almost every other area of the body, this is not the case, you can just relax and let the tattoo artist do their work. Stomach tattoos require full concentration which can add to the pain of being tattooed.

Tattoos tend to be extremely painful in locations with a lot of fat storage and a lot of nerve endings. Unfortunately, one of these regions is the stomach. When it comes to the level of pain associated with your stomach tattoo, your bodyweight plays a role. When you gain weight, your skin stretches and loses its elasticity; if this is the case for you, your skin will be loose and mushy. Although the additional skin will not distort the appearance of the tattoo, it may make the operation somewhat unpleasant.

Stomach Tattoo Recap:

  • Females normally handle stomach tattoos better than males do.
  • You need to focus on your breathing while receiving a stomach tattoo.
  • Bodyweight affects how much or how little the tattoo will hurt.

How bad do stomach tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Stomach.

Sternum/Under Boob – 7 out of 10

Sternum tattoos, often known as "under-boob" tattoos, are one of those pieces that will always be one-of-a-kind and fashionable artistic expressions. Under boob tattoos are usually intended to flow underneath the breasts and follow the natural curves of the cleavage, sternum tattoos are normally tattooed directly on the breastbone. Sternum tattoos are gorgeous and eye-catching, yet they can be uncomfortable to bear. These lovely designs can be large and aggressive or little and delicate. They're also one of the more popular tattoos these days because they're both easy to hide and show off.

Tattooing over the bone can be uncomfortable in general, but when done over the ribs and breastbone, or sternum, the discomfort can be particularly excruciating. Some even claim that getting a tattoo on the sternum is one of the most painful parts of the body. In addition, tattooing sensitive areas take time because this form of tattooing necessitates a high level of precision. 

If the pain element concerns you, consider a modest sternum tattoo, such as a favorite quote or a constellation, rather than a larger, chandelier sternum tattoo, which features geometric designs with chandelier-like teardrop shapes hanging from it.

It's a painful location with a grueling recovery procedure. With very little muscle or fat to cushion the area, the sternum is also covered in the soft, thin skin that covers the ribs. And, like the ribs, the tattoo needle and the sternum bone are only a few millimeters apart. Tattoos on the sternum frequently extend to the ribs, which are well-known to be a painful location. Furthermore, if you're a woman, you won't be allowed to wear a bra for at least the first 24 hours after getting a sternum tattoo. While your sternum tattoo heals, it's recommended that you go braless for up to a week. Healing sternum tattoos can be especially challenging if you sleep on your stomach, as the rubbing and friction can cause problems during the healing process. 

Sternum and Under Boob Tattoo Recap:

  • Females tend to have a more difficult healing process for sternum tattoos.
  • Sternum tattoos feel very similar to rib tattoos.
  • The healing process tends to be difficult for people who sleep on their stomachs.

How bad do sternum and under boob tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Sternum And Under Boob.

Face – 7 out of 10

Because the face is our command of sense and allows us to visually communicate our feelings, a face tattoo is inextricably linked to your identity and inner expression. For some, face tattoos are a source of contention, while for others, they are a means of expression. Quotes, typography, tribal or cultural tattoos, and traditional style tattoos are all common facial tattoos. People with facial tattoos, as well as those considering getting one, should strongly identify with the tattoo or have it represent something to them, and be prepared for questions and comments.

Face tattoos can cause varying degrees of discomfort depending on the place. Beneath the eyelids and the cheeks are normally the most painful places, on the face, to get a tattoo because the tattoo artist must stretch the skin to get the needle in deeper. The pain of having a needle so close to your eye or lower lid can be excruciating, not only because of the pain but also because of the tense anticipation of the needle getting too close to your eye. The forehead, chin, nose, temple, around the mouth, and cheekbone are the least painful areas to get a face tattoo. 

Therefore, how much a face tattoo will hurt is highly dependent on the area of the face you are getting tattooed. Similar to many other body parts, if there is a lot of detail and saturation in the tattoo the pain will be worse. On the other hand, most face tattoos are relatively simple in design and lack the depth and intricacy that tattoos in other locations do. 

Face Tattoo Recap:

  • Both Men and Women feel face tattoos the same way.
  • The pain of a face tattoo is highly dependent on the placement.
  • Simple tattoos will make a tattoo on the face a lot easier.

How bad do face tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Face.

The Neck – 7 out of 10

Neck tattoos are significantly less painful than the locations we just listed. However, the front of the neck is a different story. The back and sides of the neck are a lot less painful. The neck, in general, is not as “nervy” as many other places on the body. The skin is also quite tough compared to other areas. 

However, the front of the neck has significantly less muscle mass than the back does, has thinner skin, and lots of nerve endings. Furthermore, cartilage and bones are close to the surface of the skin on the front neck making it a 9 out of 10 on the pain scale. One of the most inconvenient aspects of getting a tattoo on the neck is that it gets difficult to breathe during the treatment. Some tattoos on the neck extend all the way to the clavicle. With thin skin and no padding for the bones, this area is considerably more painful.

A tattoo on the side of the neck, on the other hand, is a different matter. One of the least painful spots to receive a tattoo is in this area. The nerves on the side of the neck aren't quite as many as those on the front. However, like with other things, it varies from person to person. The level of discomfort is determined by the tattoo's particular location. The back of the neck has very thin skin. There's also the spine, as well as the cranial nerves, which transmit information from our senses and organs to our brain, but it still isn’t as bad as the front of the neck. Also, as with any area that gets brushed up against or rubbed a lot, healing a tattoo on the neck can be rather uncomfortable and more difficult than usual. Combining everything that we just listed, neck tattoos average out at a 7 on the pain scale.

Neck Tattoo Recap:

  • Both Men and Women feel neck tattoos the same way.
  • The front of the neck is significantly worse than the side and back.
  • Neck tattoos have a difficult aftercare process.

How bad do neck tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Neck.

Calves/Shins – 6 out of 10

Shin and calve tattoos are another area that has different pain levels depending on a few variables. The shin will hurt more than the calve, also, higher up towards the knee will hurt a lot, and lower towards the ankle will hurt a lot more. The main reasons shin tattoos hurt are shin designs are generally quite large, rattling sensations on the bone, and minimal fat padding.

If you have a poor pain threshold, the side of your calf above the ankle and below the knee is a good spot to have a tattoo. However, the back of your calf, particularly as you get closer to the back of your knee, can be rather painful. The shins, on the other hand, house a significant nerve and are clearly bony. When the amount of nerve endings in the shins is combined with bone that is close to the surface, the shins become an extremely painful area.

Neck Tattoo Recap:

  • Both Men and Women feel neck tattoos the same way.
  • The front of the neck is significantly worse than the side and back.
  • Neck tattoos have a difficult aftercare process.

How bad do calves and shins tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Calves And Shins.

Butt – 6 out of 10

Most detailed tattoo pain charts say that butt tattoos are painless because there's plenty of fat and muscle and there aren't any bones to get in the way. However, Vlogigurl has noticed that every one of her clients that receive a butt tattoo says it’s one of the most painful tattoos they have gotten. Although this area goes against everything else we have mentioned in this article, just know, butt tattoos do hurt, and no one knows why.

Another difficult part about getting a butt tattoo is butt muscles have a significant tendency to flinch or clench during the procedure It took a lot of concentration on my part and the artist's part to make sure the ink went where it was supposed to go.

Butt Tattoo Recap:

  • Both Men and Women feel butt tattoos the same way.
  • Butt tattoos are painful even though they shouldn’t be.

How bad do butt tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Butt.

Chest – 6 out of 10

The proximity to bone is regarded to be one of the main reasons chest tattoos hurt so much. "Chest tattoos hurt, especially near the sternum, because of how bony it is," Vlogigurl explains. Any bone that is closer to the surface tends to cause a 'tapping' sensation in the person being tattooed, which can be painful and annoying for some, especially when mixed with the pain of getting a tattoo.

According to Vlogigurl, the discomfort is exacerbated by the skin in the area being thinner and more sensitive than in other locations. 

"It's usually a little easier to tattoo someone's chest if the skin is clear and there is more muscle. That is because the skin is taut and easier to work with, whereas someone who is less toned or maybe bustier in the chest area will have skin that moves more." - Vlogigurl

Furthermore, because of the limited space available, chest tattoos tend to be larger than usual designs, lengthening the time it takes to complete the tattoo. Larger and more detailed pieces will hurt a lot more because they often take hours, or even multiple sessions, to complete, which will (obviously) add to the ouch factor. A chest tattoo's discomfort is frequently equated to incessant tapping. Because of the near proximity to bone, it's also one of the most painful areas on the body to have tattooed. However, if there is more muscle or fat under the skin, pain can be minimized.

Chest Tattoo Recap:

  • Men tend to have a more painful experience when getting a chest tattoo than Women.
  • The chest is bony in some areas, which will cause the tattoo processes to hurt more.

How bad do chest tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Chest.

Upper/Middle/Lower Back – 5 out of 10

The back is one of the largest areas of space to get a tattoo. We categorized all of the areas together because they are all technically on the back, but multiple areas in the back vary in pain levels. Shoulder blades and the lower back are the worst two areas on the back to get a tattoo. If you get a tattoo on one of those two places and nowhere else, the pain will be an 8 out of 10 on the pain scale The rest of the back isn't that awful. Another thing to keep in mind is that the back is an excellent canvas for large compositions with a lot of saturation and detail. It does make a difference where these tattoos are placed; the areas with less muscle and more bone will hurt more. Furthermore, most people's shoulder blades are the boniest area, so when the tattoo needles strike the bone, your pain level will increase. 

The tattoo aftercare process is difficult on any back tattoo. The reason for this is it is hard to reach your back, in order to clean it, without assistance. Also, most of the tools you can use to clean your back yourself require you to scrub hard, which can damage the new tattoo. The best way to make this work is to have someone help you.

Back Tattoo Recap:

  • Both Men and Women feel back tattoos the same way.
  • Back tattoos are difficult to clean by yourself.
  • Shoulder blades and the lower back are the most painful places on the back to get a tattoo.

How bad do back tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Back.

List of the Most Painful Tattoos

  • The palm of the Hand - 10 out of 10
  • Armpit - 9 out of 10
  • Spine – 9 out of 10
  • Hands/Fingers – 9 out of 10
  • The Head – 9 out of 10
  • Knee Ditch/Knee – 8 out of 10
  • Feet/Ankles/Toes – 8 out of 10
  • The Rib Cage – 8 out of 10
  • Groin Area – 8 out of 10
  • Outer Elbow/Elbow Ditch – 7 out of 10
  • Stomach – 7 out of 10
  • Sternum/Under Boob – 7 out of 10
  • Face – 7 out of 10
  • The Neck – 7 out of 10
  • Calves/Shins – 6 out of 10
  • Butt – 6 out of 10
  • Chest – 6 out of 10
  • Upper/Middle/Lower Back – 5 out of 10

The least painful Places To Get a Tattoo

On the other side, parts of the body with thicker skin and more fat will on average hurt a lot less. All of these tattoo spots are recommended for people getting their first few tattoos. However, don’t let the pain scale trick you, even if a tattoo is a 2 out of 10 it will still hurt quite a bit. Be ready for some pain no matter where or what tattoo you are getting.

Inner Bicep – 5 out of 10

Inner bicep tattoos have a couple of sensitive nerves that go down the bottom of your arm. When you combine this with the thin, sensitive skin of the inside bicep, you have a delicate tattooing spot. This is one of the key reasons why the inside arm of many sleeves and quarter-sleeve tattoos isn't filled in. The inner bicep is definitely a lot less painful than every other tattoo on this list. However, it is still significantly most painful than the other spots below it.

In terms of healing, this is also one of the most difficult sites to treat. This is caused by constant rubbing and friction between the inner arm and the body. You can now use a shear-reduction tattoo bandage to make the healing process in this area go much more smoothly.

Inner Bicep Tattoo Recap:

  • Both Men and Women feel back tattoos the same way.
  • Inner bicep tattoos are the most tattoos in the least painful category.

How bad do inner bicep tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Inner Bicep.

Thighs – 4 out of 10

In the world of tattooing, the thigh is excellent real estate because of its size and form, which makes it an ideal canvas for a skilled tattoo artist. The thigh area is one of the greatest places to get tattooed if you're worried about pain. Because the thighs are plump, meaty portions of the body, and the skin is thick and used to friction, this is the case.

Depending on the location, thigh tattoos can be mild or highly painful. There are several significant nerves that travel through the thigh. This can make tattooing a painful experience, especially on the inner thigh, which is the most sensitive part of the body. In this area, tattooing on the top of the leg and over the quadriceps is the least painful option. Your hips would be anywhere in the center of the pain range, depending on how bony they are. If you have a low pain threshold, stay away from the inner thigh and the back of the leg.

Thigh Tattoo Recap:

  • Females tend to feel more pain when it comes to thigh tattoos than males do.
  • The pain level of a thigh tattoo varies greatly on the location of the tattoo.

How bad do thigh tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Thighs.

Shoulder/Outer Arm – 4 out of 10

It's not that horrible in terms of discomfort. Because the skin on the outside of your shoulders is thick and there are few nerve endings, it is one of the least painful places to get tattooed. The discomfort of getting a tattoo in this city is usually mild to severe. This is an excellent location for your first tattoo. Especially if you want to limit the pain of having a tattoo to a bare minimum while improving your tattoo's visibility. Most individuals choose the shoulder and outside arm because fat and muscle provide the best protection against tattoo pain.

Shoulder/Outer Arm Tattoo Recap:

  • Both Men and Women feel shoulder and outer arm tattoos the same way.
  • Shoulder and outer arm tattoos do not hurt that much. 

How bad do shoulder and outer arm tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Shoulder And Outer Arms.

Forearm/Lower Arm – 2 out of 10

The least painful places to get a tattoo. Furthermore, the forearm is an ideal choice for tattoo placement since it provides your tattoo artist with the best potential canvas. Tattooing the outer forearm is less painful than tattooing the inner forearm since the radial nerve runs through it.

According to Vlogigurl, forearms are a comparatively painless region to have inked when compared to other popular areas of the body for ink such as the ribs, foot, and wrists. But how painful is a forearm tattoo? "Because everyone's pain threshold is varied, the exact level of discomfort will differ from one individual to the next," says Vlogigurl. "The forearm, on the other hand, is the least sensitive area for a tattoo."

"Because there are fewer nerves beneath the skin of the forearm, tattoos aren't as painful until you reach the inner elbow and wrist," explains Vlogigurl. The sensation of receiving a tattoo, according to Randell, is akin to that of a cat scratch, and it can be more or less intense depending on the type and size of your design.

Forearm Tattoo Recap:

  • Men feel less pain when it comes to forearm tattoos. However, forearm tattoos still do not hurt that much for Women.
  • Forearm tattoos are the best place for a first tattoo.

How bad do forearm tattoos hurt

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For The Forearm.

List of the Least Painful Tattoos

  • Inner Bicep – 5 out of 10
  • Thighs – 4 out of 10
  • Shoulder/Outer Arm – 4 out of 10
  • Forearm/Lower Arm – 2 out of 10

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart for men and women

Detailed Tattoo Pain Chart For Men And Women

How bad do tattoos hurt?

When it comes to how much pain you'll experience when getting tattooed, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. However, if you're wondering what kind of discomfort to expect, Vlogigurl compares the sensation to that of a large cat scratch or a sunburn. Importantly, different people will report differing levels of pain based on their distinct neurological systems and pain tolerances.

Other factors that may influence tattoo pain include:

  • Sex: When compared to persons who are biologically male, women are more likely to have a higher pain intensity, a lower pain threshold, and a poorer tolerance for generated pain. However, new research is continually being conducted.
  • Psychological expectations: If you go into a tattoo expecting to be in extreme pain, you may underestimate how much pain you will actually feel. According to studies, those who are worried about pain and "catastrophize" it before a surgery have higher levels of pain intensity and discomfort than those who have "neutral" pain expectations.
  • Age: According to studies, aging reduces pain sensitivity, hence senior persons may feel less discomfort when getting tattooed. Researchers aren't sure why this happens, but they do know that as people become older, the size of the areas of the brain that process pain shrinks.

Fortunately, after your tattoo artist puts down the tattoo gun, the majority of the discomfort you're experiencing will disappear.

 

Preparing For Your Tattoo and Pain Reduction Advice

When it comes to tattoos, Vlogigurl loves to be distracted. She's observed that accompanying clients to sessions with a conversational, supportive companion helps them relax and provides a pleasant distraction from the pain. If your studio does not accept plus-ones or if you want to go solo, another option is to chat with your tattoo artist (most banter with clients, knowing it helps alleviate some of the discomforts). She also states that most tattoo artists would let clients use their phones, read books, or listen to music during consultations as long as it doesn't create more flinching, making it considerably more difficult to complete a tattoo correctly.

Before getting a tattoo, Vlogigurl emphasizes the importance of taking care of your body. "The days leading up to being tattooed, drink plenty of water, eat some good food, and keep the area moisturized," Vlogigurl says. Also, tattoo aftercare is extremely important make sure you have everything necessary before getting your new tattoo

"Get a good night's sleep and try not to overthink things, getting a tattoo should be a pleasurable experience that leaves you feeling like a new you." - Vlogigurl

Advice on Pain Reduction and Tattoo Preparation

You can take various steps to make your tattoo visit more enjoyable. Increase your water intake a few weeks before getting a tattoo. This will hydrate the skin and create a better canvas for the artist to work with. When the body is dehydrated, the skin absorbs ink more readily and responds more quickly to the artist's movements, minimizing pain and reducing the number of passes required to saturate a work.

It's also important to eat a healthy meal 1-2 hours before your tattoo. Bring a high-glucose snack with you to snack on during the class. Apples, other fruits, and fruit juice are the best fruits to utilize. Maintaining a good blood sugar level will substantially assist you in dealing with pain, preventing cold chills, and shock, especially during extended tattoo sessions. Also, before having a tattoo, avoid taking pain medicines or drinking alcohol. In the end, neither of these choices will greatly lessen tattoo pain, and both will thin your blood, complicating your artist's task and increasing the risk of complications.

Don't be afraid to inform your tattoo artist how much pain you're comfortable with. Look at the detailed tattoo pain chart to pick a placement that isn't too painful for you. This will help them come up with good tattoo design placement ideas. Additionally, because you'll be moving and wiggling a lot throughout the tattoo, it'll be much more difficult for an artist to ink in a painful location for you. This can make their job as tattoo artists much more difficult, lowering the quality of the tattoo.

Insider's takeaway

It's natural to be concerned about pain when getting a tattoo, but there are things you can take to prepare for the procedure and make it more enjoyable. Also, knocking is half the battle. Now that you know how bad each location will hurt, by using this detailed tattoo pain chart, you can better pick what type of tattoo you are getting and where.

If you are located in California, Texas, or just want to go to a trustworthy tattoo artist. Make sure to contact Vlogigurl for your next tattoo. You can contact Vlogigurl directly on her website or her tattoo social media pages.

About the author

Vlogigurl

Meet Vlogigurl - tattoo artist extraordinaire, captivating model, and dynamic social media influencer. When she's not creating stunning tattoo art or striking a pose in front of the camera, she's sharing her experiences, tips, and artistic journey right here on her blog. She believes in sharing her world to inspire others, whether that's through a beautifully crafted tattoo or a behind-the-scenes look at her life in the spotlight. With an unwavering passion for her crafts and an eye for detail, Vlogigurl's words are sure to captivate, inspire, and entertain.

stay in touch

Latest News and Articles

All things tattoo, tattoo ideas, tattoo help, and Vlogigurl related. All of the information you need, from a professional tattoo artist, in one place.
VIEW ALL BLOGS
Ink-free Artists: Can You Trust an Untattooed Artist?

It's a common misconception that tattoo artists must have tattoos to be qualified for their job. While there are many reasons why an artist might choose to ink their own skin, from personal expression to guaranteeing the best possible experience for clients, it is not required or expected that they do so. Read on to […]

Read More
How long does a Tattoo take?

Having a tattoo is a big decision. You want it to be perfect, and you want it to last forever. How long does it take to get a tattoo, though? Well, that depends on how big the tattoo is and how much detail there is. We've got your answer if you've ever wondered how long […]

Read More
What is a Tattoo Blowout, and how to fix and prevent one?

Are you still glaring at your fresh ink tat, hoping what you see is just part of the healing process? Or are you a tattoo enthusiast who has thus far escaped the dreaded blowout? For the former, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but a Tattoo blowout does not just go away. And […]

Read More

Latest News and Articles

All things tattoo, tattoo ideas, tattoo help, and Vlogigurl related. All of the information you need, from a professional tattoo artist, in one place.
VIEW ALL BLOGS
Ink-free Artists: Can You Trust an Untattooed Artist?

It's a common misconception that tattoo artists must have tattoos to be qualified for their job. While there are many reasons why an artist might choose to ink their own skin, from personal expression to guaranteeing the best possible experience for clients, it is not required or expected that they do so. Read on to […]

Read More
How long does a Tattoo take?

Having a tattoo is a big decision. You want it to be perfect, and you want it to last forever. How long does it take to get a tattoo, though? Well, that depends on how big the tattoo is and how much detail there is. We've got your answer if you've ever wondered how long […]

Read More
What is a Tattoo Blowout, and how to fix and prevent one?

Are you still glaring at your fresh ink tat, hoping what you see is just part of the healing process? Or are you a tattoo enthusiast who has thus far escaped the dreaded blowout? For the former, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but a Tattoo blowout does not just go away. And […]

Read More

Ready for your
Dream Tattoo?

Book an Appointment
vlogigurl witchytat2 logo new white
Subscribe to our newsletter!!
Subscription Form
Copyright 2023 Vlogigurl. All rights reserved. 
crossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram