The least painful place to get a tattoo
Getting a tattoo is always going to have some level of pain. The tattoo pain level depends on your own tolerance but most people experience at least some discomfort. To minimize this, you should consider one of the least painful places to get a tattoo. The level of pain is often down to the fact that there are a lot of nerve endings or the area or there is a bone close by. The following areas tend to be less painful than many others and are a good place to get your first ink:- Thigh. The thigh has a lot of space to fit even bigger designs, you can hide it if you want with relative ease. The lack of nerve endings mean it isn’t too painful.
- Shoulder/bicep. Likewise, the shoulder doesn’t have a huge number of nerve endings.
- Forearm. The forearm is a good place to show off your design and isn’t hugely painful.
- Back. Many areas of the back are also great for tattoos, especially for larger designs. The pain level is not too high up on the tattoo pain scale as the needles enter the skin.
Most painful tattoo spots
Now, the places you should avoid if you are trying to prevent a lot of pain. These are the most painful tattoo places on the body, and only those who have experience getting tattooed and are confident that they can deal with the discomfort should go for these spaces. It should also be clarified that different people perceive pain in different ways and that the answer to the exact most painful spot may be different depending on who you ask. However, some areas which tend to have bony and sensitive properties are the most painful tattoo places if you ask for a consensus. These areas include:- Armpits
- Ankles
- Wrists
- Fingers
- Head
- Inner thigh
How to cope with tattoo pain
Being prepared for the pain of a tattoo is a big deal, and can greatly help you when you are going into the appointment. You should make sure that you are in good physical condition. If you are hungry or if you haven’t slept well then you will likely be far more sensitive to any pain that is caused by having a tattoo done. You should go for numbing cream if this is appropriate. Speak with the tattoo artist to see what they recommend for the area. There may be a little extra cost associated with this but there’s no shame in needing some numbing cream to help you out. If things get really bad during the tattoo, you can always ask to take a little break. This should be possible most of the time, but you might have to make it short to prevent the area from swelling up in the time you’re taking five minutes to cope! Don’t focus too much on the pain, if you can avoid it. Take deep breaths and focus on something else. Have a conversation or even read if you can do so without it getting in the way.Pain scale
Our pain scale is based on what most people tend to experience when they are having a tattoo done. There is no exact science to it, but generally, these areas are the most likely to cause you a lot of pain. The tattoo pain level won’t vary a huge amount from what others tend to experience.
FAQ's
What is a tattoo pain chart?
A tattoo pain chart is a guide that ranks different body parts by how intense the tattooing pain is likely to feel during a session. It helps people understand which areas might hurt more or less based on skin thickness, proximity to bone and nerve endings, and padding.
Why do some parts of the body hurt more during a tattoo?
Pain varies because certain body areas have thin skin, many nerve endings, or bones close to the surface all of which increase sensitivity. Areas with more fat and muscle tend to feel less painful.
What are the least painful spots to get a tattoo?
Areas with more muscle, fat, and fewer nerve endings such as the outer arm, shoulder, thigh, and buttocks tend to be less painful. These are often recommended for first‑time tattoos because they balance visibility and comfort.
Is tattoo pain the same for everyone?
No. Pain perception is highly individual. The same tattoo in the same spot may feel mild for one person but intense for another because personal pain tolerance, mood, stress, health, and hydration all influence how pain is felt.
Does tattoo size or design affect pain?
Yes. Larger and more detailed tattoos require longer sessions, which can increase discomfort because the needle stays active on the skin for more time. Simpler, smaller tattoos generally feel less intense due to shorter duration.
