Where Do Tattoos Hurt the Least?
Introduction: Does Getting a Tattoo Always Hurt?
It is a common misconception that everyone feels pain when getting a tattoo. Tattoos are a beautiful form of self-expression, but due to fear of the pain, many people avoid being inked. However, some spots hurt less than others, which makes them ideal for anyone new to the game or afraid of the pain.
In this article, we’ll find out where tattoos hurt the least, what makes some areas less painful than others, and what you can do to make your tattoo session more pleasant.
Why Do Some Areas Hurt Less?
A tattoo’s pain level is influenced by several key factors:
- Nerve endings: Areas that have fewer nerve endings hurt less.
- Fat and muscle padding: The more fat or muscle you have, the less pain you will experience, as it absorbs some of the pressure.
- Skin thickness: A thinner, more sensitive tissue (such as that on the ribs or fingers) is more painful than thicker and tougher tissue (like that on the thighs).
So, if you want a relatively painless tattoo, you should opt for areas of the body that have fewer nerve endings and a nice cushion of fat or muscle.
The Least Painful Places to Get a Tattoo
In case you want a tattoo that hurts the least, here are some low-pain spots on your body.
1. Outer Upper Arm
💡 Pain Level: Low
Description: One of the least painful tattoo locations is on the outer upper arm. It has thicker skin, fewer nerve endings, and a good muscle cushion. Many describe it as a light scratchy, tingling sensation.
✅ Ideal for: First tattoos, medium to large tattoos.
2. Thigh (Outer or Upper Thigh)
💡 Pain Level: Low
Description: The thigh is full of muscle and fat that cushions the tattoo needle’s blow. It’s a large, flat space that is more convenient for tattoo artists to use. The pain of thigh tattoos is quite tolerable for the most part.
✅ Ideal for: Big designs, colorful ink pieces, or detailed tattoos.
3. Forearm
💡 Pain Level: Low to Medium
Description: The forearm is a popular tattoo location, as it has relatively few nerve endings. Pain can be low to moderate depending on the area. Stay away from the inner forearm, which can be more sensitive than the outer part.
✅ Ideal for: Small to medium tattoos, text, or simple designs.
The two last photo are tattoo made by @shame______ at @heydude_studio_ in Bangkok (click to access their instagram account)
4. Shoulder (Upper Part)
💡 Pain Level: Low
Description: As it has thicker skin and fewer nerves, the upper shoulder is also one of the least pain-free tattoo areas. It’s a good choice for first tattoos since it’s relatively easy to conceal if necessary.
✅ Ideal for: Medium-size tattoos, floral designs, or tribal tattoos.
5. Calves
💡Pain Level: Low to Medium
Description: Calves have thick skin and a big cushion of muscle, making pain less likely. The outer calf is less sensitive, and the inner calf may be a bit more painful. As the area is not a bony one, calf tattoos are fairly comfortable to get.
✅ Ideal for: Larger designs, realistic tattoos, or nature-themed artwork.
Low-Medium Pain Tattoo Areas (Not Too Painful, Not Too Easy)
Some regions aren’t gliding time bombs but are still bearably tolerable for most people. These include:
🔸 Wrist: Thin skin, slightly painful, but tolerable.
🔸 Back (Upper Part): Usually bearable if you avoid the spine.
🔸 Lower Back: Medium-painful depending on the placement of the tattoo.
If you have a higher pain tolerance, these might be good middle-ground options.
Tattoo Areas to Avoid If You Are Not a Fan of Pain
If your pain tolerance is low, you might want to steer clear of these areas:
❌ Ribs and Sternum: Lots of pain. Thin skin. No muscle.
❌ Ankles and Feet: Many bony parts with not much cushioning; very sensitive.
❌ Elbows and Knees: Lots of nerve endings and movement, making tattoos painful.
❌ Hands and Fingers: Thin skin, a lot of nerves, and constant movement make these locations painful.
💡Pro-Tip: Consider getting a small design for your tattoo first if you are looking to get a tattoo on a pain-sensitive area in order to test your pain tolerance.
How to Make Your Tattoo Experience Less Painful
Tattoos can still be uncomfortable even in low-pain areas. In that regard, here’s some advice to reduce tattoo pain:
✔️ Sleep Enough: If you are well-rested, you cope with pain better.
✔️ Have a Good Meal Before Your Session: Low blood sugar can amplify pain.
✔️ Hydration: Drink as much water as you can before arriving at your appointment.
✔️ Cut Out Alcohol or Caffeine: Thin the blood and can cause sensitivity.
✔️ Use Numbing Creams (If Necessary): Some people will have numbing creams, but make sure to check with your artist first.
✔️ Breathe and Calm Down: Tension makes pain feel worse, so relax and breathe.
In Conclusion: Where Do You Get Your First Tattoo?
If you’re getting your first tattoo and want to minimize pain, it’s best to look for the:
✔️ Outer Upper Arm: One of the least painful areas.
✔️ Thigh: So muscular, fairly tolerable.
✔️ Forearm: It is very manageable to most people.
✔️Shoulder: Strong first-time choice.
✔️Calf: Nice and low pain.
Final Thoughts
Pain doesn’t have to prevent you from getting a tattoo you will cherish. With the right placement, the right preparation, and the right pain-reducing tricks, you can make it a lot more comfortable. Keep in mind that everyone’s pain tolerance is subjective, so it’s always a good idea to start in a low-pain area. Happy tattooing! 🎉