Tattoo Pain Chart
Short answer: Tattoo pain isn't the same everywhere on the body. In general, areas with thick skin and muscle or fat underneath (outer arm, calf, upper back) hurt less, while areas with thin skin close to the bone (ribs, spine, elbow, inner wrist, fingers, top of the foot) hurt more. Pain varies from person to person; this chart is a general guide, not an exact measure.
The question people ask most before getting a tattoo is "does it hurt?" The answer depends on the placement, the person, the artist's technique and how long the piece takes. In this article we cover the factors that affect pain and a general ranking by body area.
Factors that affect pain
- Skin thickness: Thick skin feels it less, thin skin feels it more.
- What's underneath: Muscle and fat act as a cushion; when bone is close to the surface, pain goes up.
- Nerve density: Areas with lots of nerve endings are more sensitive.
- Personal sensitivity: Pain tolerance varies from person to person.
- Mood and fatigue: Showing up stressed, sleep-deprived or hungry makes it hurt more.
- Session length: In long sessions, pain builds up over time.
- The artist's technique and needle type: An experienced artist can reduce the pain.
General pain level by body area
Relatively comfortable areas (low to medium pain)
- Outer upper arm and shoulder (deltoid)
- Outer forearm
- Calf
- Outer thigh
- Upper back (except between the shoulder blades)
These areas are popular choices for a first tattoo.
Medium areas
- Inner forearm
- Lower back and waist
- Chest (the non-bony part)
- Side of the waist
- Inner upper arm
Sensitive areas (high pain)
- Ribs and side of the torso
- Along the spine
- Elbow and inner elbow
- Knee and back of the knee
- Inner wrist and wrist bone
- Top of the foot and ankle
- Neck and around the throat
- Armpit and inner thigh
- Back of the hand and fingers
- Sternum and collarbone
- Stomach and around the belly button (for some people)
This ranking is a general average. Some people find the ribs easy and the calf hard.
Ways to reduce pain
- Come well rested: Sleep and food make pain easier to manage.
- Eat beforehand: Low blood sugar can cause fainting and extra sensitivity.
- Avoid alcohol and stimulants: Alcohol can increase bleeding and affect healing.
- Control your breathing: Slow, deep breaths help you relax.
- Take breaks: For long pieces, plan breaks with your artist.
- Distract yourself: Music or conversation helps.
- Ask about numbing creams: Some creams are used for this, but not every artist accepts them and they can cause skin reactions. Check with your artist, and your doctor if needed, before using one.
- Choose your placement wisely: If you're worried about pain, get your first tattoo in a relatively comfortable spot.
Pain and design
- Linework (outline): Can feel sharp and stinging.
- Shading and fill: Can feel more spread out, like burning; because it takes longer, it can be tiring.
- Small pieces: Most people handle them easily because they're quick.
- Large pieces: Pain builds up over time, so splitting the work into sessions helps.
Our guides by placement
Detailed guides for specific areas:
Managing pain with the right artist
An experienced artist works quickly and cleanly, knows how to manage pain and puts you at ease. In the TattooVerseCo Artists section you can check reviews and years of experience to choose the right artist for you.
Frequently asked questions
Where does a tattoo hurt the least?
In general, the outer upper arm, shoulder, calf and outer thigh are relatively comfortable.
Where does a tattoo hurt the most?
Areas with thin skin close to the bone, such as the ribs, spine, inner wrist, top of the foot, fingers, neck and armpit, are usually the most sensitive.
Do women feel more tattoo pain than men?
Pain perception is individual; it depends more on placement, sensitivity and mood than on gender.
How long does tattoo pain last?
You feel it during the session; afterward, tenderness and burning in the area can last a few days.
Which area should I choose for my first tattoo?
Relatively comfortable areas like the outer upper arm, outer forearm and calf are a good start.
Don't let pain scare you off; go in prepared. Start your first tattoo with the Artists and Get quotes sections on TattooVerseCo.