Discover the Top 15 Most & Least Painful Places to Get A Tattoo

Getting a tattoo can be a painful experience, but some areas of the body are less sensitive than others. If you’re considering getting a tattoo, you may be wondering where the least painful places are. Fortunately, there are several areas of the body where the pain is minimal.

The least painful areas to get a tattoo include the outer thigh, upper back, forearm, calf, shoulder, and buttocks. These areas have more fatty tissue and less nerve endings, which makes the tattoo less painful. However, pain tolerance can vary so everyone is different.

If you’re looking to get a tattoo but are worried about the pain, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable tattoo artist. They can help guide you through the process and provide tips for minimizing pain and discomfort.

Keep reading to discover the top 10 least painful places to get a tattoo.

If you are worried about tattoo pain check out this comprehensive post.
Tattoo Pain Chart – 10 Tips To Minimise Your Pain

The Top 10 Least Painful Places to Get a Tattoo

1. Outer Shoulder

The outer shoulder, or shoulder blade, is one of the least painful places to get a tattoo.

It’s a great place for a first tattoo.

This area has a lot of muscle and fat, which helps to cushion the tattoo needle and reduce the pain sensation. It’s also reasonably low in nerve endings.

It’s also a relatively flat surface, which makes it easier for the tattoo artist to work on. Some popular designs for this area include flowers, birds, and quotes.

However, keep in mind that if you have a low pain tolerance, you may still experience some discomfort. It’s important to communicate with your tattoo artist and take breaks as needed.

2. Upper Back

The upper back is another area that tends to be less painful for tattooing. This is because there are fewer nerve endings in this area compared to other parts of the body.

There is a also a decent amount of body fat to protect the bones and nerves meaning less pain.

The upper back is also a large, flat surface, which makes it ideal for larger designs such as full back pieces or wings.

However, once the tattoo goes over the backbone this area can be quite tender. A spine tattoo can be quite a hot burning sensation.

Some popular designs for the upper back include animals, landscapes, and large traditional designs.

However, keep in mind that if you have any existing back pain or discomfort, getting a tattoo in this area may be difficult.

3. Outer Thigh

The thigh is a great option for those looking for a less painful tattoo location. This area has a lot of muscle and fat, which helps to cushion the needle and reduce the pain. It’s also a relatively large surface area, which makes it ideal for larger designs such as floral or mandala patterns.

Some popular designs for the thigh include large animals such as lions and tigers, flowers, and tribal designs.

However, keep in mind that if you’re planning on getting a tattoo on your inner thigh, this area tends to be more sensitive as the skin is thinner and will be more painful.

4. Top of The Forearm

The top of the forearm is a popular location for tattoos, and for good reason – it’s one of the least painful areas to get tattooed.  It’s also a relatively flat surface, which makes it easy for the tattoo artist to create detailed designs.

Some popular designs for a forearm tattoo include quotes, symbols, and geometric patterns.

However, keep in mind that if you work in a professional setting, you may need to consider whether or not your tattoo will be visible while wearing short sleeves.

An important note is that the underneath of the forearm has thinner skin and is pretty painful.

5 – Back of Calf

The calf is another area that tends to be less painful for tattooing. It’s also a relatively large surface area, which makes it ideal for larger designs such as floral or animal patterns. Designs here look great if you like to wear shorts.

Some popular designs for the calf include flowers, animals, and tribal designs.

However, keep in mind that if you’re planning on getting a tattoo nearer the back of your knee, this area tends to be more sensitive and may be more painful.

6 – Top of Arm or Bicep

The top of the arm or bicep is another great spot to get a tattoo if you’re looking for a less painful experience. This area has a lot of solid muscle which helps with the pain.

Anywheres around the cap of the shoulder is not too sore and is traditionally a good place for a first tattoo. It’s an area with the fewest nerve endings.

Just avoid getting an armpit tattoo.

When getting a Bicep Tattoo, you have a lot of options in terms of design and placement.

You can choose to get a small, simple tattoo that sits on the top of your outer biceps, or you can opt for a larger design that wraps around your arm into a sleeve.

It’s a good idea to plan what you may like to do in the future so you don’t get a tiny tattoo which needs to be covered if you want a sleeve tattoo further down the road.

Either way, you can be confident that the pain will be reasonably low.

7 – Behind the Ear

Another great spot for a less painful tattoo is behind the ear. This area is relatively small, which means that the tattoo won’t take as long to complete.

Although the skin behind the ear is quite thin a tattoo here is surprisingly pain free

When choosing a design for a tattoo behind your ear, you’ll want to keep in mind that the area is relatively small. This means that you’ll need to choose a design that is simple and small enough to fit in the space.

Some popular options for behind the ear tattoos include small symbols, words, or even tiny animals or flowers.

8 – Top Side of Wrist

The top side of the wrist is another great spot for a less painful tattoo. This area has a lot of bone, which can make it more painful to get a tattoo on the underside of the wrist. However, the top side of the wrist or outer wrist has more muscle and fat so is less sore.

It’s also important to stay away from the crease of the wrist which can be an area of tattoo blowout. The movement in the skin can result in a blurry tattoo over time.

When choosing a design for a tattoo on the top side of your wrist, you’ll want to keep in mind that the area is relatively small. This means that you’ll need to choose a design that is simple and small enough to fit in the space.

Some popular options for wrist tattoos include small symbols, words, or tiny animals or flowers.

9 – The Ear

The ear is another surprising spot for a less painful tattoo. If you’re looking for a more discreet design then the ear may be your ideal location.

One thing to bear in mind is that getting tattooed here is extremely noisy which can sometimes freak people out!

When choosing a design for a tattoo behind the ear, bear in mind that it’s a small confined space.

This means that you’ll need to choose a design that is simple and small enough to fit in the space.

Some popular options for ear tattoos include small symbols, words, or even tiny animals or flowers.

10. Outer Side of Calf

The outer side of the calf is another popular spot for tattoos, that can be surprisingly painless. Like the back of the calf, this is a solid piece of calf muscle that doesn’t have too many nerve endings.

When choosing a design for a calf tattoo you have a lot of leeway.

The area is large and ideal for long tattoos such as pin ups or traditional daggers.

Note – The inner calf is much more tender than the outer side or back of the calf.

The 10 least painful places to get tattooed.

To summarise – the top 5 most painful places to get tattooed are:

1. Outer Shoulder
2. Upper Back
3. Outer Thigh
4. Top of The Forearm
5. Back of Calf
6. Top of Arm or Bicep
7. Behind The ear
8. Top Side of Wrist
9. Ear
10. Outer Side of Calf

You might also find this post useful – Tattoo Pain Chart Female – A Tattoo Pain Chart For Women

The 5 Most Painful Places to Get Tattooed

So, if those are the least painful places, what are the places you need to avoid?

For good measure we have created a list of the 5 spots you really need to steer clear of if you are worried about pain.

1. Ribcage

The ribcage is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo. This area is particularly sensitive due to the proximity of the bones and the thin layer of skin covering them.

The pain can vary depending on the individual’s pain tolerance and the size and complexity of the tattoo. However intense pain is reported for this placement.

The ribcage is also a difficult area for tattoo artists to work on due to the curvature of the body and the limited space.

Theres also the issue of the movement of breathing to take into consideration.

This can make the process more time-consuming and uncomfortable for the client resulting in severe pain.

Some people find the sensation of being tattooed here unbearably tickly in a painful kind of way. This can make it very hard to lie still for your artist. 

It’s important to note that the pain experienced during a ribcage tattoo can vary greatly depending on the person.

Some individuals may find the pain to be manageable, while others may find it unbearable. It’s important to communicate with your tattoo artist about any discomfort or pain you may be experiencing during the process.

If you’re considering getting a tattoo on your ribcage, it’s important to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the experience.

Make sure to eat a good meal beforehand, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. You may also want to consider taking pain medication or using numbing cream to help manage the pain.

Overall, getting a tattoo on the ribcage can be a challenging and painful experience, but many people find the end result to be worth it.

2 – The foot

The foot is a popular location for tattoos, as it is a visible and easily accessible area of the body.

However, the foot is also one of the most sensitive areas of the body, with lots of nerve endings and thin delicate skin.

This makes the foot a particularly painful location for a tattoo.

The type of pain in this location is a pretty sharp pain.

One of the main reasons why getting a foot tattoo can be so painful is due to the lack of muscle and fat in the area.

Unlike other areas of the body, such as the arm or thigh, the foot has very little cushioning to protect the bones and nerves from the needle.

This means that the needle will vibrate the bone, which can be extremely painful. There is no layer of fat for protection.

Another factor that contributes to the pain of a foot tattoo is the thinness of the skin. The skin on the foot is much thinner than other areas of the body, with less protection over the nerves. 

Finally, the feet are full of nerve endings and are a highly sensitive area of the body. This can make a tattoo here pretty painful.

In addition to the physical pain of a foot tattoo, there are also other factors that can make the experience more uncomfortable.

For example, the foot is a difficult area to keep still during the tattooing process. It can get twitchy and jumpy with painful spasms, which can make it more difficult for the artist to create a precise and detailed design.

Additionally, the foot is prone to sweating and swelling if you are on your feet a lot, which can make the healing process more difficult and uncomfortable.

Despite the pain and discomfort associated with a foot tattoo, many people still choose to get one due to the unique and eye-catching designs that can be created.

Some popular designs for foot tattoos include flowers, animals, and intricate patterns. 

Matching geometric patterns which go across both feet look particularly spectacular.

3. Head and Face

Getting a tattoo on your head or face can be an incredibly painful experience. The skin on your head and face is thinner than other parts of your body, and there are many nerve endings in these areas. 

One of the most painful areas to get a tattoo on your head is the scalp. The scalp is covered in nerve endings, and the tattoo needle can easily irritate the skin and cause pain. 

Another sensitive area on your head is your face. Getting a tattoo on your face can be painful, especially around your eyes and nose. The skin around your eyes is very thin, and the tattoo needle can easily cause pain.

Additionally, getting a tattoo on your nose can be very painful because the skin is very thin, and there are many nerve endings in this area.

4. Inner Thigh

The inner thigh is another sensitive area to get tattooed, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

The inner thigh has thin sensitive skin and is close to several major nerves, making it a painful spot to get inked.

The closer you get to the groin area, the more painful it will be. If you’re considering getting a tattoo on your inner thigh, be prepared for some discomfort.

Getting a tattoo on the inner thigh can be especially painful for women during their menstrual cycle.

The area is already sensitive during this time, and adding a tattoo needle to the mix can make it even more uncomfortable. It’s important to take this into consideration when planning your tattoo session.

When it comes to design options, the inner thigh can be a great spot for small, intricate tattoos. However, due to the sensitivity of the area, it may not be the best location for large or bold designs.

It’s important to discuss your design options with your tattoo artist and take their recommendations into consideration.

If you’re set on getting a tattoo on your inner thigh, there are a few things you can do to minimize the pain. First, make sure you’re well-rested and hydrated before your appointment.

This can help reduce your overall sensitivity to pain. You can also consider taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen before your appointment. 

During your tattoo session, make sure to communicate with your artist about your pain levels.

5. Elbow and Knee

The elbow and knee are two of the most painful places to get tattooed. The skin in these areas is thin and close to the bone, which makes the tattooing process more painful.

The elbow and knee are also areas where the skin stretches and moves frequently, which can make the healing process more difficult.

When it comes to the elbow, the area on the inside of the elbow is the most painful. This area is also known as the ditch, and it is a common spot for tattoos.

However, due to the thin skin and close proximity to the bone, the pain can be intense. The outside of the elbow is also a painful spot, but it is not as intense as the inside.

If you are having a full sleeve tattoo you will need to go over this area. No-one looks forward to that!

The knee is another area that can be extremely painful to get tattooed. The skin on the knee is thin and there is not a lot of fat to cushion the needle. This can make the tattooing process more painful, especially if the tattoo artist is working on the front of the knee where the skin is closer to the bone.

The back of the knee is also a painful spot with a lot of nerve endings and thin skin.

Overall, getting a tattoo on the elbow or knee can be a painful experience. However, many people still choose to get tattoos in these areas because they are highly visible and can be great places for unique designs.

The 5 most painful places to get tattooed.

To summarise – the top 5 most painful places to get tattooed are:

1. Ribcage
2. Foot
3. Head and Face
4. Inner Thigh
5. Elbow and Knee

5 Factors That Affect Pain When Getting a Tattoo

Getting a tattoo can be a painful experience, but the level of pain can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors.

If you’re considering getting a tattoo, it’s important to understand what factors can affect the level of pain you may experience during the process.

It can make all the difference between a horrible or pleasant experience

Remember, everyone experiences pain differently, so what may be extremely painful for one person may be only mildly uncomfortable for another.

Heres some research about individual pain tolerance.

Additionally, factors such as stress, anxiety, and fatigue can also impact pain levels, so it’s important to be well-rested and relaxed before getting a tattoo.

If you are worried about handling the pain there is a lot you can do to minimise it and have a comfortable tattooing experience.

Here are five factors that can impact the level of pain you may feel when getting a tattoo.

Factors that Affect Tattoo Pain

1 – Tattoo Placement

The placement of a tattoo on the body can greatly affect the level of pain experienced during the tattooing process. As you have seen in the placements discussed.

Areas with more nerve endings, such as the hands, feet, and face, are generally more painful than areas with fewer nerve endings, such as the upper arm or back.

The pain level can also be affected by the proximity of the tattoo to bones or joints.

2 – Size of the Tattoo

The size of the tattoo can also affect the level of pain experienced. Larger tattoos require more time to complete, which means the skin is exposed to the needle for a longer period of time.

This can result in more pain and discomfort.

Smaller tattoos, on the other hand, can be completed quickly, resulting in less pain and discomfort.

With small tattoos, your artist may be able to use numbing cream or spray to help you. However this is harder to do on a large tattoo.

IMPORTANT – Don’t use numbing products yourself before heading to the tattoo parlour. Your artist may not want you to use it and may cancel your tattoo appointment. Check with them first.

With a large tattoo over a long session you will also find that your own natural pain killers or endorphins run out after about 3 hours.

This means you may start to struggle towards the end of a long session on a large tattoo.

See this post for more information about using numbing cream for tattoos 
Can I Use Numbing Cream Before A Tattoo. Is it Ok?

3 -Tattoo Style

The style of the tattoo can also affect the level of pain experienced.

Tattoos that require more shading, such as realistic portraits or black and grey tattoos, can be less painful than tattoos with bold black lines {ie tribal} or solid colors.

This is because colour packing or solid black requires the tattooist to work into the area more intensely to get the ink well packed, causing more pain and discomfort.

Dotwork tattoos are probably the least painful style of all. You can find out more in this post.
Are Dotwork Tattoos Less Painful – 5 Crucial Reasons Why

4 – Client’s Pain Tolerance Level

Every person has a different pain tolerance level. Some people can tolerate more pain than others.

If you have a low pain tolerance, you may find the tattooing process more painful than someone with a higher pain tolerance.

I have found that some medications can lower a persons tolerance for pain and make it very difficult for them to get tattooed.

If you have a low pain threshold It’s important to communicate your pain level with your artist before heading to the tattoo studio on the day.

They will be able to suggest styles and placements that will help and make the experience as comfortable as possible.

5 – Client’s Health Status

The client’s health status can also affect the level of pain experienced during a tattoo session.

If you are sick or have a weakened immune system, your body may be more sensitive to pain.

Women should avoid getting tattooed during their period which can sensitise the skin and make things more sore.

Its also important to avoid getting tattooed if you have a hangover as believe me you will feel every line much more intensely! It’s not worth it.

It’s important to disclose any health conditions or medications you are taking to your tattoo artist before getting a tattoo.

6 – Experience of the Tattoo Artist

The experience of the tattoo artist can also affect the level of pain experienced during a tattoo session.

An experienced tattoo artist will have a better understanding of how to minimize pain and discomfort during the tattooing process.

They will also be able to work quickly and efficiently, reducing the amount of time the skin is exposed to the needle.

An inexperienced artist may go over and over the same spot in an attempt to get the ink in which ends up being really painful and results in a poor quality tattoo.

Frequently asked questions about the Least Painful Places to Get a Tattoo

Can a tattoo be pain free?

Getting a tattoo cannot be completely pain-free. The process involves needles piercing the skin to deposit ink, which will cause discomfort or pain. Some painkillers can be used but these will not remove pain completely. Meditation, hydration and deep breathing can all help to control pain.

Where should you not get your first tattoo

Certain areas can be more painful and not suitable for your first tattoo. The ribs, foot, and inner thigh are some areas that are generally considered to be more painful and sensitive, and not the best choice for a new tattoo. Talk to your tattoo artist to determine the best location for you.

Conclusion – The 15 Most & Least Painful Places to Get A Tattoo

In conclusion, getting a tattoo doesn’t have to be a painful experience. With the right placement, you can minimize discomfort and level of pain and enjoy the process of getting inked. The top 10 least painful places to get a tattoo, as we’ve explored in this article, include the upper arm, thigh, calf, shoulder blade, and more.

Remember that everyone’s tattoo pain tolerance is different, so what might be a painless tattoo placement for one person could be an uncomfortable tattoo session for another. It varies so much person to person and each design is an individual experience.

Women and men also have different pain thresholds.  

Ultimately, it’s important to choose a spot that works for you and your body. With the right preparation and aftercare, you can have pleasant tattoo process and beautiful tattoo that you’ll love for years to come.

The information on the site is for entertainment only. Anything you do is at your own risk. Consult with your own Tattooist, Piercer or Doctor for advice.