"Does it hurt?" is the number one question we hear at Carpe Diem Tattoo Studio. The honest answer is yes — but the level of pain varies wildly depending on where on your body you get tattooed. Here is our comprehensive guide, ranked from least to most painful.
Least Painful Areas
**Upper outer arm / outer thigh**
These areas have plenty of muscle and fat padding, and relatively few nerve endings. Most people describe the sensation as annoying scratching or a hot rubber band snap. First-timers, these are your comfort zones.
**Calf**
Similar to the outer thigh, the outer calf is well-padded and generally tolerable. The inner calf can be slightly more sensitive but still ranks low on the pain scale.
**Upper back (shoulder blades excluded)**
The meaty parts of the upper back, away from the spine and shoulder blades, are surprisingly manageable. The skin is thick and the muscle underneath provides good cushioning.
Moderate Pain Areas
**Forearm**
The outer forearm is usually fine. The inner forearm, especially near the wrist, starts to get more sensitive due to thinner skin and more nerve endings.
**Upper chest (pectoral area)**
The muscle here helps, but the skin is thinner than the arm or thigh. It is a dull, grinding pain rather than sharp.
**Hips / side of thigh**
These areas sit on the border between easy and uncomfortable. Some people find them fine, others wince when the needle hits bone close to the surface.
High Pain Areas
**Ribs**
This is where things get serious. The skin over the ribs is thin, there is little muscle or fat, and every breath moves the area. The pain is sharp, constant, and relentless. Many people rate ribs as their worst tattoo experience.
**Feet and ankles**
Tons of nerve endings, thin skin, and bone right underneath. Foot tattoos are notoriously painful and also heal poorly due to constant friction from shoes and socks.
**Inner bicep / armpit area**
The inner arm is surprisingly sensitive. The armpit itself is one of the most painful places on the body to tattoo. Most artists will only tackle this area on experienced clients.
**Neck**
Thin skin, lots of nerves, and the sensation of vibration through your skull. Neck tattoos are intense. The throat area is particularly brutal.
**Hands and fingers**
Very thin skin, constant use, and lots of nerve endings. Hand tattoos hurt, heal poorly, and blur quickly. Many artists refuse to do fingers altogether.
Factors That Affect Pain
Tips for Managing Pain
- Eat a solid meal beforehand and bring snacks.
- Stay hydrated but avoid excessive caffeine.
- Bring headphones and a playlist.
- Do not watch the needle.
- Focus on your breathing.
- Take breaks when your artist offers them.
- Do not drink alcohol beforehand — it thins blood and makes things worse.
At the end of the day, the pain is temporary but the art is forever. Every person who walks out of our Macclesfield studio says the result was worth it. If you are nervous, start with a small piece in a low-pain area and work your way up.
