Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or your 10th, there’s one question likely on your mind: Where do tattoos hurt the most? It’s a fair question to wonder about beforehand, especially as you’re choosing where you want to get your new ink.
“Generally, the areas of the body that tend to hurt the most are those with thin skin, many nerve endings, or close proximity to bone,” says Anastasia Summer, tattoo artist and owner of Nice Tattoo Parlor in Brooklyn. If you’re worried about tattoo pain in sensitive areas, consider avoiding these kinds of locations on your body to make for a more comfortable experience.
First-timers may also want to consider starting with smaller tattoos to get comfortable with the feeling. “In my experience, small tattoos are easy and very manageable,” says Brian Keith Thompson, owner of tattoo and piercing studio Body Electric in Los Angeles. “By the time they get annoyingly painful, they’re over.”
But remember that pain and how much it’s going to hurt is subjective, so everyone’s journey will be different. “Don’t get tattooed where you think it’s going to hurt less, but instead get it where you really want it,” says Thompson. “The pain won’t last that long and you will have the tattoo for a long time, so—with that in mind—choose well.”
Ahead, Summer and Thompson share the areas where tattoos usually hurt the most, so you know exactly what to expect before your appointment. Plus, read on for some areas that tend to hurt the least and how to prepare for your tattoo appointment.
Where do tattoos hurt the most?
According to the pros, here are the locations you might feel more discomfort:
Rib Cage
“This is often cited as one of the most painful areas,” says Summer. “The skin is very thin, and it’s right over the ribs, so you can really feel the vibration and pressure directly on the bone.”
Head, Face, Neck, and Fingers
“These areas have a high concentration of nerve endings, and the skin can be quite thin, leading to more intense sensations,” says Summer. Thompson, who’s had his head and hands (specifically his palm) tattooed, notes that these spots were painful for him too.
Spine
“Similar to the rib cage, tattooing directly over the spine means the needles are very close to the bone, which can be quite jarring,” says Summer. Thompson agrees and has the personal experience to back it up: “For me, my back was the most painful place for me,” he says.
Inner Thigh and Groin Area
“This area is very sensitive due to a lot of nerve endings and generally softer, more delicate skin,” says Summer.
