Are Tattoos Painful? What Type of Tattoo Hurts the Most?

Where is the Most Painful Place to get a Tattoo?

A tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting ink or dye into the dermal layer of skin. It’s like repeatedly poking a completely conscious person with a very sharp needle. Tools used to make tattoos break the continuity of tissue. A new tattoo is an open wound within it. It has to be a little painful. This whole experience and our perception depends on several factors such as different levels of pain tolerance, general health and mood of a client and location of the tattoo on a body. Big doses of dopamine released in our brains during tattooing are natural painkillers. Those sudden hormone throws can cause tattoo addiction.

Tattoo Pain Map: Where it Hurts the Most and the Least

There is no scientific evidence that says which areas of the body will feel the most and least pain when getting inked. In general, the least painful spots are those with the biggest fat content, fewest nerve endings, and thickest skin. The most painful spots to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas such as ribs or hips or chest usually hurt a lot.

Tattoos on ribs are very popular especially among women, for example quotes, song lyrics or jewellery along the lower ribs. Many people feel that they are worth a little bit of pain and discomfort.

Tattooing hip areas look different on men and women. It’s more painful on a woman’s body because of their build and thinner skin.

Chest tattoos usually create a bit of mystery when parts of them are visible above the shirt line.

One of the most hurtful tattoos are on feet and toes because of many nerve endings. Tattoos made on hands or feet aren’t durable because of the constant rub these areas of the body experience in daily life. They often faded or blurred after a short time. Forearms or calves tend to fare better.

The face is full of nerve endings so it can hurt a lot when getting tattooed or pierced. The eyebrows, mouth, areas surrounding the eyes, forehead and nose are more painful than cheeks

Eyeball tattoos became famous a few years ago. They are both painful and dangerous. There is a high possibility of injury or infection, so proceed with great caution.

The Least Painful Spots for Tattoos

Forearms and arms are mostly muscles and some fat and tattooing on them isn’t very painful in comparison to rib tattoos. They generally remain in good shape for a very long time.

Thigh and calves are similar and made of muscles and fat in different ratios depending on gender. These areas are covered most of the time, so fresh tattoos in these areas may be less prone to infection if you follow proper aftercare procedures.

Back tattoos follow the same guidelines, in that targeting muscle and fat, versus bony areas, will reduce potential pain. The only additional caution connected with the back is that you have to remember to use a sun protection during the sunbathing, or your tattoos may fade quickly.

All tattoos should be protected from the sun, because they can fade quicker. Freshly done tattoos should be protected also from salt water, chlorine and sand or debris. Be careful around your pets too, making sure your tattoos are completely healed before they rub up against your new tattoo.

Regardless of your avoidance of pain, or non-avoidance of pain when getting a tattoo, remember, life is short so make your dreams come true and get the tattoos you always wanted. Just don’t forget to choose a highly skilled tattoo artist, preferably one trained at Ink Different Tattoo School tattoo school.

Make sure to read our tips on how to avoid tattoo pain.