Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt? Pain Levels by Body Placement
Let’s address the elephant in the room: does getting a tattoo hurt?
Short answer: yes. You’re getting poked with needles—it’s not exactly a spa treatment.
Longer answer: it depends. Pain varies wildly based on where you’re getting tattooed, your personal pain tolerance, and the size of the piece. Some spots are basically a mild annoyance. Others? Let’s just say people have been known to reconsider their life choices mid-session.
Here’s the honest breakdown.
The Tattoo Pain Chart: What Actually Hurts
Not all body parts are created equal when it comes to tattoo pain. Here’s what to expect by placement:
Least Painful Spots (You Got This)
Outer Arm / Bicep
Plenty of muscle and fat padding here. Most people describe it as a scratchy, vibrating sensation. Totally manageable, even for first-timers.
Outer Thigh
Same deal—lots of cushion. This is one of the least painful tattoo spots you can pick. Great for bigger pieces if you want minimal suffering.
Calf
Mostly muscle, relatively chill. Some sensitivity near the shin, but overall pretty smooth sailing.
Upper Back / Shoulder
Fleshy and forgiving. Unless you’re going near the spine (more on that later), upper back tattoos are pretty easy to sit through.
Moderate Pain (Uncomfortable but Doable)
Inner Arm / Forearm
Thinner skin than the outer arm, so you’ll feel it more. Not terrible, but you’ll be aware you’re getting tattooed. Most people handle it fine.
Wrist
The closer you get to the inner wrist with all those veins and tendons, the spicier it gets. Still one of the most popular spots, so it’s clearly survivable.
Ankle
Thin skin over bone. It’s a bit zappy. Outer ankle is easier than inner ankle, where the skin is thinner.
Chest (Outer)
Pectoral area with muscle? Not too bad. Closer to the sternum? Different story (keep reading).
High Pain (Buckle Up)
Ribs
Ah, the ribs. Legendary in tattoo pain conversations. Thin skin stretched over bone with every breath moving the canvas. This one earns its reputation. Deep breaths help—no, wait, that makes it move. Shallow breaths? Just survive.
Sternum / Center Chest
Right over the bone with minimal padding. Plus it’s a sensitive area generally. Not for the faint of heart.
Spine
The vibration feels like it’s rattling your entire skeleton. Spine tattoos look incredible but they’re earned.
Elbow / Knee
All bone, all nerve endings, all unpleasant. The ditch (inner elbow) and the back of the knee are especially spicy.
Feet
Thin skin, tons of nerve endings, bones everywhere. Foot tattoos are cute but painful. They also fade faster, so you’re really committing to the suffering.
Maximum Pain (Why Would You Do This)
Hands and Fingers
All those nerve endings that make your hands so sensitive? They’re working overtime during a tattoo. Plus thin skin and lots of bone.
Inner Bicep
Softer, thinner skin with less muscle coverage. It’s sneaky painful.
Armpit
If you’re getting your armpit tattooed, you already know what you signed up for. Godspeed.
Head / Face / Neck
Thin skin, tons of nerves, and bone right underneath. Also, the vibration in your skull is a unique experience.
Why Smaller Tattoos Hurt Less
Here’s the thing about flash tattoos: they’re generally smaller and faster than custom work. And less time under the needle = less cumulative pain.
A 15-minute micro tattoo is a completely different experience than a 3-hour session. Your body doesn’t even have time to fully register what’s happening before it’s over. The endorphins haven’t kicked in because you don’t need them yet.
This is why we recommend flash tattoos for first-timers. You get to experience the sensation, see how you handle it, and walk away with great ink—all without the marathon session.
Tips for Managing Tattoo Pain
Want to make your session easier? Here’s what actually helps:
Eat Before You Come In
Seriously. Don’t show up hungry or you might get lightheaded. Your body needs fuel to handle stress. Have a real meal, not just coffee.
Stay Hydrated
Drink water the day before and the day of. Hydrated skin tattoos better and feels better.
Skip the Alcohol
Alcohol thins your blood, which means more bleeding, which means worse healing. Also, showing up drunk is a hard no—we’ll send you home.
Get Enough Sleep
Your pain tolerance tanks when you’re exhausted. Show up rested.
Breathe Through It
Deep, steady breathing actually helps. It keeps you relaxed and gives your brain something to focus on besides the sensation.
Bring a Distraction
Headphones with a podcast or playlist. Chat with your artist. Watch videos on your phone. Distraction is underrated.
Numbing Cream?
Some people swear by it, others say it’s not worth it. Numbing creams can affect how the skin takes ink, so talk to your artist first if you’re considering it.
What Does a Tattoo Actually Feel Like?
People describe it differently, but common descriptions include:
- Cat scratches (the most common comparison)
- Vibrating bee stings
- Hot scratching sensation
- Annoying but tolerable
It’s not the sharp, sudden pain of stubbing your toe. It’s more of a sustained, scratchy feeling. Your body adjusts after the first few minutes, and adrenaline kicks in to help.
Know Your Limits (And Communicate)
Good artists check in with you during the session. If you need a break, say so. If you’re feeling lightheaded, speak up. There’s no shame in pausing—it’s way better than passing out.
Tattoo artists want you to have a good experience. They’re not going to judge you for needing a breather.
The Pain Is Temporary, the Ink Is Forever
Here’s the thing: millions of people get tattooed every year. If it were truly unbearable, this industry wouldn’t exist. Yes, getting a tattoo hurts—but it’s a manageable hurt. A temporary hurt for permanent art.
Most people’s honest post-tattoo verdict? “That wasn’t as bad as I expected.”
Ready to find out for yourself? Start with a small flash piece, pick a less painful spot, and see how you do. We’re walk-in friendly at all three of our Brooklyn and Manhattan locations.
You’ve got this. 🖤