If you are new to getting inked, you probably belong to the former group and want to get your first tattoo on some part which is least likely to hurt. Well, all tattoos will hurt, but the pain is tolerable and completely worth it, as any tattoo enthusiast would tell you. No matter whether you are aprehensive or are looking to test the limits of your pain threshold, you are at the right place. In this post, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about tattooing and the pain you could feel after getting one. We’ve also included some suggestions for reducing pain when getting tattooed. But first, let’s tackle the most obvious concern.
Does Getting A Tattoo Hurt?
Yes, getting tattooed hurts. Tattoos are inked with specially designed needles that prick your skin at a very fast speed. The speed is fast enough to pierce your skin but slow enough that it does not tear. Therefore, there is no bleeding during the tattoo process. Tattooing requires the needle to go beyond the superficial layer of the skin. This layer is known as the dermis. The dermis is capable of healing itself. That is why a tattoo must go beyond the dermis to stay permanent.
What Kind Of Pain Does Tattooing Cause?
The kind of pain you feel when getting tattooed varies from person to person. Some people may not even blink at the pain while others may bawl their eyes out. It is important for you to figure out your pain threshold and inform your tattoo artist about the same. Pain can be described in many different ways. While this hasn’t been proven scientifically, these are a few types of sensations that tattoo pain has been described as:
What Are The Most Painful Places To Get A Tattoo?
Getting a tattoo is going to be painful no matter where you get it. But, certain areas hurt way more than others. Think twice before getting a tattoo on any of the following places:
1. Armpit
The armpit is one of the places that hurt the most when getting a tattoo will hurt a lot. It is also considered to be the most difficult place to get inked. Many tattoo artists advise against an armpit tattoo. Pain level: 9/10
2. Ribcage
The ribcage is a structure full of bones. It also moves every time you take a breath. This can interfere with the tattooing process and cause extreme pain. Pain level: 9/10
3. Ankles, Shins, Feet, And Toes
The skin on ankles and shins is very thin. You will feel an intense, sharp, and vibrating pain in these areas. Pain level: 9/10
4. Nipples And Breasts
Nipples and breasts are some of the most sensitive areas of your body. While they are mostly muscle, they also have lots of nerve endings that make them extremely sensitive to pain. Pain level: 7/10
5. Groin
The groin is filled with nerve endings that make it sensitive. It is also connected to various lymph nodes, which just increases the pain level. Pain level: 8/10
6. Elbows And Knees
Elbows and knees are areas with the least amount of muscular padding. The bones lie beneath very thin, sheer skin. Tattooing on the elbow, knee, elbow ditch, or knee ditch may cause a sharp, intense pain. Pain level: 8/10 for elbows, 10/10 for knees
7. Hips
The pelvic bone, which lies in the hip region, is covered by a very delicate layer of skin. If you are thin or have less fat around the hips, getting a tattoo on your hips may hurt a lot. It is described as a sharp, intense, vibrating pain. Pain level: 8/10
8. Neck And Spine
The neck and spine are very sensitive parts of the body. Thousands of nerves pass through them, and the pain felt here is quite intense. While the pain on the back of the neck might still be bearable, getting a tattoo on the front of the neck is intensely painful. Pain level: 7/10
9. Head, Face, And Ears
The head, face, and ears have almost no cushioning of muscle or fat. As they are so close to the brain, many nerves run through these areas. Pain level:8/10
10. Lips
The lips and the inside of the mouth are crowded with nerve endings. These areas are generally super sensitive and bleed at the slightest pressure. Applying a tattoo needle here is bound to be both bloody and painful. Pain level: 6/10
11. Hands And Fingers
Hands and fingers experience quite a bit of wear and tear due to constant contact with the outside world. These are also places with lots of major nerve endings. Their boney structure may cause a lot of pain during the inking process, and their constant movement may hinder the healing of a tattoo. Pain level: 8/10
12. Stomach
The stomach is quite a painful area to get a tattoo. Some might say they don’t feel pain here, but it largely depends on your shape and lifestyle. People who have higher weight generally have looser skin, and tattooing on loose skin is very painful. On the other hand, people who have lower weight and tight skin will not feel as much pain. If you sleep on your stomach or are ticklish, you may want to reconsider getting a tattoo on your stomach. Pain level: 6/10
13. Inner Thigh
The inside and back of the thighs are some of the most painful places to get a tattoo. Some major nerves pass through your thighs, which don’t see much movement or contact with external forces. Therefore, there is a chance that they may heal without any major hiccups. Pain level: 7/10
14. Inner Bicep
The inner bicep is a highly sensitive area. It also experiences quite some wear and tear due to the constant friction it undergoes. The thin, delicate skin there is quite sensitive to pain. Pain level: 6/10 Now, check out the places that are comparatively less painful to get a tattoo.
What Are The Least Painful Places To Get A Tattoo?
Getting a tattoo is painful. But, there are places on your body that may hurt relatively less when getting tattooed. These include:
1. Upper Or Outer Thigh
The upper or outer thigh is one of the places where you feel the least pain. The pain felt from tattooing here is a dull background pain. Pain level: 4/10
2. Forearm
The forearm has thick skin and is padded with muscles. This place is an ideal canvas for a tattoo artist. Pain level: 3/10
3. Shoulder AndOuter Bicep
Shoulders and outer biceps have thick skin and lots of muscles, making them less susceptible to pain. Pain level: 4/10
4. Upper And Lower Back
The back, in general, is not a very painful place to get tattooed. If you are a person who is boney, you may feel more pain around the shoulder blades and atop the spinal cord. Pain level: 4/10 Tattoos generally hurt. But, there are a few factors that stand out when considering tattoo pain. Check them out in the next section.
What Factors Affect The Pain Caused By Tattooing?
The good news is that you can take steps to reduce and manage the pain that you experience when getting tattooed. Find out more in the next section!
How To Minimize The Pain Caused By Tattooing?
Have a good night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep will make you feel more comfortable and prep your body for a tattoo. You will also be more relaxed and less anxious when you are well-rested. Stay sober! Alcohol thins your blood, which is bad for the tattooing process. Apart from this, getting a tattoo under the influence of alcohol may lead to some less than desirable results. Ask your tattoo artist about numbing creams. Using a numbing cream may reduce the pain. Don’t eat right before getting a tattoo on your stomach. Make sure your tattoo artist is experienced and certified. Take some candy or your earphones. Music and food can distract you from the pain and the tattooing process. Follow proper aftercare. Tattoos require time and care to heal properly. Follow the instructions properly to avoid post-tattoo pain. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during the process. Bring a companion. Don’t bring too many people but someone who can boost your morale. Be sure about your tattoo. Make sure that you are completely committed to getting a tattoo. If you are skeptical about getting a tattoo, you may be skeptical about the process, which may cause pain.
Here are some more things that you can do before getting a tattoo to make the process more comfortable.
What To Do Before Getting A Tattoo?
Can someone with low pain tolerance get a tattoo? Yes, someone with low pain tolerance can get a tattoo, but it should be small and done on a comparatively pain-free area like the forearm or outer thigh area.
