Getting a tattoo is an exciting and personal experience, but one of the most common concerns for first-timers (and even seasoned tattoo lovers) is the pain. The level of discomfort you’ll experience can vary depending on where you choose to get inked. Some body areas are more sensitive than others due to factors like skin thickness, nerve density, and proximity to bones. Here are seven of the most painful body areas for a tattoo, based on common experiences from those who have gone under the needle.
1. Ribcage
The ribcage is often cited as one of the most painful spots to get a tattoo. The skin in this area is thin and closely connected to the ribs, so when the tattoo needle hits close to the bone, the discomfort is intense. The sensitivity is heightened if the tattoo design wraps around the side or lower ribs, as the skin is stretched more in those areas. The pain is sharp and constant, making this a spot best suited for those with a higher pain tolerance.
2. Spine
Tattooing along the spine is another notoriously painful spot. The skin along the back is thin, and the spine itself is a bony structure that can make the tattooing process feel much more intense. The pain tends to be sharp and localized, and as the tattoo artist works their way down the spine, the pain can vary depending on the area—near the shoulders and lower back can feel especially tender.
3. Elbows and Knees
Both the elbow and knee joints are sensitive areas for tattoos due to the proximity to bone and the relatively thin skin. The pain in these areas can feel like a deep, stinging sensation, particularly around the creases and folds of the joint. Elbows and knees can be challenging because they are areas of frequent movement, which can make the skin more prone to irritation. Tattooing over bone in these areas intensifies the discomfort, especially around the edges of the joint.
4. Hands and Fingers
Hands and fingers are another painful area for tattoos due to the thin skin and large number of nerve endings. The skin on your hands is relatively sensitive, and tattooing here can feel very intense, especially around the knuckles, wrist, and fingers. This is a place where pain can vary greatly depending on the tattoo’s placement and the intricacy of the design. For many, it’s the constant vibration of the needle on such a sensitive area that makes the pain feel so sharp.
5. Feet and Ankles
The feet and ankles are areas known for their high pain levels when it comes to tattoos. The skin on the top of your feet is thin, and there’s very little fat cushioning the bones, making it more sensitive to the tattoo needle. The ankle bone is another notoriously painful spot due to the skin being so close to bone and the nerve density in the area. The tops of the feet and around the toes can be particularly painful as well, with the pain often described as sharp and stinging.
6. Armpits
The armpit area is not only highly sensitive, but it’s also packed with nerve endings. Tattooing in this area can feel extremely painful, and many people report that it’s one of the most agonizing places to get inked. The skin is thin, and the proximity to the ribs and upper chest only adds to the discomfort. The pain may come in waves, from a dull ache to sharp stabs, depending on where the needle lands.
7. Neck and Throat
Tattooing on the neck, particularly around the throat and the sides, is known for being excruciatingly painful. The skin on the neck is thin, and there’s not much fat, meaning the tattoo needle is closer to the bone. Additionally, the area has a high concentration of nerves, making it one of the most sensitive parts of the body to get tattooed. The pain can be constant and feel like a deep ache or a sharp sting, especially if the tattoo artist is working near the throat or the spine.
