When it comes to getting a tattoo, pain is often an inevitable part of the process. However, certain areas of the body are known to be more painful to tattoo than others.

While everyone has their own pain tolerance, it’s helpful to have an idea of what to expect in terms of discomfort and pain when deciding on a design and placement for your tattoo. Here, we’ll explore some of the most painful areas of the body to get a tattoo.

1. Hands and Fingers

Getting a tattoo on your hands or fingers can be extremely painful, as these areas have very little fat or muscle to cushion the needle.

In addition, the skin on your hands and fingers is constantly in motion, making it difficult for the tattoo artist to get a consistent and even finish. While many people choose to get tattoos on their fingers or in-between their fingers, it’s important to be aware that this area is notoriously painful.

2. Ribcage

The ribcage is another area of the body known to be painful to tattoo. This area has very little subcutaneous fat, which means that the needle is closer to the bone and nerves in the area.

In addition, breathing can cause the ribs to expand and contract, making it difficult for the tattoo artist to get a consistent line and causing discomfort for the person getting the tattoo.

3. Feet and Ankles

Getting a tattoo on your feet or ankles can be very painful, as these areas have a lot of small bone structures that are close to the surface of the skin.

Additionally, the skin in these areas is quite thin, which can make the tattooing process more painful. If you’re considering a foot or ankle tattoo, it’s important to be prepared for a potentially uncomfortable experience.

4. Elbow

The skin on the elbow is thin and stretchy, which can make getting a tattoo in this area very painful.

Additionally, the elbow is a joint, which means that the skin and muscles in the area are constantly moving, making it difficult for the tattoo artist to get an even finish. If you’re planning on getting a tattoo on your elbow, be prepared for a painful and challenging experience.

5. Neck

The neck is a sensitive and delicate area of the body, with many nerves and blood vessels close to the surface of the skin.

Getting a tattoo on your neck can be very painful, and it’s also a difficult area for the tattoo artist to work on due to the intricate curves and angles of the neck. If you’re planning on getting a neck tattoo, be prepared for a potentially painful and lengthy session.

6. Inner Thighs

The skin on the inner thighs is very thin and delicate, and the area is also close to the groin and genitals, which can make it a sensitive and uncomfortable area to have tattooed.

Additionally, the position of the legs can make it difficult for the tattoo artist to work on the area, which can further add to the discomfort.

7. Armpit

The armpit area is sensitive and prone to sweating, which can make it a challenging area for tattooing. Not only is the skin in this area thin and tender, but the presence of lymph nodes and nerves can also make it painful to have tattooed.

If you’re considering an armpit tattoo, be prepared for a potentially uncomfortable experience.

8. Lower Back

The lower back is a common location for tattoos, but it’s also a notorious area for pain. The skin in this area is thin and delicate, and the spine and nerve endings can make it a particularly sensitive area to have tattooed.

If you’re planning on getting a lower back tattoo, be prepared for a potentially painful experience.

9. Face

The skin on the face is thin and delicate, with many small blood vessels and sensitive nerves.

Getting a tattoo on your face can be very painful, and it’s also a difficult area for the tattoo artist to work on due to the intricate nature of the facial features. If you’re considering a facial tattoo, be prepared for a particularly painful and challenging experience.

10. Genital Area

The genital area is sensitive and intimate, making it a challenging and potentially uncomfortable area to tattoo.

Not only is the skin in this area thin and delicate, but the proximity to sensitive nerve endings and blood vessels can make the experience particularly painful. If you’re considering a tattoo in the genital area, it’s important to carefully consider the potential pain and discomfort involved.