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“Beauty is pain” - it’s a well-known saying and a common response when something that is supposed to enhance our appearance causes pain. For many, tattoos are highly coveted pieces of artwork that they wear with pride. But, they don’t come easy. Tattoos, when applied properly and by a skilled artist, are beautiful but still painful. Tattoos hurt - everyone knows this. Which tattoo hurts the least? Some parts of the body are less painful than others, however, and many people use these locations first.
So, what tattoo hurts the least? For most people, the shoulder is the least painful place to get a tattoo. This makes it a popular choice for first tattoos as well as for those with notoriously low pain tolerance.
While the shoulder is a good default location for anyone who doesn’t want to suffer too much pain, there are a lot of factors that go into how much pain you’ll experience during a tattoo. Some have to do with things outside of your control, while others are up to you to take care of.
Whether you're planning to get your first tattoo or you're a seasoned tattoo enthusiast, you're sure to find something that suits your style and minimizes the pain. So, let's dive in and explore the world of the least painful tattoos!
Least Painful Locations For A Tattoo
If you want a tattoo that doesn’t hurt too much, it’s best to start with a less sensitive location. In addition to the shoulder, there are some places that are better for pain. There are several factors that contribute to whether a spot on your body is going to hurt quite a lot or very little:
- Thin, papery skin will hurt more than thicker, tougher areas.
- Areas where bones are close to the surface, such as ribs and knees.
- Anywhere where the skin folds, such as behind the knee or inside the elbow.
- How much muscle is underneath the skin.
- How much fat is in the area.
When you take the above factors into consideration, there are some locations that will be much less painful than others. That being said, however, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body will react differently. What is painful for one might not be nearly as bad for another.
Thighs. The thighs are large, smooth surfaces with a good layer of fat. This makes it a great place for large and/or multiple tattoos that won’t be too painful.
Upper Back. The upper part of the back is another smooth, flat surface with thicker skin which won’t make for a terribly painful tattoo.
The Stomach. The stomach is also smooth and fairly flat. The skin is flexible and most have an extra layer of fat over the abdomen. This helps to absorb the blow a little and make the experience less painful.
Fingers. While finger tattoos are small and will often fade fast due to the wear and tear of general life, they don’t usually cause much pain. The skin is relatively thin, but the fingers get a lot of exposure to the elements which makes them tough. Finger tattoos are also going to be small and therefore, whatever pain you do feel won’t last very long.
Wrists. The wrists are another place where tattoos are usually small and simple, therefore not taking too much time to complete. There are also very few bones and not too much muscle around the area, so it won’t be too sensitive.
Where it will get sensitive is the area right below your hand where there are a lot of folds and wrinkles when you bend the wrist. Most tattoo artists don’t recommend putting ink in this area, however, as the constant movement of the wrist isn’t good for ink longevity.
Hips. Like the thighs, the hips are smooth, flat and are a little fattier. As long as you avoid tattooing over the hip bone directly, the hip area will be milder in terms of pain.
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How to Reduce Tattoo Pain
Even once you’ve chosen a location that is as pain-free as possible, there are still some things you can do to reduce the amount of pain you feel during the tattooing process. Follow all of these tips and suggestions for the best tattoo experience..
Tattoo on Healthy Skin
Many people choose to get tattoos over old scars or injuries. If the markings are large, obvious, unattractive, or otherwise bothersome to someone, putting a tattoo over them can work a miracle for their confidence and self-esteem.
However, tattooing over scars is going to be extremely painful no matter where on the body the tattoo is, or what the design looks like. If you’re willing to suffer through this for the sake of covering a scar, then that’s up to you. But, if you’re looking to minimize the pain, put the tattoo on healthy, undamaged skin.
Sleep Well
Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before your tattoo appointment. The stronger your body is, the more it will tolerate without breaking down. Not only will a good sleep help keep the pain levels down, but it’s healthier and safer overall.
If you’re tired and weak, your body won’t handle the tattooing well and you could lose consciousness.
Eat Well
This goes hand in hand with sleeping well. Eat a good, solid, large meal before going in for your tattoo appointment. This will also help keep your body strong and allow it to handle the process to the best of its ability.
If you’re going in for a long sit, consider bringing some food to eat halfway through. You’ll have to step out of the tattoo station to eat it, of course, but it’s important to maintain your strength throughout the tattoo if it’s a long one.
Hold Still
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind. No matter how much you do to prevent it, all tattoos will hurt some. If you’re experiencing a lot of pain during the tattoo, you either have to suck it up and sit through it or ask the artist to take a break. Moving while the needle is still working on your skin is one of the worst things you can do.
A big enough movement will cause unnecessary pain as well as potentially ruin the design if your movements cause the ink to go where it’s not supposed to.
Avoid Color
Sometimes, the color is what makes the tattoo. However, color is going to be more painful than simple black and grey. If you’re extremely concerned about pain and you want to do everything possible to avoid it, don’t get color.
If it’s your first tattoo, start with black and grey and see how you handle it. If it’s not as bad as you thought, you could consider trying color next time when you’re more prepared for what a tattoo feels like.
Another option is to do your color tattoo in two sittings. On the first one, do all the outlining and any black and grey shading.. Once you’ve had a chance to recover and heal a little bit, go back and have the color done separately. This will break the pain up into shorter stints.
What Hurts More Linework or Shading Tattoo?
One common question that people ask when getting a tattoo is, "What hurts more, linework or shading tattoo?" While pain is subjective and can differ from person to person, there are some general observations that could be made. Getting a linework tattoo can be less painful than getting a shading tattoo. Linework tattoos are simple designs made of one continuous line.
Since the needle does not need to move back and forth, the pain is less intense. The artist can complete a linework tattoo quickly, which is perfect for anyone who wants to get in and out of the chair as soon as possible. On the other hand, shading tattoos can be more painful since the needle moves many times over the same area to create gradients and textures.
The process takes longer, and the more time spent in the chair, the more you will feel the pain. The ink is also inserted deeper into the skin, which can make the discomfort last longer. It is important to note that some factors can affect the pain level, such as the location of the tattoo and your personal pain tolerance.
Areas such as the ribs, spine, and feet can be more painful regardless of the tattoo style. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what type of design to get and how much pain they can handle. However, knowing the difference between a linework and shading tattoo can help you make a more informed decision and prepare for your appointment accordingly.
What Can Tattoo Pain be Compared to?
Getting a tattoo is a thrilling experience that can come with a bit of pain - unfortunately, it's unavoidable. But, the good news is that there are tattoo designs that hurt less than others. Knowing which designs will cause less pain is helpful when you're preparing for your session. Some designs that are considered the least painful include small tattoos, those that are placed on fatty areas, and tattoos that are placed on the upper arms.
So, what can tattoo pain be compared to? If you're a first-timer, prepare for a sensation that feels like a hot scratching or a burning sensation. The pain usually feels sharpest where the skin is thin, such as around the wrist, ankle, or spine. It's essential to remember that everyone's pain threshold is different, so what may be painful to one person may not bother another.
So, it's always best to mentally prepare yourself before any tattoo session. It's important to note that the level of pain you feel is not solely dependent on the size of the tattoo or the placement. The pain can increase if you're dehydrated or if your blood sugar is low.
Your state of mind can also affect the intensity of the pain you feel - if you're scared or anxious, the pain may feel amplified. It's important to discuss your discomfort levels with your artist beforehand so that they can take steps to help you manage it. In the end, the pain is temporary, and you'll have a beautiful piece of art to show for it.
Also Read: How Long do Tattoos Take to Heal
Discussing Pain Management Options with Your Tattoo Artist
Discussing pain management options with your tattoo artist is essential when deciding on the least painful tattoo options. It's important to remember that pain is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, there are a few pain management options that can help minimize discomfort during the tattooing process.
One option is to choose a design that incorporates less intricate details, as this will result in less time spent under the needle. Additionally, choosing a design with lighter colors can also result in less pain, as darker inks typically require more pressure to apply than lighter ones. Another option is to consider numbing creams or sprays to be applied before the session starts.
These products can help desensitize the skin and reduce pain. However, it's important to consult with your tattoo artist and a medical professional beforehand to ensure that the product is safe to use. Finally, taking breaks during the tattooing process can also help minimize pain.
It's important to communicate with your tattoo artist and let them know if you need a break, as they can adjust their schedule accordingly. Remember, communication is key when discussing pain management options with your tattoo artist. They want to ensure your comfort and satisfaction with the final result, so don't be afraid to speak up and ask for assistance throughout the process.
When to Use Numbing Cream
Some people may wonder why more artists don’t use a numbing cream, spray, or another numbing agent. If it would allow everyone to avoid the pain of a tattoo, shouldn’t it be used all the time?
The reality of numbing products is that they can potentially affect the outcome of the tattoo in a negative way. Some people have reported ink spreading more in a tattoo that was applied on numbed skin. It can also make the tattooing itself more difficult, which can, in turn, cause the final product to be of lesser quality.
Whiile it may make take the pain levels down, it’sd smarter and better for the quality and health of your tattoo to avoid any numbing products.
Does Your Weight Affect the Pain Level?
Many assume that the skinnier you are, the more a tattoo is going to hurt. This is not necessarily true. Much of the pain you experience during a tattoo has to do with nerve endings, which will be present no matter how much weight you have.
Having an extra layer of fat around bonier areas of the body might lessen the pain of a tattoo slightly, but that’s the only real effect your weight will have on the pain.
What Tattoos Hurt the Most?
If you’re looking to get a tattoo that doesn’t hurt too much, the best thing you can do is to select one of the locations discussed above. However, if none of those locations work for you or they aren’t good for the design you want, you don’t have to rule the tattoo out completely.
If the least painful locations are out of the question, you can still make an effort to avoid the places on your body that will hurt the most. There are plenty of places on the body that are more of a “medium” pain level. It won’t be a total breeze, but it won’t be excruciating either.
Anything with very thin, sensitive skin will be quite painful. Additionally, anywhere with prominent bones that are close to the skin will hurt. Depending on the design, your artist may be able to avoid going over the bones in a certain area while tattooing very close to them.
The most painful locations include:
- Ribs
- Head
- Face
- Feet
- Back of the knee
- Inner elbow
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