These are the Most Painful Areas in the Body to Get a Tattoo

They say that, after your first tattoo, the itch to get a second one is stronger than ever. I wouldn’t know because I have yet to get one, but anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that people would tend to get more after their first tattoo. That’s fodder for conversation with your tattooed friend the next time you see him or her. 

While you’re at it, maybe you can also ask them just how much it hurt to get inked. As you might have guessed, some body parts are more painful than others when it comes to tattoos. We’re talking about sharp needles piercing your skin multiple times, after all. 

Tattoo experts at LLTattoo have revealed which body parts hurt the most to have tattooed. Might be a good idea to read this before getting your next (or first) tattoo. And in case you want to go through with it, there are experts tips, too, on how to handle the pain.  

The most painful body parts to get tattooed:

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1| Genitals  

Believe it or not, some people have their genitals tattooed. Just the thought is enough to make us cringe. While not very popular, genital tattoos are widely regarded as the most painful due to the high number of nerve endings in the area, which can send pain signals throughout the entire body. 

“The skin in this region is also very thin, which further amplifies the pain sensation,” LLTattoo says. “Beyond the physical pain, a genital tattoo can also be quite uncomfortable due to the private nature of the body part involved. Those considering a tattoo in this area should be fully aware of the heightened pain levels and should discuss this with their tattoo artist beforehand. Professionalism and comfort with the tattoo artist are also crucial when getting a genital tattoo.” 

2| Armpit  

“Armpit tattoos are notoriously painful due to the thinner skin and high number of nerves in the area, making it extremely sensitive to the tattoo needle's puncture,” says LLTattoo.  “Additionally, the armpit's close proximity to lymph nodes can result in further discomfort throughout the tattooing process. It can also be a difficult area to heal a tattoo due to the constant movement.”

Also, imagine not being able to lower your arm throughout the healing process. 

“Overall, an armpit tattoo requires a lot of thought and consideration, and it definitely shouldn’t be one of your first.” 

3| Rib cage 

Many people who get inked go to the chest area after they’ve pretty much covered the body’s extremities. But, LLTattoo says the rib cage is infamously painful to have tattooed, largely due to the thin layer of skin in the area.

“When the tattoo needle hits the ribs, it causes a sharp pain, as there is little flesh to cushion the impact,” the site says. “On top of this, the rib area expands and contracts with each breath, which can further heighten the pain during the tattooing session. This sensitivity, combined with the vibrations caused by the needle hitting the bones, makes the rib cage one of the more painful tattoo locations.”

4| Elbows and knees 

You can see arm and leg tattoos pretty much everywhere, but what’s less common are those on elbows and knees, and for good reason. Apparently, tattoos in these areas are extremely painful due to the minimal amount of muscle and fat. This results in the tattoo needle working closely over bone, which intensifies the pain. 

“The skin around the elbows and knees is also tougher and less elastic, making the tattooing process more painful,” according to LLTattoo. “The frequent movement of these joints can also prolong the healing process and increase discomfort during recovery. Due to these factors, tattoos on the elbows and knees are often particularly challenging, during both the tattooing process and healing period, requiring a high pain tolerance from those who choose to get them.”

5| Hands and feet 

This one is pretty self-explanatory. The hands and feet are considered among the more painful spots to get inked, especially on the palms and bottom of the feet. This is largely because these areas have a high number of nerve endings and thinner layers of skin over the bone.

“Furthermore, the skin in these areas is subject to constant movement and exposure, which can complicate the healing process. Those opting for tattoos on their hands or feet should prepare for a challenging tattoo experience and a diligent aftercare routine.” 

Now, if after this, you’re still keen on getting inked on any of these areas, LLTattoo also dispensed some practical advice to deal with the pain. 

“If you’re getting your first tattoo, some of the less painful areas are your outer forearm and upper arm, as they are fleshy areas that are low on nerve endings,” says Mentor Dedaj, a spokesperson for LLTattoo. “However, after a few tattoos, you might start thinking about getting one in a more painful area. While they are never pleasant, they are bearable as long as you visit a reputable tattoo artist and prepare yourself beforehand.” 

1| Eat before and during your tattoo 

“It is crucial to ensure you have eaten and are well-hydrated before getting a tattoo; having an empty stomach can cause lightheadedness or dizziness due to lower energy and blood sugar levels,” the site says. “It is also important to keep your blood sugar levels up during the tattoo, so bring along a fizzy drink, sweets, chocolate, or anything else you like that has plenty of sugar.”

2| Get a good night’s sleep 

“Before getting a tattoo, it is important to get a good night’s rest, especially if you are booked in for a longer session. A well-rested body can cope better with stress and pain, therefore making the tattooing process slightly easier.”  

3| Consider using a numbing cream 

“Numbing creams or sprays can be a great way of taking the edge off during the tattoo process, especially for those with low pain tolerance or when targeting sensitive areas,” according to LLTattoo. “Numbing creams work by temporarily blocking the nerve signals in the skin. This reduction in sensation allows people to undergo longer tattoo sessions with more comfort, making it easier to tackle large designs or tattoos located in painful areas. However, it's important to consult with the tattoo artist first before using any numbing products, as some can affect the skin's texture or ink absorption.”