MOST PAINFUL PLACE TO GET A TATTOO

It’s Going to Hurt, But How Much?

Everyone knows that getting a tattoo involves enduring varying degrees of pain and discomfort. Think about it, the tattoo machine’s needle etches ink into the skin at a relatively rapid rate, so there’s bound to be at least a little nagging discomfort—even for the most experienced tattoo connoisseur. The amount of pain a person experiences while getting tattooed depends on his or her pain threshold (i.e., the amount of pain her or she can withstand at any given time) and the area of the body getting inked. If you’re planning on getting a new tattoo soon and are worried (or just curious) about the pain, it’s important to know about the most painful places to get tattooed.

Fold of the Arm and Back of the Knee

If you’ve ever gotten a cut on the fold of your arm (also known as your elbow ditch) or the back of the knee, you know these areas are highly sensitive. This sensitivity comes from these areas’ thin layers of skin and lack of muscle. Tattoos on these areas look awesome, but just know that they are some of the most painful places to get tattooed.

Hands and Feet

Take a look at your hands and feet. You’ll probably notice the skin is quite thin and that there isn’t a whole lot of cushion between the skin and ligaments and bones. This lack of cushioning makes the hands and feet some of the most painful places to get tattooed, especially if there is any shading involved.

Elbow

Many people view the elbow as one of the coolest areas to get inked, but it’s also one the most painful places to get tattooed. You can thank your body’s lack of natural cushioning of the elbow for this. Additionally, in order to properly distribute the ink and overall design, you’ll have to twist and turn your arm in multiple ways for the desired effect. Afterward, you’ll most likely experience some swelling.

Inner Arm

The inner arm is one of the most popular spots on the body to get tatted up; just think of how many people you’ve seen with ink on their inner bicep. Despite its popularity, the inner arm is one of the most painful places to get tattooed thanks to its thin layer of skin and the nerve endings beneath the skin. If your pain threshold is low and you just have to get a tattoo in this area, it may be wise to opt for a script tattoo.

Chest

As you know, your chest houses your rib cage, making it one of the most bony areas of the body and one of the most painful places to get tattooed. The pain factor can be lessened a bit if you’ve been hitting the gym and focusing on your pecs. But if you haven’t been pumping the iron, expect to feel some pain, especially if you have a low pain threshold. 

Just because these areas are some of the most painful places to get tattooed doesn’t mean you should shy away from getting your new piece. Remember, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger—and in this case, much more rad! If you’re ready to get your new ink, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us today. We’ll be happy to distract you from any pain you may experience during the tattooing process.