We’ve talked before on the blog about how painful getting a tattoo can be. But when it comes to tattoo pain most and least sensitive areas, there are big differences. We even posted a reel showing clearly which body parts are more or less sensitive. Plus, we’ve shared tips on how to make the pain a bit more bearable (but please keep in mind that needles will always be needlin’).
But, like most things in life, there’s always room for more depth and detail. So here it is: your in-depth “tattoo pain sensitivity guide” from head to toe.
It goes without saying, but keep in mind that everyone’s pain tolerance is different. So take this general guide with a pinch of salt. And most importantly, at the end of the day please get a tattoo that makes you happy! Pain is temporary, art is forever. 🫶
At the end of the article you will find a full pain score per body part and a brief explanation of the reason behind it. But we repeat: pain is subjective!
As you can imagine, the main factors that affect tattoo pain are: the number of nerve endings, skin thickness, and whether there’s bone directly underneath the skin.
In short: the thinner the skin and the closer to bone or nerves, the more painful it’s likely to be.
Aside from the location on your body, other things can influence how much pain you feel during a tattoo session:
For people with a uterus who menstruate, your cycle can affect your pain threshold. Generally, the closer you are to your period, the more sensitive you might be. It’s not a strict rule, but it’s something to consider.
We all have off days. What’s less known is that your mood can affect your perception of pain. If you’re stressed, anxious, or simply not feeling your best, your pain tolerance may be lower.
As covered in the BlackBear Ink tattoo style guide, different tattoo styles come with different pain levels. For example, traditional and blackwork require heavy saturation, which tends to be more painful than, say, ornamental or small realism styles.
Pretty self-explanatory: the bigger the tattoo, the more surface area is involved. Large pieces can also be more painful because the artist may need to go over certain spots multiple times for proper saturation.
When choosing a tattoo location, it’s smart to think beyond just the design. Consider all the factors that might affect your experience.
If it’s your first tattoo, it’s usually a good idea to start with an area that has a bit more muscle or fat. This tends to make the whole experience a bit more comfortable. Book your appointment and become your own experiment! 😉
| Body Area | Pain Score | Remarks |
| Outer upper arm | 3 | Relatively comfortable and far from nerves |
| Top of shoulder | 3 | Good spot for beginners; muscle mass helps, little bone |
| Buttocks | 3–4 | Fleshy area |
| Front thigh (quads) | 4 | Lots of flesh and muscle |
| Upper back (middle) | 4 | Usually manageable, unless close to the spine |
| Behind the ear | 4 | Thin skin, close to bone, many nerve endings; sharp feeling |
| Inner forearm | 4 | Moderately painful, but often tolerable |
| Body Area | Pain Score | Remarks |
| Outer forearm | 5 | Thinner skin area, but manageable |
| Areola | 5 | Very sensitive area with many nerve endings |
| Neck (back) | 5 | Many nerves, mobile area |
| Outer chest | 5–6 | More painful especially for men |
| Upper back (shoulder blades) | 6 | Close to bone |
| Front of knee | 6 | Bone and skin directly on top of each other, lots of movement |
| Wrist / Ankle | 6–7 | Thin skin, close to bone |
| Toes | 7 | Many bones, little fat |
| Top of foot | 7 | Thin skin, many nerves, bone structure palpable |
| Collarbone | 7 | Bone under skin; vibrations felt through bone |
| Body Area | Pain Score | Remarks |
| Sternum | 7–8 | Thinner skin, close to ribs; breathing makes it harder for the artist |
| Back thigh (hamstrings) | 8 | More sensitive than front, especially near buttocks and knee pit |
| Inner upper arm | 8 | Many nerve endings |
| Neck (front) | 8 | Thin skin, many nerves; difficult due to movement restriction |
| Lower back | 8 | Depends on muscle mass; not as extreme as spine |
| Stomach / Side | 8–9 | Depends on fat %, can be sensitive due to organs and nerves |
| Genitals | 8–9 | Very nerve-rich and extremely sensitive |
| Hands / Fingers | 8–9 | Many nerves, little fat or muscle |
| Ribcage | 8–9 | Thin skin, many nerves, directly on bone |
| Back of knee | 9 | Very sensitive and hard to keep still due to reflexes |
| Spine | 9 | Over bone, many nerve pathways, vibrations felt throughout spine |
| Inner thigh | 9 | Very sensitive and close to nerve pathways |
| Elbow ditch | 9 | Sensitive due to nerves and thin skin; hard to stay still |
| Face / Head | 9 | Very painful and sensitive |
| Calf | 9 | Depends on muscle mass |
| Elbow | 9–10 | Right on bone and highly mobile |
| Armpit | 10 | Nerve-dense, moist and difficult to access |
| Nipples | 10 | Extremely sensitive; often experienced as intensely painful |
| Palm | 10 | Many nerves, thick and tough skin; sharp and persistent pain |
| Sole of foot | 11 | Extremely sensitive, full of nerves, hard to heal, painful to walk after |
Just to repeat: pain is entirely subjective. These numbers reflect general trends based on personal experiences.
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