Do tattoos hurt? Yes, but pain levels vary. Skin type, placement, and pain tolerance matter. Discover the most painful areas and how to relieve them.
Tattoos involve repeated piercings with a sharp needle, so they hurt. Bony areas, those with the most nerve endings, thin skin, and little fat, are the most painful to tattoo. Tattoos on the upper and lower back are easier, but those on the rib cage and armpit may be more challenging.
Why Do Tattoos Hurt?
Tattoo pain is personal and subjective. Factors affecting tattoo pain include:
- Biosex: A 2012 health record pain score report found biological females reported 20% higher pain scores than males with the same health conditions. Women also accept their pain more, according to a 2017 study. Self-reported tattoo pain intensity was similar for men and women in a 2020 study. According to tattoo pain chart female, Post-tattoo pain was slightly higher for women.
- Experience tattooing. A 2020 study found that longer sessions, more bleeding, and more stress increased tattoo pain. Time may increase your tattoo pain tolerance. Tattoo veterans have a higher pain threshold than newbies, according to 2017 research.
- Genetics. Age, ethnicity, and genetic and psychosocial factors affect pain, according to a pain doctor in Plano.
The anatomy of certain body parts can also affect tattoo pain:
- Ending nerves: More nerve endings make tattooing hurt more.
- Skin thickness: Thicker skin reduces tattoo pain.
- Fat content: Fat cushions pain and makes life easier.
Painful Body Parts to Tattoo
Most unpleasant tattoo zones have lots of nerves, little fat, thin skin, and bones:
- Armpit: Tatting your pits is reportedly the pits. Most tattoo artists advise against tattooing this sensitive area because of its severity.
- Ribcage: Thin skin, minimal fat, and protruding bones make the ribcage ideal for a painful tattoo. Breathing moves your ribcage, which can increase vibrating pain.
- Shins and ankles: These bones may resemble rib cage tats. The thin skin on your ankles and shins makes them vulnerable to needles.
- Groin: Delicate skin + many nerve endings
- Breasts: Nips and chest/breasts are tender and have many nerve endings. Tattoo pain chart female states that breast and nipple areas are the most painful areas for tattoo.
- Elbows, kneecaps: When you accidentally hit your knee or funny bone? Yeah. Imagine a needle vibrating into them.
- Behind knees: The loose, soft, stretchy skin behind your knees has nerve endings, making tattooing it difficult.
- Hips: We agree with Shakira that getting your hips tattooed may make you scream. This is especially true if your hips are lean.
- Back and neck: Bony, tender neck and spine with numerous nerve endings.
- Head, face, ears: These body parts have many nerve endings and little fat, like your neck.
- Inner lip/lips: Inner-lip tattoos are a fad, but they may haunt you. Blood, swelling, and bruises are common on lips due to their many nerve endings.
- Foot, toes, fingers, hands: With so many nerve endings, these spots can hurt AF. Under the needle, hand and foot nerves can spasm.
- Stomach: Due to sensitive skin, stomach tats can be painful. Some say tighter tummy skin makes the process less painful.
- Inner bicep: Biceps may ease pain. However, inner biceps skin is tender and loose, making tattooing painful. The inner biceps can heal slower than other areas.
How To Reduce Tattoo Pain?
We think minimizing pain is smart, not weak! How to reduce tattoo pain:
- Get a good pro: Check their portfolio, customer reviews, and certifications. A skilled practitioner reduces the risk of pain, infections, and a raised, inflamed tat.
- Rest: Ask your artist about taking a break when you’re struggling. Compassionate artists understand. Many larger tattoos are done in several sessions, but you can request more if you need a break.
- Stay sober: The next-day regret of getting matching tats with a bartender isn’t the only reason to avoid it. Alcohol thins blood, causing bleeding, bruising, and pain. It can also mess up the result. Quality tattoo shops won’t serve drunk customers.
Resting and reducing stress before a tattoo may reduce pain. Try something numbing. In sensitive areas, numbing creams or sprays can help. Discuss it with your artist first. Some tattoo artists offer these products, while others prefer not to tattoo users. Incase of severity of pain, always visit the Plano pain clinic.
Tattoo Pain Levels & Expectations for Females
Getting a tattoo can be an exciting experience, but the pain level varies based on the placement, skin sensitivity, and individual pain tolerance. According to the tattoo pain chart for females, areas with thinner skin and more nerve endings, like ribs, ankles, and spine, tend to be the most painful.
Less sensitive areas, such as the forearm, outer thigh, and upper arm, usually cause mild discomfort. Pain expectations also depend on factors like tattoo size, shading, and needle technique. Preparing mentally and physically can help manage discomfort and make the experience smoother.
Conclusion
The truth is, tattoos hurt! The impact of tattoo pain is personal. Where you get the tattoo, biological sex, pain tolerance, and previous tattoos may affect how it goes. Choose a skilled, experienced artist with certifications and a portfolio of expert tattoo pain chart female to avoid pain and complications. Aftercare can also help your body art heal beautifully and painlessly.
