Tattoos are a cool way to show who you are. You can use art and words to express yourself on your skin forever. Lots of people want tattoos, but some don’t because they’re afraid of the pain.
A tattoo pain chart can really help you decide. A study by Statista in 2021 showed that 26% of Americans have at least one tattoo. More people might get tattoos if they weren’t afraid of the pain. Our tattoo pain chart will show you how to deal with it.
Besides showing you the pain chart, this article explains the different kinds of pain you might feel when getting a tattoo. It also gives you easy ways to make the pain less! This guide covers everything about tattoos, from getting ready to taking care of your tattoo after it’s done.
Thinking about getting a tattoo but feeling scared? Reading this article should give you the confidence you need!
What Exactly Is The Tattoo Pain Chart?
The Tattoo pain chart helps you understand how much different body parts hurt when getting a tattoo. Some areas are more sensitive, so they will hurt more. If you don’t want a lot of pain, avoid those areas.
This chart helps you know how much pain to expect in different body parts for both men and women. Men and women feel pain differently, so we made a special chart for each.
Our chart can help you understand your pain level before you get a tattoo. This will hopefully make your tattoo experience easy and comfortable!
Tattoo Pain Chart Classifications
Our tattoo pain chart is split into three groups: Men, Women, and General. We also ranked the pain in four levels. Level 4 hurts the most, and Level 1 hurts the least.
This information about pain levels comes from Healthline. The parts about men and women focus on areas that are Level 4 for pain. The general part talks about pain levels and body areas that many people find painful.
Tattoo Pain Chart Male
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This part is mainly for guys. It talks about their bodies and how much pain they might feel.
Level 4 Pain: Usually the Worst for Guys
Getting a tattoo on these five spots will likely hurt the most for guys. These areas are very sensitive, so expect a lot of pain.
Armpit
Getting a tattoo on your armpit hurts the most. Tattoo artists might even tell you not to get one there. The skin in your armpit is very sensitive, which makes it so painful.
Knee and Kneecap
Getting a tattoo on your knee cap might seem like a good idea. It might look like a strong, safe spot because of the bone. But don’t let that fool you! The knee bone is actually very sensitive to needles.
The skin behind your kneecaps is very flexible. Many important nerves go through a small space there. Because of this, it’s not a good spot to get a tattoo, and it might hurt more.
Rib Cage
Many people have tattoos on their ribs, which might give you some ideas. But be warned, getting a tattoo there can hurt a lot. This is because the skin is thin and right on top of the bones.
Getting a tattoo on your chest can be tough. Each breath makes your chest move, so it’s hard for the artist to make a straight line. It will probably hurt a lot too. If it’s your first tattoo, you might want to pick a different spot.
Groin
Getting a tattoo on your groin can be risky and painful. This area has many nerves and veins close to the skin. The tattoo needle might hit these, causing a lot of pain.
Hands
Hands are a great place to get a tattoo and show it off. Many famous tattoos are on hands. But, getting a hand tattoo can really hurt.
Hand skin is thin and doesn’t have much muscle underneath. Because of this, getting a tattoo on your hand can really hurt, especially if it’s your first tattoo.
Tattoo Pain Chart Female
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This part of the chart shows the five most popular places women like to get tattoos.
Pain Level 4: Usually Hurts More for Girls
These spots on a woman’s body hurt the most to get tattooed. The skin is very sensitive, and there are many nerves. If it’s your first tattoo, you should not get it in these areas.
Nipples
Your nipples are super sensitive. They hurt easily because they have lots of sensors and thin skin. Getting a tattoo there means poking needles through that area a lot. This can cause a lot of pain and be bad for your health. It’s definitely one of the most painful places to get a tattoo!
Wrist
Some wrist tattoos look amazing and will catch your eye right away. But getting one can hurt more than you think. Wrists are one of the most painful places to get a tattoo. This is because the skin is thin, and there are many blood vessels and glands underneath.
Getting a tattoo here will be painful. Your artist needs to be careful, but expect it to hurt more than you think!
Breast
Your breasts are made of skin, glands, nerves, and fat. There are no muscles in your breasts. Breast tattoos might look good, but getting them will really hurt.
Making art this way can be hard for the artist. Breasts move around, so you have to be very careful and exact when pressing them. Also, the skin is soft and easily hurt, so it will probably hurt no matter how gently you hold them.
Underboob
Getting a tattoo under your breast can hurt like getting one on your ribs. This is because the skin is thin and close to the bone. Also, your breathing makes the needle feel strange. It’s also not very comfortable. You have to hold your breast out of the way so the artist can work.
Abdomen
We think girls feel more pain in their stomachs than boys. This is because their skin is more sensitive and their muscles are different. If you work out a lot and have strong muscles there, it won’t hurt as much. But if you don’t work out much, it will probably hurt more than you think!
General Tattoo Pain Chart
This part of the chart talks about body areas that usually hurt when getting a tattoo. These areas tend to hurt about the same for everyone, no matter if you’re a boy or a girl. This will help you figure out good spots for your first tattoo that won’t hurt too much.
Pain Level 4: Most Painful
Everyone, both men and women, feels this level of pain. It will really hurt! If it’s your first time, try to avoid these areas to prevent a lot of pain.
Ankles and Shins
The skin on your ankle and shin is very thin. There isn’t much muscle underneath. It’s mostly arteries and nerves. Getting a tattoo there can hurt a lot. Tattoo artists often don’t like to tattoo those areas. This is true for anyone, no matter their gender or body shape.
Feet
Your feet don’t have much skin, muscle, or bone. This makes them a bad place for tattoos. Getting a tattoo there will likely hurt a lot. That’s why we say it’s one of the most painful spots.
Lips
Your lips feel different than the rest of your skin. The skin is thinner there. That’s why dry skin peels off easily in the winter. Because the skin is so delicate, getting a tattoo on your lips would really hurt.
Neck
Getting a tattoo on your neck can be risky. The skin is thin, and there aren’t many muscles. Also, important nerves and veins run through your neck. Before getting a neck tattoo, learn why this area is so important. Keep in mind that it will likely hurt a lot.
Spine
Your back has muscles in different areas. But your spine is a bit exposed. You can feel your backbone with your fingers. Because of this, getting a tattoo there can hurt a lot. You’ll feel the needle right on your spine.
Head
Your scalp is the skin on top of your head. It’s right above your skull. Underneath is your brain, which controls your thoughts and actions. The skin on your head is thin and doesn’t cover much muscle. Getting a tattoo there can be very painful.
Elbow
This might surprise you! Getting tattoos on your upper or lower arms is usually fine. But the elbow, right in the middle, is one of the most painful places. This is because the bone sticks out at your elbow joint. This area is very sensitive. The tattoo needle can really hurt there. It can cause pain you can’t even imagine.
Pain Level 3: Second Most Painful
This pain won’t be super bad, but you’ll still feel the needle go in. The process might be a little tough.
Face
Your face is one of the first places people think about for tattoos. Even though the skin is soft, there’s fat underneath. This makes getting a tattoo there a little easier to handle, but it still won’t feel great. If it’s your first time getting a tattoo, you might not want to start on your face. You don’t want a bad first experience to stop you from getting more tattoos later.
Fingers
There are many cool designs you can get on your fingers. But getting them can hurt more than you think. The skin on your fingers is thin. There isn’t much muscle underneath, just bone. This means getting a tattoo there can be a painful experience.
Hip Bone
Hips are good for tattoos because of the fat under the skin. But tattooing right on the hip bones can hurt a lot. The skin is close to the bone there, making it very sensitive. The fat layer helps a little with the pain. So, hip tattoos are usually a level 3 on the pain scale.
Inner Thigh
It might surprise you, but your inner thigh can be a painful spot for tattoos. The skin on the inside of your body is usually thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the outside. This is just how our bodies are made. Getting a tattoo here can be very uncomfortable.
Inner Bicep
The last spot is your inner bicep. Even if you have big biceps, this area is more sensitive and hurts more easily. It won’t be as bad as the level 4 spots, but getting a tattoo here will still hurt.
Pain Level 2: Tolerable
Level 2 pain areas on your body don’t hurt as much as the first two levels. You can handle the tattoo needle longer. If it’s your first tattoo, you probably won’t have a bad experience.
Shoulder
Your shoulders are a good place for a tattoo because they can handle the needle’s pain. If the artist avoids the bony part, it won’t hurt too much. But, you still need to be careful.
Calf
Your calf has good muscle, fat, and thick skin for a tattoo. It’s easy to reach and design, so getting a tattoo there is usually a good experience. Tattoo artists like working on this area. Once you get used to it, it shouldn’t hurt too much.
Butt
If you ask tattoo artists where they like to tattoo beginners, many will say the butt. There’s a good reason for this. While the butt isn’t the least painful spot, it has a lot of cushion, making it a good place for a tattoo.
The tattoo artist can easily focus on the design and use the needle without problems. You also won’t feel as much pain as you would in more sensitive spots. The only thing that might bother you is not knowing what’s happening behind you!
Pain Level 1: Least Painful
Getting a tattoo in these spots should hurt the least. If it’s your first tattoo, starting here can make it much easier.
Upper and Lower Back
Your upper and lower back are good spots for your first tattoo. They’re comfy for you and the artist. This is because of the position and the thick muscles underneath. The skin is thicker here, with fat layers below. So, the tattoo needle won’t hurt as much as on more sensitive spots.
Outer Thigh
Your thigh has strong muscles, making it a great spot for tattoos. The outside of your thigh is best. The skin and muscle there are good for tattoos. It won’t hurt much to get a tattoo there. You should be able to handle the small amount of pain.
Outer Bicep
The outside of your upper arm is not very painful to tattoo. There’s muscle underneath, so it won’t hurt as much, even though the skin is thin. Tattoo artists like working on this area. If it’s your first tattoo, this is a good place to start because it’s usually a good experience.
Forearm
If you love Harry Potter and the dark mark tattoo, great news! Getting a tattoo on your forearm won’t hurt as much. There’s a lot of muscle there, which helps protect you from pain. It’s a good spot for your first tattoo!
Why Does Tattooing Hurt Differently To Each Individual?
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Everyone is different. We all think, act, and look unique. Our bodies handle pain differently too. While we can’t be 100% sure why, some things play a big role. Let’s talk about these things and find out the reasons tattooing hurt each person in their own way.
Sex
Like we said before, sex plays a big role in how much pain you can handle. Usually, guys can take more pain than girls because of their bodies. This isn’t always true, but that’s what tattoo artists often say.
One study says women feel pain more strongly than men. one research But another research says women are better at dealing with pain. So, it’s not easy to say for sure who feels pain more.
Experience
Getting tattoos can hurt, and experience matters. If you’ve had tattoos before, you might handle the pain better. You’ll know what to expect, which can make you feel stronger and ready for it.
But, a tattoo artist’s experience really matters. An experienced artist will likely cause less pain than someone less skilled. Before you get a tattoo, check the artist’s experience and certifications. This can help you get a better tattoo.
Age
Age and how much pain you can handle are linked. Studies show that people in their 40s and 50s can handle needle pain better than teens or older adults. This is because of things like how healthy you are, how you feel mentally, and how you think about trying something that might hurt.
Weight
Being heavier can affect how much a tattoo hurts. More fat under your skin might make it hurt less. But, extra weight can also mean loose skin. This can make it harder for the tattoo artist. So, being heavier has both good and bad sides when getting a tattoo.
Classification: Tattoo Pain Sensations
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Let’s talk about what you might feel when getting a tattoo or after it’s done.
Burning Pain
Getting a tattoo often feels like burning. The pain isn’t just on the lines being tattooed. It spreads to nearby skin. It’s not super strong, but it can last even after the tattoo is done. This can be annoying for a while.
Scratching Pain
This kind of pain happens a lot when getting a tattoo. It feels like someone is scratching you with their nails over and over. If you want a big or colorful tattoo, you’ll probably feel this more. Big tattoos take longer, and colors need many needles.
Dull Pain
Dull pain is like an ache your brain tries to ignore to protect you. When you’re stressed or hurt, your body makes hormones like endorphins and adrenaline. These hormones help ease the pain by pushing it to the back of your mind. This is why you feel a dull ache.
Stinging Pain
Stinging pain feels like many bees are stinging you all at once. How much it hurts depends on the artist’s skill. But if you want a tattoo, you will feel some pain.
You’ll feel pain right away when the tattoo starts. This pain might make you want to pull back or even yell. If the tattoo artist uses fewer needles, the pain might feel stronger.
Vibrating Pain
The tattoo machine’s movement causes a throbbing or vibrating pain. The needle moves up and down quickly. This constant motion and contact with your skin makes you feel a vibration. This feeling can often hurt.
How To Reduce Pain While Tattooing?
There are several things you can do to make getting a tattoo less painful. This section will give you a quick overview of them.
Take time to rest.
Tell your tattoo artist to take breaks often. Breaks let your skin rest and can help with the pain.
A Skilled Artist
Experienced tattoo artists know how to use their needles to make the process less painful. They have learned the best ways to work on your skin.
Keep yourself sober and drink plenty of water.
Make sure you drink lots of water before you get a tattoo. Also, don’t drink any alcohol. If you’re drunk, it can hurt a lot more.
Use a Numbing Cream
Numbing creams can help with the pain, but they won’t make it go away completely.
Pre & Post Tattoo Considerations
Before you get a tattoo, there are some important things to think about. After you get it, you’ll need to take care of it. Let’s learn about both!
Pre-Tattoo Check
Before you go to the tattoo shop, look at this last checklist. It will really help you later. First, see if you have any health problems, like allergies or slow blood clotting. These things can be bad for your health. Talk to your doctor before you get a tattoo.
First, tattoos usually last forever. Removing them can be hard or not work well. Second, think about where you want the tattoo. Will it show with certain clothes? Could it break rules at work? Could the design upset someone? Thinking about these things can help you avoid problems later.
Post-Tattoo Care
Taking care of your new tattoo helps it heal faster and reduces pain. After your tattoo is done, the artist will clean it and put a bandage on it, like Saniderm. Check out our Saniderm guide to learn how to use it the right way.
After taking off the bandage, wash the area with soap that fights germs. Use warm water and a soft cloth to gently clean it. Pat it dry. Keep your new tattoo out of the sun and swimming pools. These can cause infections and pain, which you don’t want.
FAQ
This part answers some common questions people ask online. It will help you understand what the tattoo pain chart is all about.
Q: How much does getting a tattoo hurt?
A: To be honest, you can’t really measure it. But if you want to compare it to something, it’s like a cat scratch. Or, it feels like a mild sunburn. Keep in mind that it will feel different for everyone!
Q: Is it okay to put on numbing cream before you get a tattoo?
A: Yes, you can use numbing cream! It might make the pain a little less intense, but it won’t get rid of it completely.
Q: How long will it take to get a small tattoo?
A: It depends on how hard the design is. But for a small tattoo like that, it should take about an hour.
Q: Is it okay to use pain medicine before you get a tattoo?
A: You can use normal pain medicine before getting a tattoo. But it won’t stop all the pain. You will still feel the stinging, even with the medicine.
Thoughts
Getting a tattoo can hurt, and that can scare some people. Our tattoo pain chart can help! It shows how much different body parts might hurt when you get a tattoo. This can help you choose where to get your first tattoo. The chart is easy to use, so both guys and girls can see how much pain they can handle.
This article explains the tattoo pain chart. Experts helped us understand how much different body parts hurt when tattooed. We hope this helps you decide where to get your next tattoo. Remember, getting a tattoo will hurt. The real question is, can you handle the pain?
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