7 Hard Truths About Finger Tattoos That May Surprise You

April 28, 2025
Table Of Contents

Tattoos are permanent, so getting one is a serious choice. Unlike dirt, you can’t wash a tattoo away. It will be with you always. Because of this, you should really think hard about the design and placement you want.

Tattoos can go on almost any skin area of your body. But, getting a tattoo hurts more in some spots than others. Thinking about a finger tattoo?

This makes us ask: do tattoos on your fingers really cause a lot of pain?

This article answers your question in detail. It should clear up any confusion you might have. I’ll also discuss other things about finger tattoos. This will help you decide if getting one is right for you.

Alright, let’s begin!

How Much Does a Finger Tattoo Hurt?

Making finger tattoo
Okay, I understand. Since there are no `

` tags with text, I will not change anything.

Before I give you the answer, let’s talk about how tattoos are done. You might already know this. But it’s always smart to make sure we have the right information. Okay?

Tattoo machines use needles. These needles quickly push through the top of your skin. They go past the outer layer to drop ink inside. The ink goes about 1.5 to 2 mm deep, close to your blood.

Tattoos are often chosen for their lasting designs. Since our skin’s surface constantly renews, the tattoo needle needs to reach deeper. It must penetrate beyond the outer skin layer. Interestingly, these needles puncture your skin roughly 100 times each second.

Getting a tattoo always hurts, sometimes a lot! I’m explaining the tattoo process so you know this. So, don’t ask if finger tattoos hurt. Instead, ask how much they will hurt.

Finger tattoos are known for hurting a lot. Some people think they are the most painful tattoos you can get. How much it hurts depends on where on your finger you get the tattoo. Also, everyone feels pain in their own way. But most people agree that getting a tattoo on your finger is very painful.

Getting a tattoo on your finger can be very painful. There are a few reasons why finger tattoos hurt so much.

What are the Reasons Behind the Intense Pain of Finger Tattoos?

Getting a tattoo on your finger can be more painful, as many tattoo artists know. I’ve mentioned this before. But why do finger tattoos hurt more? Here are the key reasons why.

Less Fat and More Muscle

When you press on your fingers, you can feel the bone easily. This is because your fingers don’t have much muscle or fat. But if you touch your arm or leg, it feels much softer.

Finger tattoos hurt a lot because of the skin and fat there. The tattoo needles go close to your finger bone and knuckle. That’s why it can be so painful!

Your fingertips have more nerves than anywhere else on your body.

When you get hurt, special sensors tell your brain and spinal cord. These signals move through your nerves. Tapping your finger can also help with pain from a small injury.

Does tapping your finger really stop pain? It’s pretty easy to understand. Tapping keeps your mind busy. This can block pain messages from reaching your brain. Now, picture hurting your finger badly! You can probably guess how much that would hurt, can’t you?

Your fingers have more nerves than any other body part. This makes them super sensitive to touch. That’s why even a tiny bit of pain can feel really bad in your fingers.

Here’s What the Professionals Say about Finger Tattoos

Professionals view about finger tattoos
Okay, I understand. Since there are no `

` tags with text, I will not change anything.

Tattoo artists have different opinions on many things. However, they mostly agree about tattoos on fingers. Let’s find out what they agree on.

Finger tattoos can be very painful, according to some artists. They are also tricky to create. Even experienced artists need to be extra careful and pay close attention when doing them.

You might be surprised by what we found out. We asked tattoo artists if they liked doing tattoos on fingers. Almost half of them said “No!” A lot of them even told people not to get finger tattoos.

It might surprise you, but a tattoo artist could advise against getting a tattoo.

However, 30% of the remaining 50% said they would do finger tattoos for regular customers or people with lots of tattoos. This might seem odd. But if you consider it, their reasoning makes sense.

Good tattoo artists need to be great at talking to people. They learn what customers like and how much pain they can take after doing tattoos for a while. This makes their job easier.

The other 20% were confident they could assist any customer. They also knew they were able to tattoo anywhere on the body. I believe they were being honest. Each had been a tattoo artist for a decade. That’s a ton of experience!

Things to Consider Before Getting a Finger Tattoo

As I said before, really think about getting a tattoo. It’s not just the main design, but also the little things that are important. Here are some things to consider:


  • Finger Tattoos Fade Easily


  • Tattoos get lighter over time. After a few years, your tattoo won’t be as colorful. Sun, water, and rubbing can make it fade quicker. You might need to get it touched up to keep it looking nice.

    Tattoos on fingers might disappear faster than tattoos on other places. This happens for a few simple reasons. We use our hands and fingers for almost everything we do each day. Because of this, the tattoo ink fades more quickly.


    • Can’t Get Detailed Design


    • Tattoos with many tiny details can be really special. But fingers are small, so it’s hard for artists to add those details there. A detailed finger tattoo might not turn out well. That’s why I usually suggest simple designs for fingers.


      • It’s a Bit Expensive


      • Finger tattoos are small, but they can cost money. It takes time to get a tattoo on your finger. Fingers are sensitive, so it can hurt. The tattoo artist needs to take breaks.

        Keep in mind that not all tattoo artists can tattoo fingers. It takes time to learn how to do it right. This skill might make the tattoo cost more. You might be able to get a larger tattoo on another body part for the same amount of money.


        • Design Seems a Bit Fuzzy


        • Finger tattoos can change how they look over time. The skin on your fingers is special. The color of the tattoo might not stay the same. Because of this, many artists say to only use black ink for finger tattoos.


          • Susceptible to Ink Fall Out


          • Getting a finger tattoo? Here’s something to know. The skin on the inside of your finger is delicate. Ink can disappear quickly there. It’s the spot on your body where tattoos fade the fastest.

            Our fingertips sometimes peel, and there are many reasons why. This often happens during the winter months. When your skin peels, your rings might not fit right. Choose rings that fit higher up on your finger.


            • Not Something that You Can Hide Easily


            • Thinking about getting a tattoo? Putting it on your finger is a really big deal. You can cover up tattoos on your body or arms with clothes. But finger tattoos are hard to hide.

              I know some people don’t like tattoos, but I do. They might judge you if your tattoo is easy to see. You may not get to tell them what it means to you.

              Listen up, this is important! Tattoos can change what bosses think of you when you’re trying to get a job, and not in a good way. Some people get so mad they want their tattoos gone because they can’t find work because of them.

              Yes, it truly matters a lot!

              How to Decide if Finger Tattoos are Worth the Pain?

              People choose to get tattoos for many reasons. Some like the way they look. Others want to follow trends. I have always thought carefully before getting a tattoo.

              I don’t want to tell you what to do. But, getting a tattoo should be a big decision. It should have a special meaning for you. Make sure it’s something you really want. You don’t want to regret it later!

              If you’re really sure you want a tattoo forever, you can get it wherever you like. If you feel strongly about it, you can deal with the pain. This is true for finger tattoos, just like it is for any other kind of tattoo.

              Getting a finger tattoo can seem like a big deal, and that’s okay. You don’t have to feel this way forever, just while you’re getting it done. Think of it as the last step to help you decide.

              5 Pro Tips to Make Finger Tattoos Less Painful

              You want a finger tattoo, awesome! This section is just for you. Now that you’re sure, let’s discuss ways to reduce the pain. Here are some useful ideas.

              Make finger tattoos less painful
              Okay, I understand. Since there are no `

              ` tags with text, I will not change anything.


              • Take Deep Breaths & Keep It Steady


              • When you’re hurting, taking big, slow breaths can make you feel better. This really works when you get a tattoo on your finger. Breathing deeply is a popular trick. It helps you get more air into your lungs and all parts of your body. It’s a simple, natural way to fight pain.

                This way also helps your body relax. Taking deep breaths can make you feel less stressed and worried. When you’re calmer, it’s easier to deal with pain. Try to breathe at the same speed all the time.


                • Stay Hydrated & Well Fed


                • Drinking enough water helps your skin stay healthy. Healthy skin is good for tattoos. Tattoo artists prefer skin that has enough water. It can even make them want to do their best!

                  If you don’t drink much water, eat foods with lots of water in them for a week before you go. After about four or five days, try to drink a little more water. This can help dry skin improve fast.


                  • Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine Prior to the Process


                  • Some think a small drink helps with pain. But that’s just in the movies. Alcohol or caffeine can actually make the pain feel worse.

                    Alcohol can make your blood less thick. If you drink before a tattoo, you could bleed more. The tattoo ink might also not stay in your skin very well.


                    • Chewing a Gum Helps for Distraction


                    • Chewing gum can make you feel calmer and less anxious. Studies show that chewing blocks stress messages in your brain. It’s like the chewing action interrupts those stress signals.

                      This can help you forget about the pain. Chewing gum won’t stop the hurt, but it can make it feel better. However, it won’t help much if you keep thinking about the pain.


                      • Try a Numbing Cream


                      • If you need medicine to help with tattoo pain, think about using a numbing cream that has Lidocaine in it. Lidocaine is a drug that makes your skin not feel anything for a little while. Make sure you talk to your tattoo artist before you put it on.

                        Lots of numbing creams are available now. Choose the one that’s right for you. If you want my opinion, I recommend Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream. It’s not too expensive, it works great, and it doesn’t have bad side effects.

                        Is Finger Tattoo a Good Idea for Your First Tattoo?

                        When people get their first tattoo, they often pick something small and easy. This is a good plan, and I usually tell them to do that. But, getting a tattoo on your fingers can cause some issues.

                        Finger tattoos are small, aren’t they? Yes, they are. Do they take less time to get? Yes. Simple designs usually look best on fingers. That’s true. But getting a finger tattoo without knowing the downsides? That’s a bad idea!

                        Finger tattoos are known to be very painful. Getting one takes courage and a lot of focus. If you haven’t had a tattoo before, you might not realize how much it can hurt.

                        You can probably guess what will happen. Lots of people new to tattooing can’t complete their first one. This is especially true if it’s on a hard-to-tattoo spot. Trying to get a finger tattoo on your first try? That’s not going to work!

                        Few Words at The End

                        Many people think about getting a tattoo. It’s normal to want one. But, think hard before you do it. Don’t pick a design just because it looks cool if you don’t know its meaning.

                        Everyone cares about something. Maybe you haven’t found what it is yet, but you will. I’ll finish this article on finger tattoos with a good tip for people just starting out.

                        If you’re having trouble choosing a design or artist, chat with a tattoo artist. Explain what you want your tattoo to mean. A skilled artist can guide you to a good decision.

                        That’s all for now! I hope you learned something new from this article.

                        Want to learn more?

                      • 121 Timeless Scarface Tattoo Ideas To Get In 2025
                      • 128 Astonishing Side Boob Tattoos To Enhance Your Charm
                      • 129 Stunning Sharingan Tattoos That Will Bring Back Your Childhood
                        1. Leave a Reply

                          Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

                          Stay stylish with expert tips on fashion, beauty, home decor, and more. Explore trends, designer dupes, gift guides, and smart money-making ideas.

                          Subscribe our Newsletter

                          The latest news, articles, and resources, sent to your inbox weekly.
                          ©2025 Insightful Musings. All Rights Reserved.