Where Is The Least Painful Place To Get a Tattoo?
The bad news is that tattoos do hurt. However, some places are less painful than others. The general rule is to pick places that have thicker skin and fewer nerve endings. These areas are more susceptible to repeated actions from a tattoo gun. A tattoo needle can penetrate up to five layers of skin so, you are going to feel it! With that being said areas that you should steer clear of are bony areas with thinner skin or lots of nerve endings. This can be your feet, ribs, or even spine.
Here are some of the least painful spots to get a tattoo:
Forearm
Outside of your upper arms
Outside upper thigh
Calves
Lower Back
This list is good to keep in mind if you are getting your first tattoo. You may want to stick by these few locations to ease yourself into the feeling. Another aspect to keep in mind is that pain is subjective. Some people said their shin, scalp, or even chest were not painful. These areas are typically considered to be the most painful spots.
What Influences Tattoo Pain?
Everyone’s pain threshold is different and the pain you experience when getting a tattoo can depend on a number of things, including age, tattoo technique, how long you are being tattooed for, and even your own expectations.
Your Age
Some studies suggest that pain sensitivity decreases as you age. So, potentially older people can be less susceptible to pain when getting tattooed. However, I would not read too much into this as again, it is completely different for everyone.
Tattoo Technique
The tattoo style you choose can 100% determine the pain that you may feel during your session. If you choose a traditional black and grey tattoo you might find this more painful than something like fine line. Hand poke tattoos are known to be gentler in general as it is less frequent and harsh on the skin.
Time Being Tattooed
Small tattoos tend to be a lot less painful than larger pieces mainly due to them taking less time. The longer your session goes on the more trauma and irritation your exposing your skin to. You may also find that the position you are sitting in or lying in becomes unbearable after a while. This can also play a role in discomfort/pain.
Your Artist
You will not always know what kind of tattooer you have got until you sit down to have your piece done unless you know the artist or have gotten pieces done by that person before! Some artists can be heavy-handed or they seem to dry wipe a lot.
Expectations
How painful you think the tattoo session will be may change how painful you find it. If you go into a session thinking it will be the worst pain you ever felt it probably is going to be painful and very uncomfortable for you! On the other hand, if someone has prepared you, by telling you how painless an area can be you may find it less painful overall.
Schedule Your Next Tattoo With Us
Overall tattoos can be painful but a fun experience for both you and our artist. Our artists at Sword & Stone Tattoo take pride in offering you a clean and fun environment for you! Schedule your next tattoo with our skilled artist by filling out a contact form on our site or through our socials.
