Which Areas Hurt the Most to Get Tattooed?

It's no secret that some tattoos hurt more than others. The degree to which a tattoo is painful can vary with each individual's pain tolerance, but some areas are generally agreed upon to be the most sensitive. Those who don't have any tattoos yet, but are interested in getting their first tattoo should consider avoiding these areas. Continue reading to find out the areas that are the most painful to get tattooed.

Sensitive Areas to Get Tattooed

There are a few factors that determine how sensitive an area of the body is. The first factor is skin thickness. Parts of the body that have thin skin tend to be more painful to get tattooed because there is less cushioning between the tattoo needle and the bone. Areas that contain many nerve endings are also more sensitive. Lastly, tattoos on parts of the body that move and stretch can also be very painful, and take longer to heal.

It is widely accepted that some of the most painful tattoos are ribcage tattoos. This is primarily because the skin is extremely thin, and there is minimal muscle and fat in this area. Since the ribcage expands and contracts with each breath, this can also be a difficult area for an unseasoned tattoo artist to tattoo.

Areas surrounding joints, such as knees, elbows, and armpits are also notoriously agonizing to get tattooed. The skin is very thin because it needs to be able to constantly expand and contract. An area like the kneecap can be extra painful to get tattooed because the needle can be felt vibrating against the bone. Not only does the armpit have thin, and soft skin, but it also contains a ton of nerve endings. Because of this, armpit tattoos are excruciatingly painful for most. Furthermore, tattoos in these locations may take longer to heal because they are constantly bending and stretching.

Hands and feet also contain clusters of nerve endings, making them painful places to get tattooed for most folks. Neck tattoos can also be especially painful because, once again, the skin is thin and sensitive. If you are getting your first tattoo, you may want to hold off on these locations until you have more experience under the needle.

Some artists have heavier hands than others, meaning that their tattoos tend to be more painful. It's also important to remember that the more detailed tattoos are often more painful because they require the skin to be worked more. The longer a tattoo takes, the more likely you are to be in larger amounts of pain. You can minimize your pain and maximize your comfort by sleeping well, eating a meal, and staying hydrated before your tattoo appointment.

Book a Tattoo Appointment Today!

The pain of receiving a tattoo is temporary, but the art is permanent. That's why it's crucial to find a tattoo artist that you can trust. Most artists have their portfolios available for viewing online. Visit the American Vintage Tattoo website to view our tattoo artists' portfolios. Once you find an artist that suits your style, you can book a tattoo appointment, and start preparing for your new piece of body art.