Are you planning to get a tattoo but still uncertain about the pain? You’re not alone! The question "how much does a tattoo hurt?" is one of the most frequently asked questions by people considering their first tattoo. The honest answer? It varies per person and per body part. In this article, I will guide you through all the important aspects of tattoo pain, so you are well prepared for what’s to come.
What determines how much a tattoo hurts?
The pain you experience during tattooing depends on several factors. First of all, your personal pain threshold plays a big role. What one person barely feels can be quite intense for another. In addition, there are also objective factors that determine how much pain you can expect:
- Body part: Spots with little fat and lots of bones or nerves hurt more
- Size and duration: The longer the tattoo artist works, the more sensitive your skin becomes
- Tattoo style: Fine lines feel different than coloring large areas
- Your condition: Being rested and well-fed helps a lot
Still unsure if a certain spot is suitable for your tattoo idea? With a temporary tattoo you can first try out how a design looks on that specific spot, without feeling any pain at all.
Pain per body part: from least to most painful
Not all spots on your body are equally sensitive to tattoos. Here you will find an overview of body parts, ranked from relatively painless to quite intense.
Least painful spots
The following body parts are generally experienced as the least painful:
- Upper arms and shoulders: Lots of flesh and few nerves make this a popular first choice
- Thighs: There is also enough fat and muscle tissue present here
- Calves: Most people experience relatively little pain here
- Forearms: Especially the outer side is quite manageable
Want to see how a upper arm tattoo or forearm tattoo looks on you before taking the plunge? You can! This way you can experiment worry-free with different designs and placements.
Moderate pain
These spots hurt a bit more, but are still tolerable for most people:
- Wrists: A bit more sensitive due to proximity to bones and tendons
- Ankles: Bony, but often fine for smaller designs
- Neck and shoulder blades: Depending on the exact spot
A wrist tattoo or ankle tattoo are popular choices for smaller, meaningful designs. First test with a fake tattoo to see if this spot suits you!
Most painful spots
You really need to be tough here. These body parts are extra sensitive:
- Ribs and sides: Little fat, many nerves, and movement from breathing
- Feet and hands: Extremely sensitive due to many nerve endings
- Collarbone: Directly on bone with little protective layer
- Elbows and knees: Bony and sensitive to movement
- Inner arm and inner thigh: Thinner, more sensitive skin
Are you considering a tattoo on one of these sensitive spots? A collarbone tattoo looks beautiful, but it’s wise to first try out the design and placement with a temporary version.
What does tattoo pain actually feel like?
The pain of a tattoo is often described as a burning, scratching sensation. Some compare it to a cat scratching your skin, others to a sharp needle repeatedly going over the same spot. The most important thing to know: the pain is usually quite tolerable and comes in waves. Your body gets used to it during the session.
After the first few minutes, your body often produces endorphins, which reduces the pain somewhat. For longer sessions, you can arrange breaks with your tattoo artist. This keeps it bearable, even for larger designs.
Tips to reduce tattoo pain
Although you can’t completely avoid pain, there are ways to make it more bearable:
- Get a good night’s sleep: Being rested helps you tolerate pain better
- Eat well beforehand: An empty stomach makes you more vulnerable to pain and dizziness
- Keep breathing calmly: Deep breathing relaxes your body
- Avoid alcohol and blood thinners: These increase bleeding and can worsen the pain
- Choose an experienced tattoo artist: Someone with experience works more efficiently and precisely
- Start small: Your first tattoo doesn’t have to be big right away
Test first with a temporary tattoo
The smartest way to avoid tattoo regret and unnecessary pain? Try your design first with a sticker tattoo! At tatt4aweek.nl you’ll find hundreds of designs you can test worry-free. This way you discover not only if you like the design, but also if the spot you have in mind really suits you.
Our temporary tattoos are:
- Completely painless to apply
- Dermatologically tested and safe for every skin type
- Made from natural ingredients
- Waterproof and lasts up to 2 weeks
- Super easy to apply yourself at home
Whether you’re unsure about a delicate butterfly tattoo, a meaningful text tattoo, or an elegant flower design, you can try it painlessly first. This way you can decide with certainty whether you really want a permanent tattoo, and whether you want to endure the pain in that specific spot.
Conclusion: pain is personal, testing is smart
How much a tattoo hurts varies per person and per body part. Areas with a lot of flesh like the upper arm generally hurt less than bony parts like your ribs or collarbone. The pain is almost always bearable, especially if you are well prepared and choose an experienced tattoo artist.
But why take the risk when you can test first? With a temporary tattoo, you experience zero pain and can see if the design really suits you. Discover your perfect pain-free option in our complete collection of temporary tattoos. Tattoo without regrets, that’s what we aim for!