Tattoo Pain Chart: What Actually Hurts (And What Doesn’t)

Let’s get this out of the way first: Yes, tattoos hurt — but probably not in the way you’re imagining.

Pain is the #1 thing people worry about before their first tattoo, and it’s also the thing that gets wildly exaggerated online. This guide is the honest, no-BS version tattoo artists usually tell you after you’re already in the chair.

Below is a general tattoo pain chart, what makes certain spots hurt more, and how to prepare so pain doesn’t take over your experience.

⚠️ Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. This chart is based on years of tattooing real people — not hype, not myths.

Tattoo Pain Chart (Least Painful → Most Painful)

🟢 Low Pain Areas (Great for First Tattoos)

Pain Level: 2–4 / 10

These areas have more muscle and fat, fewer nerve endings, and usually sit still during tattooing.

• Upper outer arm

• Forearm (top & outer)

• Shoulder

• Upper thigh (front/outer)

What it can feel like: for most, A scratchy & annoying vibration. Uncomfortable, but manageable.

🟡 Medium Pain Areas (Totally Doable)

Pain Level: 5–6 / 10

You’ll feel these more, but most people can sit through them without needing breaks every five minutes.

• Inner forearm

• Bicep

• Lower leg (shin sides, not bone)

• Upper back

• Outer chest

What it can feel like: Sharper, more intense scratching with moments of sting.

🟠 High Pain Areas (Brace Yourself)

Pain Level: 7–8 / 10

These areas have thinner skin, more nerve endings, or sit closer to bone.

• Ribs

• Spine

• Inner thigh

• Neck

• Hands

• Feet

What it can feel like: Hot, sharp, constant. Still doable — but can be a bit mentally challenging.

🔴 Extreme Pain Areas (Advanced Mode)

Pain Level: 9–10 / 10

These are the spots artists warn you about for a reason.

• Sternum

• Armpit

• Elbow ditch

• Knee ditch

• Groin

• face / head

  What it can feel like: Relentless, intense, and very hard to ignore.

Why Some Tattoo Spots Hurt More

Pain isn’t random. It usually comes down to:

• Bone proximity – more vibration = more pain

• Nerve density – especially near joints and inner areas

• Thin skin – less cushioning

• Movement – areas that stretch or flex constantly

That’s why ribs, hands, and feet consistently rank high.

Tattoo Pain Myths (Let’s Clear These Up)

“If it hurts, it means something’s wrong.”
False. Pain is normal.

“Small tattoos don’t hurt.”
Not true — placement matters more than size.

“Real ones don’t complain.”
Everyone feels it. Even heavily tattooed clients.

“Pain means it’ll heal badly.”
Pain has nothing to do with healing quality.

How to Make Your Tattoo Hurt Less

You can’t eliminate pain, but you can reduce it.

Before your appointment:

• Eat a full meal

• Hydrate well

• Sleep properly

• Avoid alcohol & drugs

During your tattoo:

• Breathe steadily (don’t hold your breath)

• Don’t watch the needle if it freaks you out

• Trust your artist — tension makes pain worse

What About Piercing vs Tattoo Pain?

Quick comparison:

• Piercings: Sharp, intense, over fast

• Tattoos: Lower intensity, longer duration

Most people say piercings hurt more — but only for a few seconds.

Final Honest Advice

If pain is your biggest fear:

• Start with a low or medium pain area

• Keep your first session shorter

• Talk openly with your artist

Pain fades. Bad tattoos don’t.

If you’re unsure about placement or pain tolerance, stop by the shop and talk to us — we’d rather answer questions than rush a decision.

Thinking about your first tattoo? This guide is a starting point — not a challenge.