There are a lot of factors that go into deciding where to put a tattoo. Some people choose a spot based on its meaning to them, while others simply go for the area that will hurt the least.

If you fall into the latter category, then you’ll want to consult this tattoo pain chart. It breaks down the various body areas, from least to most painful, so you can make an informed decision about where to get inked.

Keep in mind that pain is subjective, so what might be a walk in the park for one person could be agony for another. With that said, these are generalizations based on the experiences of those who have gone before you.

The Most Painful Tattoo Spots

Without further ado, here are the most painful areas to get a tattoo.

Let’s dive in.

1. Spine

The spine is considered to be the most painful tattoo spot. The spine is the bone that runs along the length of your back. It is a very sensitive area and has a lot of nerve endings.

2. Ribcage

Ribcage tattoos are extremely painful because the ribs are full of nerve endings. They are also located close to the bones, which makes the pain even worse.

3. Head

The head is the most painful spot to get a tattoo because it is the most sensitive area of your body. There are a lot of nerve endings in the head, so it is important to be careful when getting a tattoo in this area. The head is also the most visible part of your body, so it is important to choose a design that you are comfortable with.

4. Elbows and Kneecaps

The bones in your elbows and knees are close to the surface of your skin, so you can see them through the thin layer of skin that covers them. When a tattoo is applied directly to the bone, the resulting vibrations can cause moderate to excruciating pain.

5. Genitals

This is definitely one of the most painful tattoo areas. The skin on the genitals is very thin and delicate, and the bone is close to the surface. The pain can range from moderate to excruciating.

6. Armpit

Armpit tattoos are generally considered to be quite painful. This is because the armpit is a sensitive area with a lot of nerve endings. When you get a tattoo in this area, you can expect to feel a great deal of discomfort. Many tattoo artists recommend against getting tattoos in the armpit area due to the pain involved..

7. Shins and Ankles

Getting a tattoo on your ankle or shin is going to be a really unpleasant experience. It’s going to be up there with getting a tattoo over your ribs in terms of how much pain it causes.

8. Nape

A tattoo on the nape (back of the neck) is extremely painful. The nape is a sensitive area with many nerve endings. The pain is caused by the needles penetrating the skin and hitting the nerves.

9. Lips

Tattooing your lips is a very painful experience. The skin on and around your lips is very flexible and has a high concentration of nerve endings, which makes the pain more intense.

10. Hands and Fingers

Tattoos on the hands and fingers can be extremely painful because of the high concentration of nerve endings in this area. The thin skin in this area is also more susceptible to pain when a tattoo needle penetrates it. If you are considering a tattoo in this area, be prepared for some significant pain.

Conclusion

There is a wide range of opinions when it comes to the least and most painful spots to get a tattoo. Some people believe that the most painful spots are on the bones, while others believe that it varies from person to person. There is no clear consensus on the matter. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what spot is best for them.

Lucky Deville Tattoo Co is one of the best Buffalo tattoo shops. We specialize in state-of-the-art tattooing, including full color, black, and grayscale, or photo-realistic portrait work. Call or visit our artists today for quality and creative skin art.