Getting a tattoo is exciting, but some spots hurt way more than others.
While pain tolerance varies from person to person, certain areas of the body are known for being particularly sensitive due to thin skin, lots of nerve endings, or proximity to bone. If you’re thinking about getting inked in one of these painful spots, it’s good to know what to expect so you can prepare for the experience. The final product may look amazing, but getting there can be a very sore experience, especially on these areas of the body.
1. Ribcage
The ribcage is infamous for being one of the most painful places to get a tattoo. The skin here is thin, and the ribs are close to the surface, making every needle pass feel sharper and more intense.
Expect a deep, stinging sensation that can make it hard to sit still, especially during long sessions. Many people also feel the vibrations in their bones, which can add to the discomfort. If you’re set on a ribcage tattoo, be prepared for breaks and focus on controlled breathing to manage the pain.
2. Spine
A spine tattoo may look amazing, but the pain is no joke. The needle moves directly over bone with very little cushion, which makes each pass feel sharper and more intense.
Many people describe the sensation as a mix of burning and scratching, with the vibrations adding another layer of discomfort. Since this area is highly sensitive, even experienced tattoo lovers find spine tattoos challenging. If you’re going for it, brace yourself and plan for a solid recovery period.
3. Knees
Both the front and back of the knees are brutal tattoo spots. The front of the knee has very little fat to cushion the bone, making the pain sharp and intense. Meanwhile, the back of the knee is packed with nerve endings, leading to a more ticklish yet deeply painful sensation.
Many people find knee tattoos really tough to sit through, especially since the skin moves so much when bent. If you’re choosing this spot, know that swelling and stiffness afterward can make walking uncomfortable for a few days.
4. Elbows
Elbow tattoos are not for the faint-hearted. The combination of thin skin, direct contact with bone, and a lack of cushioning makes this one of the most painful places to get inked.
Expect a sharp, grinding sensation that feels almost like the needle is drilling into your bone. Because of the lack of flesh, elbow tattoos also tend to fade quickly, meaning touch-ups might be necessary, bringing the pain all over again.
5. Hands and fingers
Hand and finger tattoos might be trendy, but they’re also incredibly painful. The skin here is thin, with plenty of nerve endings and very little fat to absorb the impact.
The pain is often described as a burning, cutting sensation, and since your hands move constantly, healing can be tricky. Hand tattoos also tend to fade faster due to frequent use and exposure, so keep that in mind before committing to the process.
6. Ankles and feet
The ankle and foot area is another notoriously painful tattoo spot. The skin is thin, and the bones are close to the surface, making every needle pass feel sharp and intense. Many people describe the sensation as scratching directly on bone, and since the feet are packed with nerve endings, the pain can be overwhelming at times. Post-tattoo swelling can also make walking uncomfortable for a few days, so plan accordingly.
7. Armpits
Getting a tattoo on your armpit is not just painful—it’s one of the most extreme tattooing experiences you can have. The skin here is soft, sensitive, and loaded with nerve endings, making every needle pass feel unbearable.
People who have gone through armpit tattoos describe the pain as a mix of sharp stinging and an intense burning sensation. On top of that, healing can be tricky because of constant movement and friction. This spot is not for beginners!
8. Neck and throat
Neck and throat tattoos might look bold and striking, but they come with serious pain. The skin here is thin, and there’s very little fat to cushion the needle’s impact, making the pain sharp and intense. Many people also experience a strange, ticklish sensation due to the nerve endings in this area, making it hard to sit still. Since your neck is constantly moving, expect a longer healing process with extra sensitivity.
9. Inner biceps
While the outer bicep is one of the easier places to get a tattoo, the inner bicep is a whole different story. The skin here is much thinner, and the area is packed with nerve endings, making the pain sharper and more intense. Many people say this spot has a deep, burning sensation that doesn’t let up easily. Since the inner biceps rub against your torso, healing can also be uncomfortable, as constant friction may cause irritation.
10. Stomach
The stomach might seem like a softer spot, but don’t be fooled—it’s a surprisingly painful place to get tattooed. The skin is more elastic here, meaning it stretches under the needle, causing a sharp, pulling sensation.
For those with less fat in this area, the pain can be even more intense, especially around the ribs or hip bones. Plus, since your stomach moves with breathing, sitting through a session can be challenging. If you’re considering a stomach tattoo, be prepared for a unique mix of deep aching and sharp stings.
