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Does It Hurt? Tattoo Pain Chart by Body Area

Which spots hurt the most and least? An honest tattoo pain guide plus tips to make your session more comfortable.

Everyone feels pain differently, but some areas are clearly easier.

Least painful

• Outer forearm and outer upper arm
• Outer thigh and calf
• Upper back and shoulders

Medium

• Inner forearm, chest, upper thigh

Most painful

• Ribs, sternum and stomach
• Feet, ankles, hands and fingers
• Elbow ditch, back of knee, neck and head

How to make it easier

• Rest, food and hydration make a huge difference.
• Avoid alcohol, energy drinks and painkillers that thin the blood (like aspirin).
• Longer pieces can be split into multiple sessions.

Most clients say: "It was much easier than I expected."