5 Least Painful Places To Get a Tattoo
Updated: September 21, 2025
If you’re considering getting a tattoo, but worry about the pain associated with it, there are certain places on your body that will be less painful than others.
It is important to remember that everyone has different levels of sensitivity and tolerance for pain, so what might not hurt much for one person may be unbearable for another.
Nevertheless, here are some of the least painful places to get a tattoo.
Fingers
Generally speaking, fingers are considered the least painful place on your body to get inked. While finger tattoos come with their own set of drawbacks (namely how quickly they fade), they can make great accent pieces or add visual interest to an already existing tattoo.
Fingers are considered the least painful spot on your body to get a tattoo because of their small surface area and lack of fatty layers.
This makes it easier for the needles used in tattoos to penetrate deeper into the skin and cause less discomfort.
Fingers are made up mostly of nerves that have adapted to feel sensations quickly, allowing pain from a tattoo to dissipate faster than other spots on our bodies.
Thighs
Another relatively painless spot to get inked is the upper or outer thigh.
Thighs are considered less painful because they tend to have thicker layers of skin and more fatty tissue.
This provides a cushion of sorts for the needles used in tattoos, making it easier for them to penetrate deeper into the skin with less discomfort.
Wrists
Wrist tattoos tend to hurt less than other areas because there is a lot of flesh and muscle in this region. Wrist tattoos can often look especially elegant and stylish when done properly.
Wrists are less painful to get a tattoo because there is a lot of flesh and muscle in this region.
Shins
The lower part of the shin (below the knee) tends to be one of least painful places for those who find more traditional spots too uncomfortable.
Shin tattoos come with their own set of unique challenges, such as needing a very patient artist due to how much skin there is to cover, but they can also look beautiful when done right.
Upper Back
The upper back is considered a very popular spot for tattoos as it generally has less nerve endings and, as a result, is quite painless.
Larger designs also can look really great on the upper back, making it an ideal spot for those wanting to get bigger pieces.
What Factors Affect Tattoo Pain?
Understanding why some tattoos hurt more than others helps you make the right choice for placement. Pain isn’t just about the needle—it’s influenced by your body, skin, and the tattoo design itself.
Skin Thickness and Cushioning
Areas with thicker skin or more fat naturally hurt less because the needle isn’t striking close to the bone. This is why places like the outer thigh or upper arm are often described as easier spots.
Nerve Endings and Sensitivity
Body parts packed with nerve endings—like the fingers, ribs, and inner elbow—are much more sensitive. In contrast, areas with fewer nerve clusters, such as the upper back, usually feel more tolerable.
Proximity to Bone
When the needle vibrates directly against bone, you’ll feel it. Ankles, shins, and collarbones are notorious for sharper pain, while fleshy areas like the buttocks absorb it better.
Design Size and Detail
Even on a “less painful” area, a large or highly detailed tattoo will naturally be more uncomfortable than a small, simple piece. Consider both placement and design complexity together.
Personal Factors
Everyone experiences pain differently. Hydration, rest, anxiety levels, and your own pain threshold all play a role. A well-rested, relaxed client will often report less pain than someone stressed or fatigued.
Quick Reference: Easiest Spots for Beginners
If you’re nervous about your first tattoo, these areas are widely considered the least painful places to get tattooed:
Outer upper arm
Outer thigh
Upper back/shoulder blade
Buttocks
Fleshy shoulder
These areas combine thicker skin, less nerve density, and more muscle or fat cushioning—all of which keep pain levels lower.
Final Thoughts
When getting a tattoo, always make sure you find an experienced artist who knows how to work with your chosen area of the body effectively and safely. With that in mind, these are some of the least painful places to consider getting a tattoo.