7 of the Most Painful Places To Get a Tattoo On Your Body

Apr 16

Written By J

Updated: September 21, 2025

Tattoos are often seen as a form of self-expression and body art. Getting a tattoo, no matter the style, can be quite painful depending on where you choose to place it.

This article will discuss seven of the most painful places to get a tattoo.

For each location, we will explain why these areas are more painful than others and provide advice on ways to minimize the pain associated with each location.

Head

Getting a tattoo on the head is one of the most painful places to get inked. This area has thin skin and contains many nerves, making it more sensitive than other areas of the body. The sensation of getting a needle jabbed into this area can be jarring and intense.

Lips

Lip tattoos are becoming increasingly popular but they are also quite painful due to their sensitive nature. The lips contain many nerve endings that make them especially uncomfortable during a tattoo session.

Chest

The chest is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo due to its location on the body and how close it is to the heart and lungs. During a session, each needle jab can feel more intense because of this proximity.

Additionally, many people find that their skin in this area is sensitive which can make getting a tattoo even more uncomfortable.

Stomach

Getting a stomach tattoo can be extremely painful because this region of the body contains thin skin and little muscle. It is also close to the rib cage, which can make it more difficult to get a needle through this area.

Armpits

Getting a tattoo on the armpit is one of the most painful places for ink because the skin in this area is thin and sensitive. The sensation of having a needle jabbed into such a tender region can be quite intense and uncomfortable during a tattoo session.

Why Tattoos Hurt More in Certain Spots

In the U.S., most people who talk about tattoo pain describe the experience in everyday terms—“it felt like scratching on bone” or “like a bee sting that wouldn’t stop.” The science backs this up: areas with thin skin, lots of nerves, or little fat padding are consistently rated as the most painful spots to get inked.

High-Pain Zones Commonly Reported in the U.S.

These areas show up again and again in American pain rankings, tattoo forums, and client feedback:

Ribs and sternum – Breathing makes this area move constantly, and the thin skin over bone is unforgiving.
Spine – The vibrations run directly along your backbone, which many describe as a “buzzing pain.”
Feet and ankles – With little muscle or fat for cushion, this zone feels sharp and intense.
Armpits – Packed with nerves and sensitive skin; many U.S. tattoo artists warn this is among the top three most painful spots.
Head, face, and lips – Very thin skin and nerve density make these areas excruciating for most clients.
Genitals and nipples – Universally considered the highest on the pain scale across the U.S.

Tips U.S. Clients Use to Manage Pain

If you’re planning on braving one of these high-pain areas, here are strategies many U.S. tattoo clients swear by:

Book shorter sessions: Instead of powering through a full rib piece in one day, split it across multiple appointments.
Use numbing products: FDA-approved creams and sprays are widely available in the U.S., but always check with your artist first.
Eat and hydrate beforehand: A full stomach and proper hydration help your body handle pain better.
Choose the right time of year: In colder U.S. climates, winter tattoos on ribs or feet may sting more as the skin dries out; summer hydration helps.
Work with an experienced artist: Technique makes a big difference in how pain is managed, especially in sensitive spots.

Pain vs. Placement: Making the Right Choice

For many Americans, the pain is worth it for a tattoo in a meaningful spot. But if you’re nervous, start smaller or in a less painful zone before committing to ribs or ankles. If your dream tattoo belongs on a high-pain area, plan ahead, prepare your body, and expect some discomfort—it’ll make the final piece that much more rewarding.

Final Thoughts

Overall, some areas on the body are more sensitive than others and can make getting a tattoo much more uncomfortable when it comes to getting a tattoo.

Before deciding to get a tattoo in any of these places, it’s important to consider using numbing creams or taking an ibuprofen beforehand to reduce any pain associated with the healing process.

Additionally, make sure to find an experienced artist that you trust as they will know how best to minimize discomfort during your session.