If I got a dime for every time I am asked whether a tattoo will hurt, I would be in the Bahamas sipping Pina Coladas. This is one of the most common questions people ask before getting inked. The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Tattoo pain varies greatly depending on several factors, including your individual pain threshold, the location of the tattoo, the duration of the session, and even the studio environment.

To help you understand what to expect, we’ve included a body diagram below that highlights general pain levels for different areas of the body. However, pain is highly subjective, so your experience may differ based on your personal tolerance and other unique factors.

Factors That Impact Tattoo Pain

1. Gender Differences

Research suggests that men and women experience pain differently during tattoo sessions. Women often feel more intense pain at the beginning of the session, while men tend to experience increased pain as the session progresses. Other factors, like BMI, bleeding tendencies, and tattoo placement, also play a role.

• Women: Women are more likely to choose sensitive areas (e.g., ribs, stomach), which naturally makes the experience more painful.

Tip: To manage pain, try relaxing beforehand with music or a treat. For sensitive areas, consider numbing cream to take the edge off.

• Men: Men tend to bleed more during sessions, which can increase discomfort and slow healing.

Tip: Stay hydrated throughout the session and take regular snack breaks to regulate your blood sugar and reduce pain.

2. Tattoo Location

Certain areas of the body are much more sensitive due to thinner skin, nerve density, and proximity to bones. Here’s a breakdown:

• High-pain areas: Ribs, neck, face, head, armpits, inner thighs, hands, and feet.

• Lower-pain areas: Upper arms, outer thighs, shoulders, and upper back.

However, each area may affect different genders differently. Here is an example from our personal experience:

My husband and I have tattooed each other a few times and had very different experiences. We got matching fine-line script tattoos on our ribs. For me, the pain was intense, while my husband barely felt anything. However, when it came to the armpit area, he found it almost unbearable, whereas I was able to sit through it comfortably.

Tip: If it’s your first tattoo or you have a low pain threshold, consider starting with areas like the arms, back, or thighs, which tend to be less painful.

3. Tattoo Duration

The length of your session can significantly impact how much pain you feel.

• Short sessions (e.g., small fine-line tattoos): These use smaller needles for less time, so pain is usually manageable.

Tip: Have a snack beforehand and practice deep breathing if needed.

• Long sessions (e.g., large designs or full sleeves): These involve multiple needle types and techniques, and artists may need to go over the same area multiple times to perfect details or saturate colour.

Tips for long sessions:

• Stay hydrated and take regular breaks.

• Eat a full meal midway through to maintain energy.

• Keep yourself distracted with music, a book, or even watching something on your phone.

4. The Tattoo Studio Environment

The environment of the studio plays a surprisingly large role in your pain tolerance. A 2017 study found that comfort and relaxation in the studio can significantly affect how much pain you feel.

Tip: Choose a studio that feels welcoming and calming. Look for clean, well-lit spaces with friendly staff who prioritize your comfort.

Final Thoughts

Tattoo pain is a very personal experience, influenced by factors such as gender, placement, duration, and the studio atmosphere. While it’s normal to feel nervous about the pain, remember that most people find the experience manageable—and the result is almost always worth it.

If you have any specific concerns, don’t hesitate to speak with your tattoo artist. They can provide advice tailored to your design, placement, and personal needs.