FAQs
Are Tattoos Painful? | Top 10 Most Painful Tattoo Locations
20.05.2025 — Storyville
If you’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo for the first time or in a specific area, chances are you’ve wondered: how much is this going to hurt?
At Storyville Tattoo Studio, we consider our team to be nice guys (and supportive!) but we’re not going to sugar-coat it – yes, tattoos hurt. That’s part of the deal, and honestly, if it was unbearable, none of us would be coming back for more. And we do come back for more.
So what does tattoo pain actually feel like? It depends. We know that getting a tattoo is a very personal experience. Some spots are more of a scratchy annoyance, a dull ache or sting and others feel like your body’s burning (we’re talking about the longer sessions here). But once it’s healed and looking fresh, the pain disappears and you’re left with art you’ll love forever. It’s worth it, we promise.
What’s the Most Painful Place to Get Tattooed?
There are some classic spots that almost every tattooed person agrees hurt more than others. They tend to be:
- Boney areas (elbows, ankles, knees)
- Anywhere with a lot of nerve endings (palms of hands, feet, armpits, spine, nipples!)
- Thin skin (ribs, sternum, neck)
Basically, if it’s a spot that makes you wince when you knock it, expect to dig deep in your session and for it to sting a little when there’s a needle involved.
Top 10 Most Painful Places to Get Tattooed
- Ribs – Definitely a little scratchy. Always looks incredible though.
- Feet & Toes – Tread lightly, these bad boys hurt and swell.
- Neck – Can be tricky to sit for, and pretty painful from start to finish.
- Elbows – Solid 10/10. Avoid it if you’re not ready to dig deep.
- Sternum – Especially tough for first-timers.
- Spine – A sharp pain that travels.
- Armpits – Sensitive and can be a bit awkward to heal.
- Ankles – All bones, no chill.
- Knees + Back of the Knees – Unexpectedly intense.
- Hands & Fingers – Short sessions, big ouch.
Tattoo Pain for First Timers
If this is your first tattoo, we usually recommend avoiding the more extreme spots. Something on your outer upper arm, thigh, or forearm is a great place to start. Get some inspiration for your next tattoo here!
Is Tattoo Pain Worth It?
Short answer: absolutely. You’ll forget the pain quicker than you think. But if you’re still unsure, there are numbing creams out there (just be sure to patch test first and let your artist know your plans ahead of time). Remember – tattoo pain is temporary, but the art sticks around so it’s worth a little pain initially to get the results and placement you have in mind.
Tips to help with the pain:
On the run up to your appointment, make sure you’re well rested, well hydrated and you’ve had a good feed! Limiting caffeine and alcohol before your session is also advised.
Healing Hurts Too (Sometimes)
Some areas don’t just hurt to tattoo – they’re awkward to heal too. For example:
- Feet: can swell up, especially in summer or if you’re on your feet all day.
- Ribs: Sleeping may become a mission.
- Armpits: tricky to keep dry and clean. Feel free to ask Chris if you’re considering this spot – he made a choice to get his own armpits done (in the middle of a UK heatwave) with our buddy Aaron over at Cathedral Tattoo Studio in Bury St Edmunds.
Your artist will talk you through aftercare, but always feel free to reach out with questions if you’re healing a tricky area.
A Final Word from the Storyville Studio
Pain is generally part of the process and we know everyone’s pain threshold is different. The Storyville team will work with you to make the experience as relaxed (and fun) as possible and remember, whether you’re filling gaps or planning your first piece, we’ve all been there!
Follow us over on Instagram for more info on tattoos and daily studio life or if you’d like to get started on your next tattoo contact us at storyvilletattoo@gmail.com