Getting a tattoo is an exciting rite of passage, but let’s be real: it’s going to hurt. There's no way around the sensation of a needle pushing itself into your skin again and again. However, the intensity depends heavily on where you choose to place your ink. If you’re a beginner or just have a low pain threshold, finding the least painful tattoo places is the best strategy to ensure you don’t squirm while sitting in that tattoo chair. Before you start your tattoo journey, it's essential to know which spots will be a breeze and which ones will have you gripping the armrests. Whether you're looking for less painful tattoo areas for a small design or a large piece, here are the top spots that won't leave you in tears.

What Makes an Area Less Painful?

Before you pick your spot, keep these factors in mind:

Flesh and Muscle: Areas with more fat or muscle cushion the needle and absorb the vibration.
Nerve Density: Places with fewer nerve endings are naturally less sensitive to the tattooing process.
Skin Thickness: Thicker skin usually handles the machine better than thin, delicate skin.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

1. Your Thigh

tattoo,flower,close up,arm,hand, Your thighs should have more flesh than the rest of your legs, which is why it's one of the best less painful tattoo places to consider. Just stick to the front or side of your thighs and avoid the inside of your thighs, which can definitely be painful. If you can't have any ink showing at work or during family events, this spot is perfect for you. When you have on pants, capris, or a pencil skirt, no one will be able to glimpse your tattoo. However, when you want it to be in view, you can put on some shorts or a mini skirt and show it off to the world.

2. Your Upper Back

face,hair,photography,girl,beauty, Getting a tattoo on your upper back shouldn't hurt all that badly, as long as you avoid the bones on your shoulder blades and the area on your neck. If you're thinking about getting something tiny that wouldn't stretch across your entire back and hit those danger spots, then the pain shouldn't be all that intense. For more guidance on choosing the perfect tattoo design, take your time to find something that reflects your style.

3. Your Upper Arm

hair,person,clothing,tattoo,photography, Upper arm tattoos aren't only for men. There are women with some super cute ones; just look at Ruby Rose and her iconic ink. If you know you're going to end up getting a whole sleeve done, then you might as well start off easy by tattooing your upper arm. It's widely considered one of the least painful tattoo areas for beginners.

4. Your Forearm

clothing,thigh,leg,arm,tattoo, Tattoos that stretch across your forearm aren't actually that painful, as long as you avoid the sensitive area by your wrist. If you're really worried about the pain, then try getting some words written across your forearm. They won't take as long as a picture would take, especially if you don't want the words filled in or adorned with any special designs. You can check out this tattoo pain scale to see how other areas compare.

If you're in the relentless hunt for the perfect mascara, that not only volumizes but also gives your lashes the much-needed lift, then you should absolutely give the dior show mascara a try. It's undeniably one of the best mascaras that guarantees both length and volume while leaving no clumps behind.

5. Your Calf

tattoo,leg,thigh,arm,pattern, Calf tattoos aren't as common as other tattoos, but they're just as adorable. They shouldn't be all that painful and you'll get to lay down in your tattoo chair during the process. A calf tattoo will also give your crush some extra incentive to let you walk in front of him. That way, he can see how hot your ink looks. To prepare for your session, learn what to expect during your first tattoo session so you can relax.

6. Your Butt

hair,clothing,undergarment,thigh,leg, You probably don't want a tattoo on your booty, even though it's one of the least painful tattoo spots for a tattoo. No matter how skinny you are, the area has a lot of flesh, which means that you won't feel the needle as intensely as you would in the areas that have less space between you and your bones.

7. Anywhere, but Your Genitals

human action,human positions,sitting,person,thigh, If you don't want to experience extreme pain, avoid getting tattooed on your ribcage, hips, nipples, or genitals. Thinking about those spots getting poked with a needle is painful enough.

Once you come up with a tattoo design that you love, it won't matter how much pain you have to go through to get it, because the end product will be well worth your struggle. How many tattoos do you have?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Leah
2015-07-11T16:02:05.177Z
I got my first tattoo on my ribs and laughed all the way through. All of the tattoo artists in the studio told me I was crazy but the only uncomfortable part was when I felt it scraping the bone!
Thelma62913
2015-07-08T17:22:14.062Z
0. But I've been thinking of a wrist tat for a while now.
Kirstin
2015-07-09T00:36:19.408Z
Out of my 9 thigh and upper back were the worst....
Grayce
2015-07-09T12:43:29.102Z
I want one on my thigh. 😋😋
Laura
2015-07-08T17:54:07.745Z
My forearm was the worst tattoo experience. I think it is painful.
Morgan
2015-07-08T21:32:48.824Z
One and I'm getting more!
peony
2015-07-08T19:20:33.519Z
Loathe tatoos
Jennapher
2015-07-10T23:16:16.337Z
I'd say, generally speaking, any body art that requires touching bone is gonna hurt like hell! But, a good body artist knows how how to use the needle to produce art with the least amount of pain. And, of course, everyone has a different threshold for pain. I have three, one fairly large on in my lower back, and I'd call the sensation more annoying than painful. Beware, body art is like a bag of potato chips: nobody ends up satisfied with one ✒️⚓️
Tay
2015-07-08T21:35:42.059Z
All tattoos hurt to me😫😂. I'm a baby though. However I have 9 already and I'm going back for more😝
Michelle
2015-07-09T15:42:02.000Z
This all depends on the person and your pain threshold...I have 5 big tattoos. One that covers the inside of my right upper arm (that hurt!) honestly my worst one was my foot! Getting a large tattoo on your foot doesn't feel good! No tattoo feels good! It's like poking yourself with a needle and then dragging in across your skin.