If you are thinking about a tattoo, it is natural to wonder how much it will hurt. You might have your design settled but still be deciding between two placements, or fear of the session might be making you put it off.
Ribs, feet and areas close to bone tend to feel sensitive; the outer arm or thigh can be more manageable for some people. But no pain chart can predict exactly what you will feel.
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Why it does not hurt the same everywhere
The sensitivity of the area, skin thickness and how close the bone is all play a part. So do the size of the tattoo, the length of the session, the type of work and how you feel that day.
That explains why two people can describe a tattoo in the same place very differently. No technique can guarantee a pain-free session either, even with a small or fine line design.
- The area: some parts of the body are particularly sensitive to touch and movement.
- Time: a long session can get harder as tiredness sets in.
- Your experience: nerves, rest and your tolerance affect how you perceive the sensation.
Areas that tend to feel more or less sensitive
The ribs, tops of the feet, feet in general and areas near joints are often described as sensitive. The outer arm and some parts of the thigh can be more manageable. These are general pointers, not an exact ranking for every body.
If this is your first tattoo, you can discuss two or three placements and ask how the design changes in each one. You do not need to rule an area out just because of someone else’s experience, but it helps to understand what the session could involve.
How to prepare and talk about nerves
Get some rest and eat before your appointment. Do not arrive under the influence of alcohol or other substances, and follow the studio’s instructions beforehand. If you take medication or have a health condition, mention it in advance and consult your healthcare professional where appropriate.
Do not use anaesthetics on your own without discussing it first. You do not need to endure the session in silence to prove anything either: say if you need a break, feel dizzy or find the sensation too much.
Choosing a placement with realistic expectations
As well as pain, think about where you want to see your tattoo, how much space it needs and what looking after it will involve. The best placement is not always the one shown as least painful on a chart.
At Bon Vivant Tattoo Studio, on Calle Montera in Madrid, you can explain any worries about the session and compare options before deciding. You do not need to arrive without nerves: what matters is being able to talk about them and knowing what to expect.