Do tattoos hurt? Yes or no. It really depends on where you get the tattoos. Pain levels can vary significantly based on the body part, personal pain tolerance, and the size or design of the tattoo. As someone with tattoos on my finger, wrist, back, and arm, I’ll share my personal experiences to give you an honest idea of what to expect in each of these areas.
Do finger tattoos hurt?
Super! I thought it wasn’t painful at all before getting one on my index finger. Before having the ink, my tattoo artist warned me that it was going to hurt a lot. I was like, "No way, wrist tattoos are the worst. Finger tattoos should be fine." I was so wrong. The pain felt like an axe chopping at my heart.
Finger tattoos are painful due to the thin skin and lack of muscle in this area. The needle comes close to the bone, intensifying the sensation. Besides how painful finger tattoos can be, it's important to note that finger tattoos fade faster than those on other body parts. This happens because fingers come into frequent contact with water and various surfaces, speeding up the fading process.
Do wrist tattoos hurt?
In my experience, wrist tattoos weren’t as painful as finger tattoos, but they still hurt a lot! I had to ask the tattoo artist to stop three times during the session because I needed a break. The skin on the wrist is relatively thin, and you can really feel the needle near the bone, especially around the inner wrist. However, since tattoos in this area are usually smaller, the process tends to be quicker.
Do back tattoos hurt?
For me, no, they don't. My first tattoo was on my lower back, and although I was nervous since it was my first, I didn’t really feel much pain.
Generally, tattoos on the lower or upper back tend to be less painful because these areas have more muscle and fat, which cushion the impact of the needle. However, pain levels can vary depending on the exact location. If your tattoo is near the spine or shoulder blades, you might feel more discomfort due to the proximity to bone.
Do forearm / upper arm tattoos hurt?
To be specific, I got my tattoo on my bicep. The pain was manageable, sitting somewhere in the middle of the pain scale for me. You can feel it, but it’s not too bad.
Tattoos on the upper arm and forearm are generally considered less painful compared to other areas. The skin in these spots is thicker, and there’s more muscle, which helps reduce discomfort. These areas are popular among beginners because the pain is easier to handle, and it’s also simpler to care for during the healing process.
Final step before getting your dream tattoo
Now that you know what to expect in terms of tattoo pain, you’re almost ready to get inked! But before you commit, why not try your design on first? Thanks to advanced technology, you can now virtually try on your tattoo before making it permanent. And the best part? Tatship offers a FREE virtual tattoo try-on! Just upload your design, or explore our extensive collection to find the tattoo that’s perfect for you. Ready to see how it will look? Visit Tatship today and take the first step toward your dream tattoo!