Calf tattoos are a popular choice for tattoo enthusiasts due to their lower pain level and cushioning effect. The calf is considered one of the least painful spots to get a tattoo, with a pain scale ranking of 6/10. However, the back of the calf, especially the closer you get to the back of your knee, can be more painful.
The calf is generally considered less painful due to the anatomy of the calf itself, which provides a cushioning effect and acts as a shock absorber. Pain in areas such as the chest, back, upper arm and shoulder, forearm, outer thigh, and calf that the suction doesn’t properly seal can cause a lot of pain.
In cooler months, calf tattoos tend to be more painful, but it’s still an average spot in terms of pain. The location of the tattoo on the calf can also impact the pain level.
To ensure a comfortable tattoo experience, it’s essential to follow the advice of your tattoo artist or healthcare professional. The calf is generally considered less painful due to its cushioning effect and the fewer nerve endings in the area.
In conclusion, calf tattoos are a popular choice for tattoo enthusiasts due to their lower pain level and cushioning effect. It’s important to follow the advice of your tattoo artist or healthcare professional and be patient during the healing process.
| Article | Description | Site |
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| On a scale of 1-10 and whereabouts how painful was your … | Inner thigh is as painful as back of calf. Overall it’s 7/10 in pain, but worth it since the leg has so much space to make cool art. | reddit.com |
| How does it feel to get a tattoo on your legs, as opposed to … | The calf sleeve I have was the most painful I’ve experienced so far. Especially over my shin bone. The calf back was very easy. It didn’t hurt … | quora.com |
| How Much does a Tattoo Hurt? | Tattoo Pain Chart | Feet/Ankles/Toes Tattoo Pain – 9 out of 10. Very painful — one of the most delicate areas to have tattooed. Also, hard to heal due to constant … | faq.saniderm.com |
📹 RATING Tattoo Pain LEVELS 1-5 on the LOWER LEG
Getting a tattoo is going to hurt and there’s no way around that!! BUT…depending on the location you get it done & how long the …
How Much Does The Calf Hurt To Get Tattooed?
Calf tattoos are generally considered more painful compared to other body parts, rated around 6 out of 10 on the pain scale, with certain areas potentially reaching an 8. The sensation of tattoo pain varies based on factors such as placement, size of the tattoo, and individual pain tolerance. While getting a tattoo, different sensations can be experienced, and specific locations on the calf affect the level of discomfort.
Calf tattoos on the sides are typically less painful than those on the back or shins due to less bone exposure and fewer nerve endings. For individuals sensitive to pain, the best spots for calf tattoos are above the ankle and below the knee, where there is more muscle and padding, resulting in a generally more tolerable experience. Conversely, getting tattooed directly on the shin bone can be more painful as that area has less fat and more nerve endings.
Pre-tattoo planning involves understanding personal pain thresholds, as everyone's sensitivity is different. Charts can help individuals identify which areas to avoid or consider numbing creams for pain management.
Healing from calf tattoos requires patience and following aftercare guidelines set by the tattoo artist or healthcare professionals. With proper care, healing can be more comfortable, minimizing overall discomfort.
In summary, calf tattoos are not the most painful option, but experiences can vary. Those looking to minimize pain may find the outer sides of the calf acceptable, while caution is advised near the bones or sensitive areas such as the knee and ankle. Understanding these variables allows for better preparation for the tattoo process and pain management.
What'S The Worst Spot To Get A Tattoo?
When considering tattoo placements on the body, some areas are deemed more painful and less advisable for first-time tattoo recipients. Here are the 7 worst places to get a tattoo:
- Feet: While tattoos on the feet can be visually appealing, they are among the most painful due to the thin skin, low fat and muscle content, and proximity to bones.
- Hands: Similar to the feet, tattoos on the hands also carry a high pain level because of the numerous nerve endings and thin skin.
- Stomach: Many think the stomach is a good spot for larger tattoos because of its size, but pain can vary as it houses sensitive areas.
- Chest: The chest can be a painful spot for tattoos mainly due to the underlying bone structure and thin skin.
- Elbows: The inner elbow has thin skin and is sensitive, making it a less than ideal spot for tattoos.
- Inner Ear: Getting tattooed in the inner ear is often avoided due to the intense pain and sensitivity of the area.
- Lips: Tattoos on the lips are not only painful but also quite challenging for artists, given the sensitivity and thin skin.
Among these areas, the rib cage stands out as particularly notorious for pain, frequently rated by tattoo recipients as the worst spot for a first tattoo due to its thin skin layer over the bones. Other notoriously painful spots include the armpits and spine, where pain levels are high due to ample nerve endings and minimal fat cushion. In contrast, areas like the forearms, upper back, and calves generally experience less pain. Overall, bony regions and locations with thinner skin tend to be the most uncomfortable for tattooing, making informed placements essential for a better tattoo experience.
Do Leg Tattoos Hurt More Than The Arm?
Shin tattoos are known for being among the most painful placements due to the thin skin and numerous nerve endings, making them rank high on the pain scale (8-9). Conversely, calf tattoos are a better option for those seeking lower-leg ink without enduring unbearable pain. When comparing pain levels, inner bicep tattoos are moderately painful and generally more so than outer bicep tattoos. The rib cage, although ideal for larger designs, is also associated with significant discomfort.
Pain perception varies widely; for instance, forearm and shoulder tattoos are typically rated around a 3/10. However, larger or more intricate designs can increase pain intensity, particularly during outlining. To help gauge tattoo pain by body part, a comprehensive tattoo pain chart can be a valuable resource, detailing which areas generally hurt more than others.
Factors influencing tattoo pain include body fat composition, nerve density, and skin thickness. Areas with more fat and fewer nerves tend to be less painful, while bony areas—such as elbows, knees, and certain parts of the rib cage—are generally much more sensitive. For example, the back of the calf is reported to be less painful than the side due to the presence of more nerves.
In summary, when planning a tattoo, it’s essential to consider these pain levels and choose placements accordingly. Thigh tattoos are often deemed less painful, with the inner thigh typically being more sensitive than the outer thigh. While many find the anticipation of pain stressful, understanding where pain commonly occurs can help mentally prepare for the experience. Tattoo enthusiasts often share their experiences, noting that, although tattoos on fleshier parts like the outer legs generally hurt less, there are always exceptions depending on individual pain thresholds and body composition.
Is It Worth Getting A Calf Tattoo?
Getting a calf tattoo can provide a sense of comfort since you can relax during the process, helping ease the stress and pain often associated with tattooing. Interestingly, while the tattoo artists I've consulted consider the calf among the worst areas for tattoos, my personal experience was different. I plan to get my first tattoo soon, specifically on the side of my calf below the knee, but I am mindful of pain levels. I found the calf's pain manageable, although tattooing over the shin and particularly the Achilles was notably painful.
Calf tattoos hold significant meaning for many, symbolizing milestones like graduation or honoring loved ones. The beauty and significance of a well-done tattoo can outweigh the temporary discomfort. For those anxious about the process, it's worth exploring if calf tattoos are truly as painful as rumored. Calf tattoos for men are trendy, offering a strong canvas for creativity, with the flexibility to showcase or conceal the design with clothing.
Currently, I am covering my calf with tattoos and found that the calf and shin areas are among the least painful spots for tattooing. While all tattoos involve some pain, mine presented minimal discomfort, with only minor muscle twitching during the inking. Though many tattoos may lack deep meaning, their aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It's essential to consider practicality, especially if you plan to show off your ink. After getting a tattoo, it's advisable to wait 24-48 hours before resuming strenuous exercise.
What'S The Worst Pain To Get A Tattoo At?
The experience of getting a tattoo can vary greatly in pain depending on the body location. Certain areas are generally noted as more painful due to factors like fewer fat deposits, proximity to bones, and high concentrations of nerve endings. A comprehensive tattoo pain chart categorizes these areas on a scale of 1-10, helping individuals anticipate the level of discomfort they may experience.
The most painful places to get a tattoo include the feet, ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. For instance, the feet are particularly sensitive as they have minimal fat and are heavily populated with nerve endings. Similarly, the ribcage is notorious as a difficult spot, characterized by thin skin, little muscle, and many nerve endings. Other notably painful areas are the inner thighs, groin, armpits, elbows, and behind the knees. Additionally, tattoos on the head, face, and ears are significantly painful due to the thin skin and high nerve density in these locations.
The least painful spots tend to be those with more body fat and fewer nerve endings, such as the forearms. While tattoo pain can be intense in certain areas, it's essential to remember that pain perception varies among individuals. Many people learn to tolerate the discomfort, focus on their desired design, and find ways to prepare for a smoother tattooing process.
Overall, understanding the most and least painful regions on the body can be vital for anyone considering a tattoo, allowing for informed decisions about placement. Do thorough research, seek a skilled tattoo artist, and prepare adequately to ensure that your tattooing experience is as positive as possible, regardless of the pain levels involved. With this knowledge, you can approach your tattoo journey with confidence and clarity about what to expect.
How Painful Is A Calf Sleeve Tattoo?
Calf tattoos are generally considered to be among the less painful areas to get tattooed, with a pain scale rating typically around 3 to 7 out of 10, depending on the exact location and individual pain tolerance. Factors influencing pain levels include the spot's anatomy, with the calf muscle providing some cushioning as it absorbs the shock, making it less sensitive than bony areas like the shins.
However, personal experiences vary significantly; while some find the process manageable, others, like myself, have found it quite painful, particularly when coloring near sensitive spots like the inside of the knee.
The pain perception can also be influenced by the intricacy and size of the tattoo. Overall, calf tattoos can take one to four sessions to heal, somewhat contingent on the tattoo's complexity. Sides of the calves are less painful than the back or shin areas, which have higher concentrations of nerve endings. The discomfort from tattooing depends on individual factors, including pain threshold and overall health. Though I plan to get more work done on my calf, I do approach it with some trepidation due to my previous experience of intense pain.
A tattoo pain chart can help prospective clients identify the most and least painful areas, and the calf ranks favorably due to its anatomy. Nonetheless, while calf tattoos are not the worst, areas like the inner thigh can be equally daunting. On average, the pain from a calf tattoo is moderate, making it a worthwhile area for artistic expression given its ample space for designs.
For anyone considering a tattoo in this region, balance is essential. Choosing the right location on the calf can make a significant difference in the pain experience. Ultimately, the calf is a decent choice for those apprehensive about pain while still wanting a beautiful piece of art.
Can You Walk After A Calf Tattoo?
Yes, walking after getting a leg tattoo is generally possible, but taking certain precautions is essential. Immediate aftercare is vital; the tattooed area may be sensitive and sore, so avoid applying excessive pressure. While getting a tattoo involves pain due to needles puncturing the skin, the perception of pain varies among individuals. Calf tattoos are usually less painful compared to tattoos on more sensitive areas, such as the ankle.
Regarding post-tattoo physical activity, it’s advisable to refrain from working out for at least 48 hours after getting a calf tattoo. This helps reduce pressure on the leg, which, if excessive, can lead to swelling due to constant movement. Some individuals report experiencing swelling and discomfort, particularly in the first couple of days following the tattooing, which can hinder mobility and affect work attendance. To alleviate swelling, elevating the leg and applying ice can be beneficial.
Swelling in the feet, legs, and ankles can be expected after obtaining a new calf tattoo and should typically subside within a couple of days. If pain occurs, especially after transitioning from sitting or lying down to standing, it may be due to inflammation or muscle movement affecting the tattooed area. Strategies to reduce calf tattoo pain while walking include proper aftercare, wearing loose-fitting clothing, limiting physical activity, and opting for smaller tattoos if pain sensitivity is a concern.
Healing from a calf tattoo is a process that requires patience, appropriate aftercare, and adherence to the advice provided by the tattoo artist or healthcare professionals. If a tattoo is located on the leg or foot, it’s crucial to avoid excessive use of the limb, ideally resting it for at least three days. Minimalistic walking or standing should only be done when necessary, and any swelling should be managed by elevating the leg until it diminishes.
In summary, while you can walk after getting a calf tattoo, moderation is key. Overactivity can extend the healing period and increase discomfort. Tattoo professionals recommend waiting several weeks before resuming high-intensity workouts to allow skin healing and proper settling of the tattoo. The pain experienced while walking may be linked to swelling from the tattoo wound, which can last up to a week. Proper monitoring and care will facilitate a more comfortable healing journey.
Does Fat Make Tattoos Hurt Less?
Choosing where to tattoo can significantly affect the pain experience, with certain body parts proving to be less painful due to specific factors. Areas with ample fat padding, tighter skin, fewer nerve endings, and no bony surfaces are often the most bearable for tattooing. For instance, the upper outer thigh is highlighted as one of the better options, as the fat cushion helps reduce pain during the tattooing process.
Regions that are less painful to tattoo typically feature more fatty tissue and thicker skin, which can absorb the needle's sting more effectively than thinner or bony areas. The thighs, hips, and stomach are commonly mentioned as less painful places, largely due to their fatty composition that provides a buffer against the tattoo needle’s sensation.
On the other hand, areas of the body that are known to be more painful tend to have less fat, more nerve endings, and thinner skin, allowing the pain to penetrate deeper down to the bone. For example, bony areas like the feet often experience significant discomfort when tattooed. Similarly, sensitive areas, such as the forearm or back, can be more painful venues for tattoos.
Discussing specific pain levels, calf tattoos are rated at about 2-3 out of 10 on a pain scale due to the fat and muscle padding, making them relatively manageable. Upper and lower back tattoos fall slightly higher on the scale, typically around 3-4 out of 10, still regarded as tolerable.
The stomach is another area noted for its padded cushioning of fat and muscle, further contributing to a less painful tattoo experience, while areas with concentrated nerve endings are generally more sensitive.
It is also crucial to recognize that individual factors, such as personal pain tolerance and body composition, can influence the pain experience of tattooing. Heavier individuals might perceive tattoo pain differently in the presence of excess skin and fat, which can amplify sensitivity or discomfort during the process.
Ultimately, the less painful areas for tattooing are characterized by a substantial fat presence, tight skin, and a lack of significant nerve endings or bony structures. Conversely, regions that are painful to tattoo usually possess minimal fat, numerous nerve endings, and thin skin. Selecting a tattoo location that maximizes fat and minimizes nerve sensitivity can lead to a more comfortable tattooing experience.
Where Is The Least Painful Place For A Tattoo?
The least painful places to get a tattoo are primarily areas with thicker skin, more fatty tissue, and fewer nerve endings. The general consensus ranks the forearms as the least painful spot, followed closely by the outer upper arms, outer shoulders, outer thighs, calves, lower back, and upper back. Tattoo pain tends to be lower in regions such as the outer thighs and calves (rated around level 2 on the tattoo pain scale), making them appealing options for those who may be worried about pain during the tattooing process.
On the pain scale, areas with a higher concentration of nerve endings and less cushioning—like the fingers, ribs, wrist, and shin—are identified as the most painful spots to get tattooed. Locations close to bones or with thin skin are generally associated with increased discomfort. For example, sensitive areas include the buttocks, head, neck, foot, ankle, elbow, kneecap, and sternum.
When selecting a spot, it’s recommended to consider areas with thick skin and minimal nerves to reduce pain. Meaty parts of the body, like the upper back and outer thighs, can provide a more comfortable tattooing experience. The outer forearm remains one of the top choices for both males and females due to its tough skin and lower sensitivity.
Ultimately, while various body parts vary in pain levels, individual pain thresholds will also play a significant role in the overall experience. For those looking to minimize discomfort, focusing on body parts with more flesh, like the outer forearms, outer biceps, and the shoulder area, can be beneficial. Therefore, the characteristic of a location in terms of fat and nerve density significantly contributes to the experience of getting inked.
📹 Top 5 Most Painful Areas You Can Get Tattooed
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I have a full leg/arm sleeve, full chest done, partical ribs, the KNEE was definitely a pretty terrible spot. The fact that it was a 7 hour session definitely didn’t help (Gaint lotus flower). But that was definitely the worst one. Pro tip, don’t go beyond 3/4 hour sessions, you run out of adrenaline and it really starts to hurt. All tattoos, some more than others are going to hurt. The pain is temporary, the tattoo lasts forever. Understand you have to “earn” each tattoo in a way, enjoy the experience.
I’m a paramedical tattoo artist and the Areola/nipple tattoo is definitely a sensitive area! For my job it really varies based on if the client has had a mastectomy, breast augmentation/lift etc… for some the feeling is completely gone. Obviously every artist and shop is different in regards to numbing, but I use anesten cream if needed and it really helps the discomfort, especially for the more mature women whom have never had any other tattoos. Love all your vids and reading everyone’s comments! None of my tattoos were too bad, the ribs for me had that ticklish armpit feeling you were talking about, but I’ve been getting laser removal on it and WOW it feels like pouring hot cooking oil on your skin.
The chest and sternum was by far the worst for me so I’m glad you mentioned it as #1. I had other tattoos done before and knew I could handle them but the moment the needle first hit my chest I knew it was about to be a very long, painful 5-6 hours for me lol. Felt my soul leave my body at a few points, especially at the collarbones and sternum. The vibrations make it feel like someone is cutting you open.
A little backstory. When I was a kid, I survived a car accident where a van reversed over my arm, which left my arm with a pretty gnarly keloid scar. So w hen I was getting my sleeve done a few years ago, when my artist went into the ditch of that arm, that pain felt like a sensation I have never endured in my entire life.
Just got a chest piece today, just a little ornament in the centre, less than 2 hours, all blackwork. Mostly a 4 or 5 out of 10, pain-wise, but the flipping sternum was a 10 out of 10. I felt like I was being stabbed with lava knives, with electrical shocks radiating out in waves. The weirdest part was how small the painful spot was, and how the area around it wasn’t nearly as painful. I’d be vibing along to the music, feeling ok, then the needle passed over my sternum and everything turned to red static. My calf was my most painful tattoo, because that was 7.5 hours of mid-to-high pain with lots of colour-packing, but the sternum was the absolute worst as far as sheer pain goes.
I have two full arm sleeves, full chest sleeve (only the nipples are blank), and almost two full leg sleeves. Never tapped out due to pain, but my chest area was the worst. It felt like like open heart surgery, I was sweating profusely and squeezing my hands together as hard as I can. Second worst pain was the knee, third worst was the shin.
I was 17 turning 18 apprenticing at a hole in the wall shop called “dark horse” in TN that’s long gone now. My “teacher” was an opiate junkie that had me doing drug runs 3 to 4 times a day. Had to get out of there. Shortly after, a friend asked if he could purchase my machine and power supply. He turned out to be an amazing tattoo artist and is in Nashville. Sean Drennen, is his name. He has done all my work. I let him do whatever he wants/pick art that he has already drawn up. I just want to be a blank canvas for him. Well it’s October 2014 and he wants to blast my ribs. I’m down. This is the biggest tattoo he had ever done up until then on anyone. It goes into my pit slightly, past the waist line, and wraps from my back slightly to my stomach/chest (he whipped my nipple on purpose just for the laughs lol, that bastard) but that was 3 sessions 9 hours each. We are on the last session doing color and we always have the tv on or radio and Remember it’s October, so tv is on and we are like 8 hours in… some horror movie came on without us noticing and it gets into some long drawn out violin staccato shit, creating all this anxiety/suspense and we both said wtf let’s change this lol. It was terrible. We were both just so in it not noticing what was going on making the moment so much more intense. Good times though. My stomach seams very sensitive and I think that would be the worst. Anyway I hope this is fun for someone to read. I haven’t told that story many times.
I got my first tattoo this May on my chest/ boob/ under boob/ sternum area. Went into the shop and started chatting with some girls and some tattoo artists the faces they gave me when I told them about my tattoo were a mix of pity and disbelief. I got high pain tolerance so I know I’m solid but I also understood it’s a fucking needle. The whole tattoo went fine, I sat like a rock like I cussed under my breath a little but all was going well. Till my tattoo artist reached the lower sternum part like right above your stomach area. It felt like the needle was carving into my fucking bones, it was also white ink which my tattoo artist hurts more, a fucking nightmare. I didn’t stop her tho cause it was still, to a point, bearable but definitely made me think about my life and how my choices led me to this moment. A full existential crisis. Haha, no regrets tho it turned out badass.
Think I must be wired strangely because I didn’t find my sternum/chest all that bad – though I totally get the ‘hot grease’ comparison. But my inner upper arm was really, really bad! For me I think the style of the tattoo is as much of a factor as the placement – I find repeated shading on the same area a struggle.
i got the inside of my upper arm tattooed and there was about half an inch that crossed into armpit territory, not even in the depth of the armpit itself but hitting the nerves associated with it, and that was surprisingly intense. the difference between that section and the rest of the tattoo was night and day.
My first tattoo was on my inner bicep. No one told me how painful it was gonna be, I’m sure the artist didn’t tell me on purpose lol. It was so painful that the rest I’ve gotten since then have all been on my outer arms, but now I’ve got an idea to match the other inner bicep, so I’m gonna have to suck it up eventually.
During this article I wanted to comment so bad but I waited for the whole article here is my input. Not and artist but I have some tattoos and one large full coverage chest piece witch happens to be a cover up from a very poorly executed jolly Rodger pirate chest piece. In a few weeks I’ll be getting my left side including ribs done 3 8hour sessions I watched this to get insight of what to expect for the ribs. You said the ribs is number 2 and sternum is #1 well my sternum has been tattooed 4 times now to complete the cover up and hide the pirate behind it and my right nipple was blasted I feel a lot more confident going to my appointment now thank you for that. The worst place for me so far with what I have done is the last ribs in the front (my lower chest) I was at the 7 hour mark when that part was being done and I thought my soul left my body
Currently working on a cover up/full color chest panel, one more 3 hr session to go. Original tattoo was huge lettering across my clavicle. I thought that was painful but after just getting my sternum done…. Ay yi yi that was nothing less then brutal!! Definitely had a moment of clarity when i felt the hoard of needles strike bone. Honestly it was an eye opening experience and if i had to do it again i would not! 🙅🏾♂️ I’m heavily inked and for whatever reason i didn’t think it would be so bad but i was wrong! Other painful areas for me: wrist,ankle,fingers. My ribs really didn’t hurt! Elbows are kinda annoying tho 🤗
I only have one tattoo so far, which I got done 15 years ago, so I barely even remember my pain getting that one done. But I remember it only hurt in some areas and that I could sit still and be quiet without problem. Now I have an appointment coming up for my second tattoo, and although it’ll mostly be on my calf, it will go down on my foot a bit and also up on my knee. I kinda hoped the knee would not be on this list lol. But I hope it’ll be managable, as I’m not getting the whole knee done. Just a little bit on one side of the knee cap where the shape of the image tapers off. I’ve been wanting this piece done for years by now, so not gonna let some pain stop me. I’d say I have high pain tolerance, but all that really means is that I generally have good control in sitting still, being quiet, breathing well and not passing out, even when exposed to intense pain. It does not mean that I feel pain to any notably lesser degree than what I’d assume to be average, although after some time of consistent exposure to pain I seem to get used to it and go a little numb. So, my “high pain tolerance” basically just means I’ll look like I’m not feeling anything but internally I’m crying and screaming lol, which is a skill I’ve acquired and has nothing to do with the nerves in my skin.
My first tattoo (I should say the first part because I only have 1 which is ankles to top of the neck) was straight up the spine. What you say about the sternum Is very similar to the tailbone and I found the shading to be WAY worse for that because of how bad the vibrating was. The nerves were also weird there and it def feels like the tattoo is happening a bit lower if you get what I mean.
Hey! Good article! I have an arm sleeve and almost half of my leg, last week I started a torso piece that goes from by stomach, chest and collarbones, only got the lines in 4/5 hours and it was excruciating, I am sooo worried about the colors on the next session as it is neo traditional and has a lot of colors 😩😩 any advise to deal with the pain? Thank you!
I’ve got tattoos on the outside of both my ankles, both sides of my upper back, the middle of my upper back, back of the neck, both wrists, inside my upper arms, outside my lower arms and in all complete honesty the only one that actually hurt was the one on the upper middle part of my back. It felt like the needle was going into my bone. It took 2 hours to complete and I kept breathing through my nose and out my mouth and I never made a sound and never moved around and it took 2 hours to finish, but I was so happy I stuck it out. The pain was worth it. I’ve heard people say the wrist is really painful, but mine didn’t hurt at all and I got both my wrists done. I guess I have a pretty high pain tolerance.
I have a fullback that im getting laser on at the moment, took my first time with laser without any anesthetic cream and THAT is painfull as hell… I chose to do it without the anesthetic cream because I have a high tolerance for pain when getting tattoos, but for the rest of my laser im gonna get the anesthetic cream for sure… When getting tattoos i only think it hurt a bit right next to my spine, on the calf and on the inside on my lip… On my thighs it tickles and I have points at my back where it tickles also… I dont think the knee hurts, it just feels weird to me…
So, I’m not heavily tattooed (I only have 3 medium-sized ones all on the same arm), but I’ll share my experience anyway, because at least my experience covers a few different spots on the arm. For me, the outer bicep was the easiest by far. It’s a meaty area, doesn’t seem to have a lot of nerves close to the surface, no big deal. Next was the top of my outer forearm, which was kinda similar to the bicep. Just not a very sensitive area, not that big a deal. The last one I got was on the inner side of my lower forearm on the wrist area, and it was notably more painful that the other two. The inner wrist is a pretty sensitive area, the skin there is pretty thin, there are nerves running through there that are close to the surface (my pinky kept twitching involuntarily because of the nerves and tendons that run through there), so it’s definitely a bit rougher than a lot of other areas of the arm in my experience so far.
I’ve had quite a bit of my body done. Throat, neck, arms, hands they were hardly painful at all. My worst tattoos was recently I had my stomach and hips done. I was 1hr in and wanted to tap out. I’ve never experienced so much pain in my life. I powered through though. Sat through a 6 hour tattoo and it’s so sick. Only problem is, I’m still quite bruised and it’s been just over a week.
I just got my first tattoo this past weekend, I got a full chest piece with a portion of it going down my sternum toward my stomach. It was about 9 hours and it was the most painful thing I’ve ever been through but at the same time it wasn’t that bad. It was bearable. The last 2-2.5 hours were pretty brutal tho lol
The rib and chest were the worst. Next under side of the arms, then shoulder blades. One of my forearms because we did 8hrs one day then I went back the next day for 2-3 hours in the same area that night it felt like someone was breaking my arm all night so not the tattoo it self but the effects of working in one area 2 days in a row. ( was on leave and didn’t know when I’d make it home again). The back of the calf was barely noticeable. The side of the calf wasn’t bad either.
Hey James, nice vid! Speaking of pain, I was wondering if you could do a article on how to deal with hand pain when tattooing, or learning how to tattoo (hoping you haven’t yet). I’ve been an artist and a powerlifter simultaneously for the last ten years, so I’ve always dealt with a tiny amount aches in my right hand, but I recently started learning tattooing in the last couples months, and those aches have gotten increasingly worse. I know that lifting heavy weights in the gym doesn’t help, and I’m probably going to stop that soon, but I figured that tattoo artists that don’t even powerlift deal with the same issues. Appreacite any help brother, keep at it!
My ribs were soooooooooo much easier than my knee. Granted it was a quicker tattoo (2ish hours vs 7, only one session each). I expected my ribs to be really difficult because they’re an extra sensitive part of my body, but even my artist said it was the easiest rib tattoo they’d done in a long time in terms of how well I sat. It was actually a really chill experience. (Taking the second skin off it was another story. That hurt worse than getting the tattoo!) My knee I traveled for 2 months later and I wouldn’t have survived the whole day session if it weren’t for Bactine and even so I was basically sobbing without the tears deciding if I could stomach the white highlights during the same session, but I did and it turned out awesome.
Love, love my tattoo artist! She works so quickly that even if it hurts, I know it won’t last long. I got a lower leg sleeve done and worst area was near the knee. And I noticed the back of the leg was more uncomfortable than the front. Victoria always asks me if I hate her yet when she’s in a sensitive area. 😂 Never! She says she loves how I sit so well. Working on the other leg now.
I’m pretty heavily tattooed and have all of the areas mentioned in this article at least partially tattooed other than my knees. I have my neck, chest, arms, ribs, thighs, back and ass tattooed. For me personally the ribs weren’t that bad, slightly worse than an arm tattoo if I had to compare. My neck obviously hurt a lot but I sat for 5.5 hours and did the entire thing in one shot so it definitely could have been worse. Nothing and I mean nothing came close to the pain of getting my back done and not just certain areas, the entire back. Some spots are definitely worse but the entire back was extremely painful. We usually did 3 hour sessions because that was pretty much my physical limit. I’ve never questioned if I’d be able to sit for a session in my life until I got my back done but I got through it, that is definitely a spot you have to earn.
I have a WEAK pain tolerance. My first tattoo was on my ankle, it hurt but it was alright. Then I got my ribs done, right in that middle part you’re talking about, and holy freaking cow. 2.5 hours of torture but I sat through it… tbh, was comparable to labour (I was blessed to have a relatively easy labour). I want the other side done so bad but I’m terrified loool Got my upper bicep done, 8.5 hours, practically pain free in comparison. I was so surprised how easy it was
I have both ribs done and that was pretty bad, but it was nothing on my leg garter belt and front of thigh tattoo. Next im getting a freddy claw on the back of my bicep to connect my arm. Im excited and scared like you 😭 my shoulder piece wasn’t bad till they blended color. Love you been perusal for a while now. Love the new ink! ❤️
I just had a 9 hour session with 4 10 min breaks for a forearm sleeve and it was fkin torture. iv never wanted to die so bad lol. And the sleeve isnt even done its like 50% complete😭. Got most of my inner forearm done tho im pretty sure thats the most painful part of the fore arm so that’s a relief. Im getting the rest done after the summer anyone got tips i look up to it so bad😭
dude thank you for talking about nipples. it drives me CRAZY when i see photos on instagram of these beautiful full frontal chest and stomachs pieces (like a japanese body suite) and the nipples stick out like a sore thumb. just put them in a dark area and black them out! makes such a huge difference in the final product.
Sternum for sure. Nothing has been worse than getting tattooed there, as a part of an underboob tattoo. Ribs were bad bad bad, but once the needle went to the sternum bone area… oh shit. I’ve never made pain noise during a tattoo before, but I kind of whimpered through my nose a few times there. And it’s not only the pain (which is brutal) but it really does feel like the needle is vibrating the bone. Doing a little dance here just remembering the feeling!
I have 3 tattoos for now. All three are relatively small. I have one on my wrist (didnt hurt as much as I thought it would), I have one on the back of my shoulder (didn’t feel a thing) and the one that hurt the most was the one I have on my calf, the wrist one went numb after a while but the calf just hurt constantly for the whole 4 hours that it took for me to finish it
I have one leg sleeve so far, front of thigh was easiest sides and back was medium pain, calf was annoying as was front of the leg and near my ankles, but let me tell you how much I appreciated those areas after getting my kneecap covered and I mean covered side to side front to top, it was the only time I ever felt like I was gonna pass out from the pain and it was the only time I even considered cutting the session and doing it later. Kneecap is something else absolutely the worst pain ever ! Totally worth it though still gonna do the other knee cap but it is hell.
Love the content, I have a Chest-piece covering the Sternum, around the nipples and bit of the ribs, 2×4-5 Hour Sessions, couldn’t do it in one, i think my pain tolerance is okay, sternum was definitely the worst, currently plaining on tattooing a black and red mandala around my hole foot but i think i’ll need numbing cream for that one!