Tattoo Placement Guide: 7 Spots Where It Hurts Less

There’s no sugarcoating it: getting a tattoo comes with some level of pain. But not all tattoos or areas of the body are created equally. Knowing where to get a tattoo can save you some pain and make all the difference.

When it comes to tattoo placement, some areas of the body may feel like light pressure or sting, while others can feel sharper, almost as if your skin is pushing back against the tattoo needle.

If you’ve been putting off your first tattoo because you’re worried about pain, we hear you. And we're here to tell you: there are ways to mitigate this. Choosing the right tattoo placement is the first step toward a more comfortable experience. Now let's dive in.

Tattoo Pain Factors: Skin, Nerves, and Tolerance

No two people experience tattoo pain the same way. But there are a few universal factors that shape how intense that tattoo needle might feel:

• Skin thickness – Areas with thicker skin generally come with less pain. Areas with thinner or more delicate skin are typically more sensitive during the tattoo process.
• Nerve endings – Fewer nerve endings = less pain. Areas packed with many nerve endings (like the ribs, hands, or spine) can deliver more sting.
• Muscle, bone, and fat – If the area has more muscle or body fat, the tattoo needle has more cushion to work with. For bony spots, expect sharper sensations. How your body’s fat and muscle are distributed can also influence how pain registers in different zones.
• Pain tolerance – Everyone has a different pain threshold. What feels like mild pressure to one person might register as intense pain for someone else.
• Mindset and prep – Staying calm, well-rested, hydrated, and having a good meal beforehand can go a long way in lowering your body’s sensitivity. Taking short breaks when needed can also make a noticeable difference.

7 Tattoo Placements That Hurt Less (Ranked Mild to Moderate)

Not sure where to start? Here’s your cheat sheet: the 7 least painful tattoo spots, ranked from mild discomfort to more noticeable sting.

These placements tend to cause less discomfort compared to more painful tattoo locations.

• Outer Shoulder
  Pain Level: ? 1/5
  Thick skin, few nerve endings, and solid muscle padding make this spot beginner gold. It’s easy for a tattoo artist to work on, especially for circular pieces or shoulder-wrap designs. 
• Outer Thigh
  Pain Level: ? 1.5/5
  This area has a great mix of fat and muscle, and not a lot of sensitive nerve endings. It’s roomy, relatively low on the tattoo pain scale, and ideal for both small and large designs. If you're searching for a less painful tattoo location, the outer thigh is a solid bet.
• Back (Upper or Lower)
  Pain Level: ?? 2/5
  The back gives you space, structure, and surprisingly low discomfort. Just steer clear of the spine if you’re looking to stay in the “easy zone.” The upper back offers thicker skin and fewer nerve endings.
• Behind the Ear
  Pain Level: ?? 2/5
  Small surface, big statement. While the area has delicate skin, many people find it surprisingly manageable. It’s great for smaller, minimalist pieces, and because the area is compact, tattoos here are often quicker to complete.
• Forearm
  Pain Level: ?? 2.5/5
  Visible and practical. The forearm has enough muscle to buffer the tattoo needle, and it's a fan favorite on every tattoo pain chart for a reason because it has relatively few nerve endings. 
• Calf
  Pain Level: ??? 3/5
  Your calf has cushion. Lots of it. It’s great for detail-heavy work and usually feels less sharp compared to more exposed or sensitive skin areas.
• Outer Bicep
  Pain Level: ??? 3/5
  Strong muscle = strong contender. The outer bicep is a top choice if you want your tattoo to be seen but don’t want the tattooing process to be too painful an experience. This bicep tattoo zone offers manageable discomfort for most people.

Now that you know where pain may be more manageable, let's chat about areas to AVOID if you are looking to minimize pain. 

Some areas known to be especially painful include ribs, inner thighs, armpits, stomach, feet, and hands. These painful tattoo spots come with thin skin, extra nerve endings, and a whole lot more discomfort. If you are looking to minimize pain, stay clear of these. 

Tattoo Prep Tips to Reduce Pain

If you’re feeling a little anxious about tattoo pain, that’s totally normal. The key is prepping your skin and your mindset so you're not caught off guard when the needle hits. A few smart steps before your session can make the process feel a lot smoother.

• Prepare the skin – Prepping your skin with an antibacterial soap before your session helps ensure your skin is clean and workable.
• Proper preparation – Eating beforehand, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol or excess caffeine can all help your body handle the tattooing process more comfortably.
• Stay relaxed and communicate – Tensing up can make tattoo pain feel worse. Try to stay calm and breathe (where possible!) through the process. If you're feeling overwhelmed, speak up. Ask your artist for a break if you need a moment. Tattooing should feel like a collaboration, not a punishment.
• Talk to your tattoo artist about pain management – When it comes to in process pain management, some professionals use numbing sprays with lidocaine during longer sessions to help ease discomfort. Ask your artist if they work with these products, and if they may be a fit for your session.

A little planning, the right headspace, and smart skin prep go a long way toward making your tattoo experience more comfortable from start to finish.

Tattoo Aftercare Tips for Vibrant Results

Yes, tattoos can hurt, but the real test comes after the appointment. How your tattoo heals sets the tone for how your tattoo will look long term. So whether you went for a less painful spot, or sat through a more painful session, be sure to use proper tattoo aftercare to keep the area nourished, protected and clean. Don’t sit through the pain only to lose the long term battle. 

Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm is a post-session favorite that nourishes skin and keeps the area moisturized during the healing process (and forever after). It’s petroleum-free, certified vegan, and made with naturally-derived ingredients.

Looking for extra protection? Try the Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Wraps. These latex‑free wraps help safeguard new art from unintentional contact and keep the freshly tattooed area clean. They provide breathable, high‑quality protection that’s easy to apply and remove without the mess.

Choose the Right Spot, Support the Right Way

Tattoo pain is real, but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. The right tattoo placement, solid prep, and smart aftercare can turn a nerve-racking experience into one that feels powerful and personal.

Choosing the least painful tattoo locations is a great entry point for first-time tattoos. But whether you're easing in with a minimal discomfort zone or testing your personal pain tolerance, the goal doesn’t change: respect your skin, work with your tattoo artist, and support the process at every stage.