Tattoo Pain, Ranked by Body Part

If you're a highly visual person like me, this image really helps put things in perspective. Created by Inked Magazine [1], the handy, colour-coded graphic breaks down tattoo pain by body part on a scale from mildly irritating (think knee scrapes or paper cuts) to worthy of passing out.

As a general rule of thumb, the "meatier" the area, the more bearable it'll be to get inked. The worst areas include your nipples, palms, and nether region, which makes sense, given that they're also the most sensitive. But don't forget to consider the size of your tattoo to determine if (and how long) you can take the heat. Whether you already have a dream location in mind or are still pondering your options, consider using these guidelines to help lock in your final decision.

Neck

Back-of-the-Neck: For those seeking ink that's easy to hide, this spot is one of the most popular. It's also one of the more cringe-worthy — especially as you inch down your neck. If any part(s) of your tattoo covers your upper vertebrae bones, they may be particularly sensitive and uncomfortable. As for healing, remember that your neck is in constant movement at all times, which can irritate the area and prolong healing. The location can be difficult to reach when it comes to cleaning (and admiring), too.

Behind the Ear: Creep up your neck a few inches, and you'll find a spot that was practically made for the likes of dainty feathers and beyond. On the pain meter, it clocks in about the same as any neck tattoo, but may be more of a headache — literally. This small area of skin is directly above your skull, so you'll feel the vibrations of the tattoo gun in your head. It sounds scary, but really may be more of an annoyance than anything. When shampooing with your new tat, take care to avoid aggressively rubbing the area. This can prematurely dislodge the scabs, which are essential to proper healing.

Back

Shoulders: These are one of the most common tattoo spots, and for good reason: they're equally easy to show off and cover up. Luckily, they can also be pretty basic in terms of discomfort, healing, and wear. The closer to your shoulder blades and the larger the design (if it extends up your neck, for example), the more painful the tattoo can be.

Spine: If even the slightest thing sends chills up your spine, this may be a spot to think twice about. Your spine is not only notoriously sensitive, but extremely bony and filled with nerves — all of which are a recipe for pain.

Torso

Collar Bones: Lusting after a clavicle tattoo? Be prepared to brace yourself. Though your collarbones can perfectly frame a cute tat, putting a needle to them can hurt quite a bit. This is a result of the bones being prominent and covered by relatively thin skin.

Ribs: There's just something about rib tattoos that's incredibly flattering. While this is an extremely popular first tattoo spot, it's also not for the faint of heart. Your ribs are comprised of mainly skin on bone, which can lead to amplified discomfort. Be sure to take shallow breaths when getting this kind of tattoo done, since too much movement of your ribcage can interfere with the artist's work. Healing is fairly mild, and wear is minimal, since the area isn't often interfered with.

Sternum: If your motto is "no pain, no gain," perhaps a sternum (aka the space in and under the centre of your boobs) tattoo is for you. Designs here can range from small and minimal to large and intricate — any of which are gorgeous complements to a bikini or low-cut top. However, because the area is extremely sensitive and completely made of bone, it tips the pain scale significantly.

Lower Abdomen: Stomach tattoos are a cool option if you're looking for something you can simultaneously hide and tease. They're also a true test of your pain threshold. Although your lower abdomen is flesh-covered versus bony, the skin is so delicate and tender you will likely feel a heightened burning sensation.

Arms

Outer Arm: An ultimate canvas for the OG "mum" tattoo, the outer part of your arm is a great beginner spot. Because it's a combination of muscle and flesh, the feeling skews more irritating than anything else. There's also a considerable amount of surface area, making it perfect for larger pieces or even just the start of a sleeve.

Inner Arm: Even though the skin on the inside of your arm is softer than the outside, tattoos here are still pretty manageable in terms of discomfort. This is also an area that remains fairly undisturbed on a day-to-day basis, which means artwork typically shows minimal signs of wear over time.

Wrist: The inner wrist is a top choice for those looking to get something delicate or small. Pain can vary significantly, but in general, the skin on this spot is particularly delicate and soft. It may feel more uncomfortable than, say, an outer arm tattoo, but is bearable overall.

Hands

Before you consider hand or finger tattoos, take a moment to think about how much you wash, use, and move your hands. (Spoiler alert: it's a lot.) Because they suffer excessive wear, tear, and exfoliation, tattoos here are notorious for fading fast — sometimes even before they're completely healed. As a result, most shops have specific caveats for hand and finger tattoos, like paid touch-ups (these are usually free for a certain period of time) or refusing to do them as your first ink. Some will turn you away completely. If, like me, you insist on getting your hands tatted, be prepared for the designs to fade, bleed, or blur over time. They also hurt quite a bit, but are done so quickly that you'll barely notice.

Legs

Thighs and Calves: Thighs and calves are to your legs as biceps are to your arms: broad, muscular, and among the most manageable locations to get tattooed. Specifically, your outer thighs are the toughest, but discomfort can increase as you move inward due to sensitivity.

Ankles: Similar to collarbones and ribs, your ankles are another area with particularly prominent bones. If you're planning to get a tattoo directly over your ankle bone, be prepared for a similar level of pain. Slightly above or below the bone toward your heel can be a bit more mild, but keep in mind that the skin is still quite thin.

Feet

Feet are another highly popular and easy-to-hide spot, but getting inked there is no walk in the park. With little muscle mass in them, they're practically all flesh on bone. The tops of your feet also have particularly thin skin, which makes for an extremely painful tattoo. Keep in mind that feet tattoos can also require longer healing times since friction with shoes can lead to irritation or potential infection. The more open your shoes, the better.