Thinking about getting a tattoo, but the thought of pain makes you hesitate? That's completely normal! Yes, some tattoos hurt more than others, but don't panic. With the right advice and a little preparation, you can get through the experience without too much trouble (and maybe even with a smile).A little secret to help you : Irinau Tattoo balm, specially designed to soothe and speed up healing after a tattoo. In this article, we explain which areas of the body are the most sensitive and how to prepare for this great adventure. Don't forget, with Irinau Tattoo , take care of your skin from the very first session!
Tattoo Areas That Really Hurt (But Are Worth It!)
First of all, you should know that some parts of the body are more painful to tattoo. Here are the main areas that will make you wince a little (or a lot) depending on your tolerance:
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Ribs : Beware, minefield! This is one of the most painful areas because the skin is very thin and stuck to the bone. If you are ready to face this ordeal, eternal respect, but expect to feel every vibration like a small internal tremor.
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Fingers and Hands : Sure, tattoos on your hands or fingers are super stylish, but they're not for the faint of heart. The skin is thin, and with all those nerve endings, you might feel it coming through.
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Feet and ankles : Same battle as hands: very close to the bones, lots of nerves, so pain is a given. But hey, at least you can proudly show off your tattoo in the summer!
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The sternum : Another area where the skin is directly on the bone. Here, it can shake a little, but rest assured, the result is often worth it (especially if you have a sophisticated design in mind).
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Neck and face : If you dare to do these areas, hats off! With the thinness of the skin and the concentration of nerves, the neck and face are not the most pleasant to tattoo, but if you are determined, this is the kind of tattoo that makes a splash.
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The spine : Ah, the famous straight line of the bravest! Getting a tattoo on your spine is like feeling mini-vibrations all along your back, directly on the bone. Do you like strong sensations? You're in for a treat!
Why do these places hurt so much?
The pain of a tattoo depends on several factors: the presence of nerve endings (those little creatures that send pain signals), the proximity of bones and the thinness of the skin. The more nerves there are, the more sensitive it is. The thinner the skin, the more you will feel each needle pass. Areas like the ribs, the sternum or the spine have almost no flesh to cushion, so... it stings more!
How can we make this more bearable?
Fortunately, there are a few tricks to help reduce the pain (and no, passing out is not an option):
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Choose a good tattoo artist : An experienced artist will be able to work smoothly and efficiently, which can make a huge difference in how you feel. The faster and better it is done, the less pain you will have.
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Numbing creams : Yes, they exist! Some creams can slightly numb the skin. However, check with your tattoo artist before applying them, as not everyone is a fan of using them.
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Prepare well : A rested and hydrated body is a happy body (and more tolerant of pain). Avoid alcohol and caffeine before your appointment: they can make your skin more sensitive.
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Breathe and relax : Easy to say, but super effective. Take a deep breath, try to stay relaxed, and why not put on some music to distract yourself. The less you tense up, the more manageable the pain will be.
Quieter areas for a first tattoo
If you don't want to suffer too much for your first tattoo, here are some "cooler" areas where the pain is generally less intense:
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Arms (except elbows) : Whether on the forearm or biceps, these areas are well padded and often more bearable.
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Thighs : With all that muscle, the thigh is an ideal area for a relatively painless tattoo. Well, except maybe near the pelvic bones, but that's rare!
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The buttocks : Yes, yes, we are talking about this area! Thanks to the natural cushion, the pain there is milder.