The least painful places to get a tattoo are generally the outer, fleshier, and less bony parts of the body such as the outer forearm, outer upper arm, outer thigh, calf, and parts of the upper/lower back. Pain is still very individual, but these areas are widely considered more manageable for a first tattoo.

Why some spots hurt less

  • Areas with more muscle and fat and fewer nerve endings usually hurt less (outer arms, thighs, calves, upper back).
  • Areas that are bony, thin‑skinned, or packed with nerves (ribs, spine, ankles, feet, hands, armpit, groin) usually hurt more.
  • Larger, longer sessions or heavy shading/lining can make even “easy” spots feel more intense over time.

Common “easier” tattoo placements

Most artists and heavily tattooed people often recommend these as beginner‑friendly spots:

  • Outer forearm
  • Outer upper arm / outer bicep
  • Outer upper thigh
  • Calf (back of lower leg)
  • Outer shoulder / shoulder cap
  • Upper or lower back, away from the spine

Many pain charts rank the outer forearm and outer upper arm among the lowest on the tattoo pain scale.

Spots that usually hurt more

If you are pain‑sensitive or getting your first tattoo, you may want to avoid:

  • Ribs and sternum
  • Spine and neck
  • Ankles, feet, toes
  • Wrists, hands, fingers
  • Inner arm (especially near armpit), elbow ditch
  • Groin and inner thigh
  • Head, face, ears

These areas tend to have thinner skin, more nerve endings, or sit right on bone, all of which increases pain.

Simple tips to make it hurt less

  • Eat well and hydrate before your appointment to keep your body stable.
  • Sleep properly the night before; fatigue and stress can heighten pain.
  • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can thin your blood and make you more sensitive.
  • Start with a smaller piece in an easier area if you are nervous, then work up to more sensitive spots later.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.