10 Least Painful Places to Get a Tattoo for Girls

By on September 17, 2014

The thought of a needle digging into your skin seems pretty darn painful, right? But what if I told you there’s actually some tattoo locations with very minimal pain? That’s right! There’s not only 1 or 2, but 10 different places where you can get a tattoo without even as much as a single tear. Think of it like this: it doesn’t really feel like a needle being drug through your skin, it really just feels like someone poking you with a pinprick in an annoying fashion. That being said, here’s 10 least painful tattoo locations that won’t make you shriek in pain, just be a little annoyed for a lengthy amount of time!

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1. Outer Shoulder

Outer Shoulder

You have undoubtedly seen outer shoulder tattoos, whether they were small, stand alone tattoos or something much grander (better known as a half sleeve). There’s three reasons for this. One, these tattoos are visible 99% of the time. Secondly, there’s plenty of flesh space to draw a masterpiece. Thirdly, it’s the least painful place to get a tattoo. If you’re in the market for an adorable tattoo that will look great with minimal pain spent, I recommend an outer shoulder tat.

2. Thigh

thigh tattoos

You’ve probably seen a recent influx in the amount of thigh tattoos on women. This is because of the simple reason that thigh tattoos are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Much like the outer shoulder, there is plenty of space to paint your canvas on. The pain amount is definitely tolerable with a thigh tattoo, and best of all: thigh tattoos look absolutely ADORABLE paired up with your favorite short shorts. Need I say more?

3. Wrist

Wrist tattoo

Were you thinking about getting a cute, little tattoo on your wrist? Well, you’ll be happy to know that wrist tattoos aren’t just feminine and cutesy, but they are also one of the least painful places to get tatted. So go ahead- rock that little heart you’ve been dreaming of or get that short quote you love- it won’t hurt a bit!

4. Upper Back

Upper Back tattoo

The back is another excellent area for tattoos because of the huge space available. Many people opt to get tattoos crossing the entire length of the upper half of their backs while others choose a smaller tattoo on one side of the back. Either way, back tattoos are fairly minimal when it comes to pain- as long as you stay away from the spine and armpit area. Then you might find yourself squinting and squirming in pain!

5. Shin

Shin tattoo

Below the knee and above the ankle is an excellent spot to get a tattoo- especially if you choose to place it on the outer area of your shin away from the bone. Whether you choose a large tattoo that covers half your leg or something small and cute, you can rest assured that you won’t be bothered by an intense amount of pain. Not to mention shin tattoos look really lovely with cropped jeans and shorts!

6. Neck

neck tattoos

Much like back tattoos, neck tattoos are really easy to handle- as long as you stay away from the spine. And no, you weren’t seeing things: neck tattoos are becoming incredibly popular in the female tattoo world, just like thigh tattoos. Many woman are breaking into the tattoo world and choosing this location for their first, the most common place being directly behind the ear. Don’t worry yourself thinking a tat that close to the head HAS to hurt- that mindset couldn’t be any further from the truth.

7. Ribs

rib tattoos

Now, I am not going to sit here and lie to you: the ribs are a bit more painful than the other 6 locations listed, but it’s definitely not an area that will lead to tears. You might be under the impression that rib tattoos HAVE to hurt- I mean, the ribs are a rather sensitive area, right? On the contrary! Ribs are thick and ready to rumble when it comes to pain. So I invite you to finally get that quote or flower blasted on your rib cage. It will look amazing and super hot when it comes time for bikini season!

8. Hips

hip tattoo

You know those adorable hip tattoos? The one with the matching set of artwork on both sides? Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. And I KNOW you love them- how could you not? Hip tattoos aren’t just sexy and trendy, they’re also pretty painless! Whether you’re opting for the matching set of tats on either side or want something across your lower abdomen, rest assured you won’t be in for the worst time of your life. And when it’s all over and done with, you’ll love how sexy the tattoo looks against your jeans and shorts.

9. Stomach

Stomach tattoo

Stomach tattoos are just plain cool. Plus they’re hidden out of sight 95% of the time, which is a major selling point for those who don’t want visible tattoos. Stomach tattoos are also pretty painless no matter where you put them-on your lower abdomen, on your side, even around your belly button!

10. Chest

Chest tattoo

You might see chest tattoos more commonly on men, but females are definitely breaking into the chest tattoo world. Chest tattoos are hot, plain and simple. You can come up with an amazing design that covers your entire chest and it will look amazing. Plus they’re easy to spot, look awesome with shirts and bathing suits, and you won’t have to deal with any crazy amount of pain. Just stay away from the armpit area!

 

Remember, everyone’s pain tolerance is different- what might be painless to some can be gut-wrenching to others. But these 10 locations have been reported as being the least painful by the majority of individuals who have been tattooed in those spots. So what are you waiting for? Don’t let the fear of pain keep you from getting the tattoo you have always wanted. Venture out and get that ink!

 

Ladies, have you ever had a tattoo in one of these particular locations? Would you agree that they are the least painful, or did you have a painful experience? Let us know!

669 Comments

  1. Avatar

    Gai

    November 5, 2018 at 11:36 am

    I had a stretchmark cover up both on my hips and lower stomach it hurts aloooot.. it took 6-7 hours to complete the whole design and it was the worst! Luckily i survived from al the pain hahah

    • web admin

      web admin

      November 5, 2018 at 9:33 pm

      Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. It is certain that your statement will support other members of our community. Please share more of your supportive comments in the future. Have a great day, Gai!

  2. Avatar

    Rachel

    August 27, 2018 at 5:07 pm

    I have a few tats the one on the back of my neck was easy simple very tolerable. However I have a moderately sized butterfly just above my naval the first 30 seconds it tickled and I had to try not to laugh the other cpl hours I had tears coming out my eyes while shoving my hoody in my mouth and biting it to keep from screaming. The other two are centered one above the other on my lower back. I cried and I complained the whole time and probably screamed out a couple times, and bit a hoody and probably myself bc of the pain. So Stay away from the upper naval area and lower center back. The neck is a piece of cake. And the 2 initials I did Myself on my Inner Right ankle was pretty easy but that might just be because I did it myself.

    • web admin

      web admin

      August 27, 2018 at 11:25 pm

      Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. It is certain that your thoughts will support members of our community. Please share more of your thoughts and feelings in the future. Have a great day, Rachel!

  3. Avatar

    Lilah S

    June 6, 2018 at 10:37 am

    Hi! I am about to get my first tattoo and I am very nervous. I have a medium pain tolerance, but I am still scared. Does anyone have any ideas of where I should get it? Preferably a place that won’t hurt that bad? I want it to be somewhat visible, but I heard those are always the ones that hurt the most.

    Let me know if you can help!

    • web admin

      web admin

      June 6, 2018 at 10:23 pm

      It is most important to ensure that you properly care for your tattoo after you have it placed. You will experience pain with any tattoo, and it is commonly reported that bone and tender skin are the two areas that are most painful. Speak with your tattoo artist about protecting and caring for your new artwork. Have a great day, Lilah!

    • Avatar

      Gretchen

      August 11, 2018 at 8:14 pm

      Tattoo on my foot hurt the worst! On my wrist probably the least. And lower back/hip, about where my pants fall didn’t hurt very much. I’ll say it agai , top of my foot hurt like a b! Good luck, I want another!!!

      • web admin

        web admin

        August 12, 2018 at 11:45 pm

        Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. We always appreciate when members of our community share their positive comments. Have a great day, Gretchen!

  4. Avatar

    Robbin

    April 7, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    I am planning on getting a tattoo of my son’s name and small heart. I
    dont’ know if I should get it on my wrist, on the back of my neck or on
    my shoulder. It is in remembrance as he past away in April he was 35. I am 64 years old and never had a tattoo. Please advise which location would be least painful.

    • web admin

      web admin

      April 8, 2018 at 9:02 pm

      Those three areas each have their positives and negatives. Other members of our community have shared their experiences. Areas one bone are often more sensitive than other areas of the body. Speak with people in your life and an artist about your tattoo idea. Have a great day, Robbin!

    • Avatar

      Viv

      April 9, 2018 at 12:24 pm

      Robbin, I’m sorry to hear of your son’s passing. I would recommend the rest, simply because most of those areas were about the same amount of pain in my opinion, but if it is on your wrist it is more visable to you. And if it is a sentimental tatt, you may want to see it more throughout your day

      • web admin

        web admin

        April 9, 2018 at 9:15 pm

        Thank you for sharing your positive and supportive comment. Please feel free to share more of your thoughts and feelings in the future. Have a great day, Viv!

    • Avatar

      ashlynn

      May 2, 2018 at 8:46 pm

      you should get it on ur shoulder most are usually there.

      • web admin

        web admin

        May 3, 2018 at 2:21 pm

        Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. Please share more of your supportive thoughts and feelings in the future. Have a great day, Ashlynn!

    • Avatar

      Amy Keleny

      May 9, 2018 at 2:36 pm

      Much like Robbin I am considering getting a tattoo in remembrance of my son. I am of similar age and never had a tattoo. I am thinking of his thumbprint above my heart. Would that be an especially painful place?

      • web admin

        web admin

        May 9, 2018 at 11:58 pm

        The area above your heart is over the bone, so it may feel intense when you get your tattoo. It will be less painful than another areas on the body. Do not allow concerned about pain prevent you from getting a tattoo. It is important to speak with your tattoo artist about proper aftercare. Have a great day, Amy!

        • Avatar

          Amy KELENY

          May 10, 2018 at 5:39 pm

          Thank you for the good advice.

    • Avatar

      Claire

      June 12, 2018 at 11:29 am

      Hi Robin
      I am so sorry to hear about your son. Personally I found the wrist quite painful as the inner wrist has the median nerve directly underneath but I got through it ok, it was just the wrist crease really but the rest was fine and no problem. The shoulder was no problem at all, just tingling and heat. Just go for where you like and you can also use numbing cream

      • web admin

        web admin

        June 13, 2018 at 10:44 pm

        Thank you for sharing your positive and supportive comment. Please share more of your insights and experiences in the future. We always appreciate when members of our community share their thoughts and feelings. Have a great day, Claire!

    • Avatar

      Gretchen

      August 11, 2018 at 8:18 pm

      What a great way to remember your son. I have the script of one of my friends died in a car accident, I was with her in the accident and survived. I tattooed a small script of hers that she wrote me. I put it on the inside of my wrist; It did not take long and it was not painful. Best of luck in choosing your tattoo

      • web admin

        web admin

        August 12, 2018 at 11:46 pm

        Thank you for sharing your supportive comment. It is certain that your positive messages will help the other members of our community. Have a great day, Gretchen!

  5. Avatar

    Leila

    March 27, 2018 at 5:11 am

    I have the lowest of low pain tolerance but i want a tattoo as thats what i like. It will be a simple black outline that i have drawn myself that the artist likes. i have also had my helix pierced and it stung a bit is getting a tattoo more or less painful than that i am so scared.

    • web admin

      web admin

      March 27, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      Do not concern yourself with the pain associated with tattoos. That pain is temporary. If there is another reason that is preventing you from getting a tattoo, then determine what you want for your future. Speak with an artist about your ideas. Have a great day, Leila!

  6. Avatar

    Katrina

    March 3, 2018 at 9:35 am

    48 years old and just had my first tattoo! My daughter wanted us to get mother/daughter tattoos. It runs from my wrist to about 2 inches from the inside elbow. I honestly thought I was going to scream or break my teeth. It felt like a knife being pulled threw my skin. Was not pleasant and I thought that I had pretty much felt everything that there was to pain. I’m bruised and swollen! Going in for another one for my husband in 4 days. A 2inch heart with his name below my collar bone and was told it will be more painful then my inner forearm. I can not even imagine more painful and thinking about cancelling.

    • web admin

      web admin

      March 5, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Tattoos are often painful, but determine is you are concerned about this pain. It is temporary and the tattoo will last a lifetime. Determine what you want for your future. Have a great day, Katrina!

  7. Avatar

    Rachel

    February 27, 2018 at 7:51 pm

    So the tat directly on the center of the back of my neck did not hardly phase me a bit but the good size (but not huge) tat directly above my belly button and the two on the Center of my lower back we’re EXCRUCIATING. And the one I did my self with a straight pin thread and India ink on the inside of my ankle did not really hurt

    • web admin

      web admin

      March 1, 2018 at 8:49 pm

      Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Please feel free to share more of your thoughts and feelings in the future. Have a great day, Rachel!

  8. Avatar

    Shawna

    November 14, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    The ribs is probably the worst place to get your first tattoo it hurt so bad I just wanted it to be over with. I started to feel sick to my stomach even.

    • web admin

      web admin

      November 15, 2017 at 5:42 pm

      Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Feel free to share more of your thoughts and feelings in the future. Have a great day, Shawna!

  9. Avatar

    Deasia

    October 25, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    I’m getting my first tattoo today on my I can’t decide if I want it on my rib or my hips which is less pain?

    • web admin

      web admin

      October 25, 2017 at 8:39 pm

      People have different experiences. Some people have pain tolerances that differ between the areas of their body. Speak with the tattoo artist about their experiences. This will help you make a determination about your preferences. Do not allow this temporary pain to stop you from taking action, and it is important to be sure to take proper aftercare. Have a great day, Deasia!

  10. Avatar

    Penny

    September 12, 2017 at 11:27 pm

    I literally just got my first tattoo (10 mins ago). This page helped my nerves a lot as I was not sure what to expect pain wise… I got one done on my chest and it wasn’t very painful at all! Much like someone drawing on me with a ballpoint pen but pushing hard..

    • web admin

      web admin

      September 14, 2017 at 10:28 pm

      Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Ensure that you take care of your tattoo as it heals. That is the most important thing for you to do at this time. Feel free to share more of your thoughts in the future. Have a great day, Penny!

  11. Avatar

    elise

    August 23, 2017 at 3:50 am

    I’m 14(y/o) and I’m planning on getting my first tattoo like a little heart just above my collar bone, I’m a little bit nervous… on a scale of 1-10 (1 being least and 10 being most painful) how much would the spot that I have chosen be, thank you

    • web admin

      web admin

      August 23, 2017 at 10:00 pm

      Tattoos are different for each person. Some people have high pain tolerances, while others do not. Tattoos on the bone will be more painful than those that are on fleshy areas. However, it would be best for you to speak with your artist about your thoughts. It is important to learn about proper after care. The pain from the tattoo will be temporary, so do not allow pain to influence you away from getting a tattoo. Have a great day, Elise!

  12. Avatar

    Emily Miller

    August 19, 2017 at 3:59 am

    I’m 17, female, and I plan to getting a 1-2 cm tattoo of a Mickey Mouse head outline or silhouette depending on how much it hurts. I’m thinking of getting it done before my mid 20’s, not sure yet though. What would the least painful place for it to be? I’m thinking on one of my legs. How long do you think that would hurt afterwards and take to tattoo on?

    • web admin

      web admin

      August 19, 2017 at 10:21 pm

      The pain associated with tattoos is temporary. The most pain that you will experience will be during the tattoo. Some people experience little to no pain, while others experience more pain. A tattoo on an area that does not have bones may be most comfortable for you. Feel free to share your experiences and insights. Have a great day, Emily!

  13. Avatar

    Emily

    August 16, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    I’m 14(f) and I’m planning to get a small outline of a heart either in my inner wrist on the left or on my right ankle just above the sock. I’m scared to get it. Which place is better ?

    • web admin

      web admin

      August 16, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      Tattoos will hurt regardless of placement. Bones will hurt more than flesh. However, do now allow pain to influence you actions. The pain is temporary. It is important to speak with your artist about aftercare. They will be able to give you advice on how to properly treat your tattoo. This will ensure that it remains healthy and beautiful. Have a great day, Emily!

    • Avatar

      Olivia

      January 20, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      The wrist would probably be better for pain because ankles are bony. I really like the look of ankle tattoos though.

      • web admin

        web admin

        January 20, 2018 at 10:05 pm

        Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Please feel free to share more of your thoughts and feelings in the future. Have a great day, Olivia!

    • Avatar

      Rachel

      February 27, 2018 at 7:59 pm

      I did a very small tat of my oldest daughters first and middle initial on the inside of my right ankle myself with a straight pin thread and India ink when I was 19 it didn’t really hurt. And I can be a wimp when it comes to needles that tat on my back and stomach I was basically eating my goody to not Scream. Also the tat on the back of my neck was very tolerable.

      • web admin

        web admin

        March 1, 2018 at 8:50 pm

        Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. We always appreciate seeing our community members support each other. Have a great day, Rachel!

  14. Avatar

    Ashley

    August 13, 2017 at 11:07 am

    I got my first tattoo just over a year go on the right side of my upper back. I was terrified, but I had an amazing artist, and when she did a ‘test line’ without any ink so I knew how it would feel, I was like ‘that’s it?” I’ve always been told I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but getting the tattoo done didn’t hurt at all. I am now planning my second (upper arm( and third (wrist), but the artist I want for one of them books 8 months out. Again, I am nervous, but knowing how easy the first was eases that a little.

    • web admin

      web admin

      August 13, 2017 at 7:18 pm

      Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. It is certain that your thoughts will influence someone in the future. Please feel free to share your future stories as well. Have a great day, Ashley!

  15. Avatar

    Jamie

    July 31, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    I get my first tattoo in two days. Extremely nervous. It will be in my inner forearm. Every laughs because I have given natural childbirth 6 times and I’m more scared about a tattoo. I keep debating locations but I think it will only fit right on my arm.

    • web admin

      web admin

      August 2, 2017 at 7:10 pm

      The arm is a common place for tattoos. You will likely be unimpressed by the pain of the tattoo. Pain occurs when you have a tattoo. However, the pain is temporary and it heals easily. Speak with your tattoo artist about proper aftercare, as this will decrease healing time. Have a great day, Jamie!

    • Avatar

      Rachel

      February 27, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      Lol, I had my 3 natural as well and when I was getting my tats that’s what I was telling myself. Ive done natural child birth I can do this as I’m trying to remember the pain of child birth hoping it would ease the pain of the tat. It’s hard yo concentrate when ur in pain though. The back of my neck was a breeze, did u get ur tat on your arm? How was it? I’m hoping to get another soon but ns where I want it.

      • web admin

        web admin

        March 1, 2018 at 8:52 pm

        Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. We always appreciate seeing our community members support each other. Have a great day, Rachel!

  16. Avatar

    Natassha Yu

    July 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

    I have three right now. Tattoos, I mean- inner wrist, shouler and ankle. While getting them, ankle hurt most, but for healing shoulder was longest and most annoying because apart from being the biggest, you alao move and hit your shouldees a lot more.

    • web admin

      web admin

      July 15, 2017 at 9:27 pm

      Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. It is great to hear out community sharing their stories and helping our other readers. Have a great day, Natassha!

  17. Avatar

    Abby

    July 14, 2017 at 7:39 am

    I recently got a tattoo on my inner ankle, right next to the bone. It absolutely hurt, but I didn’t cry. The sensation is much like being stung by a bee or bitten by fire ants, but you have to understand that it lasts longer (picture getting bitten for five minutes straight), so it does hurt more. I’d say my pain tolerance is fairly low, or at least somewhat average, and I certainly didn’t get that high people talk about. However, the experience was definitely not bad enough to never do it again. I think I’ll personally stick with small tattoos in the future, but I agree with the advice that the pain is temporary and the tattoo is forever; if younger you could deal with paper cuts, getting shots, and skinning your knees, then you can totally handle getting a tattoo.

    • web admin

      web admin

      July 14, 2017 at 7:06 pm

      Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Your comment with certainly be helpful to someone in the future. It is great that you are open to the possibility of another tattoo. Feel free to share any other insights or experiences that you are having at this time. If you want to share any beneficial advice, then please do so. Have a great day, Abby!

  18. Avatar

    Gored

    July 12, 2017 at 7:15 pm

    Popped my tattoo cherry today with a big mandala on my thigh with watermark colors…. For
    A person whose scared of needles, the pain was very little..didnt feel it… . Took 3 hours… At the end when artist was doing the watermark thats when it started being an annoying pain… Cursed for a bit but it was worth it… Nothing a girl cant handle… !!! Good luck to all

    • web admin

      web admin

      July 13, 2017 at 8:05 pm

      Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. It is great to have such a positive message regarding tattoos. It is certain that people will gain advantages because of your comment. Please feel free to share more of your thoughts and feelings in the future. Have a great day, Gored!

  19. Avatar

    Leah

    July 7, 2017 at 1:24 pm

    i am thinking about getting my first tattoo for my 17th birthday to honor the death of my grandma. i am debating between inner wrist or hip, but i’ve heard these places really hurt for tattoos. i have a very low pain tolerance, and am a little scared…does anyone have any advice?

    • web admin

      web admin

      July 7, 2017 at 9:06 pm

      It would be most beneficial to reduce or eliminate your concern about pain. Tattoos may be unpleasant, but those sensations will diminish very quickly. The areas that are most likely to hurt are those that are over bones or tender areas of the skin. The wrist and hip may be more painful than another area, but the pain can be overcome with the proper mindset. However, between the two, you may have less pain on the wrist. Though some people may say otherwise. Have a great day, Leah!

    • Avatar

      Shawna

      November 14, 2017 at 8:37 pm

      Not the ribs!!!!

      • web admin

        web admin

        November 15, 2017 at 5:42 pm

        Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Feel free to share more of your thoughts and feelings in the future. Have a great day, Shawna!

  20. Avatar

    Leah

    July 7, 2017 at 1:12 pm

    i am planning on getting my first tattoo for my 17th birthday to honor the death of my grandma. i am choosing between my inner wrist or my hip, but i’ve heard these places really hurt for tattoos. does anyone have any advice? i have a very low pain tolerance….

    • web admin

      web admin

      July 7, 2017 at 9:06 pm

      It would be most beneficial to reduce or eliminate your concern about pain. Tattoos may be unpleasant, but those sensations will diminish very quickly. The areas that are most likely to hurt are those that are over bones or tender areas of the skin. The wrist and hip may be more painful than another area, but the pain can be overcome with the proper mindset. However, between the two, you may have less pain on the wrist. Though some people may say otherwise. Have a great day, Leah!

    • Avatar

      Gretchen

      August 11, 2018 at 8:16 pm

      I have tattoos on both the hip and inner wrist. Didn’t really hurt badly. Go get one! It’ll be fine. Worst pain for tattoos for me, top of my foot!! Oowwww!!

      • web admin

        web admin

        August 12, 2018 at 11:46 pm

        Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. We always appreciate when members of our community share their positive comments. Have a great day, Gretchen!

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