Short answer: yes, a tattoo is felt, but pain is individual and depends on the area. In Gal's practice, the most painful places are the soft inner side of the arm, the inner side of the upper arm up to the armpit, and the fingers close to the nails.
The most painful areas
- The soft inner side of the arm.
- The inner side of the upper arm, up to the armpit.
- The fingers, close to the nails.
Why some areas hurt more than others
In general, pain is stronger where there are many nerve endings, thin skin and little fat over the bone. That is why the ribs, spine, ankles, wrists, inner elbow, armpit, fingers and feet are usually described as the most sensitive areas. Places with more padding, such as the forearm, outer upper arm, shoulder, back and outer thigh, are usually easier.
The type of pain also changes during the session. A burning, sore feeling is most common in an area that is worked on for a long time.
Why pain differs from person to person
Everyone feels pain differently, and the same area can feel very different from one person to another. That is why it is worth talking about the placement before you decide on it.
How to choose a placement if you are worried about pain
Tell us in your inquiry that you are worried about pain, together with the placement you have in mind. Look at the portfolio to see how designs sit on different parts of the body, and then discuss the options.
Send your idea through the inquiry form. If this is your first tattoo, read what to include in your first inquiry. Wondering about the laser? Read does laser tattoo removal hurt.
Source for the general information on pain: Healthline, tattoo pain chart.