Getting your first tattoo is a significant experience, and selecting the right spot on your body can enhance its visibility or create a more subtle effect. This decision can be challenging, especially when you’re torn between multiple locations.
Additionally, it’s commonly believed that women may feel more pain during the tattooing process than men, which can complicate the decision further. This article focuses on the most and least prominent areas of the body to help your tattoo stand out beautifully. If you’re unsure about where to place your tattoo, keep reading.
As mentioned, some anecdotal evidence suggests that women tend to experience higher pain levels, partly due to the increased sensitivity of certain body areas to the tattoo needle. Each part of the body has varying amounts of nerve endings, which can affect your pain sensitivity.
While pain tolerance varies from person to person, there are general patterns in sensitivity that you should consider. Be sure to check out our section on tattoo pain tolerance, especially tailored for women.
Now that you have a better understanding of women’s pain tolerance, let’s explore the best places for a tattoo on a woman. This will help you choose the ideal location for your tattoo to shine.
UPPER THIGH
Pain Level: Mild to Moderate
Choosing to get a tattoo on the front or back of your thigh is a fantastic option. This area offers a sophisticated canvas for any design, whether small or large. It’s especially ideal for women who work in environments where tattoos might be frowned upon, as they can be easily concealed yet showcased during summer outings, beach trips, or pool parties.
One of the benefits of this location is that it tends to be less painful compared to other areas. The front thigh generally experiences mild discomfort for women, while the rear thigh can be more sensitive, resulting in a bit more pain for those considering a tattoo there.
NAPE OF THE NECK
Pain Level: Severe
The nape of the neck is a favored spot for women who appreciate bold designs, often featuring small to medium-sized tattoos. This area is perfect for delicate imagery like small animals, symbols such as hearts, stars, or infinity signs, and even small letters or dates.
However, getting tattooed on the spine can be quite painful, and the nape is no exception due to its connection to the spine. It’s a good idea to discuss pain management strategies with your tattoo artist to make the experience more manageable. Keep in mind that larger tattoos take longer to complete, which can amplify the discomfort.
ANKLE
Pain Level: Severe to Extremely Severe
If you’re considering a small tattoo that remains discreet yet looks stunning with summer attire and loose clothing, an ankle tattoo is an excellent choice. However, it’s important to note that this area is not among the least painful options available.
The front of the ankle and the tops of the feet can be particularly painful, while the rear ankle tends to be less sensitive. This heightened discomfort is due to the thin skin in these areas, which leaves your bones more exposed to the tattoo needle.
FOREARM
Pain Level: Mild to Moderate
The pain level of a tattoo on the inner bicep versus the forearm can vary significantly. Some women find this area to be relatively mild, while others report moderate, and occasionally even extreme, levels of pain.
This spot is ideal for those who prefer smaller designs, such as names, lyrics, verses, or dates. It’s also a great option for women who are apprehensive about needles and pain, as smaller tattoos generally take less time to complete. If you’re considering a sleeve tattoo, the forearm area tends to be manageable in terms of discomfort.
RIB CAGE
Pain Level: Extremely Severe
Getting a tattoo on your rib cage or sides is known to be one of the most painful experiences. This is due to the thick bones surrounding the area, which can cause the skin to tighten as your tattoo artist works. With the needle close to these bones, the pain can be quite intense.
Despite the discomfort, many women continue to choose this area for stunning and intricate designs that showcase their creativity and beauty with each new tattoo.
BACK
Pain Level: Mild
Back tattoos are discreet and typically only visible in open-back clothing or bikinis, making them suitable for corporate environments. Additionally, the back is one of the least painful places to get a tattoo, making it an appealing choice for women.
While most report mild discomfort, the spine area can be more sensitive, with some women experiencing greater pain when getting inked along the spine, particularly if the tattoo is centered. The back is versatile, accommodating both small and large designs, and you can even combine different elements into one cohesive piece. However, keep in mind that back tattoos may take longer to heal, as they are often covered by clothing, which can slow the healing process.
BACK SHOULDER
Pain Level: Mild to Moderate
If you find a front shoulder tattoo to be daring, consider the back shoulder for an equally bold choice. This area is ideal for those who wear open-back clothing or strapless dresses. Back shoulder tattoos typically cause less pain than their front counterparts, with discomfort rated as mild to moderate, making it an appealing option for many.
Additionally, the back shoulder provides ample space for larger and more intricate designs, making it perfect for floral patterns or animal motifs. Some women also use this area to seamlessly extend their sleeve tattoos.
SHOULDER
Pain Level: Moderate to Severe
If you’re feeling bold, getting a tattoo on your shoulder can be a fantastic choice. This area is great for women interested in larger tattoos, and it allows for creative combinations with other body art.
The pain level for shoulder tattoos can range from moderate to severe, depending on individual pain tolerance. While some women describe the sensation as more of a moderate stinging, larger tattoos may be more challenging to endure. It’s advisable to discuss pain management strategies with your tattoo artist and remember to take breaks during the process.
Since shoulder tattoos are often exposed to clothing, wearing breathable and loose-fitting garments during the healing phase is a good idea. Additionally, try to limit strenuous activities while your tattoo is healing for optimal recovery.
BEHIND THE EAR
Pain Level: Severe
Tattoos behind the ears are known for their nearly extreme pain level, which is why not many women choose this area. However, those who do often exude a stylish and brave vibe, fully aware of the discomfort involved.
The pain is significant because, like the ears, the area behind the ear is sensitive. It’s crucial to discuss pain management options with your tattoo artist. You can request breaks, consider taking painkillers, or use a numbing gel to help alleviate some discomfort during the process.
WRIST
Pain Level: Severe
Starting with one of the most subtle yet painful spots for tattoos, the wrist is often a popular choice among women. While some say that wrist tattoos aren’t overly painful, the experience can vary based on factors like your tattoo artist, individual pain tolerance, the time of day, and whether you’re well-rested.
Despite the pain, wrist tattoos remain highly sought after. Women often choose symbols like wristbands, infinity signs, letters, dates, and small animals or objects. If you’re looking for a smaller tattoo, the wrist could be the perfect option.
This area is also great for women concerned about job prospects due to visible tattoos, as wrist tattoos can easily be concealed with bracelets or long sleeves, allowing for a more subtle look. It’s one of the most popular spots, provided you can manage the pain.
Remember to avoid wearing jewelry while your tattoo is healing, but many people find wrist tattoos heal quickly and easily with proper care.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re seeking a delicate design or a bold statement, these 10 outstanding places offer a variety of styles and atmospheres to suit your unique taste. Remember to choose a reputable artist, schedule a consultation, and take care of your new tattoo to ensure a lasting and beautiful work of art.
