PAIN AND PLACEMENT
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TATTOO
One of the most common questions I get asked (right after “how long will it take?”) is it going to hurt?
The short answer? Probably yes — but not always in the way you might think. Everyone experiences tattoo pain differently, and placement can play a big part in that. Let’s break down what actually affects how a tattoo feels, where people tend to be more sensitive, and how to prepare so you’re feeling calm and ready.
Pain is (Mostly) in the Brain
Pain is super subjective. Some clients breeze through tattoos in areas I’d personally struggle with, and others find supposedly “easy” spots surprisingly intense. Things like your pain tolerance, hydration, sleep, and even stress levels on the day can all change how it feels.
So if your mate says the ribs were fine and you found them awful (or vice versa) — that’s completely normal. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
What Makes Some Areas More Sensitive?
Generally speaking, areas with less padding or thinner skin tend to be more sensitive. That’s because the needle is closer to bone or nerve endings.
Here’s a quick rundown of what clients often report:
Softer, fleshy areas (like outer arms, calves, and thighs) — usually more comfortable.
Bonier spots (like ribs, ankles, spine) — often sharper in sensation.
Inside arms, backs of legs, and torso sides — can be ticklish and stingy at the same time (a real combo).
However, there are myths: some believe bony areas are always more painful, or that fatty areas are less sensitive. In reality, each body is different and this isn’t universal. I’ve had clients fall asleep getting tattooed in spots others swear are the worst.
Don’t Let Pain Decide for You
This part’s important: don’t let the fear of pain stop you from choosing a placement you love.
The discomfort is temporary, but the tattoo is forever (in a good way). You’ll forget the sting, but you’ll always have a piece of art that feels right on your body. Plus, being well-prepared — eating, hydrating, resting — can make a huge difference in how you handle the session.
And hey, some people even enjoy the sensation. It’s not super common, but it happens more often than you’d think.
It’s a Collaborative Process
When you come in for your appointment, we’ll talk through everything together — placement, sizing, and any adjustments you want.
If you’d like to move the stencil slightly or tweak something on the day, that’s absolutely fine. It’s your body, and your comfort matters. I’ll always give my experienced opinion on what will flow best with your body’s shape and movement, but the final call is always collaborative.
We’ll work together to make sure the placement looks great and feels right.
During Your Tattoo
Once we get started, the main thing is to try to stay as still as possible. This helps me keep the linework clean and consistent. That said — if you need a pause, just say!
It’s totally fine to take a short break to stretch, breathe, or grab some water. You don’t have to power through every second; your comfort and safety always come first.
Tips to Make It Easier
Here’s what helps most clients have a smoother session:
Eat before your appointment.
Stay hydrated. Bring a bottle of water with you.
Bring snacks (especially for longer sessions).
Wear comfy clothes that give easy access to the area.
Take breaks if needed. If you need a pause, just say — I promise it’s fine.
Try to arrive on time to avoid additional stress and give yourself a chance to settle in.
Avoid booking in during your period - if you are able to track! As the body is typically more sensitive then.
Numbing cream can help, but it’s important to discuss it with your artist first. Some creams can affect the skin’s texture, which might influence the tattooing process. Be sure to patch test and take note of the timings as you will need to administer yourself.
Communicate! Don’t think you have to suffer in silence.
Little things like these make a huge difference to how your body handles the experience.
Final Thoughts
Yes, tattoos can hurt — but pain is temporary, and your new piece will last a lifetime. Everyone’s experience is unique, and half the fun is figuring out how you handle it.
So whether you’re going for something small on your wrist or a larger piece down your ribs, don’t stress too much about pain. With the right prep (and a Well Good Mate by your side), you’ll be just fine.
Next Steps
If you’re thinking about your first tattoo, check out my other posts:
Ready to book? Head to the enquiry form to get started — let’s plan something you’ll love forever (and only wince at briefly).