4. What does it feel like?

Truthfully, getting a tattoo will feel different across all parts of your body. Certain places are far easier to ink than others. Areas like the ribcage are bonier, while areas like your butt are far meatier.

In other words, some places have a lot of cushion and other simply don’t. Which as you guessed it, affects the sensation you feel greatly. Of course, another to keep in mind, is where all the major nerves run through your body.

For meatier areas, it will feel like someone is dragging a needle across your skin, and let’s face it, they literally are. However, it’s not like getting a shot at the doctor. A tattoo needle doesn’t go as far into your skin.

You can compare the sensation with getting scratched from an animal’s claw or getting stung by a bee to some degree. It certainly does sting a bit. Expect it to feel like a tiny, sharp needle is prodding into you over and over.

Most notably, you’re going to feel a burning sensation. Tattoo needles go up and down over and over again which creates a lot of vibration and heat. You might end up feeling the burning sensation more so than the stinging.

For bonier areas like the ribs for example, you will feel all of the above plus one more thing. As the needle hits near the bone it feel like you’re getting jabbed with a dull metal object. Press your fingertips into your rib cage really hard, that’s exactly what it feels like.

When it comes to major nerve endings, your sensitivity will increase. It will test your pain tolerance as the discomfort goes up and up.

5. The most painful tattoo spots

These are going to include any parts with the body with an abundance of bone and nerve endings. When it comes to nerves there are large clusters in places like your hands, throat, nipples, genitals, face, solar plexus, etc.