Top 5 Most Painful Areas You Can Get Tattooed

James Withey, a professional tattoo artist with a decade of experience and owner of Dark Horse Tattoo Company, introduces a discussion on the top five most painful areas to get a tattoo. He shares his personal journey of collecting tattoos, including his recent experiences with tattoos on sensitive areas like the neck and ribs. James invites viewers to share their experiences with tattoo pain and sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the most challenging spots to tattoo, excluding less common areas like genitals.

The video delves into the fifth most painful area for tattoos: the knee. Despite it being an atypical choice, client feedback has highlighted the knee's sensitivity during tattooing. James discusses his own lack of personal experience with knee tattoos but emphasizes the intense discomfort reported by his clients, even those with high pain tolerance. He recounts a memorable session with a client named Jesse, who had a significant reaction to knee tattooing, unlike any other area previously tattooed.

James Withey explains that nipple tattoos, while not common, are often part of larger chest pieces to maintain aesthetic continuity. He shares his own experience with chest tattoos and the necessity of tattooing over nipples for a seamless look. Recounting a specific client's session, he describes the extreme pain associated with tattooing this sensitive area, likening the experience to torture and highlighting the client's significant discomfort.

The armpit is identified as an unexpectedly painful area for tattoos, often becoming a necessary part of larger body suits. James describes the unique discomfort of tattooing in the armpit, combining standard tattoo pain with an unusual ticklish sensation. He shares his personal experience of getting tattooed in this area, noting the difficulty in staying still and the profound impact on his mental and emotional state.

James Withey discusses the notorious pain associated with rib tattoos, a common yet agonizing choice for body art. Drawing from his recent experience getting both sides of his ribs tattooed by artists Abe Alvarez and Com, he describes the intense pain and the necessity for mental fortitude to endure the sessions. He also mentions the physical aftermath, including swelling and bruising, and the importance of preparing for downtime after such a procedure.

The sternum is crowned as the most painful area for tattoos, with James providing a first-hand account of its excruciating sensation. He compares the experience to being burned with hot grease, emphasizing the direct impact on the bone and the resulting vibration. James advises those considering a sternum tattoo to be aware of the potential pain and to ensure they can handle such discomfort before proceeding.

In conclusion, James lists other areas frequently cited as particularly painful for tattoos, such as the hands, head, throat, foot, elbow, hip, and spine. He invites further discussion from heavily tattooed individuals or fellow tattoo artists to share their experiences and compare lists, fostering a community dialogue on tattoo pain.