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Plus, how much they hurt on a scale of 1 to 5.
Once you have an idea of what you want in a tattoo, figuring out placement is the next important step. “From your head to your toes, each area offers a different canvas for your creativity,” says tattoo artist Okan Uckunn. “Some spots are more challenging due to skin texture or the underlying bone structure, but that’s part of the artistry. It’s key to choose the right spot that complements the design and the natural flow of your body.”
Tattoo artist Kee Kee James recommends listening to the artist's placement suggestions as they will guide you with what looks best. “Remember that the placement is just as important as the tattoo itself,” says James. When in the right spit, a tattoo “will look as though it’s meant to be there and not be distracting to the eye.”
Meet the expert
- Dillon Forte is a tattoo artist based in Austin. Okan Uckun is a tattoo artist based in New York City.
Kee Kee James is a tattoo artist and owner of Vacation Forever.
And now that tattoos are less taboo, placement options are much more vast than they were even a decade ago. “Thanks to the rise of social media and the advancements in the tattoo world, people are now opting for more visible and expressive areas,” says tattoo artist Okan Uckun. “About a decade ago, hiding tattoos was more common, but today, the focus is on showcasing them as part of one's identity.”
As you ponder where to place your ink, here are a few options the pros recommend—plus, how intense the pain is on a scale of one to five.
Fingers
Pain Scale: 5/5
Fingers are perfect for those who want something tiny and dainty. But since fingers are quite bony, James says this spot can be extremely painful.
Forearms
Pain Scale: 2/5
Forearms are a great beginner spot. Uckun says they're “one of the more tolerable spots.”
Sternum
Pain Scale: 4/5
If Rihanna inspired you to get this tattoo, join the club. But, it’s not for the faint of heart—Uckun says this spot is “intense.”
Upper Arm
Pain Scale: 1/5
Getting a tattoo on the upper arm is “a breeze for most people,” says Uckun. Forte notes that most people start with tattoos on their arms and get “hooked,” moving on to add art to other areas of their body.
Ribs
Pain Scale: 4/5
You may show off your bad side with a tattoo on the ribs. Forte shares that this tattoo placement can hurt since “the skin is thinner” and close to the bone.
Legs
Pain Scale: 2/5
James says the legs are a “crowd favorite” for tattoos. It's a spot that's easy to show off and not too painful. It can definitely give you “the aesthetic” you’re looking for in your next ink.
Neck
Pain Scale: 4/5
Forte notes that the neck is most likely to “sting a bit when getting tattooed.” However, some can tolerate the pain in this area better than others. “With the right art this can look really beautiful,” says James. “It’s one of my favorite placements on myself and also when I tattoo my clients.”
Back
Pain Scale: 4/5
The back is the only spot on the body where you have ample flat space to work with, making it a wonderful canvas for more intricate pieces, like this one that replicates paintings by Monet and Van Gogh.
Hand
Pain Scale: 3/5
Depending on your personal pain tolerance and where exactly you get a tattoo on your hand, Uckun and James say the pain can range between a two and four out of five. Keep in mind that this is a spot that’s prone to fading. “If you take care of the tattoo daily with aftercare products, you can lengthen the time of the color and keep it vibrant for a good part of your life,” says Forte.
Wrist
Pain Scale: 3/5
Uckun notes that getting a tattoo on the wrist can be “stingy, but manageable,” ranking this a three out of five.
Ankle
Pain Scale: 3/5
The ankle is such a fun spot for a tattoo, as it adds a little spark of interest at the base of your pants. Uckun says the pain for an ankle tattoo packs a bit of a punch but is manageable.