Do Wrist Tattoos Hurt? Facts to Know

You’ve settled on tattooing your wrist after limiting your placement options. But now you’re wondering do wrist tattoos hurt?

Some tattoos do hurt more than others, and the general consensus is that wrist tattoos are pretty high up on the pain scale, although how a tattoo feels generally depends on you and your pain threshold.

The pain that wrist tattoos cause and how to lessen it are described here.

Do Wrist Tattoos Hurt?

Waist tattoos do indeed hurt. Although every tattoo, in general, would hurt, wrist tattoos are one of the most painful tattoos to have. The wrist does not have the luxury of having thick skin, fat, and muscles to protect from external trauma like the calves and forearms do.

Because of this, a tattoo on the wrist is anatomically doomed to hurt. The presence of numerous nerves, muscles, and carpal bones in the wrist makes it sensitive to pain.

The wrist is shaped in such a way that you would most likely feel the vibration of the tattoo pen tip through your carpal bones for tattoos on the outside of the wrist and through your wrist tendons for tattoos on the inside; we know, it sounds ominous.

Sadly, that is simply the way things are. The degree of the pain you’ll probably feel during a wrist tattoo session will be determined by a number of other factors, though.

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Wrist Tattoo Pain Spots

If you’re considering a wrist tattoo, it’s important to note that the sensitivity to pain varies depending on where, specifically, you’re being tattooed.

Inner Wrist Tattoo Pain

Inner wrist tattoos can be painful for a variety of reasons. First off, due to the extensive network of nerves that pass through the inside of your wrist, the skin is extremely thin and loaded with pain receptors.

Second, depending on how prominent yours may be, it may be uncomfortable or painful to tattoo around the bones and tendons that run down the middle of your wrist.

This type of pain frequently has a stinging or prickling sensation. Although there may be more burning where your wrist and hand meet, this area is typically small, and the tattoo is generally finished quickly.

Also Read: Do Wrist Tattoos Fade?

Outer Wrist Tattoo

It’s strange to tattoo your prominent wrist bone because the needle might jump or rattle there, which could be very painful.

People find this vibration to be more painful than the actual damage done to the skin by needles. Outside of your wrist tattoos are typically not too painful once you get past this stage.

Side of Wrist Tattoo Pain

When getting a tattoo on the side of your wrist, your artist is essentially working along a primary bone, all the way up to your wrist bone.

his makes the experience not too painful as it is awkward and uncomfortable. It’s possible for the rattling vibrations to travel further down your arm.

You can overcome this shake and create a fantastic work of art if you keep yourself busy.

How to Make Wrist Tattoos Hurt Less?

Though a tattoo will never be completely painless, there are a few ways to minimize the pain of wrist tattoos.

Choose a Small/Simple Design

The wrists are extremely popular areas to get tattooed, and lots of tattoos placed onto the wrist area are small and relatively basic, but many still manage to look extremely effective.

Less pain will be felt from a tattoo the smaller and simpler the design.

Consider Placement Carefully

Your pain threshold will depend on where it is on your wrist.

Some people can’t stand the jarring sensation in their bones, and others would prefer to stay away from the stinging feeling of a needle against their thin skin. Pick an option that fits your threshold the best.

Pick a Gentle Artist

When tattooing an area as delicate as the wrist, you will want an experienced artist who isn’t too rough/heavy-handed.

Due to the obvious nature of the tattooing process, regardless of the artist you choose, you will feel some level of pain and discomfort; however, some artists are typically more gentle than others.

Take Breaks If You Need Them

Should the discomfort become too much, don’t be afraid to ask your artist for a break. The professionals don’t mind doing this and want you to feel at ease.

Take a Painkiller

Thin skin is more prone to swelling after being damaged, which makes tattooing more painful.

Take a pain reliever like Tylenol, which also reduces swelling, but stay away from blood thinners like Advil, which will only exacerbate the discomfort.

Mind over Matter

Since you can watch the tattoo artist work on your wrist, this could actually make you more anxious and hurt more.

Keep yourself off-task. Practice breathing exercises or relaxation methods. Instead of focusing on the needle entering your skin, keep your eyes on something else.

Use a Numbing Cream

Pain receptors can be made less sensitive by numbing cream, but they can also make tattooing more difficult, especially on thin skin.

Be sure to tell your artist before your appointment if you intend to use a numbing cream.

Final Thoughts: Do Wrist Tattoos Hurt

Wrist tattoos can definitely be quite painful, but due to the relatively small area of the wrist, the pain should be short-lived, so you should be able to see it through.

The easiest way to combat the pain of wrist tattoos is to select designs that are simple and avoid square-ended needles used for shading or coloring.

Your tattoo artist will probably offer you suggestions or alternatives for your tattoo design if you ever feel unsure about your own tolerance.

Related Reading: How Much is a Wrist Tattoo?

FAQs about Wrist Tattoo