Getting an inner bicep tattoo is like starting a new chapter in your style book. It’s a bold statement of individuality, and the inner biceps offer a great canvas for creative colored tattoos. However, inner bicep tattoo pain is something that even professional tattoo enthusiasts shy away from. It’s wise to be aware of the pain that can come with a tattoo before the tattoo needle pierces this sensitive area. While getting an inner bicep tattoo may not be as easy to bear as getting one on your outer thigh, the tattooing process can be made bearable in terms of pain. Here, we’ll give you the lowdown on what to expect and tips to make it as comfortable as possible. So, let us prepare you and get you ready for your tattoo experience with confidence. Read on to learn more about the pain associated with bicep tattoos before you head in for that tattoo appointment.
Do bicep tattoos hurt?
Image: Shutterstock
Let’s talk about what goes through everyone’s mind when they sit in the chair offered by a tattoo artist: the pain and the required pain threshold as the tattoo needle pierces through. If you’re bracing yourself for your first tattoo and have an elaborate tattoo design in mind, you’re probably wondering if you should grit your teeth and go through with it.
Well, people who go for an outer bicep tattoo generally experience less chills and easier breathing, as the outer biceps and outer shoulder area have thicker skin and a nice layer of muscle underneath that acts as a cushion. So when the needle dances here, it’s more of a mild irritation than a sharp pain. Most people describe the sensation as a vibrating needle dragging across the delicate skin – a little uncomfortable, sure, but nothing that would make them clench their fists. Of course, this area also ranks lower on the tattoo pain lists. The inner bicep, on the other hand, has softer, thinner skin and is more susceptible to pain than many other tattoo locations.
The tattoo experience isn’t always a piece of cake, especially in an area with lots of nerve endings and delicate skin. The amount of pain you feel also has a lot to do with your personal pain threshold. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so what’s a minor nuisance for one person can be a more intense experience for someone with a lower pain threshold. For example, some people find tattoos on their stomach or fingers bearable, while others find them extremely painful.
Did you know?
Tattoos are least painful on areas such as the upper arm, upper leg, outer thigh and buttocks. These areas contain the most fat, the fewest nerve endings and the thickest skin.
Factors like skin sensitivity, muscle density, and even your mood can affect how much the tattoo will sting. Learn more about this in the next section before you head to the tattoo shop.
How bad do inner bicep tattoos hurt?
Image: Shutterstock
The inner bicep is considered one of the most painful tattoo spots on the body because the skin there is thinner and there is less contact than on the outside of your arm. This can make the tattoo needle feel sharper and give you a constant, stabbing pain — kind of like a constant pinch or a scratch that goes on and on. However, people with an average to low pain tolerance will feel the pain more than others (1).
Areas like the outer elbow muscle, just under your armpits and where your arm bends are the most painful places to tattoo in the inner biceps region because of the delicate skin and abundance of nerve endings. The axillary nerve, radial nerve and other individual nerves run through it, making it more sensitive than other areas when tattooing. Getting tattooed there can make you squirm a bit more.
Caroline, a blogger, shared her experience of getting a tattoo on her inner bicep and the intense pain she experienced. She wrote: “Another reason could have been the location I wanted. The inner bicep is a notoriously painful spot to get a tattoo. I can tell you from personal experience that I hated it. I had pretty bad bruising for about a week (i)!” If you too are experiencing constant redness or itching after getting your tattoo, consult your dermatologist or tattoo artist immediately.
Did you know?
When getting a tattoo, your skin is pierced 50 to 3,000 times per minute.
The type of tattoo pain also depends on your tattoo designs. For example, a small, simple script of 15 minutes will definitely hurt less than a larger tattoo with an 8-hour tattoo session. So the inner bicep can be a bit sensitive to a tattoo, but remember that many people get a tattoo in this place and are ultimately happy with their choice.
You too can get through it with some preparation and a positive attitude and a tattoo design you are proud of. Read more in the section below.
How to Make Inner Bicep Tattoos Hurt Less
Image: Shutterstock
Want to make your tattoo experience a little easier? Here are some tips you should know before heading to the tattoo shop for that new tattoo:
Make sure to eat a good meal 3 hours before your tattoo appointment. A full stomach will help you cope with pain better, keep your blood sugar levels steady, and prevent dizziness and vomiting. Getting a good night’s sleep before your tattoo session is essential. Anecdotal evidence suggests that being tired can make you feel pain more intense, especially since inner bicep tattoos are already high on the list of sore spots. Many tattoo artists suggest that hydrated skin helps absorb ink better and can even reduce pain. Drink plenty of water before your appointment and even during the session. Chat with your tattoo artist, listen to some music, or focus on something else in the room to distract yourself. If you’re really nervous about the pain, talk to your tattoo artist about using a topical anesthetic or numbing cream before you begin. You can also ask for the cream during tattoo sessions if you feel uncomfortable. Deep, steady breaths to manage your anxiety levels and the discomfort of painful tattoo areas. It is a common belief in the tattoo world that caffeine and alcohol can increase your sensitivity to pain, so avoid consuming them before your session. Choose an experienced tattoo artist to ensure efficient and careful needlework. Schedule your tattoo session when you are least likely to feel stressed. Aftercare is essential; follow your artist’s instructions to minimize pain after your session.
If you follow these tips, you will be able to get started with tattooing with less pain and more confidence.
Getting a bicep tattoo is a tolerable tattoo experience for most. While the inner bicep may test your resolve a bit more, it’s not insurmountable, especially if you have a high pain tolerance. By taking the right prep measures, you can help ease the stinging pain. Use distraction techniques, consider using numbing products if necessary, and remember to breathe through the rough patches.
With the right mindset and strategies, you’ll find yourself on the other side of the tattoo needle with fresh, impressive ink—and a story about how you overcame discomfort. Whether it’s your first tattoo or a new addition to your collection, the inner bicep provides an ideal space to showcase your personal story or artistic passion. So move forward with confidence, knowing that pain is temporary, but a great tattoo is forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the pain last during and after the inner biceps tattoo?
Getting a tattoo on the inner bicep can be painful, as it is a sensitive area with thinner skin and large nerve endings. The pain level varies from person to person, but is generally considered a 6 out of 10 on the pain scale. The pain may persist during the tattoo session and for a few days afterward, but should subside within a week or two.
Is building muscle harmful to my bicep tattoo?
Moderate muscle gain will stretch your skin, but it shouldn’t harm your bicep tattoo as long as you take good care of it during the healing process. However, rapid and significant muscle gain can damage the tattoo. It can lead to stretch marks, which can further distort the design. Therefore, avoid strenuous exercise and activities that can cause excessive sweating or rub against the tattoo for the first few days. After it heals, you can resume your normal workout routine without any damage to the tattoo.
When is the best time to get a bicep tattoo?
The best time to get a bicep tattoo is when you have enough time to take care of it as it heals. Avoid getting a tattoo during the summer months, when you’ll be more exposed to the sun and sweat, which can increase your risk of infection and fading. Also, try not to get a tattoo when you have a big event or vacation planned, as this can disrupt the healing process.
Is it better to get a tattoo before or after building muscle?
Yes, it is generally recommended to get tattoos after you have muscle growth, as the tattoo can stretch and become misshapen if you get it before then. However, consider waiting until the muscle has fully healed and stabilized before getting a tattoo, as the stretching and contracting of the muscle during the healing process can also affect the tattoo.
Key Points
Bicep tattoos generally cause mild discomfort, with the outer areas being less sensitive due to the cushioning of the muscles. Individual pain thresholds affect the level of discomfort experienced during tattooing. Inner bicep tattoos are generally a more painful experience, as the area is sensitive with thinner skin and more nerve endings. Good nutrition, hydration, adequate rest, and the use of distraction and relaxation techniques can minimize the pain of the tattoo.
Pain from an inner bicep tattoo is significantly higher than other common tattoo sites. Learn more about inner and outer bicep tattoos and other painful tattoo sites and how much it hurts in the video below.
Personal experience: Source
References
Articles on StyleCraze are supported by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputable organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. For more information, please read our editorial policy.
Gender differences in subjective pain perception during and after tattooing https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/24/9466Was this article helpful? 
Leave a Reply