How it works
How we estimate pain
Pain ratings on Tattoo Body Map are estimates based on common tattoo-artist experience and frequently-reported client feedback for each area. They are a general guide to help you plan — not a medical measurement and not a promise of how it will feel for you.
Pain is highly subjective. Individual tolerance varies a lot, and your experience can be affected by placement, session length, the artist's technique, skin condition, and factors like stress, sleep, hydration and food beforehand. Two people can rate the same spot very differently.
Ratings use a 1–10 scale grouped into tiers. We always show a number and a label alongside the colour, so the meaning is clear without relying on colour alone.
Pain scale
- Low 1–2 / 10
- Mild–Moderate 3–4 / 10
- Moderate 5–6 / 10
- High 7–8 / 10
- Severe 9–10 / 10
Fade scale
The fade map shows how quickly tattoos tend to fade in each area, using a separate colour scale so it never reads like the pain map.
- Low fade risk
- Medium fade risk
- High fade risk
Placement, ageing and healing
For each area we also note everyday visibility, how forgiving it is while healing, and the sizes and styles that tend to suit it. These are practical planning notes, not rules — your artist's advice for your specific design always comes first.
Disclaimer
General information only. Tattoo Body Map provides general, educational guidance about tattoo placement, pain, ageing and healing. It is not medical advice. Tattoos are a permanent procedure that breaks the skin and carry risks including infection and allergic reaction.
If you have a health condition (for example diabetes, a skin condition, a bleeding disorder, allergies, or are pregnant), or any concern about a tattoo or its healing, speak to a qualified healthcare professional and a licensed, reputable tattoo artist before getting tattooed. Always follow the aftercare advice given by your own artist. If a healing tattoo shows signs of infection, seek medical advice promptly.