Which is the easiest place to hide a tattoo at work?

The ribs, back, upper arm and shoulder can be hidden under almost any item of clothing, even in summer with a simple T-shirt. The nape of the neck is easily concealed by long hair or a collar. The thigh and calf are hidden by trousers. Conversely, the forearm remains visible as soon as you wear short sleeves, and the hands, neck and face are always visible. We’d love to tell you that this is no longer an issue, but that would be a lie: attitudes towards tattoos have changed a great deal, which is a very good thing, but some sectors remain stricter than others when it comes to visible tattoos. It’s a situation we regret, and one we’re fighting against. In the meantime, many people choose an area that’s easy to cover up for their first tattoos, and save the more visible spots for later. It’s not about hiding them; it’s about retaining the choice of whether or not to show them.

Does getting a tattoo on your arm or forearm hurt?

It is one of the least painful areas of the body, particularly on the outer side. The layer of muscle and fat there effectively cushions the needle’s penetration, and the skin is relatively thick. This is why the forearm is so often recommended for a first tattoo. The inside of the forearm is a little more sensitive: the skin there is thinner and has more nerve endings. The crook of the elbow and the inside of the wrist are even more so, with tendons and bones just beneath the surface. But all of these areas are still significantly more comfortable than the ribs, hands or feet. The sensation also depends on the length of the session and how you’re feeling on the day: getting a forearm tattoo done in three hours, on an empty stomach and after a sleepless night, won’t feel the same as a small, one-hour design when you’re feeling your best. Our pain map details each area if you’re still unsure.

Does a tattoo on the ankle fade more quickly?

Not if it heals well initially, but the area does require care during the first few weeks. Socks, shoes and everyday friction can irritate a fresh tattoo and cause the scabs to come off too soon, which may leave lighter patches. The French National Health Service (Assurance Maladie) also advises against wearing clothes that rub against the tattoo throughout the healing process, which lasts three to four weeks. For an ankle tattoo, this means wearing loose-fitting or open-toed shoes, clean socks that aren’t too tight, and taking a break from activities where your feet sweat a lot. If your tattoo appointment falls just before a trek or a festival where you’ll be wearing trainers, postpone one of the two. Once healed, an ankle tattoo ages just like any other, with one caveat: very fine lines on an area that’s constantly subject to friction may fade a little faster. A design that’s not too small and not too detailed will hold up better.

Why do ribs hurt so much?

There are three reasons for this, all of which combine. The skin is thin there, resting almost directly on the bone, and there isn’t much fat to cushion the sensation of the needle. Above all, the area is constantly moving because you’re breathing. The tattoo artist therefore has to work on a moving surface, whilst you have to remain as still as possible in an area that isn’t. It’s often this combination of intense sensation and concentration that makes the session tiring. That said, it’s by no means impossible: the ribs make for magnificent designs, as their curves lend themselves very well to floral and organic motifs. You simply need to be aware of this beforehand, plan in breaks, arrive well-rested and well-fed, and avoid choosing this as the site for your very first tattoo if you don’t yet know your pain tolerance. Our pain map compares the ribs to other sensitive areas, so you can make an informed choice.

Is the nape of the neck a good place for a first tattoo?

For a small, simple design, why not? For a large piece, it’s best to wait until you’ve gained a bit of experience. The nape of the neck has real advantages: it’s easily hidden under your hair or a collar, and is only visible when you want it to be. A symbol, a short word or a fine line work very well there. On the other hand, it’s more sensitive than you might imagine, especially near the spine, and the position means you have to keep your head perfectly still, leaning forwards, throughout the entire session. For a twenty-minute design, it’s no problem at all. Over three hours, it’s a different story. Another practical detail: you won’t be able to see your tattoo without a mirror, which makes the choice of placement even more important. Take the time to check the stencil from several angles, using a second mirror, before the tattoo artist begins. A one-centimetre misalignment will be noticeable for a long time.

Can a small tattoo on the arm be enlarged later on?

Yes, and that’s actually the story behind many sleeve tattoos. A design on the upper arm eventually extends down towards the elbow, one on the forearm stretches towards the wrist, and a few years later, the whole arm forms a single composition. The secret is to let the tattoo artist know right from the first session if you think you might want to take it further one day, even if you don’t know when. They’ll position the first design whilst leaving space around it, choose a scale that fits with the future piece, and orient the lines so they can be extended. Without this foresight, you can sometimes end up with a small, isolated tattoo in the middle of your arm, which you then have to work around or incorporate as best you can. It’s still doable, good tattoo artists know how to work with what’s already there, but it leaves you with less creative freedom. If you change tattoo artists partway through, show them the whole design and explain your original idea: they’ll know how to pick up where you left off.

Does the price of a tattoo vary depending on the area?

Indirectly, yes. The price depends mainly on the time taken, and certain areas make the session take longer for the same size tattoo. The ribs, hands, feet, nape of the neck or neck require more breaks, greater care and sometimes more passes, because the skin there is thinner, more mobile or more sensitive. A curved or uneven area, such as the shoulder or knee, also forces the tattoo artist to constantly adapt their technique. Conversely, a fairly flat and stable surface, such as the outer forearm or calf, allows for more consistent work. However, size, level of detail and style remain the main factors affecting the cost, well ahead of the location. To find out the price of your project, the simplest way is to request a quote, clearly specifying the area, size and your references. Our guide to tattoo prices details everything that goes into a quote, so you can compare offers.

Are there any areas that should be avoided for a highly detailed design?

Yes, the ones that move, bend or rub a lot. The inside of the elbow, the top of the foot, the fingers or areas where the skin folds do not retain very fine details as well over time, because the skin in these areas is constantly in motion. What’s more, the hands and feet regenerate quickly and are subject to constant friction, which wears away fine lines more quickly than elsewhere. For a design rich in small details that needs to remain legible for decades, a stable and relatively flat surface remains the best choice: the forearm, calf, upper arm, thigh or back. A good tattoo artist will, in fact, advise you to adapt the level of detail to the area, rather than applying the same design everywhere. This isn’t a restriction; it’s what ensures a tattoo ages well. And if there’s a mole in the chosen area, mention it beforehand: it’s better to be able to keep an eye on it.

Tattoos by body part: arm, ankle, ribs, nape of the neck

The best place for a tattoo depends on four factors: pain, visibility, available space and how the area ages. The arm and forearm tick almost all the boxes, which is why they top the list of popular choices. The ribs, the nape of the neck, the ankle and the hands each have their own advantages, but also their own considerations.

The only universal rule: avoid choosing where to get a tattoo on a whim at three in the morning. The lower back tattoos of the 2000s are watching you.

What factors should you consider when choosing a spot?

Pain

Not all areas of the body are equally tolerant of the needle. Fleshy areas, such as the outer arm, calf or thigh, are the most easily tolerated. Thin, bony or highly innervated areas, such as the ribs, hands, feet or spine, are the most sensitive. Our pain map provides details for each area.

Visibility

A tattoo on the forearm is visible as soon as you wear short sleeves. A design on the ribs or upper arm is only visible if you choose to show it. We’d love to tell you that this is no longer an issue, but some professional sectors remain wary of visible tattoos. We regret this; we’re fighting to change it, and we discuss this in our article on tattoos in the workplace. In the meantime, choosing an area that you can either show or cover up means you’re in control.

Ageing

An area that bends, rubs or is exposed to the sun ages more quickly than a stable, protected area. Very fine lines on a hand or foot wear out more quickly than those on a forearm. The sun, however, remains the enemy of all tattoos, regardless of where they are located.

Available space

A large design needs space to remain legible. The back, thigh and arm offer large areas, whilst the ankle or wrist naturally limit the size. And size has a direct impact on the cost, as explained in our guide to tattoo prices.

Comparison table of the main areas

Area	Pain	Visibility	Ageing	Ideal for
Outer forearm	Low	High	Very good	First tattoo, medium-sized designs
Upper arm, shoulder	Low	Flexible	Very good	Modular pieces, cuffs
Calf	Low	Flexible	Very good	Medium to large designs
Thigh	Low to medium	Low	Very good	Large designs
Back	Average	Low	Very good	Large designs
Nape of the neck	Medium to high	Flexible	Good	Small graphic designs
Wrist	High	High	Good	Small designs, wristbands
Ankle	High	Flexible	Well, it’s healed up nicely	Small, discreet designs
Ribs	Very high	Low	Good	Designs that follow the contours of the body
Hands, fingers	Very high	Permanent	More fragile	Well-thought-out projects

The arm and forearm: why are they the most popular places to get a tattoo?

Because it offers almost every advantage. The pain is quite bearable, the surface area allows for designs of all sizes, and the visibility can be adjusted with a sleeve. It’s also the prime spot for cuff tattoos, those designs that are built up over several years.

The outside of the forearm is the most comfortable: the skin is thicker and less innervated. The inside, which is thinner, is a little more sensitive, but this is often where people choose to have more personal designs, a first name, a date or a small symbol that they keep to themselves.

Think ahead. A single design on the upper arm that eventually extends down towards the elbow is a classic choice. Let the tattoo artist know this at your very first session: they’ll leave enough space and position the design so that it can grow.

The ankle: discreet, but one to treat with care

The ankle is perfect for a small, discreet design. The skin there is thin, and the area is more sensitive than you might think, especially on the bone and near the Achilles tendon, whereas the calf just above it is much more comfortable.

The real issue is healing. Socks and shoes rub against the tattoo all day long, and the French National Health Service advises against wearing clothes that rub against the tattoo until it has healed. Make sure you wear loose-fitting shoes for three to four weeks, and save your festival trainers for later. Our week-by-week healing guide details each stage.

The coast: magnificent, but challenging

Few areas are as well-suited to a design that follows the curves of the body. Floral or organic designs look superb here. On the other hand, it is one of the most painful areas: the skin is thin, there is bone just underneath, and breathing causes everything to shift.

Getting a tattoo on your ribs requires some preparation: a session that isn’t too long, planned breaks, a good meal beforehand, and a decent night’s sleep. And if it’s your first tattoo, you might want to start somewhere else, to test your tolerance on a less sensitive area.

The nape of the neck: visible only when you choose to be

The nape of the neck is ideal for a small graphic design: a symbol, a short word, a fine line. It’s hidden by your hair or a collar, but revealed when you wear your hair in a bun. The skin is more sensitive near the spine, and during the session you’ll need to keep your head down and still.

A little word of warning: you’ll never see your tattoo without a mirror. Check the stencil from every angle before the needle starts. A design that’s crooked on the nape of your neck is one that everyone else can see, except you.

The shoulder and back: the ideal spots for large designs

The shoulder offers a good compromise: hidden under a T-shirt, visible in a vest top. The pain is fairly tolerable there, though a little sharper on the collarbone and shoulder blade. The back, meanwhile, offers the largest surface area on the body, perfect for large symmetrical designs or Japanese-style pieces. The only drawback is that to admire your back, you’ll always need two mirrors or a friend.

Calves, thighs, hips: the underrated areas

We often think of the arms first, and forget about the legs. Yet they offer advantages that few other areas can match.

The calf is one of the most comfortable places on the body, with a good thickness of muscle. Its elongated shape lends itself to vertical designs, animals, flowers and Japanese-style compositions. It can be hidden under trousers or shown off in shorts: adjustable visibility guaranteed.

The thigh offers a large, fairly flat surface, perfect for a detailed piece or a realistic design that needs space. The outer thigh is well tolerated, whilst the inner thigh is much more sensitive. It’s also an area that isn’t often on show in everyday life, making it ideal if you want a large tattoo without it being on display every day.

The hip is a great spot for floral and organic designs, which follow its curve. As the skin is more sensitive over the bone, care must be taken with belts and high-waisted jeans whilst the tattoo is healing.

Another advantage of the legs is that they age well, are exposed to less sun than the arms on a day-to-day basis, and leave room for future designs.

The wrist and hands: areas in a league of their own

The wrist is appealing because it is discreet and symbolic. The skin there is thin and close to the bone, so it is more sensitive than the forearm. It lends itself well to small designs, such as a tattooed bracelet.

The hands are a special case. With a high concentration of nerves, skin that’s constantly under strain, repeated washing and constant rubbing, fine details wear away more quickly here, and the healing process requires a great deal of care. It’s also an area that’s constantly on display. A tattoo on the hands takes longer to decide on than others, and many tattoo artists prefer to reserve it for people who already have tattoos elsewhere.

How do you match the area and the style?

The placement and style are chosen together. A geometric or dotwork design looks best on a fairly flat surface, such as the forearm or calf. A floral or watercolour design naturally follows the curves of the ribs, hip or shoulder. An irezumi requires large, sweeping areas. Our overview of tattoo styles helps you balance these two choices.

Should you avoid getting tattoos over moles?

This is a point that is often overlooked. The French National Health Service (Assurance Maladie) points out that monitoring moles hidden beneath a tattoo can be difficult, and advises against getting a tattoo for people with a very large number of atypical moles. If you have a lot of freckles, it recommends seeking medical advice. If the chosen area contains a mole, mention this to the tattoo artist: most will be happy to work around it.

Should you consider how different tattoos will look together?

After two or three tattoos, the question almost always comes up. There are two approaches: creating a continuous piece that links several areas, such as a sleeve from the shoulder to the wrist, or embracing a collection of independent designs, much like a travel journal. Neither is better than the other. What matters is making a conscious choice rather than leaving it to chance. Discuss this with your tattoo artist before your second tattoo: that’s the right time to do so.

Find out more

The perfect spot is one you’ll always want to look at, or show off. To find a certified tattoo artist near you and discuss your ideas with them before booking, download Tat’s It, the 100 per cent free app: the links are just below.

An idea, a tattoo, Tat’s It.