Tell me just how painful a tattoo on your foot is

[JustAnotherDayWorkingAtHome]

I've been thinking about a small tattoo for a while. I'd like a tulip to remind me of my mum. I'd like it on the to of my foot so I can see it when I'm doing yoga. This is really just for me don't want it somewhere on display all the time.

BUT I've read that the foot is an insanely painful place to have one. Just how bad is it. Where would be a less painful alternative?

I have one, I’m a complete wimp, it was not that bad 🙂

Have you had other tattoos? I have a fairly big tattoo on my foot. It was quite painful, but not unbearable. No tattoos are pain free so if you’re sure you want one, get it exactly where you want it. You’ll be fine x

I got a bit faint after the first few minutes and needed a short break and a sip of water! But was ok after that. Mine took 15-20 mins. It was worth it!

It can depend on the style of tattoo and the artist as well! I have a large tattoo over my whole foot, done by an artist who is quite heavy handed. I had the outline done first and then tapped out, took me another 6 months to go back for colouring.

Probably the most painful tattoo I’ve had, but that’s just my experience! My husband says his foot wasn’t that bad, but his neck was awful 😅

Mine was excruciating to be honest, I have matching ones on my feet and it took me 2 years to psych myself up to go back for the 2nd one 🤣

I’ve not had one on my foot, but I have a small one on my hand which didn’t hurt at all. For me chest/collar bone then thigh were the more painful. Just above the ankle also stings a bit. Odd advice but tattoos hurt more if your in or near your period…

I had my first tattoo on the top of my foot. It was painful but not unbearable.

I have one covering the top of my foot and while yes it was painful it was definitely a level of pain that could be coped with to get the tattoo I wanted.

I have ten tattoos, and the foot one was definitely the most painful. The most painful bit though wasn't over the bone (it covers my ankle), but down where the skin gets thicker towards the bottom of my foot. That was really painful, and also faded the quickest. So, I would recommend not going too close to the bottom of your foot. Other than that, it wasn't too bad.

There is an anaesthetic cream called emla which you can order online. Its used to numb the skin before cannulation/piercings. An ex used it prior to having a tattoo, but I'd check with the tattooist if they allow its use or have a better suggestion.

I have one that covers the top of one of my feet. It wasn't any more painful than the ones on my tummy, back or shoulders. The worst one was on my ribs, thought I was going to throw up.

My foot tattoo was really painful. I’ve said if it ever needs topped up I’ll be using a Sharpie!

I do love it though.

I thought it was fine. Fingers far more painful.

I've got 11 tattoos and my feet were my most painful but to be fair I did go back and get the other one done so it can't have been too bad. My big bad DP has a dot on his foot because he wimped out after that

I've got one , I didn't think it was that bad at all .

Omg mine was so painful I didn't go back and have it coloured that was over 10 years ago

As you can see from the replies everyone's tolerance to pain is completely different, I didn't find it painful at all but my sister swears it's the most painful thing she has experienced

I think it depends on how heavy handed they are. I have both feet done one was fine one was incredibly painful!

I didn't feel any pain. I've a very small one on the inside of my heel.

Nope. Don't use numbing cream. It makes the skin more rubbery and more difficult to tattoo, which is less than ideal in a place with very thin skin like a foot. It can also cause your heart to beat in an irregular rhythm, too. Yes, it's nice to have that numbness, but at the cost of the tattoo coming out shite, it's not worth it. With the amount the artist will be wiping the skin too, you're lucky if you get 45 minutes out of it. I say this as someone who used to work in the industry and is very heavily tattooed. Just take the pain for what it is - temporary - and enjoy the experience as intended.

To answer the OP - yes it will hurt. It's a needle pushing ink into your skin hundreds of times a minute. Feet are unpleasant for most, generally. Lots of nerve endings and fine bones in that area. But if you want it, go for it. Good luck!

I use Emla, about a fiver for a small tube from any chemist. The trick is to slather it on like U r icing a cake, then cover with cling film. Tape the ends of the cling to your skin to stop it sliding off. Do it about 1.5 hours before Ur appointment. I've had 3 large tattoos using it and would never go back to painful tattoos! I used 3 small tubes for a piece covering my inner forearm. I saw a PP advise against using it, but my tattoos are amazing but then so is my tattooist!

As mentioned above - it can cause some serious health issues and shouldn't be used unless absolutely necessary. It does work, yes. It is nice to get the tattoo without pain. But I'd rather go through the pain than risk potential heart problems or damage to my skin. Not every tattoo artist is equal and knows how to tattoo numbed skin (as mentioned above you, it changes the texture of it and makes it hard to get the ink in), so recommending it to people is honestly nothing short of reckless.

I can only speak of my own experience. I love it, wouldn't be without it. You do you

My foot kept involuntarily flinching when I had mine done and I think it made him go deeper so it’s still scabby two and a half weeks on. The back of my ankle hurt way more though! I was so glad he left that bit until last