Many are afraid to ask their artist if they use tattoo numbing creams. These creams, applied directly to the skin, reduce the pain of getting new tattoos, making the process less painful. They have benefitted both ink enthusiasts and artists, improving a typically difficult and painful process.
Despite this, their use remains a hot topic, sparking debates within the tattoo community. While some oppose them, for many, it’s a no-brainer, supported by real artists and clients who advocate their effectiveness.
Do tattoo artists use numbing cream? -The Answer
[su_note note_color=”#D3D3D3″ radius=”6″]Tattoo numbing cream divides artists. Some use it for smoother sessions, less client discomfort, and quicker work. Others see pain as part of the tattoo process. Many compromise, using creams if clients provide or they prefer certain brands.[/su_note]
Do tattoo artists use numbing cream?
Tattoo numbing cream is a hot topic among artists. Some are happy to use and provide it during a session, finding it helps them work more efficiently with fewer interruptions and less time under the needle for the client.
They argue it eases pain, improving the process. Others refuse, maintaining that pain is a right of passage that completes the tattoo experience. Many artists fall in the middle, using numbing creams if the client supplies them or they have a preferred brand. We’ve asked real artists for their input on this debate.
What is tattoo numbing cream?
Tattoo numbing cream is a topical skin numbing product that acts as a local anesthetic to make the tattoo process less painful. These creams usually last between 4-6 hours. There are different types of numbing creams: nerve deadeners, nerve blockers, and vasoconstrictors.
Each type uses various combinations of ingredients to achieve a numbing effect. The most common are nerve deadeners, which work by temporarily deadening the nerves in your skin to prevent them from registering pain. The active ingredient in these creams is lidocaine, which is commonly used for minor medical procedures.
Many artists like to use tattoo numbing creams
From an artist’s perspective, numbing creams are a key selling point due to their efficiency. With little to no pain felt by the client, artists can work without breaks or interruptions, allowing them to work at their own pace.
Numbing agents also reduce the amount of time needed for a large piece, enabling them to do it all at once and freeing up time for other clients. This results in fewer breaks and more streamlined sessions, letting artists schedule more clients each day.
For the client, using tattoo numbing cream means they can sit pain-free for several hours, even in sensitive areas like the ribs or top of your feet. Pain is one of the biggest reasons many people don’t have any tattoos, and while some argue that pain is a part of the process, it is subjective.
Those with lower pain tolerances or certain medical conditions may not be able to get a tattoo in the traditional way, but this shouldn’t stop them from getting the ink they’ve always wanted without worrying about how much pain it will cause.
Even if you’ve been getting tattoos for 30 years and had to suffer through them until now, your next one doesn’t have to be painful, as noted by Jason, a chronic ink enthusiast.
But some don’t
Some artists don’t use numbing creams because they believe it disrupts the tattoo process and prefer to keep the tradition from 3300 B.C. They might use it if the client brings and applies it, but are often reluctant or refuse.
Local anesthesia can have medical risks if applied incorrectly, requiring extra time wiping away excess cream, says The Skin Museum. Cheaper creams can cause greater pain as the numbness wears off, leading to exaggerated pain when the client was expecting complete numbing.
Here’s what to do if you want to use numbing cream
If you want to use tattoo numbing cream, you should. There’s no need to feel bad. Just know a few things: it helps with pain, but apply it correctly to avoid tattoo bleeding. Always follow the instructions for the best results.
Should I tell my tattoo artist that I plan to use a numbing cream?
Always ask for permission before you use numbing cream. Jon Reiter, a veteran at Solid State Tattoos in Milwaukee, says to notify your artist about your plan. This avoids an awkward conversation when you show up with numbing cream that the artist didn’t know about.
Tell them because creams have odors and they can feel the texture difference on your skin. Ask detailed questions like if they’ve used it before or have a preferred brand. If you’re planning to use your own, check with them.
If the artist needs to make major adjustments or wait for the numbness to kick in, you may need to pay for extra time. Some artists might cancel, leading to wasted time and money. While most artists prefer to use it, some refuse to work with it. Respect their decision and their artwork—don’t tell an artist how to do their job.
DO’S AND DON’TS OF NUMBING CREAM FOR TATTOOS
It’s no big secret that getting a tattoo can be a painful process, so many people use numbing cream for tattoos to find a pain-free solution. However, to ensure a seamless experience, there are rules to follow. This article will explore the do’s and don’ts of using numbing cream for tattoos to help eliminate pain effectively.
NUMBING CREAM BEFORE GETTING TATTOOED
Getting tattooed involves pain, which is part of the ritual. While most people can tolerate the tingly sensation for a couple of hours, sometimes the pain is unbearable. Numbing your skin before your tattoo appointment can help.
Areas like the ribs, tops of the feet, and backs of the knees are more prone to being painful. Tattoo Numbing Cream can make the tattoo experience more pleasant, especially at the start of a long tattoo session.
PLANNING AHEAD WITH TATTOO NUMBING CREAM
Planning ahead with tattoo numbing cream means less pain and frustration. Though it may seem excessive to start more than an hour before getting tattooed, it’s well worth it. Apply the cream to clean, dry skin 90 minutes before your tattoo session for optimal results.
The cream needs to fully penetrate the top layers of the skin to reach the subdermal layer where the needle and ink will be inserted. To help you out, here’s a list of do’s and don’ts for applying our Tattoo Numbing Cream.
DO’S WHEN APPLYING NUMBING CREAM FOR TATTOOS
DO A SPOT TEST BEFORE APPLYING THE CREAM
Always spot test the day before using the cream on a smaller portion of the area to be tattooed the next day. Apply it for 10-20 minutes, especially if you have sensitive skin, to ensure your skin doesn’t become inflamed. While it’s completely normal to have some minor localized redness, this helps make sure there’s no negative effect on your skin.
DO WASH AND EXFOLIATE THE TARGET AREA PRIOR
Before applying numbing cream for tattoos, wash and exfoliate the area thoroughly with soap, water, and an exfoliant. This removes dirt and dead skin, aiding the penetration of the cream. Then, dry the area completely for a seamless application.
DO APPLY THE NUMBING CREAM TO THE ENTIRE TARGET AREA
Make sure to cover the entire area that will be tattooed, overlapping by about an inch all around. This helps ensure you don’t miss any spots, preventing pain in those missed areas during your session and resulting in a better experience.
DO COVER THE AREA WITH CLING FILM
After applying the cream, cover the entire area with cling film. The heat from the plastic wrap helps activate the cream and keeps it from drying out. If the cream dries out, it won’t work as well.
When it’s time to start the tattooing process, unwrap the film and wash the area with whatever soap the artist prefers. Thoroughly cleanse the skin to prevent the cream from interfering with the stencil.
DON’TS WHEN APPLYING NUMBING CREAM FOR TATTOOS
DON’T FORGET TO WEAR A GLOVE WHILE APPLYING THE CREAM
Unless you want your entire hand to go numb as well or the cream to end up transferring to other areas, we suggest you use gloves.
DON’T DRINK ANY FORM OF ALCOHOL PRIOR
We recommend that you don’t drink any alcohol within 24 hours of tattooing to ensure maximum numbing. Otherwise, the numbing may not be as effective or long-lasting.
DON’T APPLY THE CREAM LIKE A LOTION
Don’t apply the cream like lotion. While numbing cream may feel similar, it has a completely different purpose and must be applied differently. Apply it thick enough (about 2mm) so you can see it sitting on your skin, then proceed to rub it in thoroughly.
DON’T WASH THE AREA AGAIN IF THE NUMBING EFFECT STARTS TO WEAR OFF
If the numbness starts to wear off during your session, take a break. Do not wash your skin with soap and water again, as this makes it more sensitive and neutralizes the numbing effects. Instead, apply more numbing cream for tattoos.
Don’t stress about the ink; the numbing cream cares less about ink already on the skin. Let it sit for a few minutes, then get right back to tattooing.
WHY CHOOSE TATTOO NUMBING CREAM?
Many companies that produce numbing cream for tattoos warn that for lengthy tattoo sessions (over 1 hour under the needle), the cream is likely to wear off. However, Tattoo Numbing Cream prides itself on its excellent formula, keeping the skin numb for up to 3-4 hours. You can also re-apply for longer sessions.
Other companies say the cream might wear off when the artist wipes the area with soap during the sanitation process. Our product works differently; you wrap the cream in place for 90 minutes before the procedure, then remove the cling film and wipe it away with a paper towel, ensuring a pain-free tattoo. So, the artist wiping the area with soap won’t negatively affect your experience.
Frequently Asked Question
Is it okay to use numbing cream before a tattoo?
Numbing cream is generally safe to apply before getting a tattoo, especially in sensitive areas. Its effectiveness depends on the type and ingredients used. Choosing the right cream can significantly ease the discomfort associated with tattoo treatments.
Is numbing cream worth it for tattoos?
Yes, numbing cream can make a tattoo experience more enjoyable when used beforehand. To use it correctly, start by cleaning the skin and removing any oils or lotions. Dry the area thoroughly so the cream can adhere properly.
