Did you ever consider getting a tattoo but didn’t give in to the pain? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Tattooing, as great an art form of self-expression as it is, involves needles puncturing your skin repeatedly. This can be pretty painful depending on where you are getting the tattoo and how long you stay in the tattoo shop. Numbing creams rescue the day by reducing the pain. In fact, 95% of professional tattoo artists recommend the application of numbing cream, not just for clients’ comfort but also to improve the quality of their work. The reduced pain allows clients to stay still for extended periods, which favors artists in completing fine work more accurately.
How Does Numbing Cream Make the Tattoo Experience More Comfortable?
Numbing cream is a topical anesthetic. It temporarily numbs the skin it’s applied to, dulling the nerve endings and eliminating the pain sensation. Used appropriately, it makes a big difference in how comfortable getting tattooed is. This comfort is especially helpful for:
- New clients with no idea what their pain tolerance is
- People getting tattoos on very sensitive areas like ribs, feet, or inner arms
- Clients who get long sessions for complex or massive work
- Pain reduction enables people to be calmer and at ease when they are getting the tattoo.
Which Specific Body Parts Ache the Most with Tattoos?
Different parts of the body have different levels of pain depending on the thickness of the skin, nerve endings, and closeness to bones. The most painful parts are:
- Ribcage: Skin is thin, bones close to the surface
- Feet and Ankles: Lots of nerve endings and very little cushioning
- Elbows and Knees: Bony areas with minimal fat
- Neck and Spine: Bones and nerves make these parts extremely sensitive
In these spots, numbing cream can make a big difference.
How Do Tattoo Artists Gain from Clients Using Numbing Cream?
Tattoo artists also benefit a great deal when their clients use numbing creams:
- Better Concentration: When clients aren’t squirming about in agony, artists can concentrate more comfortably.
- Efficiency: Artists can work faster without constantly needing to take breaks.
- Better Work: Accuracy and consistency improve when the canvas (your skin) doesn’t move.
- Less Sittings Needed: Extended, uninterrupted periods mean the tattoo can be completed in less sittings.
Ultimately, numbing creams help tattoo artists to deliver higher-quality work in less time.
Are All Numbing Creams Identical?
No, all topical anesthetics are not equal. Although most utilize local anesthetics like Lidocaine, the strength and formulation vary. Some are specifically designed for tattoos and have deeper penetration and longer duration. Look specifically for:
- 5% Lidocaine: Strongest over-the-counter strength
- Fast onset time: 20-30 minutes is optimal
- Long-lasting: Should last at least 2-3 hours
- Non-greasy texture: Enables better ink absorption
Always choose a cream specifically formulated for tattoos for best results.
How Should Numbing Cream Be Applied Before a Tattoo?
The effectiveness of numbing cream depends heavily on how well it’s applied. Here’s a basic application guide:
- Clean the area: Wash the skin with soap and water to remove oils and dirt.
- Dry completely: Moisture can dilute the cream’s effect.
- Apply a thick layer: Use gloves to apply a generous amount.
- Cover with plastic wrap: This helps the skin absorb the cream.
- Wait 45-60 minutes: Let the cream fully absorb.
- Remove before tattooing: Wipe off the excess with a paper towel.
Following these steps ensures optimal numbing during your session.
Can Numbing Cream Affect the Tattooing Process or Results?
There’s a common belief that numbing cream warps tattoo quality. But used well and with high-quality cream, it usually won’t impact the ink or the healing process. Some problems are:
- Ink rejection: Rare, and usually caused by over-use or bad-quality cream
- Skin texture: Certain creams may cause temporary puffing up or softening
Professional artists generally have experience working with numbed skin and change their method as a result.
Is Numbing Cream Suitable for First-Time Tattoo Clients?
Yes. First-time clients are more anxious, most specifically due to the fear of pain. Using numbing cream can:
- Gain confidence
- Make it more enjoyable
- Enhance the chances they will return for future work
Tattoo artists often advise using numbing cream for new clients to ensure their first experience is smooth.
How Long Does the Numbing Last?
Most of the numbing creams give relief for 2 to 3 hours when used correctly. That duration is usually sufficient for a typical tattoo session. If the session lasts longer than that:
- Some artists will break to reapply
- Alternatively, the most painful outlines can be done first when the numbing is most effective
- Pacing the session according to the effectiveness of the cream is a common and effective method.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Numbing Cream?
The majority of people have no issues using numbing creams, but some may experience:
- Mild redness or irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Temporary numbness elsewhere on the body
To avoid this, it’s best to do a patch test before the actual session. Put a small amount on the forearm and wait for 24 hours. If there is no reaction, the product is generally safe to use.
Is It Appropriate for Tattoo Artists to Endorse the Usage of Numbing Cream?
There are some who believe that going through the pain is all part of the tattoo experience. Other people favor the client’s comfort, however. With 95% in support of numbing creams’ usage, it is clear that client happiness and welfare trump traditional values. It is always a personal decision, and most experts are mindful of that.
What do Tattoo Artists want from a great Numbing Cream?
Professional artists use creams which are:
- Clinically tested
- Dermatologically safe
- Non-oily for better ink retention
- Long-lasting
- Simple to remove cleanly
They most likely have one go-to that they recommend from past success and client referral.
Are There any Alternatives to Numbing Cream?
While the most common ones are creams, there are options:
- Numbing sprays: Easier to reapply in long sessions
- Gels: Quick relief but don’t often last as long
- Cold compresses: Relief before tattooing begins
Although, they don’t quite match the ease and long-lasting effect of creams when applied appropriately.
How Do You Know a Numbing Cream Is Working?
You’ll feel:- A pricking sensation that becomes dullness
- Less sensitivity when you touch it
- Slight swelling or coldness
What Happens If You Don’t Use Numbing Cream?
Not using numbing cream can lead to:- Increased discomfort
- Frequent breaks because of pain
- Having trouble sitting still
- Incompletes tattoos if pain becomes too much
Is Numbing Cream Necessary for Every Tattoo?
Not necessarily. Small tattoos in more meaty areas (like upper arms or thighs) might not need to. But for larger, longer, or more painful spots, numbing cream can be a lifesaver. It’s all about comfort and tolerance.How Do You Approach Talking to Your Artist About Using Numbing Cream?
Be honest and upfront. Most tattoo artists appreciate customers who are assertive when it comes to their comfort. Ask them:- Do you allow numbing cream to be used?
- Is there a brand you would recommend?
- Would you help apply?
