Getting a tattoo might be the most exciting thing that you do in your life. Sifting through tattoo designs, choosing where to get them, and booking your appointment is all part of the tattooing experience. But at the end of the day, the actual tattoo experience has a lot of pain involved because of how many times you are getting pierced. You may have thought of using a numbing cream to dull the sensation, but that might be something your tattoo artist might not approve of.
So can a tattoo artist tell if you used numbing cream? The short answer is that yes we can and it is very obvious when one uses numbing cream. But to understand why some tattoo artists like myself avoid the use of numbing cream is more important than hiding the fact you used numbing cream. It is not only detrimental for me as a tattoo artist but also for you as the client!
Key Takeaways
- The numbing cream has an ingredient called lidocaine which is a local anesthetic that dulls your senses on the skin.
- There are many reasons why some artists do not like numbing cream, but it is mainly because of how difficult it makes the job become.
- You should always tell your artist if you have used numbing cream. It is a good idea to consult with them before you use it.
- While I don’t use numbing products, you should follow the steps needed to properly apply it as an artist.
- Simple tips that you can follow so that your tattooing process is as painless as possible.
How Does Numbing Cream Work?
Most numbing creams on the market use the active ingredient lidocaine. It is a local anesthetic, and if you know anything about anesthetics, it is used in operations at hospitals. Lidocaine works to stop the nerve-ending from receiving signals from the receptors in your cells.
The receptors send the message that the skin is under attack and that is how you feel the pain. But this doesn’t happen because the lidocaine prevents it from happening. The cream is absorbed through the skin and the receptors are deadened, which is what creates the numbing effect. This significantly reduces the pain and discomfort for people who use tattoo numbing creams before a tattoo appointment.
Usually, these types of numbing products last about 2 hours at most. After numbing agent stops working, the pain tolerance of someone getting a tattoo goes through the roof as all the area that was previously numbed has regained its senses!
Why Do Some Artist Not Like/Use Numbing Cream?
While some tattoo artists use numbing cream to lessen the pain, it actually is bad for the client than you could think of! I have seen people don plastic wrap with numbing cream applied underneath and coming to a shop. Most artists refuse such clients and here are the reasons why I would refuse such a client.
Oily residue
The oily residue that makes the application of numbing products is a big disadvantage to tattoo artists. While it numbs the pain, it will leave this oil layer that will be harder to work on. Think of it like this, it might hinder me to take longer to do the tattoo. By this time, the effect of the numbing cream will wear off!
Wearing off
Speaking of wearing off, once this happens the pain that you were not sensing will come all at once! Numbing products make it so that you are not feeling the pain but if it wears off in the middle when you are not expecting it, it can make tattooing so much more difficult! A simple sudden movement and all that hard work on a tattoo would be gone in an instant.
Healing hindrance
Not only can numbing creams cause a problem while tattooing, but they can also cause it after the tattoo is done. A new tattoo is like an open wound which requires time and optimal conditions to heal. The healing starts as soon as the first piece of the skin is. The cream might cover the skin and prevent it from healing from the start!
Skin irritation
Last but not least, not everyone is suited to numbing products. So there might be an adverse reaction to your skin which can prevent the tattoo from healing. Skin irritation is given with new tattoos. Adding more skin irritation chances can lead to infections, meaning the tattoo has a chance to be ruined before it even has the time to set.
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Should I Tell My Tattoo Artist If I Use Numbing Cream?
If you have used numbing cream before coming to a tattoo appointment, make sure you are truthful about it. Firstly, it is very easy to understand when someone uses tattoo numbing cream. Secondly, an artist like me would outright refuse the client or reschedule at a later date with a strict warning about the use of such creams.
Lidocaine can have all sorts of effects on your body without you probably knowing. Adding to that a tattoo session where you are constantly getting pierced is like oil to open fire! If you want to use numbing cream, then you should consult with your tattoo artist about it beforehand. Get to know if you are to bring your own cream or if the artist will use it when they are tattooing.
How to Use Tattoo Numbing Cream?
Even if I strongly disagree with the use of numbing cream, I can still tell you how to use it properly. It might have negative side effects but on a case-by-case basis, it might be fine to use it on small tattoos that won’t need more than an hour to finish. This means there is plenty of time for the numbing cream to wear off and have your tattoo finished by then.
Step 1: Pick the right product
Picking the right numbing product is very important. For example, Pro Plus Cream, Super T Cream, and Zone 1 creams are not something that you should be using before the tattooing process. Zone 2 Clear Gel, SJ3 spray, and Vasocaine spray can be used before the start, but not during. So always make a conscious effort to research and choose the right product. Talk to other artists and they can recommend a good one for you.
Step 2: Wash the skin with green soap
Next, you will wash the skin with green antibacterial soap. This prevents infection from occurring while you are doing the tattooing.
Step 3: Apply the pre-deadener
Then apply the pre-deadener or the numbing agent. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes for it to take effect so as a client you can do this at the store as the artist is getting ready. They should definitely be informed if you have already applied for it. As a tattoo artist, after washing the skin you can apply the pre-deadener and wait.
Step 4: Wash off and start tattooing
After the skin has started to go numb, it means that the skin has absorbed the lidocaine and the oily residue can be washed off. So wash it off and then start the tattooing session.
Step 5: Numbing spray during tattooing
If it is a piece that requires more than an hour of tattooing, then you should use a numbing spray to reapply the numbing effect on the skin. Talk to other tattoo artists and get their opinion on which one to use. I could suggest the Ebanel Liposomal Numb520 Topical Anesthetic Spray but you will have to do your research on it before using it.
Tips to Deal with the Pain Without Numbing Cream
Even without numbing cream, there are ways that you can deal with the pain. Here are my top tips to deal with the pain without numbing cream. It is all about the preparation and it will go a long way to help you when you are getting the tattoo!
- Have a decent meal before the session
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol and blood thinning medications
- Get a good night of sleep
- Take as few breaks as possible
- Wear clothes you are comfortable in
- Listen to music or talk to the artist while they are working (if that doesn’t disturb them)
- Pick a less sensitive spot for your first time like the outer biceps or thighs
FAQs
Can numbing cream mess up a tattoo?
While getting the tattoo done, a numbing cream can hinder the process of tattooing by making it hard for the artist to tattoo because of the oily surface.
What is the least painful place to get a tattoo?
The biceps are where most people would say is the least painful to get a tattoo. The thick skin helps to make the tattooing less painful.
How long do numbing cream last?
They will last anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. It depends on how much you use and what percentage of lidocaine is in the product.
Final Thoughts
I cannot stress this point enough, but please don’t come to a tattoo session with a numbing cream applied without the prior knowledge of the artist. Tattooing is a delicate process and we artists have to take into consideration many different aspects to make sure of the safety of our clients. While I am against the use of numbing products, I know some artists who do use it with good results. It is a completely personal opinion, but a tattoo artist will know if you have used it or not. So make sure to be truthful about it. The artist-client is a very important relationship that has a great impact on the overall tattoo process!
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