Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Work? When to Use Them
Yes, tattoo numbing creams work, but not for every tattoo. What’s in them, safe lidocaine levels, and when a working shop actually uses them.
Do numbing creams work?
The short answer: Yes, they do work. But they aren’t some magical thing that makes the tattoo experience completely painless. There are various creams, ointments, and gels all designed with the tattoo process in mind. They vary in strength. In the US, over-the-counter numbing creams can contain up to 4% lidocaine. The FDA has warned people not to use products with more than 4% lidocaine, including some sold for tattoos, and has issued warning letters to tattoo-numbing brands selling 5% creams. Stronger isn’t better. Use only what your artist OKs, and only on the area being tattooed.
What’s in tattoo numbing cream
All of the ingredients work to prevent inflammation, swelling, and pain during the tattooing process which sounds like a tall order but from personal experience I can honestly say I would vouch for some of these products.
I’ve always felt it very important to know what our clients go through. Have you ever seen tattoo artists with no visible tattoos anywhere in sight?
I have, do you know what that tells me? It tells me this guy, girl , person has no idea what they’re about to put me through lol
How we pick the creams we use
So we try these different tattoo pain numbing products on ourselves in order to pick the ones we feel are best, safest and most effective and these are the ones we use on you guys.
When numbing makes sense
Numbing cream works best partway through a long session, not before a small tattoo.
Long sessions. After a few hours, when the skin is worn out and there’s still a lot left, numbing can get you to the finish line.
Tough spots. On the sternum, we may numb after the outline and before shading. Ribs, armpits and the head are other spots where it helps late in a session.
Small tattoos. Usually not worth it. Numbing can take longer than the tattoo itself.
Expect some pain no matter what. Numbing takes the edge off; it doesn’t switch it off. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Not every tattoo needs numbing
For now let me just say this:
Not every tattoo requires numbing. It doesn’t make much sense to me to spend an hour numbing out skin for a small tattoo that would take ten minutes to complete. I totally understand that everyone is different and pain tolerance varies but in all my time tattooing I’ve had very few clients not able to sit through the inherent pain of a tattoo.
On the other hand, if you got it why not use it right?
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Walk-ins welcome, or request a tattoo. (954) 666-1138. Ask your artist about numbing before you buy any cream, and follow our aftercare guide.
