numbing cream can be an amazing resource when getting tattooed, but its important you have all the information to decide if its best for you.
Below is some information about how numbing cream can be used in the tattoo process, and some insight into different perspectives on the use of it. there is no medical advice listed on this page, for medical advice, you must consult with your doctor or pharmacist
Tattoos are painful, and it is completely understandable to want something that can offer some relief, or spare you the pain entirely!
Industry wide, artist’s perspectives and preferences on whether or not clients use numbing cream will vary - so it is always important to ask each different artist you see.
There are many reasons artists will say no to clients using numbing cream. Sometimes it can change the texture of the skin (making it harder to tattoo), it can make the stencil wipe off faster, some artists have shared experiences of it changing the colours of the inks used, and many find that impacts how well the tattoo heals. Another thing worth noting is that at some point the numbing cream will wear off. This is imparting to keep in mind for bigger tattoos/ longer sessions. Many clients have said that once it wore off they “felt all of the pain they’d missed and all the pain they’re feeling now, all at once”.
In saying all that, not all artists have experienced these issues and may not mind you using it. Tattoos are already quite challenging, and numbing cream has made tattooing more accessible for a huge group of people! Numbing cream can be such a wonderful resource for clients dealing with anxiety or chronic pain. For many it takes the pain away almost entirely, as well as allowing them to go into the process with less fear. Some clients prefer to allow their natural adrenaline do the work and go without numbing cream, others prefer to have a period at the start without pain so they can settle into the process a bit more comfortably.
You know your body and how you experience pain best, so you are the only person who can decide if it will make you more comfortable.
If your artist answers “yes”, there are still some things you need to do first to ensure it is safe for you to use.
You will most likely be responsible for supplying and applying the numbing cream yourself. This may seem inconvenient, but it is for good reasons. (One being the law) Tattoo artists are not medical professionals, so we therefore cannot offer medical advice, or supply any kinds of medication (topical or otherwise). You supplying the numbing cream also allows you to speak to a pharmacist when purchasing it, and getting their professional advice on your personal situation. It is important you mention any pre-existing conditions you have when doing so, to ensure they can provide the most relevant advice for your situation.
If you are to use numbing cream, it is VITAL you patch test each tube beforehand.
It’s important to remember there are always risks involved in using medications/ topical treatments. Although it’s very very rare, misuse of Lidocaine (the ingredient that numbs the area) can be deadly - although I don’t want to scare people off from using numbing cream, I feel it is my responsibility to stress the importance of getting medical advice prior to use and following the advice given. I will include some links below that can provide further information, however, if you are to use numbing cream it’s still important you speak to your pharmacist about application and possible risk factors.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-consumers-avoid-certain-topical-pain-relief-products-due-potential-dangerous-health