Why Tattoo Artists Advise Against Numbing Cream - Marine Agency (2024)

Why Tattoo Artists Advise Against Numbing Cream - Marine Agency (1)

Did you know that nearly half of Americans under the age of 40 have one or more tattoos? A couple of decades ago, tattoos were slightly taboo. Now, people from all walks of life are choosing to get inked. The number of people with tattoos has risen by almost 50% since 2012!

One of the things that holds people back from getting a tattoo is the potential pain. Numbing cream offers an easy solution, but not all tattoo artists are fans of numbing before tattoos.

If it makes clients more comfortable, why don’t tattoo artists like numbing cream? Keep reading to find out!

Why Tattoo Artists Advise Against Numbing Cream - Marine Agency (2)

Table of Contents

Some Tattoo Artists Find That Numbing Cream Interferes With the Skin

Why don’t tattoo artists like numbing cream? Here’s one of the primary reasons.

Some tattoo artists say that numbing creams can alter the texture of a client’s skin, making it “spongy” after the cream is applied. Others report that it makes the skin not stretch evenly, become mushy, or form raised hive-like bumps. These effects can interfere with the tattooing process and make it harder to execute a perfect design.

Everyone’s Body Is Different

Another reason some tattoo artists prefer not to use numbing cream is the possibility of an allergic reaction. Everyone’s body is different, and a painless tattoo cream that can work fine on one person might bring out a reaction in someone else.

To avoid this, the client needs to do a patch test and wait for at least 10 to 20 minutes to see if a reaction develops.

Numbing Cream Takes Time to Work

If you’re wondering how numbing creams work, most contain lidocaine and require around 30 minutes to take effect.

This is another reason why some tattoo artists might prefer not to use them on their clients. They may not have time to do a patch test and wait the required 30 minutes for the cream to take effect.

The Effects Aren’t Long-Lasting Enough for Large Tattoos

Whether a tattoo artist is willing to use numbing cream can also depend on tattoo size.

If a client is getting a large and detailed tattoo, it can take hours to complete. If you compare old vs new tattoos, you’ll notice that most modern tattoos are much more intricate than original older-style tats.

Most numbing creams wear off after about 1.5 hours, and reapplying it on broken skin isn’t usually recommended. Also, if the numbing cream wears off mid-tattoo, this can make the process more painful as the nerves come back to life.

Some Tattoo Artists May Consider the Pain a Right of Passage

Finally, some tattoo artists might even consider pain an important, almost sacred, part of the tattooing process. Historically, tattoos were widely used as rights of passage, in which pain was an integral part. Of course, it’s OK if a client doesn’t want to feel pain but still wants a tattoo.

Why Tattoo Artists Advise Against Numbing Cream - Marine Agency (3)

Why Don’t Tattoo Artists Like Numbing Cream? These Are Some of the Reasons

If you were wondering why tattoo artists don’t like numbing creams, these are some of the reasons.

Not all tattoo artists are opposed to numbing creams, but some avoid them, primarily because of their effects on the skin. The last thing a tattoo artist wants is to trigger an allergic reaction in a client or compromise the quality of their ink.

Are you opening or running a local tattoo shop? If so, one of the most important things you can invest in for your business is liability insurance. If something goes wrong, you need coverage you can trust.

Here at Marine Agency, we offer tailored insurance packages specifically designed for tattoo and body piercing shops. Click here to learn more about our tattoo shop liability coverage today.

Why Tattoo Artists Advise Against Numbing Cream - Marine Agency (2024)

FAQs

Why Tattoo Artists Advise Against Numbing Cream - Marine Agency? ›

The Effects Aren't Long-Lasting Enough for Large Tattoos

Why do tattoo artists not use anesthesia? ›

First because the pain is not as bad, and people manage to sit therough the process of tattooing without anasthesia. Second - because it would make the procedure a medical procedure and would involve a great deal of medical training which would make tattooing much more complicated and expensive.

Do you recommend numbing cream for tattoos? ›

Benefits of Using Numbing Cream for Tattoos

All the benefits of using numbing creams are associated with their ability to reduce pain. Pain Relief: The most evident benefit is pain reduction. Especially for tattoos in sensitive areas, these creams can make the process more bearable.

Why don't they numb their tattoos? ›

Numbing cream is a vasoconstrictor (the narrowing of blood vessels by small muscles in their walls) and depletes blood cells to the area. This comprises the skin and makes it an alien texture which is hard to ensure the safety and the outcome for the client.”

Why not use numbing cream? ›

How long you should keep it on: If you leave large amounts of numbing cream on your skin for extended periods of time, the active ingredient may be absorbed into your bloodstream. This can cause life-threatening side effects, such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, difficulty breathing, and coma or death.

What happens if you use numbing cream before getting a tattoo? ›

There are many benefits to using a tattoo numbing cream before getting a tattoo. They help reduce the pain you feel during the tattooing process and speed up the healing time. A tattoo without a numbing cream applied beforehand can take longer because you may need more breaks. The session can cause quite a bit of pain.

What are the side effects of numbing cream for tattoos? ›

Some tattoo artists say that numbing creams can alter the texture of a client's skin, making it “spongy” after the cream is applied. Others report that it makes the skin not stretch evenly, become mushy, or form raised hive-like bumps.

Can tattoo artists inject lidocaine? ›

It can be injected into the gum, skin, or tissues before a dental procedure to prevent pain. It can be used alongside another local anesthesia for a greater numbing effect. We like to use lidocaine before tattoo sessions in difficult areas.

How much does sedation tattooing cost? ›

What about the price tag? Not only are you under doctor supervision, but sometimes multiple tattoo artists may be working at once. “I think somewhere around $40,000 is kind of the price tag on some of these processes, because it's not something that can be done in a regular tattoo studio,” Shaw said.

What is the strongest numbing cream? ›

NoPain Cream is the world's strongest numbing cream recommended by tattoo artists worldwide. Perfect to be used prior to tattooing, piercings, vaccinations, or any other type of on-skin treatment.

How can I numb my tattoo without numbing cream? ›

There are number of natural products that can effectively numb your skin to relieve pain or to prepare for anticipated pain, including:
  1. Ice. An ice pack or cold compress can numb the pain of minor injuries, sunburn, and other conditions. ...
  2. Patting. ...
  3. Aloe vera. ...
  4. Clove oil. ...
  5. Plantain. ...
  6. Chamomile.
Jul 24, 2018

Why do tattoo artists hate when you use numbing cream? ›

Artists that don't use numbing creams suggest that it disrupts the tattoo process. Tattoos have been around since 3300 B.C. and they don't want to break tradition. Most of these artists only use it if the client brings it and applies it themselves, though they may be reluctant to do so.

Why do some tattoo artists not do finger tattoos? ›

Most of the time with a finger tattoo you'll loose at least half, if not all, of the ink in the tattoo making it look unfinished, poorly done, or like you never had a tattoo there(see picture above for example).

Will there ever be painless tattoos? ›

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed low-cost, painless, and bloodless tattoos that can be self-administered and have many applications, from medical alerts to tracking neutered animals to cosmetics.

Why does tattoo numbing cream not work on me? ›

Often, the thicker the skin to be tattooed, the longer it will take for the cream to start taking effect. So, make sure to not rush things during this step; this goes for both, the client and the tattooist.

How to numb your skin before a tattoo without numbing cream? ›

There are number of natural products that can effectively numb your skin to relieve pain or to prepare for anticipated pain, including:
  1. Ice. An ice pack or cold compress can numb the pain of minor injuries, sunburn, and other conditions. ...
  2. Patting. ...
  3. Aloe vera. ...
  4. Clove oil. ...
  5. Plantain. ...
  6. Chamomile.
Jul 24, 2018

Can you use numbing cream for fine line tattoos? ›

For most fine line/outline tattoos, the numbing cream isn't necessary as it is a relatively quick procedure. For large scale works that involve a lot of shading or colouring in, numbing cream can be a good option to make your long session more comfortable.

Does numbing cream affect tattoo removal? ›

At LaserYou we do not recommend the use of numbing creams as they swell the skin which is thought to slow down laser penetration and therefore treatment results. If the skin is numbed it also prevents the client from giving accurate feedback and can affect the visible endpoint.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Last Updated:

Views: 6286

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Birthday: 1999-09-15

Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

Phone: +6838967160603

Job: Mining Executive

Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.