Are you allowed to use numbing cream before a tattoo?

While tattoos have been around for millennia, topical numbing creams have made the process less painful in recent years for many clients. However, the question remains: Are you allowed to use numbing cream before a tattoo? The short answer is yes, but it comes with important caveats and depends on your artist's approval.

Quick Summary

Using topical numbing cream before a tattoo can minimize discomfort, but it is essential to consult your tattoo artist beforehand as some disapprove due to effects on skin texture and the artistic process. Proper application and awareness of potential risks are critical for a positive experience and to avoid complications that could impact the final artwork.

Key Points

• Consult Your Artist First: Always inform and get approval from your tattoo artist before using numbing cream, as some prefer not to work with it due to skin texture changes.

• Understand the Impact on Skin: Be aware that numbing creams can make the skin feel spongy or slippery, which might affect the artist's ability to achieve fine details and smooth shading.

• Manage Expectations for Pain Relief: Numbing cream will significantly reduce pain but will not eliminate all sensation, particularly deep pressure. The effect is temporary and will wear off, possibly making pain feel sharper afterward.

• Apply Correctly for Best Results: Apply a high-quality, lidocaine-based numbing cream and cover it with plastic wrap as directed before your appointment for maximum absorption.

• Perform a Patch Test: To avoid allergic reactions, test the numbing cream on a small, inconspicuous area of your skin 24-48 hours beforehand.

• Be Mindful of Ingredients: Look for products with appropriate concentrations of lidocaine and check the ingredients for any you may be sensitive to. Avoid products with unnecessary or potentially irritating additives.

The Pharmacological Science Behind Numbing Creams

Numbing creams, or topical anesthetics, contain active ingredients that work to block or disrupt pain signals in the nerve endings of your skin. This is how they reduce the sensation of pain during the tattooing process. The most common active ingredient is lidocaine, a local anesthetic that has been used in medical procedures for decades.

How Lidocaine and Other Agents Work

• Lidocaine (Nerve Deadeners): This ingredient temporarily deadens the nerves, preventing them from registering the initial shock of pain from the tattoo needle. Over-the-counter creams containing lidocaine are available, typically with a maximum concentration.
• Tetracaine and Benzocaine (Nerve Blockers): Often used in combination with lidocaine, these ingredients act as nerve blockers. They don't prevent nerves from registering pain, but they soften the intensity of the pain signals sent to the brain, making the process more tolerable.
• Epinephrine (Vasoconstrictors): Found in some professional-grade topical anesthetics, epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels. This reduces bleeding and swelling during the tattoo and slows the absorption of other numbing agents, prolonging the effect.

The Great Tattoo Debate: Why Some Artists Say No

While the pain-reducing benefits are clear for clients, not all tattoo artists are on board with numbing creams, and their reasons are often centered on the integrity of their work and the process itself.

Impact on Skin Texture

One of the most common reasons for artist disapproval is the effect numbing creams can have on the skin's texture. When applied, some creams can make the skin feel rubbery, slippery, or swollen. This can make the artist's job harder, affecting their ability to lay down lines precisely and achieve smooth shading. A compromised skin surface can lead to a less-than-perfect final tattoo.

The 'Rite of Passage' Mentality

In some corners of the tattoo community, pain is considered an integral part of the process—a rite of passage for earning your ink. Some artists and enthusiasts believe that using numbing cream cheapens the experience. While this view is subjective, it is a valid part of the tattoo culture for some.

Inconsistent Results and Risks

Lower-quality or improperly applied numbing creams can lead to inconsistent numbing, where the effects wear off mid-session. This can make the pain feel more intense and increase the client's anxiety. Systemic absorption of too much lidocaine can also lead to more severe side effects, especially if applied over large areas.

Comparison Table: Numbing Cream vs. Natural Pain Management

Feature	Using Numbing Cream	Opting for Natural Pain Management
Pain Relief	Significant reduction of discomfort, especially for sensitive areas and long sessions.	Minimal relief; relies on distraction and internal fortitude.
Effect on Artist's Work	Can alter skin texture (spongy, slick), potentially hindering the artist's ability to create clean lines and shading.	No impact on skin texture, allowing the artist to work on a natural canvas.
Session Duration	Allows for longer sessions by making pain more tolerable. May require reapplication for multi-hour sessions.	May require more frequent breaks, lengthening the overall session time.
Side Effects	Potential for allergic reactions, redness, swelling, or systemic toxicity if overused.	No drug-related side effects; depends on individual pain tolerance.
Aftercare	Numbness wears off, and normal tattoo pain can set in. Some specialized creams can assist with post-tattoo soreness.	Immediate post-tattoo pain and soreness are expected.
Experience	More comfortable, but some feel it detracts from the traditional tattoo experience.	Considered by some to be a more authentic experience, but can be more stressful and physically taxing.

The Proper Way to Use Numbing Cream (If Your Artist Approves)

If your artist gives you the green light, proper application is critical to both your comfort and the quality of the final tattoo. Here are the steps:

1. Consult Your Artist: This is the most important step. Discuss the numbing cream you plan to use, providing the brand name and ingredients. Your artist may have specific recommendations or requirements.
2. Clean and Prepare the Area: Thoroughly wash the skin with a mild, fragrance-free soap and water to remove any oil and dirt. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.
3. Apply According to Instructions: Apply the numbing cream as directed by the product instructions or your tattoo artist.
4. Cover with Plastic Wrap: To maximize absorption, cover the area with plastic wrap (cling film). This creates an occlusive dressing that keeps the cream from drying out.
5. Wait for the Effects: Allow the cream to take effect for the time specified in the instructions before your appointment.
6. Clean Before the Session: Your artist will wipe the cream off just before starting the tattoo, prepping the skin for the stencil.

Conclusion: Communication is Key

Whether or not to use numbing cream before a tattoo is a personal decision that requires careful consideration and, most importantly, communication with your artist. While it can make long sessions and sensitive areas more manageable, it's not a universal solution for pain. The potential for altered skin texture and the eventual wearing off of the cream are factors to discuss with your tattooer. By having an open conversation and following proper procedures, you can ensure your tattoo experience is as comfortable as possible while also respecting your artist's expertise and the integrity of their work.

For a general overview of topical anesthetics, consult resources like the National Library of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does numbing cream affect the final tattoo quality?

Yes, it can. Some artists believe numbing cream alters the skin's texture, making it spongy or slick, which can interfere with the tattooing process. This may compromise the final result, especially for intricate designs or smooth shading.

How long does tattoo numbing cream last?

The duration varies depending on the product and the individual's skin, but typically, the numbing effect lasts for a period of time. Stronger creams with vasoconstrictors may last longer.

What happens when the numbing cream wears off during a long session?

When the numbness fades mid-session, some clients report that the pain feels more intense than it would have without the cream. This is because their nerves were not gradually accustomed to the sensation.

Is numbing cream for tattoos safe to use?

When used correctly and in moderation, numbing cream is generally safe. However, improper use, like applying too much over a large area, can lead to systemic absorption of lidocaine, which can cause serious side effects, including cardiac issues.

How should I talk to my tattoo artist about using numbing cream?

Be open and upfront with your artist from the start. Inform them of your intentions, and ask if they have a preferred brand or if they are comfortable working on numbed skin. Respect their professional opinion and artistic process.

What is the correct way to apply tattoo numbing cream?

Start with clean, dry skin. Apply the cream as directed and cover it with plastic wrap before your session begins. Your artist will clean it off before starting.

Can I use any over-the-counter lidocaine cream for a tattoo?

No. You should use a product specifically formulated for tattoos. Other creams may contain ingredients like menthol or capsaicin that can irritate the skin or interfere with the tattooing process.