Numbing Cream

If it is your first time getting a tattoo and you are concerned about the pain, numbing cream can work but it is often unnecessary. Ask your artist before the date of your appointment if numbing cream is right for you. There are many brands of numbing cream so it is important to consult a health care professional or pharmacist about what numbing cream you should use and how to apply it. An over-the-counter or prescription numbing cream, or topical anesthetic, can be applied to your skin before you get a tattoo to help ease the pain.

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. 

If you plan on using numbing cream, consider the following:

• Let your tattoo artist know beforehand that you are going to be using a numbing agent and let them know what kind as they have varying application procedures. The artist will also need to clean the residual cream prior to applying the stencil and beginning the tattoo.

• It typically takes 45min to 2 hours (depending on the brand) to come into effect so talk with your artist and apply accordingly. You must apply the numbing cream as instructed by your doctor, pharmacist, or instructions located on the box/label.

• Look for a numbing cream designed for tattooing such as Dr. Numb or HUSH Tattoo Numbing Gel. Be aware that some creams can interfere with the ink, thus impacting how the tattoo will turn out. Feel free to ask if a particular brand is ok to use.

• It is important to do a test patch on another area of the body to check for any potential allergic reactions to the cream.

• Numbing cream temporarily numbs the nerve endings in the skin. The numbing effects last approximately 60 to 120 minutes. Reapplication of the cream depends on the length of the session. Please communicate with your artist on whether or not you need more cream to be applied. 

We advise you not to take any pain medications or drugs orally to numb the pain. Products containing aspirin or ibuprofen thin the blood and can cause excessive bleeding, making your tattoo that much more difficult. Remember, painkillers will only dull your senses but will not dull the pain of the needle penetrating your skin. 

While it should go without saying but please do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs before your tattoo, this will not help with the pain. 

Numbing and Piercings

A piercing is an extremely quick procedure so we do not recommend using a numbing cream to ease the pain. There has not been enough research conducted on how a numbing agent can impact your piercing and the healing process. If you are worried about the pain, bring something to hold onto such as a stress ball and remember to take a deep breath. 

After a piercing, you may experience a dull ache or swelling of the area. For this, you can apply a sanitary cold compress to help ease the swelling.