The Hidden Risks of Numbing Creams: What Every Tattoo Client Should Know

I myself am a massive wuss when it comes to being tattooed, and I have many tattoos, a full back piece, chest piece, both sleeves, both legs, hands and feet. If there were a non-problematic, pain-free way of getting tattooed, I would be the first to shout about it.

Numbing creams may seem like the perfect solution. Some brands advertise hours of pain-free tattoo sessions for a little more than a few quid. There are so many on the Market, from those available in small amounts at your local chemist to those dedicated to the tattoo industry available online. However, I personally, along with many other tattoo artists out there, do not advocate their use, and some will straight up refuse to tattoo skin that these creams have treated.

What do I think about numbing creams?

I get asked on an almost daily basis about numbing cream and why I refuse to tattoo my client if they’ve used it. I can't speak for everyone in the industry; each artist has their preference and methods, but I can explain my reasons through my own experience and research.

My first reason is that I may not know enough about the product if I have not sourced and supplied it myself. Whether the product comes from the local chemist or an online store, I cannot verify its ingredients, potency, or even if it’s genuine, as there are many cheap fakes available. It's impossible to predict how my client or any other products used in tattooing will react to a product with undisclosed ingredients or origin.

What are the effects of numbing cream?

The effects of numbing creams on the skin before tattooing include a change in texture, which can affect how well the tattoo can be done. Whilst most competent artists can work with many different skin textures, it’s generally not optimal to do anything that negatively affects our skin to ensure the best quality work possible.

It is always possible for an allergic reaction to happen even with genuine products of this nature, and even more so with products of unknown origin and ingredients purchased online. This can range from redness and itching of the affected site to a more extreme response. Whilst it is always possible to have an allergic response to many things during the tattooing process, the aim is always to minimise the risk.

Healing is often compromised after using numbing creams, leading to faded results after a more extended healing period, with complications sometimes involving reactions such as blistering, redness, irritation and excessive scabbing

Whilst I appreciate clients' apprehension about getting tattooed due to the discomfort of the session, I try to do everything I can to make it as pleasant as possible.

Here are a few things you can do as a client to help yourself through a session:

1. Eat and hydrate, a good meal and plenty of water before your appointment will help you feel your best in your session.
2. Bring a distraction, a book, a game on your phone, or some headphones to listen to music, whatever will help you take your mind off it.
3. Sleep well before your appointment, and do not consume alcohol or drugs before your appointment (no one wants a tattoo while tired with a hangover).
4. COMMUNICATE with your artist. Your comfort is important to us, and if you need a break or a snack, or get to a point where you need to finish the session. You can tell us, we’ll do our best to help you
5. Make sure your skin is in the best condition possible. Exfoliate and moisturise your skin beforehand, and do not turn up with sunburn. If you have any skin conditions, inform your tattoo artist beforehand.