Tattoo numbing creams (and sprays) are applied to the skin to lessen the client’s pain during the tattooing process. Less pain means clients can sit longer - and flinch less - saving you time and preventing mistakes in your designs.
While numbing creams can’t give someone a “pain-free tattoo,” knowing when to use it - and how to use it correctly - can make a big difference for customers that need pain relief.
In this article, we’re breaking down:
Does Numbing Cream Actually Work for Tattoos?
This is the top-asked question about numbing creams and sprays. A lot of artists have found that they don’t work, but this is usually because they didn’t know tattoo numbing cream takes a while to kick in, or that it works better when paired with other products.
Without giving the cream enough time to work or using the other anesthetics you need for it to work right, then it’ll seem like the cream has done nothing.
Note:
Some tattoo artists don’t like to use numbing cream because it can make the skin feel different while tattooing. Others refuse to use it because they feel that the pain of the process is part of “earning” a tattoo. Our take is that part of being a tattoo artist is trying to keep the client comfortable during their session, even if they have sensitive skin. For that reason, we recommend keeping some on hand.
What Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Do?
What ingredients are in a numbing cream and spray changes the way it works. Here’s a quick rundown:
- 1Nerve Deadeners Stop the Initial Pain
These creams stop nerves from registering that first shock of pain when the tattoo needles hit the skin. However, nerve deadeners don’t go very deep in the skin, so the nerves beneath that first layer will still feel the needle.
Active Ingredient: Lidocaine
- 2Nerve Blockers Make the Pain Bearable
Nerve blockers still let the nerves register pain, but they dull the intensity of the pain signals that are sent to the brain. Instead of screaming “OUCH!” someone with a nerve blocker might simply say, “That hurts.”
Active Ingredient: Tetracaine or benzocaine.
- 3Vasoconstrictors Help Numbing Creams Last Longer
These work by constricting blood vessels (to reduce bleeding and swelling) and slow down the absorption of other anesthetics, which means a nerve blocker or deadener will last longer. Without a vasoconstrictor, the other creams will probably wear off about halfway through.
Active Ingredient: Epinephrine.*
*Epinephrine can raise the heart rate, so use the smallest amount possible. If a client is very anxious about their appointment or has a heart condition, have them consult with their doctor before using epinephrine.
Because each of these ingredients works differently, you’ll get the most numbing effects from using products that have each of the active ingredients.
Nerve deadeners and blockers take longer to have an effect, so you can recommend your client apply them and wrap the area loosely with plastic wrap before they come to their appointment.
Note:
These active ingredients are powerful medications. They should be used sparingly, and on as small of an area as possible. If using plastic wrap, only wrap the area loosely and never use heat to activate the ingredients. Too much of these medications entering the bloodstream can be dangerous.
How to Use Tattoo Numbing Cream:
- 1Wash the area to get rid of dead skin.
- 2Apply a layer of tattoo numbing cream
Note:
If your client can do the first two steps at home and wrap the area loosely in plastic wrap, then you can save time during the actual appointment.
- 3Apply a layer of tattoo numbing cream
- 4Apply numbing spray every 20 minutes* throughout the session
- 5Add a layer of topical anesthetic, if needed
There’s some numbing gels that are safe to use on the broken skin during a tattoo. These are faster-acting than most creams (about 2-5 minutes). Use just a small amount, though. You don’t want extra layers to get in the way as you’re tattooing.
If a client who didn’t want numbing cream starts getting uncomfortable during their tattoo session, you can either use a numbing gel or a lidocaine spray for some quick relief. It won’t work as well as having numbed the area before, but it might give them the extra boost to keep from tapping out.
Note:
Tattoos hurt. But sometimes, clients psych themselves out because they’re nervous - not because they’re in pain. If you think that’s the case, using a bit of lidocaine spray and making sure to emphasize that it’s for pain relief will help put their minds at ease and make the tattoo much easier for them.
Our Favorite Tattoo Numbing Creams
 |  |  |
Hush Anesthetic Gel with Lidocaine | Super T Topical Anesthetic | Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic |
Why We Like It:
Used BEFORE tattoo session | Why We Like It:
Used BEFORE tattoo session | Why We Like It:
Used BEFORE tattoo session |
 |  |  |
Blue Gel | Vasocaine | Bactine |
Why We Like It:
tetracaine, and epinephrine
Used DURING tattoo session. | Why We Like It:
epinephrine) for longer-lasting numbing Used DURING tattoo session. | Why We Like It:
deadener) and gives fast relief Used DURING tattoo session. |
Our Favorite Tattoo Numbing Creams
| | |
Hush Anesthetic Gel with Lidocaine | Super T Topical Anesthetic | Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic |
Why We Like It:
Used BEFORE tattoo session | Why We Like It:
Used BEFORE tattoo session | Why We Like It:
Used BEFORE tattoo session |
| | |
Blue Gel | Vasocaine | Bactine |
Why We Like It:
tetracaine, and epinephrine
Used DURING tattoo session. | Why We Like It:
epinephrine) for longer-lasting numbing Used DURING tattoo session. | Why We Like It:
deadener) and gives fast relief Used DURING tattoo session. |
Note:
Do not use all of these products together. Choose one product for before and one product for during the tattoo.
Tattoo Numbing Cream FAQs:
Yes. There’s no way to completely get around tattoo pain. However, making sure the numbing cream has enough time to take effect before starting the tattoo will make a big difference for people with sensitive skin.
About 3 hours, usually. This will vary from person to person.
This depends on the person, but probably one that contains lidocaine, tetracaine or benzocaine, and epinephrine. For most people, a numbing cream that has all three “types” of numbing (nerve deadener, nerve blocker, and vasoconstrictor will be most effective).
Note:
More is not better. Applying too much numbing cream too often can be dangerous, specifically for your heart. The goal with tattoo numbing cream is not to completely take away the pain, it is to make the tattoo session more bearable.
From a tattoo supply shop or online. We recommend buying directly from the manufacturer’s website (several knockoffs are on Amazon, which you’ll want to avoid).
Yes! Using numbing agents before the tattoo will help make the tattooing process more bearable. However, the numbing cream should be completely removed before the tattoo starts and should not be left on the skin for longer than recommended.
Yes. Tattoo numbing cream will either have an expiration date or will be good for a certain amount of time after breaking the seal. You shouldn’t use it after that time has passed.
Numbing creams can cause allergic reactions. If someone has difficulty breathing or breaks out into hives, wash the cream off and get immediate medical attention.
When used correctly. Tattoo numbing creams contain drugs like lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and epinephrine, which can be dangerous if too much gets into the bloodstream. We recommend using the least amount of these products as possible.
Note:
Some clients will think that drinking alcohol or taking painkillers before a tattoo session will help with the pain. This is not true. In fact, drinking alcohol will dehydrate them and make the tattoo hurt more, and taking painkillers can thin out the blood and make them bleed more. This is why a local anesthetic like a numbing cream is the best option for tattoo clients.
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