Do tattoo artists mind numbing cream? Some do, some don’t, and quite a few will tell you it depends on the product. What nearly all of them appreciate is being asked. A quick message before your appointment keeps everyone happy, and it’s far easier than you might think.
Here’s why opinions vary, and how to raise the subject without it becoming a big deal.
Why do tattoo artists mind numbing cream?
There’s a fair amount of old-school attitude in tattooing, and some artists do think pain is part of the deal. But most preferences are more practical than that.
Skin can feel different. Hammersmith Tattoo, a London studio, says treated skin may feel spongy, rubbery or slippery. Tattooing relies on steady tension and consistent needle depth, so artists like to know what to expect.
Residue can get in the way. A cream that isn’t fully removed can leave a slippery film, which can make the stencil harder to apply. A proper wipe-down solves this.
They like to know what’s on your skin. Any artist wants to know what they’re working on. Telling them the product name and when you applied it takes seconds.
Timing affects the plan. Numbing wears off, so it helps if your artist knows how the session has been planned around it. They can then time the trickiest sections sensibly.
There’s also a myth to clear up. Claims that numbing cream always “rejects ink” or ruins tattoos are too broad. There isn’t good evidence for that as a blanket rule, and the real concern is more about the working surface than any effect on the ink.
Why many artists are fine with it
Plenty of artists are relaxed about numbing, especially for long sessions, sensitive placements or clients who are anxious about pain. A client who can sit still is good for the work, and so is one who doesn’t need to stop every ten minutes.
Some have seen a particular product on lots of clients and know how skin behaves with it. They may ask you to use that one and nothing else, or to apply it to a specific schedule. If that’s what they ask, go with it. They’ve got real experience of how it works on the skin they tattoo.
How to bring it up
Ask early. A message during the booking stage is ideal, because it gives you time to plan. You don’t need to apologise or justify it.
Try something like:
“I’d like to use a numbing cream for this piece, as it’s on my ribs and it’s my first big session. Do you have a policy on it? If you’re open to it, is there a product you’d prefer?”
Then give them the facts they need. These are the details your artist will find helpful:
- The exact product name, and the ingredients listed on the pack
- How and when you plan to apply it, following the directions on the pack
- Whether you’ve used it before, and how your skin responded
- Whether you’d like to apply it at home or at the studio, as some artists have a preference
Timing your question helps, too. If you ask while they’re in the middle of a session, you might get a rushed answer, so use the studio’s booking email or messages and give them the details in one go. Keep a copy of the reply so nobody’s guessing on the day.
If the answer is no
Respect it, and please don’t apply it anyway. Trust matters on a long sitting, and an artist may decide not to carry on if they find out later. You still have plenty of options:
- Ask why. The objection may be about a particular product, not about numbing in general.
- Ask what they’d suggest instead. Session splits or a changed placement may solve the problem.
- Try the non-cream route. Sleep, food and breaks make a real difference, as the guide to making a tattoo hurt less explains.
- Find another artist. If numbing really matters to you, it’s fine to look for someone who’s comfortable with it. Just don’t compromise on the quality of their work.
Questions artists are happy to answer
Artists get asked about pain all the time, so these won’t annoy anyone. Asking shows you care about the result.
- How much will this placement hurt compared with others you’ve done?
- How long would you split this into, and how many sessions?
- Have you worked on skin treated with this product? What happened?
- What would you like me to do on the morning of my appointment?
The answers can shape your whole plan. If your artist says a piece will take six hours, for example, you might choose to split it, as covered in the guide to numbing cream for long sessions. If you’re still choosing where to put your tattoo, the pain chart gives you a good starting point.
On the day
Tell your artist when you arrive what you’ve used and when you put it on. If they prefer to remove it themselves, leave it in place until you’re called through. Bring the pack along, in case they’d like to see it.
Then let them get on with it and enjoy the process. Tell them how you’re feeling as the session goes on. If you start to notice the numbing fading, say so, and they can plan the remaining work with you.
Do tattoo artists mind numbing cream if you’re upfront?
Usually, a lot less. Honesty changes the conversation into “we’re working this out together”. So do tattoo artists mind numbing cream? Some always will, and that’s their call, but plenty are happy to help. Ask early, be specific and accept the answer. If you’re still deciding, the complete UK guide is a good place to go next, and it includes what to read before use.
This article is general information, not medical advice.