Thinking about numbing cream for long tattoo sessions? It’s a popular idea, and it makes sense. Long sittings are where people most want some help. The trick is to plan your session around how long the numbing is likely to last, so that you’re comfortable during the parts that matter most.
A little forward thinking goes a long way, and it’s mostly a matter of timing and communication with your artist.
How long does numbing last?
It varies by product and person. As one example, the maker of a widely used UK cream says its numbing effect usually lasts at least 2 hours after a proper application. Other products quote different figures, so check the pack for the one you’ve chosen. Treat any number as a guide, because your own experience may be shorter or longer.
Several things can affect how long you stay comfortable:
- The product you’ve chosen, and how long it’s left on before your session
- The placement, as different areas respond differently
- How heavily the skin is worked, since repeated passes feel more intense
- Your own body, including your skin and your general state on the day
Keep notes from any previous sessions if you have them, as they’re the most useful guide of all. Allow a margin. If you think you might have about three good hours, plan as if you’ll have a little less.
Using numbing cream for long tattoo sessions: the best plan
The simplest plan is to match your sitting to your numbing, and it works beautifully.
Book a sitting that suits
This is the best option. If your product gives you a few hours of useful comfort, then a session of about that length makes much more sense than a full day. Ask your artist if the piece can be broken up. It costs some calendar time, but it can make the whole tattoo easier and more enjoyable.
Agree the order of the work
Your artist may be able to start with the most sensitive areas while you’re at your most comfortable, leaving easier sections for later. It won’t work for every design, but it’s worth asking. The tattoo pain chart gives you an idea of which areas tend to be toughest.
Time your application
Work backwards from your start time, allowing for the time on the pack and your journey. Tell your artist when you applied it, and try to start on time. If the studio’s running late, ask them when you should apply it.
Treat only today’s area
Ask your artist exactly which area they’ll be working on, and keep to that. There’s no reason to numb skin that won’t be touched today, and it’s far easier to follow the directions on your pack when you’re treating a smaller area.
When the numbing starts to fade
Knowing what’s coming makes this part much easier. Sensation normally returns gradually, but it can feel more noticeable than you expected. That’s because the skin has already been worked for a while, so it’s more sensitive than it was at the start.
This is completely normal, so try not to worry. Here’s what helps, and all of it is simple to do on the day:
Say something early. Let your artist know as soon as you start to feel it. They can adjust the pace or plan the remaining work with you.
Take a real break. Stand up, have some water and a snack, and let yourself settle for a few minutes. It won’t bring the numbness back, but it can bring your tolerance back.
Reset your breathing. Slow, steady breaths can stop you tensing up, and tensing tends to make everything feel worse.
Use your distractions. This is the time for that favourite podcast or playlist.
Finish another day. You’re allowed to stop. A session that ends early isn’t a failure, and good artists would rather rebook than push you past your limit.
Please don’t apply more cream to skin that’s already been tattooed, even if you’ve got more in your bag. Save it for your next sitting, on fresh skin. Mid-session routines are something to discuss with your artist before the day, and the directions on any product you’re considering will tell you what it’s intended for.
Planning across several sittings
Big projects often work best as a series of appointments, and numbing can fit in very well here. Each sitting gets its own preparation, so you start each one fresh.
A few tips for a multi-session plan:
- Leave proper healing time. Your artist will tell you how long to wait before working over or next to a previous session.
- Keep your tube fresh. Check the expiry date, and how long to keep it after opening. You may need a new one for each sitting.
- Keep notes. Write down what you used, how you timed it and when it started to fade. Then adjust the plan for next time.
- Treat fresh skin only. Numbing products should only go on healthy, unbroken skin, so keep them off areas that are still healing.
Making the most of the day
Numbing is only one part of a comfortable session. Rest, food and regular breaks make a huge difference over several hours, and the guide on how to prepare for a long session has a full checklist. Your artist will also want to be involved, so read up on how to bring it up if you haven’t yet.
Getting numbing cream for long tattoo sessions right
The best numbing cream for long tattoo sessions is the one you’ve planned around. Book a sensible length, agree the order of the work, time your application and keep talking to your artist. Before using any product, read the complete UK guide, which covers what you should know first. Then settle in and watch your tattoo come together.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always read the product label and directions before use.