Sooner or later, every artist gets the question. “Can I use numbing cream for this?” Talking to clients about numbing cream doesn’t have to be awkward, and a clear, friendly approach can save you time, avoid surprises and keep your sessions running smoothly.
Here’s a practical way for artists and studios to handle it, from your booking form to the day itself.
Why talking to clients about numbing cream helps
More clients are asking about numbing than ever, and many arrive having read plenty online. Some will have a product in mind, some will be nervous, and others just want to know what you think.
Having a settled approach has real benefits:
- Fewer surprises. You’ll know what’s on the skin before you start.
- Better sessions. Clients who’ve planned properly tend to sit better and need fewer interruptions.
- More confident clients. A clear answer reassures nervous people, particularly first-timers.
- Consistency across the studio. Everyone on your team can give the same answer.
It also shows clients that you take their comfort seriously, which can go a long way towards building trust. Whatever your personal view of numbing, the conversation is worth having.
Set your studio policy
Decide what you’re comfortable with, then write it down. It doesn’t have to be long. A good policy answers these questions:
- Do you work on numbed skin? Yes, no or sometimes.
- Are there products you prefer? Tell clients what you’ve found works well on skin you tattoo.
- Do you need to know in advance? Most artists do, so ask for this when they book.
- Where should it be applied? Some artists prefer clients to do this at home, and others have a set routine.
- Who removes it? Say if you’d like to wipe it off yourself.
Put the policy somewhere easy to find, such as your booking form, website or confirmation message. It’s far easier to set expectations early than to discuss them with a client already sitting in the chair.
It also helps to keep the policy short and friendly. A couple of clear sentences in your booking confirmation will answer most questions, and your team can point clients to the same wording whenever the subject comes up in the studio.
Talking to clients about numbing cream at booking
The booking stage is ideal. A few simple questions tell you most of what you need.
- Are you planning to use a numbing product? Which one?
- Have you used it before, and how did your skin respond?
- Is there anything on the pack you’d like to go through with me?
- How are you feeling about the session in general?
That last question can be very useful. Sometimes a client who’s asking about numbing is really just anxious, and a friendly chat about what to expect may do as much good as any product. If you’d like to share some reading, the guide for clients on asking about numbing covers the same ground from their side.
If you’d rather not work on numbed skin
Just say so, and explain why. Most clients will understand if you tell them about your experience with how treated skin behaves. Then offer an alternative, such as shorter sessions, a different order of work or a little advice on preparing well. The guide to making a tattoo hurt less is a handy link to send.
Setting expectations
Clients often come in with unrealistic ideas, so it’s a kindness to set them straight.
It won’t feel like nothing. Tell them they may still feel pressure and vibration, especially near bone. Clients who expect this tend to be much happier.
It fades. Let them know that sensation usually returns gradually, and that it can feel more noticeable on skin that’s already been worked. The guide to numbing cream for long sessions explains how to plan around this.
Session length still matters. Numbing doesn’t change how much skin can comfortably be worked in a day. A long piece often still needs to be split, as covered in the guide to planning a large tattoo.
Top-ups aren’t part of the plan. Make it clear that products shouldn’t go on skin that’s already been tattooed, so they should plan for the numbing to fade.
On the day
A short routine keeps things simple.
Ask what they’ve used and when they put it on. Have a look at the pack if they’ve brought it. Check the skin before you start. If the area looks irritated, or if you’re not happy with it for any reason, you’re entitled to wait or to rebook.
Wipe the area thoroughly before you stencil, as residue can make the stencil slide. Some artists also find that treated skin can feel a bit different to work on, so give yourself a moment to get a feel for it.
Check in as you go. Ask how they’re doing, particularly as the session goes on. Let them know when you’re moving to a tougher area, and plan breaks. Train your team to spot a client who seems unwell or light-headed, and to stop and check on them straight away. If you’re concerned, get medical help.
After the session
Ask how it went, and make a note of it for next time. Over time, you’ll build up a useful picture of how different products behave on your clients’ skin, and that makes your advice even more valuable. Aftercare stays the same, so go through it as you usually would.
Making it easy for everyone
You don’t have to be for or against numbing to handle this well. Talking to clients about numbing cream is really just about being clear, honest and friendly. Write down your policy, ask at booking, set realistic expectations and keep checking in. If you’d like a full overview to share with clients, point them to the complete UK guide.
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice.