Numbing Cream and Tattoos: What You Need to Know for a Better Experience | Studio Hon Saskatoon
Let’s talk about something no one likes to admit: tattoos hurt.Sure, we all act tough, and yes, some folks genuinely enjoy the sting. But for the rest of us—especially those getting their first tattoo or planning a long session—numbing cream sounds like a miracle in a tube.
But here’s the truth: numbing cream can be amazing... or completely useless. It all depends on how you use it.
At Studio Hon Saskatoon, we’ve seen it all—clients who’ve used numbing creams perfectly and cruised through a full sleeve, and others who expected magic only to be disappointed 30 minutes in.
So today, we’re breaking it down:What numbing cream does, how to use it right, and when to skip it altogether.
First Off—Does Numbing Cream Really Work?
Yes. But not all of them. And not always.Most tattoo numbing creams are lidocaine-based topical anesthetics that temporarily block pain signals. When used correctly, they can:
- Dull, sharp stings during linework
- Lessen the burn during shading or colour packing
- Help clients relax and sit longer
But when used incorrectly? You’ll either feel no difference or worse, it’ll wear off mid-session and come back with a vengeance.
How to Use Numbing Cream the Right Way
This part is crucial. There’s a method—and it’s not just slapping it on 5 minutes before your appointment.Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Choose a quality product. We recommend creams with at least 5% lidocaine and solid client reviews.
- Apply 60–90 minutes before your appointment. Yep, that early.
- Use a generous amount. Don’t be shy—apply a thick layer.
- Seal it with plastic wrap. This helps activate the numbing agents through skin heat.
- Keep it wrapped until right before the tattoo starts. If you unwrap too early, the effect fades fast.
🎯 Pro Tip: Don’t use numbing cream without checking with your artist first. Some designs, skin types, or placements may react differently.
Real Talk: When Numbing Cream Helps—and When It Doesn’t
When it works wonders:
- First-time tattoos where anxiety is high
- Rib, spine, or foot placements (aka: Ouch Zones)
- Long sessions over 3+ hours
When it’s not worth it:
- Very small or short tattoos (you’ll spend more time applying than tattooing)
- Clients with very dry or sensitive skin (can cause irritation)
- If you don’t apply it correctly, it won’t kick in
One of our clients came in for a floral rib piece—first tattoo, terrified of the pain.She followed our numbing guide step by step, and guess what? She didn’t even flinch.Her exact words? “Honestly, it just felt like pressure. I could’ve napped.”Meanwhile, another walk-in tried using numbing cream without telling us.Unwrapped it too early. It wore off halfway through the outline, and let’s just say he didn’t exactly nap.
Artist Perspective: Is It Cheating? Is It Safe?
Some people think numbing cream is “cheating” or ruins the tattooing process. Here’s our take: It’s your body. Your experience. Your comfort.
At Studio Hon Saskatoon, we’re not here to judge—we’re here to support. If numbing cream helps you sit longer and calmer, that helps us too.
But we’ll also tell you honestly if we think it’s not the right choice for your skin or your tattoo.
Safety always comes first. We’ll walk you through:
- Patch testing to avoid allergic reactions
- How different creams interact with ink and skin
- When it might affect line precision (rare, but possible)
Final Thought: Numb with Knowledge, Not Regret
Like most things in tattooing, knowledge = better results. If you’re thinking about using numbing cream, awesome. Just do it right.
Talk to your artist. Use the right product. Follow the steps.
Because at the end of the day, our goal is the same as yours: A smooth session, a gorgeous tattoo, and an experience that makes you want to come back.
Your Turn
Getting tattooed in Saskatoon and considering numbing cream? Let’s chat first, we’ll help you make the right call for your body and your design.
Your comfort matters here. And so does your story.