Use a topical numbing cream. It is no secret that tattoos are painful. If this is your first tattoo and you have a low pain tolerance, or you're getting tattooed on a painful spot, consider using Zensa Numbing Cream 30-40 minutes before your appointment. Do not take pain killers.
You must always ask your artist first before using a numbing solution. Some artists advise against using numbing creams because it can affect the tattoo process. It is possible that the cream or gel can temporarily alter your skin texture, making the artist's job much harder.
Not all tattoo artists are opposed to numbing creams, but some avoid them, primarily because of their effects on the skin. The last thing a tattoo artist wants is to trigger an allergic reaction in a client or compromise the quality of their ink.
If you're using our numbing cream for a tattoo session, you'll want to chat with your tattoo artist prior. You must apply the cream 45 minutes to an hour before starting your tattoo session. Clean and shave the area you'll be getting tattooed.
Numbing cream is a popular option for smaller tattoos
"Numbing cream is so much better than it used to be. It didn't used to do the job, but now they're making numbing cream that works," Hepcat said.
On top of that, it can also thin the ink, which could lead to an unpleasant and unwanted final result. It's best to avoid drinking the day before, so there isn't anything lingering in the body. With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Apply the numbing cream, and leave it time to absorb into the skin. Zensa Numbing Cream should be applied 30-45 minutes before tattooing. Cover it immediately with saran wrap to increase its absorption rate. Take off the wrapping and wash off the numbing cream right before stenciling for your tattoo.
Short answer: YES we definitely recommend the use of numbing cream prior to your tattoo treatment commencing. Not only does this ensure that the tattooed area is extremely comfortable during your treatment; but it also and helps to reduce potential inflammation and bleeding.
Tattoo numbing cream is an increasingly popular option for those who want to diminish the discomfort when getting a tattoo. While it offers some advantages such as less pain and speedier tattooing, it also carries certain risks like allergic reactions, interference with healing, and impact on tattoo quality.
A tattoo made when numbing cream is applied beforehand might be a shorter, less painful experience. A tattoo numbing cream also allows you to get a larger or more elaborate tattoo. You could definitely do it without numbing cream, but you would suffer more, and it might take longer.
Yes, it's okay to use numbing cream for your next tattoo - it won't affect your new ink. Just make sure to consult with your artist & dermatologist and apply at least 60-90 minutes before your session. It won't affect the color, design, or the healing process of your tattoo.
Pee first.
This one is my favorite only because one time, while getting tattooed, I fainted and peed. No joke, that happened. So take my advice and pee first. Also, once your artist gets going you don't want to have to interrupt them to tinkle.
Pain to Expect from a Tattoo
"As far as pain is concerned, I wouldn't really say it's not going to be anything extraordinary that you can't handle," says Thompson. Some people describe the feeling of getting tattooed as a hot scratch. Others describe it as annoying.
Scratching pain.
Getting a tattoo is often compared to a cat repeatedly scratching you. Though it's not the most intense pain ever, it might make you wanna hiss – especially if your artist uses multiple needles, like when shading. This also tends to happen away from bony or ultra-sensitive areas.
The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
“You can take things like over-the-counter painkillers, but the sharp pain you have at the surface of the skin will still likely be felt during the procedure.” You can take acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil) can help with any soreness that occurs in the hours after you get your tattoo, but there's ...
Conclusion: Telling your tattoo artist about your usage of numbing cream will ensure a peace of mind to him. While you won't have pain during the process, a tattoo artist can carry out the process without being disturbed by pain or body movement. Make sure to use the cream according to the instructions.
Emla's numbing effect usually lasts at least 2 hours, so bear this in mind if you are planning a large/intricate tattoo or have a longer tattoo appointment. Remember, Emla usually takes about 1 hour to get to work, so make sure you apply it in advance. Emla can be left on the skin for up to 5 hours.
However, sprays can take a little time to show effect, also last for lesser duration, while creams are better in efficacy. That's why most of the tattoo artists keep numbing creams handy with them.