Tattoos have long been a form of self expression and individuality. However, as we know, needles prodding into the skin, hundreds of times a second, for a prolonged period of time, is not exactly a pleasant experience, which also then adds essence to getting tattooed. As time has gone by, advancements in technology have made the process of getting a tattoo slightly less painful.
To alleviate the discomfort that comes with getting tattooed, many people turn to tattoo numbing creams. These creams promise to reduce pain, making the process a bit more bearable. The big question is are they worth it? Today we’re going to have a gander at the pros and cons of using tattoo numbing cream.
Pain Reduction
The main advantage of tattoo numbing cream is the ability to significantly reduce pain. For individuals with a low pain threshold (me being one of those people) or those getting tattoos in sensitive areas. This can make the experience a lot more manageable.
Enhanced Comfort
By minimising pain, numbing creams can help clients stay more relaxed during the tattooing process. This can be beneficial for both the client and the tattoo artist, as a relaxed client is easier to work with, as well as less opportunity for the client to squirm in the seat and cause a wobbly line – and nobody wants that. Overall, it can result in a much smoother session for those involved.
Longer Sessions
For those who are going for bigger pieces or are on more time constraints,numbing cream for tattoos can be helpful to get a big piece finished in the least amount of sessions needed, as well as saving a bigger piece from turning into multiple sittings – although good luck with the healing process, as the numbing cream won’t make that bit any easier!
Psychological Benefits
Knowing that numbing cream will be used can reduce anxiety and fear associated with the pain of getting a tattoo. This can make the overall experience more pleasant for whoever is sitting through it, as well as making it less daunting for first timers or anyone who’s had previous painful experiences when getting tattooed.
Potential Allergic Reactions
Some people may experience allergic reactions to the ingredients in numbing creams, so it’s important to do your research and be aware of any allergies you may have – because if you use numbing cream and have a reaction, guess what that means? No tattoo for you today.
Symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe skin reactions, which could complicate the tattooing process as well as affecting the healing of the tattoo.
Variable Effectiveness
As we’re all different as human beings, we all react differently to things. The same can be said for tattoo numbing cream. Factors such as skin type, the area being tattooed, and the quality of the cream can influence how well it works. In some cases, the cream might not provide adequate pain relief.
And this is where your research can come in, the internet is your friend during times like this. Spend a bit of time reading tattoo numbing cream reviews and make a decision based on what other customers have said.
Tattoo Quality Concerns
Artists do tend to share a concern that numbing creams could affect the quality of the tattoo. Some tattoo artists believe the cream can alter the texture of the skin, making it a bit more difficult to work with – which could then potentially impact the precision and clarity of the tattoo.
Cost
Numbing creams can quickly add up in price, so to reiterate: DO YOUR RESEARCH.
For those who are getting tattoos on a budget, the additional pain may be worth the saving the cash, especially when the effectiveness of numbing creams is not guaranteed.
Misusing Numbing Cream
It’s important to read the instructions for how to use tattoo numbing creams, as improper use can lead to complications. The result of overuse is usually additional skin damage or can also lead to interfering with the tattoo artist’s ability to work with the skin effectively.
Conclusion
Tattoo numbing creams can offer significant benefits, especially in pain reduction and enhancing the clients experience. However the potential drawbacks are worth taking into consideration which we’ve mentioned above. For those who are considering using numbing creams, it’s important to weigh these pros and cons carefully, as well as consulting with your tattoo artist. Ultimately, the choice is yours when it comes to this, but base your use on your pain threshold, if you can do without it, then go for it.
For us at The Hangout Tattoo Studio, we have the option of using numbing cream, so if it’s something you’re interested in knowing about, don’t hesitate to ask about it during your consultation.