Does Numbing Cream Really Work?
- hontattoostudio
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
An Honest Tattoo Pain Guide from Toronto’s Hon Tattoo Studio
1. “I want the tattoo… but I’m scared of the pain.”
Almost every day at Hon Tattoo Studio, someone sits down in our North York or Downtown Toronto location, looks at the stencil, takes a deep breath, and says one of these lines:
“Can I use numbing cream?”
“I’m okay with the design, I’m just scared of the pain.”
“Is it weird if I ask for numbing?”
Most of them apologise before they even finish the question, as if they’re being dramatic or difficult.
But here’s the truth:
Almost everyone is afraid of tattoo pain before they get started.
It doesn’t matter if they’re getting a tiny fine line tattoo on the wrist or a full blackwork sleeve — the fear is the same:
“What if I can’t handle it?”
“What if I embarrass myself?”
“What if the pain ruins the experience?”
So if you’re nervous, you’re not weak. You’re not silly.
You’re just human.
In this guide, we’ll answer the question people usually type into Google instead of asking their artist:
“Does numbing cream really work for tattoos?”
And we’ll do it from the perspective of a professional studio that actually has to work on that skin — not from a TikTok video or anonymous comment thread.
2. The Real Problem Behind the Question:
People Want the Tattoo, But Fear the Experience**
Most clients don’t hesitate because of price or time.
They hesitate because of uncertainty:
“What if I can’t handle it?”
“What if I faint?”
“What if I panic midway?”
“What if the artist judges me?”
Pain feels personal. Emotional. Unpredictable.
In fact, a 2024 Canadian tattoo industry report noted that:
📌 47% of first-time tattoo clients delay their appointment because of pain fear.
📌 22% consider cancelling within 48 hours before their session.
And yet…
Most are too embarrassed to talk about it.
Why?
Because tattoo culture on social media often glorifies pain as a badge of honour.
People think being scared makes them “less committed.”
But the truth is…
Fear becomes a problem only when you hide it.
When you tell your artist what you feel, they can:
adjust the pacing
help you breathe properly
choose safe numbing strategies
create a smoother session
avoid panic or fainting
keep your tattoo quality perfect
Pain doesn’t ruin tattoos.
Lack of communication does.
3. Why Many Clients Feel Afraid to Ask About Numbing Cream
We’ve had clients show up with snacks, water, even headphones —
but still too nervous to ask:
“Is it okay to use numbing cream?”
The emotional patterns we see most:
1) Fear of looking weak
People think artists expect toughness.
They don’t want to be “that client.”
2) Fear of asking a “stupid question”
They think everyone else just “handles it.”
3) Fear of being judged by the artist
Especially in Toronto’s competitive tattoo scene,
people want to look confident.
4) Fear of being denied the tattoo
Some clients think asking about numbing cream will make the artist refuse them.
But here’s the truth from professional artists:
✔ We appreciate honesty
✔ We want your session to be comfortable
✔ We take your safety seriously
✔ We don’t judge
✔ We don’t punish fear
Tattooing is a collaboration —
The art happens with you, not to you.
Numbing cream isn’t a weakness.
It’s information that helps us help you.
4. So… Does Numbing Cream Really Work? (The Honest, Professional Answer)
Yes — it definitely works.
But it doesn’t work the way viral videos claim.
✔ What numbing cream does:
significantly reduces sharp pain
makes the first 45–60 minutes more comfortable
helps with ribs, sternum, spine, feet, or inner arm
reduces anxiety for first-timers
helps trauma survivors stay calm
helps clients with low pain tolerance
✘ What numbing cream cannot do:
eliminate all sensation
stop pressure, scratching, or vibration
last for an entire half-day session
guarantee comfort for all skin types
work safely if applied incorrectly
fix fear on its own
Think of it like turning the volume down from 10 to 5.
Not silent — just manageable.
5. How Numbing Cream Works on Skin
Most tattoo-safe numbing creams contain:
🧪
Lidocaine (2–5%)
Blocks pain signals in the upper layers of the skin.
🧪
Prilocaine or Benzocaine
Sometimes included for additional numbing.
🧪
Epinephrine (in some products)
Shrinks blood vessels — but can interfere with tattoos.
(Not recommended unless medically supervised.)
✔ What it blocks
surface-level pain receptors
initial needle sting
minor burning sensation
✘ What it can’t block
deep pressure
machine vibration
the accumulated soreness of long sessions
This is why numbing cream is strongest in the beginning
and gradually fades as the session continues.
Toronto Public Health also notes that products containing lidocaine should be used:
with professional supervision
at a safe dosage
based on individual medical history
never over large body areas without approval
This is why professional consultation matters.
6. Why Some Artists are Cautious About Numbing Cream
Not all numbing creams are safe.
Some of the most common problems:
⚠ 1. Swelling (edema)
This makes clean linework harder.
⚠ 2. Skin texture changes
“Rubbery” or slippery skin reduces artist control.
⚠ 3. Diluted ink penetration
The tattoo might heal patchy or uneven.
⚠ 4. Delayed healing
Low-grade inflammation = longer recovery.
⚠ 5. Allergic reactions
Lidocaine sensitivity is rare but real.
⚠ 6. Overuse
Too much cream = temporary skin resistance.
This is why:
Hon Tattoo Studio NEVER approves random online numbing creams.
We only allow medically safe, tested, consistent products.
7. Real Client Story #1 — “I tried to act tough… and nearly fainted.”
A 23-year-old client came for a small arm tattoo.
Before we started, she confidently said:
“I’m okay — I don’t need numbing.”
Ten minutes later:
her vision blurred
she turned pale
hands started shaking
she told us she felt like she might faint
Her body reacted to fear she had been hiding, not to pain itself.
After a break, water, candy, and breathing support, she finally said:
“I didn’t tell you I’m terrible with needles. I didn’t want to seem dramatic.”
If she had communicated earlier,
we could’ve planned a slow start or safe numbing.
This is exactly why communication is everything.
8. Real Client Story #2 — “Numbing cream saved my rib tattoo.”
A male client in his mid-30s booked a rib piece — one of the most painful placements.
He told us:
“If I can’t use numbing cream, I can’t do this tattoo.”
We:
evaluated his skin
checked his medical history
confirmed placement
applied a studio-approved medical-grade numbing cream
He completed the session calmly and proudly.
His testimonial later said:
“This was the first tattoo experience where I didn’t panic.
I enjoyed it.”
A safe, informed numbing plan = a successful tattoo.
9. Real Client Story #3 — “I used numbing cream at home… and it backfired.”
A client applied a random cream before arriving —
One was purchased online with no ingredient list.
The skin:
was swollen
felt tight
didn’t take ink consistently
We had to stop the session.
This is why we tell clients:
Never apply numbing cream secretly.
Your artist must approve the product first.
10. When Numbing Cream is Recommended (Hon Tattoo’s Guide)
We recommend numbing cream for clients who:
✔ are getting their first tattoo
✔ are tattooing sensitive zones (ribs, sternum, spine, foot, armpit)
✔ have low pain tolerance
✔ feel intense pre-session anxiety
✔ have trauma involving needles or pain
✔ are tattooing near scar tissue
✔ want to enjoy the process, not just endure it
Pain tolerance ≠ personality.
Pain tolerance ≠ strength.
Everyone is different.
11. When Numbing Cream is NOT Recommended
✘ Ultra-long sessions (6–8 hours)
Numbing wears off → pain contrast increases.
✘ Hyper-detailed realism or micro-tattoos
Texture change affects precision.
✘ Certain skin sensitivities
Must be evaluated.
✘ Cheap or unknown formulas
Risk of swelling or allergic reaction.
12. Hon Tattoo Studio’s Numbing Policy (Transparent & Safe)
✔ Allowed
medically safe products
artist-approved brands
proper application timing
numbing applied with artist supervision
honest communication about anxiety
❌ Not allowed
hidden numbing
excessive use
online products with unknown ingredients
anything that impacts skin integrity
We treat numbing cream as a clinical tool, not a shortcut.
13. FAQ — Your Most Common Questions
Q1. Will numbing cream make me feel nothing?
No. It reduces surface pain, but you’ll still feel pressure and vibration.
Q2. Is it embarrassing to ask for numbing cream?
Not at all. We prefer honest communication.
Q3. Can I apply numbing cream at home?
Only with artist approval. Unsafe creams can ruin tattoos.
Q4. Does numbing cream affect healing?
Safe products used correctly do not. Unsafe ones can.
Q5. Will numbing “wear off suddenly”?
No, it fades gradually.
Q6. Should I use numbing cream for my first tattoo?
Depends on placement, anxiety level, and design. We’ll guide you.
Q7. Is numbing safe for darker skin tones?
Generally, yes, but must be checked individually.
14. Pain Doesn’t Define You. Communication Does.
A tattoo should be meaningful, empowering, and safe —
not something you suffer through to “prove” anything.
If pain is your biggest fear, talk to us.
We’re here to guide you through the entire experience —
with empathy, transparency, and no judgment.
At Hon Tattoo Studio, we believe:
Your comfort creates better tattoos.
Your honesty creates better collaboration.
Your experience matters as much as the art.
You bring the story.
We bring the skill.
Together, we make the tattoo — beautifully and safely.
📍 Visit Us
202 Queen St W (Downtown Toronto)
6293 Yonge St (North York)
9671 Jane St Unit 4 (Vaughan)
🌐 Website: hontattoo.com
📸 Instagram: @hontattoostudio
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