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why don’t tattoo artists like numbing cream, skin, pain, time, client, people, applied, work, feel, process, experience

Did you know that nearly half of Americans under the age of 40 have one or more tattoos? A couple of decades ago, tattoos were slightly taboo. Now, people from all walks of life are choosing to get inked. The number of people with tattoos has risen by almost 50% since 2012!

One of the things that holds people back from getting a tattoo is the potential pain. Numbing cream offers an easy solution, but not all tattoo artists are fans of numbing before tattoos.

If it makes clients more comfortable, why don’t tattoo artists like numbing cream? Keep reading to find out!

why don’t tattoo artists like numbing cream, skin, pain, time, client, people, applied, work, feel, process, experience

Some Tattoo Artists Find That Numbing Cream Interferes With the Skin

Why don’t tattoo artists like numbing cream? Here’s one of the primary reasons.

Some tattoo artists say that numbing creams can alter the texture of a client’s skin, making it “spongy” after the cream is applied. Others report that it makes the skin not stretch evenly, become mushy, or form raised hive-like bumps. These effects can interfere with the tattooing process and make it harder to execute a perfect design. 

Everyone’s Body Is Different

Another reason some tattoo artists prefer not to use numbing cream is the possibility of an allergic reaction. Everyone’s body is different, and a painless tattoo cream that can work fine on one person might bring out a reaction in someone else. 

To avoid this, the client needs to do a patch test and wait for at least 10 to 20 minutes to see if a reaction develops. 

Numbing Cream Takes Time to Work

If you’re wondering how numbing creams work, most contain lidocaine and require around 30 minutes to take effect. 

This is another reason why some tattoo artists might prefer not to use them on their clients. They may not have time to do a patch test and wait the required 30 minutes for the cream to take effect. 

The Effects Aren’t Long-Lasting Enough for Large Tattoos

Whether a tattoo artist is willing to use numbing cream can also depend on tattoo size.

If a client is getting a large and detailed tattoo, it can take hours to complete. If you compare old vs new tattoos, you’ll notice that most modern tattoos are much more intricate than original older-style tats. 

Most numbing creams wear off after about 1.5 hours, and reapplying it on broken skin isn’t usually recommended. Also, if the numbing cream wears off mid-tattoo, this can make the process more painful as the nerves come back to life. 

Some Tattoo Artists May Consider the Pain a Right of Passage

Finally, some tattoo artists might even consider pain an important, almost sacred, part of the tattooing process. Historically, tattoos were widely used as rights of passage, in which pain was an integral part. Of course, it’s OK if a client doesn’t want to feel pain but still wants a tattoo. 

why don’t tattoo artists like numbing cream, skin, pain, time, client, people, applied, work, feel, process, experience

Why Don’t Tattoo Artists Like Numbing Cream? These Are Some of the Reasons

If you were wondering why tattoo artists don’t like numbing creams, these are some of the reasons. 

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. 

Are you opening or running a local tattoo shop? If so, one of the most important things you can invest in for your business is liability insurance. If something goes wrong, you need coverage you can trust.

Here at Marine Agency, we offer tailored insurance packages specifically designed for tattoo and body piercing shops. Click here to learn more about our tattoo shop liability coverage today.

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