As an artist, you’ve probably noticed more clients walking in pre-numbed and ready for a comfortable session. It’s a trend that’s here to stay. While numbing cream is a game-changer for client comfort, especially on those spicy spots, you know the real challenge: keeping that numbness effective through the entire piece.
No Pain Tattoo Numbing Cream is the best there is, but not every client is going to walk in wearing it. Maybe they used an inferior product. Maybe they didn't apply it right. This guide is going to help you overcome these situations.
Nothing disrupts your flow more than a client who was numb for the outline but starts jumping by the time you pack in color. This usually happens when you have to go back over an area you’ve already worked.
The good news is, with the right technique and the right products, you can manage your client’s comfort from the first line to the final wipe down. Here are the professional strategies for leveraging numbing products to ensure a smoother session for both of you.
Strategy 1: The "One Pass" Method — Your Best Friend
This is the single most effective way to work with a pre-numbed client. The goal is to finish each section of the tattoo completely before moving on to the next, so you aren't re-traumatizing skin where the numbing effect may be fading.
-
Pick a direction and stick with it. Whether you work top-to-bottom, center-outwards, or left-to-right, commit to a path. Fully complete the linework, shading, or color in one direction and finish it. This leverages the cream’s peak effectiveness, section by section, resulting in a consistently comfortable client.
Strategy 2: The Mid-Session Boost — Reapplying Numbing Cream
For those tricky single-session pieces on ribs, feet, or the neck, a reapplication can be a lifesaver. Our Numbing Cream isn't just for pre-session prep; it can be used on broken skin.
-
How it works: Once you’ve finished the outline, apply a layer of the numbing cream directly onto the freshly inked skin. Cover it with plastic wrap for about 15-20 minutes. Since the skin is already open, the absorption is much faster. You can then use a "peel and go" method—gradually removing the plastic wrap and wiping away the excess cream as you work your way through the section. You can repeat this process as needed to keep your client comfortable.
Strategy 3: The Finisher — Using Final Mile Gel
Sometimes, you just need to get through that last hour without your client tapping out. That’s precisely why we developed our Final Mile Gel. This isn't a pre-session cream; it’s a fast-acting gel designed specifically for mid-session relief on broken skin.
-
When to use it: After you’ve put in some work and notice your client is starting to struggle.
-
How to apply: Apply a thin layer of the gel to the open skin, cover it with plastic wrap for 12 minutes, and then wipe it away.
-
The Result: You’ll get reduced inflammation and a solid 20-30 minutes of renewed numbness. It’s the perfect tool to push through that last bit of shading or color, ensuring you can get to a good stopping point without a fidgety, miserable client.
Strategy 4: The Last Resort — Splitting the Session
We get it. No artist loves to split up a single-session piece. It can affect the final look and there's always the risk of the client not returning to finish. However, it's a better alternative than rushing your work or having a client in absolute agony.
If your client is struggling significantly, even with comfort aids, it may be necessary to do the outline and whatever shading you can, then schedule a follow-up appointment. It protects the quality of your work and your client's experience.
By using these strategies, you can take control of your client's comfort, minimize disruptions, and focus on what you do best: creating incredible art.
Equip your station with the tools built for artists. Shop the full No Pain Tattoo product line.