Do Tattoo Numbing Spray’s Work?
Many people relish the pain of a tattoo and think of it as a rite of passage. Yet, some people do not want to deal with the discomfort and are looking for ways to get a pain-free tattoo. Regardless of your stance, you may be wondering, “Do tattoo number sprays work? Or are they a placebo?” There are indeed painless tattoo sprays available that cut the discomfort in half, so you can enjoy your tattoo session without feeling like you are going to pass out.
What are Tattoo Numbing Sprays?
Any kind of numbing product, be it a spray, cream, or ointment, will work the same way. That means that you apply the product to the area of the skin to be tattooed and let the active ingredient go to work. Lidocaine is generally the main ingredient in tattoo numbing sprays and anesthetic creams. The chemical works as a “nerve deadener,” which blocks the nerve receptors in the skin from registering something that is causing pain, such as a tattoo needle or piercing gun.
Nerve deadeners like lidocaine only work on the surface of the skin and barely sink below the surface. Because of that, most numbing sprays and creams are mixed with either a nerve blocker or vasoconstrictor. The common nerve blocker is called tetracaine, which means your skin is registering that something painful is happening, but your brain can’t “hear” the receptors. This is particularly useful during tattoo sessions where you may blink or flinch involuntarily.
The last, a vasoconstrictor, is the most powerful numbing agent because it helps constrict blood vessels and eliminate swelling.
Do Tattoo Numbing Sprays Work?
Yes, tattoo numbing sprays work. The downside to tattoo numbing sprays is that they need to be reapplied often for the nerve-deadening ingredients to continue working throughout your session. If you are getting a smaller tattoo or one done in a highly sensitive region, a tattoo numbing spray can provide quick relief from the pain.
Now, for a little warning: Tattoo-numbing sprays and creams are not miracle workers. You cannot expect a totally pain-free tattoo. A numbing spray simply makes the pain more tolerable. For those who have low pain tolerance, dulling the pain from the needle is often enough to make the session much less stressful.
How to Apply Tattoo Numbing Spray
If you want to get the benefits of a painless tattoo spray, then you are going to need to prepare ahead of your appointment. Make sure you have no cuts or scrapes around the area where you will be getting tattooed since you cannot use such products on opened skin.
Wash and pat the area dry. Clean skin will always absorb lidocaine and other ingredients in the numbing spray faster than dirty or oily skin.
Follow the instructions on the spray bottle. Since some products are proprietary blends, they will dictate how long before the session you need to use them. Generally, you need to spray your skin at least 20 minutes prior to your session. Let your tattoo artist know if you applied the spray, too. They may also be able to reapply right before your session starts.
Upon reapplication, it takes about 10 minutes for the numbing sensation to take effect. Reapply every 15-20 minutes to enhance the numbness.
Again, these times depend on the brand of tattoo numbing spray. Some sprays will last around 1-2 hours before needing to be reapplied. Others kick in within 2 minutes of application.
Are Numbing Sprays Safe?
Now you may be wondering if a pain-free tattoo is worth the risk. Tattoo numbing sprays are safe and effective when applied according to the directions. For the general population, lidocaine is a safe ingredient. However, there are some people who are allergic. If you are unsure, do a patch test by spraying a small section of skin with the spray and waiting for any reaction to occur. Those who are allergic may develop blisters or inflammation.
Additionally, you do not have to worry about the numbing spray affecting your tattoo. The sprays and creams are often blended with such procedures in mind. You can usually apply the spray before, during, and after the tattoo session to ensure that your tattoo is painless. That said if you are getting a tattoo done around the eyes, nose, or mouth, consult with a doctor first.
The only time there may be an issue with sprays affecting your tattoo is how it lubricates the skin. Some creams and sprays do not absorb quickly, which can make it difficult for the tattoo artist to draw lines correctly.
A Pain-Free Tattoo Is a Spray Away
Tattoo numbing sprays are a reliable product that can take the edge off during your next tattoo session. Safe and effective in most situations, numbing sprays and creams are recommended for those who want a tattoo without discomfort. If you are looking for a decent spray that won’t impact your tattoo session, ask the artists at Oracle Tattoo Gallery for our recommendations. We can point you in the right direction. Give us a call at 215-638-1601 today.
