Can I use numbing cream?

Personally, we would prefer it if you didn’t. Here is why...

 

The biological mechanism of numbing cream means that once the cream is applied topically to the area, the chemicals draw the blood away from the surface of the skin, reducing the pain signals from the skin to the brain. While this can make the client feel more comfortable temporarily, it is actually more beneficial and desirable for the blood to be closer to the skin for the artist.

 

The lack of blood at the surface makes the skin less consistent, and is more difficult to pull a needle through - instead of tattooing soft skin, it feels rubbery and hard, making it more difficult to produce crispy lines, as it alters how the skin receives and holds the ink in the epidermis, We also endeavour to establish a tattoo that is set up to have the best conditions to heal optimally.

 

Part of our tattooing aftercare, which we have found works extremely well for Kristin’s fine line style, is using second skin. We want the tattoo to weep out as much plasma/blood/excess ink to be wiped away during the tattoo process, so that it can be cleaned after and have minimal fluid under the second skin (there will always be some but we love to minimise this). For larger pieces that are unable to be covered by second skin, we don’t want you to wake up in the middle of the night stuck and staining your bed sheets as the cream wears off and your skin begins releasing the plasma and ink that would have been wiped away during the tattoo and cleaned away afterwards. If you do decide to use numbing cream, we will not be applying second skin to your piece.

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Should you wish to still use numbing creams or spray - we will of course support you in your right to do so, what we do ask is that you bring the cream/spray with you and that we will apply it - this ensures that we are in control that it is applied to the correct area, that it is evenly applied, and that we have control over how long it is on the skin prior to the start of your tattoo, we are also able to monitor for any reactions or interactions and can assess the integrity of your skin. This will be included in your tattooing time (which may add anywhere between 30 - 50 minutes as we wait for the cream to do it’s thing) and we ask that you tell us with your initial inquiry so that we may book the correct amount of time for your appointment. If you do arrive at your appointment, and either advise us that you have already applied a numbing agent prior to arrival, or decline to tell us that you have applied prior to arrival (Kristin can tell by the texture of your skin), we reserve the right to offer a reschedule and to decline to proceed with your appointment. This will forfeit your booking fee and a new booking fee will be required for your new appointment. 

 

We will do our best to set the tattoo up for the best healing possible, however if numbing agents are used, we unfortunately will not be offering a free touch up with your tattoo.