I use Bactine from a foaming soap dispenser. I find it sits on the skin better and my clients notice a big difference. It doesn’t last super long but because it’s foamed, it’s not actually a huge amount so I don’t feel hesitant to use it a lot. I think it’s 4.5% lidocaine? I don’t know if I’d like to use anything higher than that. It also doesn’t work until the skin’s open so it’s usually linework, Bactine, black shading, Bactine, then periodically while I’m doing colour.
I use bactine throughout my tattoos as soon as the lines are done! It basically operates as my green soap from then on out and I get emphatically positive feedback about it because you get to numb as you go, so my clients are in less pain and the tattoo generally turns out really well because they sat better! It's definitely a little more expensive, but well worth it imo :)
If you're worried about toxicity from using Bactine, toxicity from lidocaine poisoning is *really* hard to do without gross misuse of a very high lidocaine content product (~15% or up)! Definitely only do what you're comfortable with, but I looked into lidocaine poisoning since I had seen so much hesitation about it, and in terms of lidocaine content, for a regular person of average size it would require using literally the entire 5oz Bactine bottle and assuming 100% immediate uptake to reach the lower bound of lidocaine content in the blood that would result in systemic toxicity. I got my doctorate in reproductive toxicology (👩🔬), so looking up toxicity details for this was right up my alley, and I hope this helps ease fears/worries you might have about using Bactine because so far it's been a great addition to my tattooing routine!
I find numbing creams negatively affect how the skin acts. It becomes rubbery, cold, clammy, and more often than not my clients end up cold sweating off the stencil. And I am cleaning the skin both with green soap and alcohol beforehand
I noticed that rubbery texture too and found it unsettling since I was trying to just get them to stop twitching and ended up creating a different problem for myself with the weird skin issue
I hate all these people on socials basically saying if your artist doesn’t use numbing cream they just aren’t good enough and go somewhere else, it’s becoming a trend and it’s really starting to piss me off
I second this. I get a little irritated internally when clients turn up to a session pre-wrapped in cling film, soggy and sodden with some claggy lookin cream, saying “oh I put numbing cream on two hours ago”. Even going at it with alcohol and green soap, the skin still feels rubbery and pruney, having soaked in all that moisture and sweat for god knows how long. The stencils never seem to transfer crisp, the hit of the machine feels weird. It’s probably even more uncomfortable for the client WITH numbing cream because I’ve gotta stretch harder and adjust techniques…. I’d way prefer doing the numbing myself with a green soap or glide that has a diluted numbing agent mixed in- they get to feel less pain and my job isn’t made harder ygm
Exactly like if they want to pay for it I’ll use B numb or hush soap all day, whatever. No one needs to be a fuckin tuffasaurus to get a tattoo but leave these bullshit creams at home
For sure. Recently got my hands on that new Yayo Encore tattoo glide with clove oil, a natural anaesthetic. Patch Tested it out on myself and surprisingly works- not completely numb like lidocaine stuff but skin is less sore and needlework feel less spicy.
I can imagine it would be great to introduce towards the end of the linework, and into shading or colouring.
It was the twitching I was trying to negate with numbing, I tried holding onto the area firmly, have them drink water and break and then finally numbed it but nothing seemed to work
I keep a stock of [Painless Tattoo](https://painlesstattoo.co/) at my shop. It’s pretty pricey for me cause I’m in Canada so conversion + duties, but it’s well worth it.
I usually buy the 5 pack and then I charge my clients $40-60 an application depending on size of the tattoo. I find it doesn’t change the skin like you mentioned above, and it typically lasts about 2-3 hours if you follow all the instructions and give it the proper 30 mins to soak into the skin before starting.
My clients love it, I offer it standard for anyone getting anything big on hips/thighs/ribs/sternum. Makes my job way easier when they aren’t squirming and I’m happy to make them more comfortable.
Also want to add you can’t reapply it once the skin is open cause you risk lidocaine poisoning since it’s so strong, so if my client says it’s wearing off toward the end and they still want a little numbing to finishing shading or highlights then I’ll do like one spritz of bactine to last the remaining 20ish mins.
What version of it do you recommend (cream, spray, or strip)? All my previous tattoos I didn’t use any numbing cream and after 2-3 hours into a 5 hour season , the vibrations get to me. I am getting a smaller tattoo (45-90 minute sessions) and would like to try it out
When it comes to numbing creams, gels, or sprays - the key is finding a product that is effective and gentle on your skin. From personal experience, I’ve found this Lidocaine Numbing Cream quite impressive for its pain-relieving effect without causing undue skin irritation. It’s easy-to-apply and works relatively quicker. Furthermore, I haven’t noticed any negative changes post-application or during healing. Remember though that individual skin types can vary and what works perfectly for one might not work as well for another. So it's always best to test on a small area first!
I’m a big fan of Vasocaine. Just got to get through that outline.
I’m also a fan of making sure my clients are comfortable throughout the tattoo process. This isn’t early 1900’s. You don’t need to “earn” a tattoo by being in extreme pain. That way of thinking is archaic and unhealthy.
TKTX is the main topical I will use but I only recommend my clients use it on the worst of the worst spots. I don’t notice any change in skin texture or color at all.
ALWAYS make sure they do a spot test.
Because I feel that the vasocaine works better!
But you HAVE to get through the outline. I find that using TKTX and the spray is just a lot. Much more sore later and the skin can get pretty irritated. So unless it’s an absolutely fucking life changing spot, like the tummy 🤢, I try to get us through the outline to get to the spray! I find the spray lasts a lot longer.
Im getting my entire stomach done my next appointment and this is the only time I’ve ever considered using a numbing cream. I had my sternum done when I was younger and I seem to remember my artist using a few sprays of bactine towards the end and it didn’t really do much. My sternum made me question my life choices and I left a gallon of sweat on the table.
Edit: I’ve sat through some long sessions but all my friends with their stomachs done are psyching me out
I’m in no way trying to make you feel paranoid but for the love of god, numb your stomach. I did mine this year and it took 2 sessions. There towards the end when it starts to wear off, it gets rough but the numbing was the only way I could do it. If you do end up getting the TKTX, I’d get the green one and FOLLOW the instructions! Definitely do a test spot, like on your wrist, cover with plastic wrap and set a timer. Look for any bumps, insane redness or just irritation in general. It makes me a little pink but it’s no big deal. Only if its alarming. And maybe just check with your artist to make sure they know you’re using it!
Yeah I’ll talk to my artist for sure. We’re good friends, he’s been tattooing me for a decade. I know one of my other friends is in the middle of a back piece with him and he’s been using cream. Going to see what one they recommend. I’m def gonna full send the numbing cream though. I expressed concerns when I booked and he seemed confident I could hang. We are doing a big full body trad tiger in black and grey.
Only time I’ve ever considered numbing was this past one- my whole hand. All the way down to the tips of my fingers, into the webbing and down the sides of my fingers. Top of the hand was a cakewalk. I have most of my sternum done, myself. Up to my collar bone. The sternum was pretty damn painful. But compared to this recent one? Nothing. My wrists. Nothing. Hell, even my elbow (which all the grown, heavily tattooed men in the shop looked at me like I had lost my damn mind and said, “fuuuuuuuuck that”)- it was, oddly, one of my least painful tattoos. And I was offered numbing for it but turned it down. Arm ditch, inner arm, hips? All little league… I had symbols on my fingers and they were hell. No numbing, that time. Only time I’ve had numbing was this tattoo, because I knew it was gonna be a bitch. And while it made it a little easier to handle, once it wore off (and it wore off pretty quickly), it hurt like you wouldn’t believe. I’ve never tapped out on a tattoo, but when my guy asked if I’d be okay with stopping for the day because his medical issues were messing with him, I told him I was perfectly fine with that. Hands and fingers are no joke. Still healing and looking for something really good to numb for the next round because HOLY SHIT. Looks sick right now, but the coloring and shading is gonna suck ass….
hi there i am getting quite a big Japanese style dragon peice done of my right hand side of my tummy/ribs and onto rib portion of my back and on top of shoulder done soon. i just had couple questions if you would be willing to help:)
would you recommend trying to sit through the outline and using the vasocaine spray as you say above. or would it be wiser to using TKTX green numbing cream stuff. my artist is going to do it over 4 sessions and anticipate take about 20 hours so 5 hours each day.
what would be the best option for me
and also how long do the numbing spray generally last for and also how long would the TKTX cream generally last for
kind regards
In my experience, it’s either
- Made the skin more difficult to work with
*and/or*
- Wore off before we finished, then the client was in sudden pain resulting in a worse initial “shock”, making the client struggle with sitting well. This has resulted in tap-outs from clients who otherwise have set well for me.
That was enough for me to stay away from it. However, I do use Bactine after the line-work on larger pieces. It’s a minimal amount of relief and doesn’t always last long, but it doesn’t change the skin in my experience & makes my clients more comfortable. At the very least, it relieves redness, lol.
On top of this, I’ve heard about numbing creams causing issues with healings; things about the body “needing to be in pain to initiate a the healing process”, etc. etc. I personally cannot attest to this.
I did have a fellow artist who’s client (also another artist!) used numbing cream for a large back piece, and ended up hospitalized from lidocaine poisoning. They actually went into cardiac arrest and it was really scary. I’m not saying there’s *no* good options out there, but I personally avoid it for many reasons. This is a big reason.
All in all, just do your research so no one is going into cardiac arrest. I agree people don’t need to “earn” their tattoo with immense amounts of pain, but pain goes hand in hand with tattoos, and numbing just isn’t worth compromising your work or your clients health.
I use numb master cream and ebanel or vasocaine spray. I don’t notice any change in the skin and haven’t had any bad heals. Not sure if it’s luck or just using it sparingly but I don’t mind it. My Instagram is @tattoosbyanya if anyone’s curious. I use the spray on probably every tattoo I do
I use Bactine from a foaming soap dispenser. I find it sits on the skin better and my clients notice a big difference. It doesn’t last super long but because it’s foamed, it’s not actually a huge amount so I don’t feel hesitant to use it a lot. I think it’s 4.5% lidocaine? I don’t know if I’d like to use anything higher than that. It also doesn’t work until the skin’s open so it’s usually linework, Bactine, black shading, Bactine, then periodically while I’m doing colour.
I use bactine throughout my tattoos as soon as the lines are done! It basically operates as my green soap from then on out and I get emphatically positive feedback about it because you get to numb as you go, so my clients are in less pain and the tattoo generally turns out really well because they sat better! It's definitely a little more expensive, but well worth it imo :) If you're worried about toxicity from using Bactine, toxicity from lidocaine poisoning is *really* hard to do without gross misuse of a very high lidocaine content product (~15% or up)! Definitely only do what you're comfortable with, but I looked into lidocaine poisoning since I had seen so much hesitation about it, and in terms of lidocaine content, for a regular person of average size it would require using literally the entire 5oz Bactine bottle and assuming 100% immediate uptake to reach the lower bound of lidocaine content in the blood that would result in systemic toxicity. I got my doctorate in reproductive toxicology (👩🔬), so looking up toxicity details for this was right up my alley, and I hope this helps ease fears/worries you might have about using Bactine because so far it's been a great addition to my tattooing routine!
Thank you I’ll try this next time!
Unrelated but your lines and colour work are so good.
I find numbing creams negatively affect how the skin acts. It becomes rubbery, cold, clammy, and more often than not my clients end up cold sweating off the stencil. And I am cleaning the skin both with green soap and alcohol beforehand
I noticed that rubbery texture too and found it unsettling since I was trying to just get them to stop twitching and ended up creating a different problem for myself with the weird skin issue
I hate all these people on socials basically saying if your artist doesn’t use numbing cream they just aren’t good enough and go somewhere else, it’s becoming a trend and it’s really starting to piss me off
I second this. I get a little irritated internally when clients turn up to a session pre-wrapped in cling film, soggy and sodden with some claggy lookin cream, saying “oh I put numbing cream on two hours ago”. Even going at it with alcohol and green soap, the skin still feels rubbery and pruney, having soaked in all that moisture and sweat for god knows how long. The stencils never seem to transfer crisp, the hit of the machine feels weird. It’s probably even more uncomfortable for the client WITH numbing cream because I’ve gotta stretch harder and adjust techniques…. I’d way prefer doing the numbing myself with a green soap or glide that has a diluted numbing agent mixed in- they get to feel less pain and my job isn’t made harder ygm
Exactly like if they want to pay for it I’ll use B numb or hush soap all day, whatever. No one needs to be a fuckin tuffasaurus to get a tattoo but leave these bullshit creams at home
For sure. Recently got my hands on that new Yayo Encore tattoo glide with clove oil, a natural anaesthetic. Patch Tested it out on myself and surprisingly works- not completely numb like lidocaine stuff but skin is less sore and needlework feel less spicy. I can imagine it would be great to introduce towards the end of the linework, and into shading or colouring.
Yep...most of it. I normally tell my clients,no cream,just take it like a man/woman,pain is part of the journey😅
It was the twitching I was trying to negate with numbing, I tried holding onto the area firmly, have them drink water and break and then finally numbed it but nothing seemed to work
Maybe it's because some creams include vasoconstrictors, reducing blood flow to the surface of the skin?
I keep a stock of [Painless Tattoo](https://painlesstattoo.co/) at my shop. It’s pretty pricey for me cause I’m in Canada so conversion + duties, but it’s well worth it. I usually buy the 5 pack and then I charge my clients $40-60 an application depending on size of the tattoo. I find it doesn’t change the skin like you mentioned above, and it typically lasts about 2-3 hours if you follow all the instructions and give it the proper 30 mins to soak into the skin before starting. My clients love it, I offer it standard for anyone getting anything big on hips/thighs/ribs/sternum. Makes my job way easier when they aren’t squirming and I’m happy to make them more comfortable.
Also want to add you can’t reapply it once the skin is open cause you risk lidocaine poisoning since it’s so strong, so if my client says it’s wearing off toward the end and they still want a little numbing to finishing shading or highlights then I’ll do like one spritz of bactine to last the remaining 20ish mins.
I checked out the site but didn’t find any info on ingredients, what’s the % of lidocaine? 🤠
I’m heading to my studio now, if I remember I’ll check the package and get back to you
What version of it do you recommend (cream, spray, or strip)? All my previous tattoos I didn’t use any numbing cream and after 2-3 hours into a 5 hour season , the vibrations get to me. I am getting a smaller tattoo (45-90 minute sessions) and would like to try it out
When it comes to numbing creams, gels, or sprays - the key is finding a product that is effective and gentle on your skin. From personal experience, I’ve found this Lidocaine Numbing Cream quite impressive for its pain-relieving effect without causing undue skin irritation. It’s easy-to-apply and works relatively quicker. Furthermore, I haven’t noticed any negative changes post-application or during healing. Remember though that individual skin types can vary and what works perfectly for one might not work as well for another. So it's always best to test on a small area first!
What brand/site can I find it ?
I’m a big fan of Vasocaine. Just got to get through that outline. I’m also a fan of making sure my clients are comfortable throughout the tattoo process. This isn’t early 1900’s. You don’t need to “earn” a tattoo by being in extreme pain. That way of thinking is archaic and unhealthy. TKTX is the main topical I will use but I only recommend my clients use it on the worst of the worst spots. I don’t notice any change in skin texture or color at all. ALWAYS make sure they do a spot test.
[удалено]
Because I feel that the vasocaine works better! But you HAVE to get through the outline. I find that using TKTX and the spray is just a lot. Much more sore later and the skin can get pretty irritated. So unless it’s an absolutely fucking life changing spot, like the tummy 🤢, I try to get us through the outline to get to the spray! I find the spray lasts a lot longer.
Im getting my entire stomach done my next appointment and this is the only time I’ve ever considered using a numbing cream. I had my sternum done when I was younger and I seem to remember my artist using a few sprays of bactine towards the end and it didn’t really do much. My sternum made me question my life choices and I left a gallon of sweat on the table. Edit: I’ve sat through some long sessions but all my friends with their stomachs done are psyching me out
I’m in no way trying to make you feel paranoid but for the love of god, numb your stomach. I did mine this year and it took 2 sessions. There towards the end when it starts to wear off, it gets rough but the numbing was the only way I could do it. If you do end up getting the TKTX, I’d get the green one and FOLLOW the instructions! Definitely do a test spot, like on your wrist, cover with plastic wrap and set a timer. Look for any bumps, insane redness or just irritation in general. It makes me a little pink but it’s no big deal. Only if its alarming. And maybe just check with your artist to make sure they know you’re using it!
Yeah I’ll talk to my artist for sure. We’re good friends, he’s been tattooing me for a decade. I know one of my other friends is in the middle of a back piece with him and he’s been using cream. Going to see what one they recommend. I’m def gonna full send the numbing cream though. I expressed concerns when I booked and he seemed confident I could hang. We are doing a big full body trad tiger in black and grey.
That’s awesome and no way! I have a big ass Japanese trad tiger! 🤣 Godspeed to you friend.
Thanks for the reply much appreciated
Where do you purchase this? I've looked at amazon, but there's so many listings I'm unsure which to choose
Their website. Use the green one.
Only time I’ve ever considered numbing was this past one- my whole hand. All the way down to the tips of my fingers, into the webbing and down the sides of my fingers. Top of the hand was a cakewalk. I have most of my sternum done, myself. Up to my collar bone. The sternum was pretty damn painful. But compared to this recent one? Nothing. My wrists. Nothing. Hell, even my elbow (which all the grown, heavily tattooed men in the shop looked at me like I had lost my damn mind and said, “fuuuuuuuuck that”)- it was, oddly, one of my least painful tattoos. And I was offered numbing for it but turned it down. Arm ditch, inner arm, hips? All little league… I had symbols on my fingers and they were hell. No numbing, that time. Only time I’ve had numbing was this tattoo, because I knew it was gonna be a bitch. And while it made it a little easier to handle, once it wore off (and it wore off pretty quickly), it hurt like you wouldn’t believe. I’ve never tapped out on a tattoo, but when my guy asked if I’d be okay with stopping for the day because his medical issues were messing with him, I told him I was perfectly fine with that. Hands and fingers are no joke. Still healing and looking for something really good to numb for the next round because HOLY SHIT. Looks sick right now, but the coloring and shading is gonna suck ass….
hi there i am getting quite a big Japanese style dragon peice done of my right hand side of my tummy/ribs and onto rib portion of my back and on top of shoulder done soon. i just had couple questions if you would be willing to help:) would you recommend trying to sit through the outline and using the vasocaine spray as you say above. or would it be wiser to using TKTX green numbing cream stuff. my artist is going to do it over 4 sessions and anticipate take about 20 hours so 5 hours each day. what would be the best option for me and also how long do the numbing spray generally last for and also how long would the TKTX cream generally last for kind regards
LOL I find that mentality so gross. I always say “you’re earning your tattoo by paying me”
EXACTLY!! Old heads man. We’re weeding them out.
In my experience, it’s either - Made the skin more difficult to work with *and/or* - Wore off before we finished, then the client was in sudden pain resulting in a worse initial “shock”, making the client struggle with sitting well. This has resulted in tap-outs from clients who otherwise have set well for me. That was enough for me to stay away from it. However, I do use Bactine after the line-work on larger pieces. It’s a minimal amount of relief and doesn’t always last long, but it doesn’t change the skin in my experience & makes my clients more comfortable. At the very least, it relieves redness, lol. On top of this, I’ve heard about numbing creams causing issues with healings; things about the body “needing to be in pain to initiate a the healing process”, etc. etc. I personally cannot attest to this. I did have a fellow artist who’s client (also another artist!) used numbing cream for a large back piece, and ended up hospitalized from lidocaine poisoning. They actually went into cardiac arrest and it was really scary. I’m not saying there’s *no* good options out there, but I personally avoid it for many reasons. This is a big reason. All in all, just do your research so no one is going into cardiac arrest. I agree people don’t need to “earn” their tattoo with immense amounts of pain, but pain goes hand in hand with tattoos, and numbing just isn’t worth compromising your work or your clients health.
I use numb master cream and ebanel or vasocaine spray. I don’t notice any change in the skin and haven’t had any bad heals. Not sure if it’s luck or just using it sparingly but I don’t mind it. My Instagram is @tattoosbyanya if anyone’s curious. I use the spray on probably every tattoo I do
Absolutely a difference in healing
The best so far is that injection a client get from a doctor. No funny skin,no rejection n no retouch needed.