people who know about tattoos?

Question

does anyone know of a good numbing cream you can get before you get tattoos?
my friend has two, and the first one she got the tattooist put numbing cream on for her, and she said she couldn't feel a thing!
the second time she got a tattoo she bought $50 numbing cream from the chemist and she said it didn't do anything...
(i have a pretty good tolerance of pain, but i want numbing cream because of the fact that i don't want to sit there whining for 3 hours when i know i could get something to numb the area which would make me feel a whole lot better.)

Answer 1

Some tattoo artists recommend lidocaine gel, such as LMX or EMLA (both 4% lidocaine). I'm probably going to try it this weekend, but haven't before.... sorry I can't give a first hand report on its effectiveness yet! I'll post an update as soon as I have more info.

My source link has some other suggestions on pain reduction techniques, too.

Answer 2

You will be fine and don't need anything. It's part of the experience. You need to talk to your artist before applying anything to the area.
Take some headphones to get your mind off of it. Also, it is more than ok to tell your artist you need a break!
For most of mine I was able to have a normal conversation with my artist. It wasn't until the end, on the lower spine that I had to really concentrate and breathe (I tended to hold my breath) and take several breaks.
You say you have a high tolerance of pain - then you'll be fine. If this is your first tattoo then a 3 hour sitting might not be the way to go. You might want to consider breaking it up.

Answer 3

Honestly, I odn't know about numbing creams, just don't take a pain reliever like aspirin or ibuprofen before you go get your tattoo, they are blood thinners and you'll bleed more while getting your tattoo. And make sure you go to some place reputable and clean, tattoos can get really messed up if you get an infection or don't follow the artist's instructions for proper after care. And lastly, don't go into a hot tub or jacuzzi for one month after you get your tattoo, it'll melt the ink under your skin and cause it to run! I knew a guy who got a big jester's face tattooed on his back, and he went into a hot tub 2 weeks later, the ink ran and now his tattoo looks like a big monkey!

Answer 4

I gotta go with the crowd. The pain is part of the experience, and what makes tattoos so wonderful. Pansies can't get them! :)

Look, take some water and some chewing gum. Ask for a break whenever you start getting stiff or sore. The artist will want to take breaks to stretch as well, so it all works out.
Then you can tell your numbing buddy what a **** they are.

Answer 5

if u need numbing cream u dont need a tattoo then thats the point of a tattoo feeling the pain to get somethin in return that looks good

Answer 6

Now I'll reply the ones,however you need to too! What used to be your first tattoo? A center When did you get yours? thirteen. If you wouldn't have one,do you wish one? What style of tattoo do you wish?Stars on my shoulder. How many do you've?one million Where do you've one?On my left palm. :] PIERCING IS BETTER

Answer 7

They make numbing gels for tattoos..sold buy tattoo supply companies..but every time I tell people I get thumbs down ..so I am not telling any more!!..(sticks tongue out)

Answer 8

If you can't take the pain don't get the tattoo. The pain is all part of the experience.

Answer 9

Hey just dill with it pretty much we all have and you got to be careful what you put on and you should tell your tattoo artiest. remember your going to be bleeding and you don't want any thing to go in side your skin just the ink.

Answer 10

The pain is part of the package..take that out..and your not having the same experience as us.