12 Best Tattoo Numbing Creams to Help You Relieve the Pain

Tattoos are a fantastic way to express oneself. But the thought of having needles bore into your skin may prevent you from producing those coveted works of art. In this circumstance, the best tattoo numbing creams can be of assistance. We frequently hear tales of people arriving at the tattoo parlor and canceling the appointment after hearing the ink gun. Some clients describe getting tattooed as a horror story, which makes us question whether the experience is worthwhile. But trust us, things will get easier when you know these 12 best tattoo numbing creams.

Tattoo Goo Tattoo Balm

This balm is one of the best options you can imagine because it is made with the best mixture of humectants, essential oils, and premium natural components for moisturization, antibacterial action, anti-oxidation, and stimulation of circulation. By keeping the area lubricated and wet, it makes a tattoo softer and encourages quicker healing. Additionally, it includes a small, handy tin that makes applying it whenever necessary a breeze. Although this balm comes highly recommended, if you’re looking for a product that lasts a long time, consider elsewhere.

Redemption Tattoo Care

A ground-breaking solution designed specifically with tattoo artists in mind is called Redemption. It is notable for being the first and only petroleum substitute to obtain USDA certification, making it a dependable and environmentally responsible option. Redemption imitates the appearance and texture of petroleum-based products whilst being entirely natural. Due to its adaptability, it can be used both before and after tattooing. Redemption offers calming relaxation during the tattoo procedure, and post-tattoo application promotes recovery.

Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare

The original high-end tattoo aftercare product for both new and existing tattoos is called Hustle Butter.It is safe for most users because it contains only the best components, such as Shea, Mango, Aloe butter, Coconut, Sunflower, and Rice Bran oils, as well as Rosemary oleoresin, green tea, Vitamin E Complex, Mint Arvenis Essential Oil, and the essence of Papaya and Coconut. However, for smooth application, the texture needs body heat to dissolve.

Urban ReLeaf TATTOO SKIN SILK

This all-natural Tattoo Silk will NOT clog pores or pull out your new ink, unlike lanolin and petroleum-based lotions. This balm allows your skin to breathe while healing, protecting, and healing swiftly. These natural silk balms for rejuvenation contain raw shea butter and essential oils. The most fragile, damaged, and itchy skin is softened, replenished, restored, and repaired with natural ingredients. There are many more options available to you if you have a sensitive nose because this cream doesn’t have the best scent.

Dr. Numb Maximum Strength Pain Reliever

Dr. Numb’s 5% Lidocaine Cream is one of the strongest tattoo numbing creams for tattoos and piercings you’ll find over the counter and is a favorite among tattoo aficionados. This medication is quite good at reducing stings on your skin with a small amount, making it also very cost-effective. Additionally, this composition has a remarkably long-lasting power of 3 to 4 hours when compared to similar goods. Additionally, the lotion absorbs into your skin like a dream, making it simpler for your tattoo artist to work more precisely. But since there isn’t much product, a little won’t get you very far.

Welmate Lidocane Numbing Cream

This pain-relief cream from Welmate boasts wonderful moisturizing qualities that your skin will adore in addition to its skin-numbing advantages. The solution not only reduces localized pain from needling or threading, but also muscle pain in places including the lower back, shoulder, knees, and arms. Additionally, you can apply it to ease small burns, bruises, stings, and anorexia. You don’t have to wait for very long before getting tattooed because the effects of this formula start working in less than 10 minutes. 

MAXOCAINE LIDOCAINE MAXIMUM STRENGTH PAIN RELIEVING ROLL-ON

This Maxocaine tattoo numbing cream has a disappearing formula that enables your tattoo artist to work precisely. The cream’s roll-on dispenser makes application hygienic and hassle-free. The potent combination, in addition to needling methods, is beneficial in reducing pain from hip pain, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, aching muscles, sports injuries, and more. The lotion calms and energizes your skin to get it ready for tattooing. It contains menthol, arnica, and aloe extracts. When you apply it, there may be a slight tingling, but that’s completely normal.

INKED INSPIRED NUMBING CREAM

This tattoo-numbing cream from Inked is another product on the list that absorbs quickly, so you don’t have to wait around for very long before getting inked. The mixture makes use of the anti-inflammatory properties of arnica, emu oil, lidocaine, and all three of these, which work wonders to soothe pain and nourish the skin. Depending on the dosage and the degree of the needle procedure, the pain-relieving benefits of this medicine should persist for 1-2 hours. 

Zensa Numbing Cream

Zensa Numbing Cream is a great option if you’re seeking the ideal over-the-counter numbing cream. The vegan and cruelty-free recipe of this FDA-approved product contains 5% lidocaine and vitamin E to help alleviate discomfort. It is also hypoallergenic and appropriate for use near the eye area. Additionally, without blood constrictors, your tattoo’s ink color won’t deteriorate or change with time. Users have 2 to 8 hours of relief from the discomfort related to having tattoos, depending on the amount of coverage required during application (which can be reapplied).

TKTX Numbing Cream

The TKTX cream has a ton of amazing components, unlike other numbing creams. Each active component functions to reduce pain, edema, and inflammation after getting a tattoo or getting a body piercing. The cream can also be used to relieve pain during microneedling, laser tattoo removal, permanent cosmetics, or hair removal. The fact that this cream is NOT healthy for those who have heart disease, high blood pressure, are pregnant or nursing, or are allergic to any of the aforementioned substances must be emphasized despite the fact that it works wonders. 

Ebanel Numb520 Topical Anesthetic Cream

While obtaining the tattoo of your dreams, this over-the-counter numbing lotion will ease all the discomfort, agony, burning, itching, and soreness. This numbing cream’s potent 5% lidocaine concentration starts working within two to three minutes, achieves its peak within twenty to twenty-five minutes, and lasts for an additional hour. This tattoo pain relief cream eases the process and contains genuine aloe vera, vitamin E, lecithin, and allantoin. This water-based, non-greasy anesthetic cream is simple to use, suitable for all skin types, and non-greasy. It also includes a secure child-resistant cap, which is an added safety feature. Additionally, the product doesn’t have any artificial or dangerous substances. Some people, however, claimed that it adhered to their skin like glue and dried.

Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel

Because of the discomfort, the majority of us put off getting that long-awaited tattoo. For a positive experience, this product was created with the tattoo artist and the customer in mind. This long-lasting tattoo numbing gel makes your skin numb for around two hours, allowing you to consider getting that large tattoo you’ve been wanting. Aloe vera and other effective botanical extracts are combined to effectively alleviate skin inflammation and redness. Additionally, it speeds up tattoo healing and is suitable for all skin types—even the most delicate. This clear gel’s non-oily formulation ensures that there won’t be any mess or stains. It’s quite costly when compared to most products on the market.

One of the primary objections to tattoos is their discomfort. We’re all perplexed about this idea at the end of the day because no one appreciates pain, but many people think that beauty equals anguish. With our suggestions, you won’t have to worry about any pain whatsoever when getting a tattoo.

HOW TO DO A STICK AND POKE TATTOO AT HOME

Tattoos have been a prominent form of self-expression for centuries, allowing individuals to permanently etch their stories, beliefs, and personal style onto their skin. While many are familiar with the buzzing of tattoo machines and the professional tattoo studio experience, there is a growing trend that embraces a more organic and intimate approach: stick and poke tattoos. As an ancient technique that has found its place in modern times, stick and poke tattoos offer a unique and personalized experience for both the artist and the wearer. In this article, we will explore the artistry, history, safety considerations, and the growing popularity of stick and poke tattoos, shedding light on this captivating form of body art.

What Is a Stick and Poke Tattoo?

A stick and poke tattoo, also known as a hand-poked tattoo or DIY tattoo, is a form of tattooing that involves manually puncturing the skin with a needle or instrument held by hand. Unlike traditional machine tattoos, which use an electric needle to rapidly inject ink into the skin, stick and poke tattoos are done manually, one dot or line at a time, by dipping a sterile needle in ink and then using it to puncture the skin.

The process of creating a stick and poke tattoo can be more time-consuming than traditional machine tattoos, as each individual needle prick needs to be carefully placed and spaced out to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, stick and poke tattoos may not have the same level of precision as machine tattoos, as they rely on the skill and steadiness of the artist’s hand.

Some people prefer stick and poke tattoos because they are more affordable and accessible than traditional machine tattoos, as they can be done at home with minimal equipment. Others appreciate the artistic quality of stick and poke tattoos, as they can have a more handcrafted, personal feel.

History of Stick and Poke Tattoos

The origins of stick and poke tattoos can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, where evidence suggests that they were used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. In Japan, hand-poked tattoos were used to mark criminals and outcasts during the Edo period (1603-1868), and eventually became recognized as an art form known as irezumi.

In Western culture, stick and poke tattoos gained popularity among sailors in the 19th century, who would often tattoo each other while at sea using makeshift materials such as needles and India ink. This form of tattooing continued to spread throughout various subcultures, including punk and DIY communities, where it became associated with anti-establishment values and a rejection of mainstream tattoo culture.

Despite its underground status, stick and poke tattooing has recently gained more mainstream recognition, thanks in part to social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Many artists are now using this technique to create intricate and detailed designs, and there has been a growing interest in the unique aesthetic qualities that can only be achieved through hand-poking.

how to do a stick and poke

Giving yourself or receiving a stick and poke tattoo requires some skill and preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely:

Step 1: Gather your supplies

You will need a sterilized needle, tattoo ink, a disposable cup for the ink, rubbing alcohol, gloves, and a clean towel.

Step 2: Prepare the area

Clean the area where you plan to place the tattoo with soap and water, then disinfect it with rubbing alcohol. Put on your gloves.

Step 3: Create the design

Draw the design you want on the area where you plan to place the tattoo using a non-toxic pen.

Step 4: Begin tattooing

Dip the needle in the ink and begin poking it into the skin, following your design. Continue until the entire design is complete.

Step 5: Clean up

Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and apply an ointment like petroleum jelly to help the healing process.

Pros and Cons

Stick and poke tattoos have their own set of pros and cons compared to traditional machine-made tattoos:

Pros:

  • Cost-effective: Stick and poke tattoos are much cheaper than traditional tattoos.
  • Simple and easy: The tools required for stick and poke tattoos are readily available and easy to use.
  • Unique style: Stick and poke tattoos have a distinct look that sets them apart from traditional tattoos.

Cons:

  • Risk of infection: Because stick and poke tattoos are done manually, there is a higher risk of infection if proper precautions are not taken.
  • Limited detail: Stick and poke tattoos may not be able to achieve the same level of detail as machine-made tattoos.
  • Time-consuming: Stick and poke tattoos can take much longer to complete than traditional tattoos.

Stick and Poke Tattoo vs Machine-Made Tattoo

Stick and Poke Tattoos:

  • Done by hand
  • Cheaper
  • Takes longer to complete
  • More risk of infection
  • May not achieve as much detail

Machine-Made Tattoos:

  • Done with a machine
  • More expensive
  • Faster
  • Less risk of infection
  • Achieves more detail

Stick and Poke Tattoo Ideas

Stick and poke tattoos can be as simple or as complex as you like. Here are a few popular stick and poke tattoo ideas:

  • Heart
  • Cross
  • Moon phases
  • Constellations
  • Animals
  • Words or phrases

Tips

If you’re planning to give or receive a stick and poke tattoo, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Always use sterilized equipment and proper safety precautions.
  • Start with a small design before moving on to more complex ones.
  • Take breaks to avoid hand cramps and fatigue.
  • Aftercare is essential – follow instructions for cleaning and healing.

Best Stick and Poke Tattoo Kits

If you’re looking for the best stick and poke tattoo kits, here are a few options to consider:

  • Dragonhawk DIY Stick and Poke Tattoo Kit
  • Wormhole Tattoo Stick and Poke Tattoo Kit
  • One Tattoo World Stick and Poke Tattoo Kit

Stick and poke tattoos may not be for everyone, but they offer a unique and creative way to express yourself through body art. Just remember to take the necessary precautions and follow proper aftercare instructions for a safe and successful experience.

Conclusion

Stick and poke tattoos are a fascinating form of DIY tattooing that has been around for centuries. They offer an affordable, unique, and creative way to express oneself through body art.

Yet, keep in mind that stick and poke tattoos carry some risks, such as infection and limited detail. It’s crucial to take the necessary safety precautions when giving or receiving a stick and poke tattoo, including using sterilized equipment and following proper aftercare instructions.

If you’re interested in trying out stick and poke tattoos, do your research and start with a small design before moving on to more complex ones. And always remember: safety first.

FAQs

  1. How long do stick and poke tattoos last? Stick and poke tattoos can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on factors such as the ink used and the location of the tattoo.
  2. Can stick and poke tattoos be removed? Yes, stick and poke tattoos can be removed using laser removal techniques, but it may be more difficult than removing machine-made tattoos.
  3. Does getting a stick and poke tattoo hurt? Yes, getting a stick and poke tattoo can be painful, as it involves manually puncturing the skin with a needle.
  4. Are stick and poke tattoos permanent? Yes, stick and poke tattoos are permanent, just like traditional machine-made tattoos.
  5. Can stick and poke tattoos cause infections? Yes, if proper safety precautions are not taken, stick and poke tattoos can carry a risk of infection. It’s essential to use sterilized equipment and follow proper aftercare instructions.