Let’s be honest - no one likes pain. Your clients don’t want to feel like their brows are being carved into their skulls and you don’t want a squirming client making your job harder.
That’s why numbing products exist. But with so many options - creams, gels, and even liquid numbing solutions - it’s easy to get confused about which one to use and when.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- What’s the difference between numbing creams, gels, and liquids?
- Which one do you use before vs after opening the skin?
- Does secondary numbing need to be wiped off before working?
- How often should you reapply secondary numbing?
Then you’re in the right place. Let’s break it all down - no fluff, just facts.
1. Cream vs. Gel vs. Liquid: What’s the Difference?
Not all numbing products are created equal. Each type has a different purpose and using the wrong one at the wrong time can lead to frustrating results (for you and your client).
Numbing Cream = Before You Open the Skin
Best for: Pre-numbing (before you start tattooing)
- Thick, lotion-like texture
- Soaks into the skin before the procedure
- Works slower but provides deeper numbing
How It Works:
Numbing creams contain lidocaine and other ingredients that absorb into the skin to dull pain before you start. Since the skin is still intact, it takes 20-30 minutes to work.
Popular Pre-Numbing Creams:
- Zensa
- TKTX
- J-PRO
Numbing Gel = After You Open the Skin
Best for: Secondary numbing (during the procedure)
- Thicker than liquid but still smooth
- Penetrates quickly once the skin is open
- Works instantly, but fades faster
How It Works:
Once the skin is open, numbing gels absorb directly into the exposed tissue, making them work almost immediately (within 1-2 minutes). However, the effect doesn’t last as long as pre-numbing creams.
Popular Secondary Numbing Gels:
- Tag #45
- NumQuick
- Feel Better Now
Numbing Liquid = Fastest Absorption, Best for Lips and Eyeliner
Best for: Secondary numbing, especially for delicate areas like lips and eyeliner
- Very thin, watery consistency
- Absorbs instantly once the skin is open
- Works fastest, but wears off quickly
How It Works:
Liquid numbing is highly concentrated and absorbs instantly into open skin, making it perfect for sensitive areas like lips, eyeliner, and scar camouflage.
Popular Numbing Liquids:
- Bactine (Also works as an antiseptic)
- Ultra Duration
Best Used For:
- Lip blush (because lips absorb liquid better than thicker gels)
- Eyeliner (to avoid thick product running into the eyes)
- Fine line tattooing (where precise numbing is needed)
2. The Science Behind Numbing: Active Ingredients and How They Work
Now that you know when to use each type, let’s talk about what’s actually in them and why some work better than others.
Lidocaine (The Main Star) – Blocks Pain Signals
- Most common numbing agent (found in creams, gels, and liquids)
- Works by blocking nerve signals so the brain doesn’t register pain
- Safe in doses under 5% (higher concentrations can cause irritation)
Epinephrine – Shrinks Blood Vessels (Reduces Swelling and Bleeding)
- Found in some secondary numbing products
- Constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling and bleeding
- Extends numbing effects (since less blood flow = slower absorption)
Warning: Some clients are sensitive to epinephrine and may get jittery or lightheaded. If your client has heart issues, avoid products with epinephrine.
Tetracaine – Deepens and Prolongs Numbing
- Stronger than lidocaine, but takes longer to activate
- Often used in combination with lidocaine for stronger effect
- Found in long-lasting pre-numbing creams
Benzocaine – Surface-Level Numbing
- Works fast but doesn’t penetrate deeply
- Usually combined with lidocaine and tetracaine for a full numbing effect
- Great for sensitive areas like lips
3. How to Use Numbing Properly (Without Ruining Your Work)
Step 1: Apply Pre-Numbing Cream Correctly
- Apply a thick layer (don’t rub it in - let it sit on top of the skin)
- Cover with plastic wrap to help absorption
- Wait 20-30 minutes (longer for tougher skin)
- Remove completely before starting
Pro Tip: The longer pre-numbing sits, the better it works. Don’t rush it!
Step 2: Use Secondary Numbing Gel or Liquid the Right Way
- Only use after the skin is open
- Apply a thin layer with a microbrush or Q-tip
- Wait 1-2 minutes for full effect
- Wipe off numbing before continuing
Pro Tip: If a client starts feeling pain mid-procedure, dab on secondary numbing and give it a minute - it’ll kick in almost instantly.
4. How Often Should You Apply Secondary Numbing?
- Apply whenever the client starts feeling discomfort - usually every 15-20 minutes.
- Don’t overuse it! Too much numbing can make the skin rubbery and harder to implant pigment.
5. Common Numbing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Not Waiting Long Enough for Pre-Numbing to Work
- Solution: Give it a full 30 minutes before starting.
Mistake #2: Overusing Secondary Numbing
- Solution: Apply a thin layer every 15-20 minutes max.
Mistake #3: Not Checking for Allergies
- Solution: Always ask if they’ve had reactions to lidocaine or epinephrine.
Mistake #4: Using Secondary Numbing Too Soon
- Solution: The skin must be open for it to work - otherwise, it just sits on the surface.
Mastering Numbing Like a Pro
- Use creams for pre-numbing (before opening the skin).
- Use gels for secondary numbing (during the procedure).
- Use liquid numbing for fast absorption, especially for lips and eyeliner.
- Reapply secondary numbing every 15-20 minutes as needed.
If you do it right, your clients will be relaxed, your work will be easier, and your reputation as a skilled artist will grow.