Do Tattoo Numbing Creams & Sprays Work?

Getting a tattoo isn’t exactly a walk in the park, and for some, numbing creams and sprays can help manage the discomfort. These products, many sold as pre-session creams, claim to reduce pain with ingredients like lidocaine. But do they actually work, or are they just hype?

Before you rush to buy tattoo numbing cream, let’s break it down. We’re here to explain how most numbing creams work, when to apply them (hint: not on broken skin), and whether artists actually recommend them. Because trust us—there’s always more to the story.

How Tattoo Numbing Creams & Sprays Actually Work

Tattoo numbing creams and sprays typically rely on lidocaine, benzocaine, epinephrine, or other active ingredients to dull pain signals before they reach your brain. They sit on the skin’s surface, providing temporary relief before the tattoo needle even touches you. 

But here’s the deal—most tattoo artists aren’t fans of typical numbing creams.

Why? Because numbing cream can alter skin texture and affect ink absorption, impacting the way they tattoo. Even more, numbing creams can wear off mid-session, leaving you in more discomfort than if you hadn’t used them at all. Talk about a double-edged sword. That’s why it’s always best to speak with your artist BEFORE you purchase one. Your artist can speak to their process, the length of your session, the piece, and more to determine whether or not a numbing cream would be an effective choice for you.

Why Hustle Butter’s New Numbing Spray is Different

Traditional numbing creams can create a barrier on the skin, affecting how ink settles and making the tattooing process more challenging for the artist. This is partially due to the fact that they are applied before the session even starts.

Hustle Butter Numbing Spray, on the other hand, isn’t just another numbing product—it’s an in-process spray used by artists. Unlike traditional numbing creams that are applied before a session and wear off mid-way, this spray is used throughout the tattooing process and can be reapplied as needed. Artists use it in place of green soap, wiping it off while working to keep the area clean and comfortable.

This two-in-one numbing spray comforts and cleanses, reducing discomfort while also helping to prevent infection. Hustle Butter Numbing Spray offers a seamless, artist-approved solution that helps keep the tattooing process smooth from start to finish. Plus, with its easy-to-use packaging, the application is quick, clean, and hassle-free. Hustle Butter products are created in conjunction with artists - so you know they are effective in-process. Talk about a better session.

When Numbing Might Make Sense

While every person and tattoo is different, there are some instances  where using a numbing spray or cream can be especially beneficial, like  for:

• Large-scale tattoos – long, multi-hour sessions can be tough.
• Sensitive areas – Spots like ribs, elbows, or knees can be extra painful.
• Clients with low pain tolerance – Some people naturally have more sensitivity to pain.

While numbing products won’t make a tattoo painless, they can help reduce discomfort and make longer sessions more manageable. Many artists use numbing sprays to extend relief, making it easier for the client to stay still throughout the session.

Hustle Butter’s Take: What You Actually Need for a Smooth Tattoo

A smooth tattoo experience isn’t just about numbing—it’s about choosing the right artist, preparing your skin, and following proper aftercare. Hustle Butter is trusted by artists and clients worldwide to keep skin clean and nourished - before, during, and after tattooing.

Let’s break down the essentials of a smooth tattoo process: A Good Artist = Less Pain.

A skilled tattoo artist can reduce discomfort just by using the right techniques. Precision, pacing, and experience all play a role in making the process smoother.

While numbing creams can help dull pain, choosing an artist who knows how to work efficiently and gently makes the biggest difference. If you’re worried about discomfort, focus on finding an experienced artist who will work with you and your needs—it’ll pay off in the long run.

Proper Skin Prep & Aftercare = More Effective Healing

How you care for your skin before and after your tattoo is just as important as the session itself.

• Before your appointment – Keep skin hydrated, clean, and healthy to ensure better ink retention.
• After your tattoo – Follow proper aftercare by keeping the area clean, moisturized, and protected to aid in healing and help prevent irritation.

Skipping aftercare can lead to fading, irritation, or infections, as well as impact the finished product. Want your tattoo to stay vibrant? Take care of your skin from start to finish.

Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm Keeps Skin Soft & Prepped

If you’re planning a tattoo session it's essential to be prepared and stock up on aftercare essentials ahead of time. Proper prep and post-tattoo care make all the difference in comfort, healing, and ink longevity. The Hustle Essentials Tattoo Care Kit is a must-have for keeping the area clean, nourished, and protected after the session. We’re talking about all the essentials you need while your masterpiece heals. This powerhouse trio includes the Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm to keep skin moisturized, Hustle Bubbles Antibacterial Foaming Soap to gently cleanse the area, and the Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Wrap for breathable protection. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your latest masterpiece, this kit keeps your skin nourished and your tattoo looking fresh. Plus, it’s compact, TSA-friendly, and artist-recommended - a triple win, some may say.

Conclusion

Tattoo numbing creams and sprays can help manage pain, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some products wear off quickly or interfere with the tattooing process, but Hustle Butter Numbing Spray offers an in-process artist-approved alternative for reducing discomfort without impacting the process.

If you’re considering numbing products, talk to your artist first and choose a formula that works with your skin and their process. And don’t forget—great tattoo results come from proper prep, the right artist, and solid aftercare.