Long tattoo sessions ask a lot of your skin, and most of what makes them hard isn't the needle itself. It's the hours in the chair, the bleeding, and the fatigue that builds as the session goes on, as this study on tattoo pain found.
That's the gap Signature Numbing Cream XL and Signature XL Numbing Spray are made to close, one for getting comfortable before you start, the other for staying comfortable once you're deep into the piece.
This guide walks through exactly how to use both, so you know what to expect at every stage of the session.
How It Actually Works
Numbing cream doesn't switch feeling off, it turns it down. The active ingredients get in under the skin and block the nerve signals before they reach your brain, so what would normally come through as sharp pain reads more like pressure, or barely anything at all. Here's the science behind it, if you want the full breakdown.
That's also why it needs time to sink in, and why it gets sealed under cling film while it works. The warmth and moisture trap the product against the skin, so it absorbs properly instead of just sitting on top.
One thing worth remembering: the numbing effect keeps working for a little while even after the cream's wiped off. That's exactly why you remove it right before your artist starts, not earlier, the timing genuinely matters.
Cream vs Spray: Know the Difference
Signature Numbing Cream XL and Signature XL Numbing Spray are made to work together, but they cover different points in the session. Here's how they compare.
|
|
Signature Numbing Cream XL |
Signature XL Numbing Spray |
|
Best for |
Pre-session prep on unbroken skin |
Mid-session top-up on broken skin |
|
When to apply |
About 90 minutes before your artist starts |
Once tattooing is already underway |
|
Prep needed |
Wash, dry, apply a thick layer, cover with cling film |
None, spray directly on the area |
|
Wait time |
90 minutes under wrap |
Takes effect within a minute or two |
|
Typical duration |
Around 3 to 4 hours |
Reapply as needed through the session |
Both use the same active formula, 5% lidocaine, 5% prilocaine and 1% epinephrine working together. Use the cream alone for a quick touch-up, or pair it with the spray for a full sleeve or a multi-hour session.
How to Use Signature Numbing Cream XL
Getting this right comes down to timing and technique. Both are simple once you know the order.
One tube (30g) covers roughly 60cm² of skin, so plan your tube count around the size of the piece. And skip the alcohol for 24 hours before your session, it can affect how your skin absorbs the cream.
How to Use Signature XL Numbing Spray
Once your artist has started and the skin's broken, this is where the spray takes over.
Because this is going onto broken skin, don't let it sit for more than 20 minutes at a time without reapplying or having it worked back into the tattoo. It's made for repeat, in-session use, not a single long application.
Getting the Best Result
A few habits make the difference between a numbing product that works well and one that underperforms.
- Patch test the day before your session. A little redness is normal, soreness or blistering isn't, and a patch test gives you a heads up either way.
- Apply generously. A thin layer won't hold up the way a proper 2mm coat will.
- Start with clean, product-free skin, nothing else on the area beforehand.
- Don't skip the wrap on the cream. It's doing more work than people expect.
This combination is especially useful for full sleeves and back pieces, extended sessions, multiple tattoos booked close together, and anyone who's a regular in the chair.
One more thing worth flagging: this is for cosmetic tattoo comfort, not a medical-grade anaesthetic. If you're pregnant or managing a heart condition, check with your GP before using either product.
FAQ
- Will it affect my tattoo or the healing process?
No. Used as directed, numbing cream and spray don't interfere with how your tattoo takes or heals.
- Can my artist tell I've used numbing product?
Some artists can notice a difference in how the skin feels early on, but it's not something that affects their work. Plenty of artists work with numbed clients regularly.
- How long does it actually last?
The cream holds for around 3 to 4 hours on average. The spray is shorter-acting but made for repeat use, so you can keep topping up as needed.
- Can I use the cream and spray together?
Yes, that's exactly how they're designed to be used, cream to get started, spray to keep going.
- Is it safe to use every session?
Used as directed, yes. If you're getting tattooed frequently, just keep an eye on how your skin responds, and patch test again if you're trying it after a break.
