Okay, let’s be realistic, microblading is not the most pleasant experience. The blade literally slices the skin, and while pain is a subjective category, the sensations are not nice!
That’s why you need a high-quality, safe, fast-acting and long-lasting topical anesthetic, to make sure the procedure is as bearable as possible. You want your clients to leave your salon thrilled with their new brows, not traumatized by the pain.
To help you choose the best numbing cream for microblading to use on your clients, PMUHub has put together a list of top 5 tested and reliable products. Let’s get started!
Some Basic Info on Microblading Numbing Cream
Microblading numbing cream is a topical anesthetic used to numb the eyebrow area before the treatment.
It contains a numbing agent, usually lidocaine, that sinks into the skin and prevents the nerves from sending any signals to the brain that trigger the sensation of pain.
A topical anesthetic cream can be applied before or after eyebrow mapping. This step is called pre-numbing, and ensures the client feels no pain right from the start.
If needed, there are secondary numbing options available that come in a gel or liquid, which can be applied during the procedure when the effects of pre-numbing begin to wear off.
Image source: Instagram @frangipanibeautybar
What Is the Best Numbing Cream for Microblading?
Let’s take a look at the best numbing cream for microblading, starting from our number one pick:
1. Zensa Numbing Cream
According to many artists, Zensa Numbing Cream is the best topical numbing cream for microblading with its powerful 5% lidocaine formula.
Unlike many other numbing creams on the market, Zensa’s formula is non-sticky, non-greasy, and it doesn’t leave a film-like barrier on the skin. Due to its creamy consistency, it is very easy to pack on and wipe off when numbing is done.
It is suitable for both primary and secondary numbing, which makes it a great option for both microblading and machine brow treatments. The effects of the Zensa Numbing Cream last about 2-3 hours, depending on the client.
Discover more about Zensa Numbing Cream’s use and benefits here.
2. Numbskin Numbing Cream
The Numbskin Numbing Cream is our runner-up in the quest for the best microblading numbing cream. With its 5% lidocaine formulation, it is strong enough to make your client comfortable for up to 2 hours.
As you apply the cream you’ll notice that it glides on white and then turns clear as it sets in. It takes about 30 minutes for the formulation to completely numb the eyebrow area, which can be sped up a bit if you cover the cream with plastic wrap.
It is a 100% cruelty-free product made in Canada that can be used for microblading, tattooing, piercings, laser hair removal, and more.
3. Dr. Numb Tattoo Numbing Cream
The Dr. Numb Tattoo Numbing Cream has a rich, creamy formula that is fast-absorbing and has a smooth silky texture. It contains 5% lidocaine, it is hypoallergenic and has never been tested on animals.
Unlike many other topical numbing creams that are just meant to be dabbed on the treated area, Dr. Numb is meant to be rubbed in, in 2 layers – first, a thick layer and once it has set in, a thin layer on top of it, and covered in plastic wrap.
The heat from the plastic wrap will help for better and faster activation of the numbing agent, plus it will protect the cream from drying off.
It takes about 45 minutes for the effect to take place, but the time does vary from person to person. The results of this microblading numbing cream can last up to 3 hours.
4. Ebanel NUMB520 Topical Numbing Cream
The Ebanel NUMB520 Topical Numbing Cream is an oil-free and odor-free numbing cream that can be used for microblading. It has a 5% strength lidocaine formula enhanced with Liposomal Technology.
This numbing cream is really fast-acting – it begins to take effect in only 2-3 minutes upon application and peaks after about 20-25 minutes. The numbing can last up to 3 hours when applied densely and covered with plastic wrap.
A no-mess removal is guaranteed as this cream is water-based and leaves no greasy residue.
5. Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream
The Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream has a 5% Lidocaine, water-based formula.
It begins numbing in 3-5 minutes from application and reaches peak numbing at about 25 minutes.
The numbing sensation lasts anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the layer of cream that’s applied and whether you’ve covered it with plastic wrap. It is suitable for microblading, tattooing, microneedling, and more.
The Numb Master formula is also paraben-free and made in the USA.
Why You Should Always Use Numbing Cream on Your Clients
The use of numbing creams is an ideal solution for dealing with the burning, scratching sensation caused by microblading needles.
Some numbing creams contain vasoconstrictors that reduce bleeding, and as a result, help the artist see clearly where they are applying pigment.
The best numbing cream for microblading can also be beneficial to faster healing, but in order to unlock its full potential, you must also be mindful of how you store it.
Image source: Instagram @honey.beebrows
Important!
Remember to always apply numbing cream on clean skin, and to close your numbing cream or gel tightly after each use, to prevent oxidation. Numbing creams don’t require refrigeration but make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place.
To Sum Up
There is no universal answer to the question of what the best numbing cream for microblading is. It all comes down to personal preference.
The general rule of thumb is to invest in a high-quality, water-based formula with 5% lidocaine (the max lidocaine strength approved for use by microblading artists), but most importantly, to know how and when to use your numbing cream.
When administered correctly, numbing cream can make a huge difference between a painful experience and a five-star beauty treatment for your clients, so make sure not to skip this step.
Stock up on numbing cream for microblading and other microblading supples on PMUHub!
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