Everything You Need to Know About Numbing in Permanent Makeup
One of the first questions clients ask before a Permanent Makeup procedure is, “Will it hurt?” It’s a natural concern, but the reassuring answer is that numbing creams and gels can make the process far more comfortable when applied properly.
For PMU artists, knowing how to apply numbing creams and gels safely and effectively is key, not only to achieving the best results, but also to ensure clients feel comfortable during their procedure and keep them coming back for more!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything about numbing in Permanent Makeup: the types of numbing agents, how they work, application tips and best practices to ensure safe and comfortable procedures.
What is Numbing in Permanent Makeup?
Numbing products are topical anaesthetics designed to reduce pain and sensitivity during cosmetic tattoo procedures. When used correctly, they make PMU treatments smoother for both the client and the artist.
Numbing products fall into two main categories: pre-procedure (primary) numbing and during-procedure (secondary) numbing.
Primary Numbing
Primary numbing involves applying a topical anaesthetic, typically a cream, to unbroken skin before the procedure begins.
This step helps reduce or eliminate the initial pain, ensuring a more comfortable start and allowing the client to relax. However, because the effects may wear off once the skin is broken, pre-numbing is primarily intended to ease the beginning of the treatment and improve the overall comfort of the process.
Secondary Numbing
Secondary numbing in Permanent Makeup refers to the application of a numbing gel or liquid during the procedure, after the skin has been opened. Unlike primary numbing creams, secondary agents work faster and provide a stronger, longer-lasting effect, helping maintain client comfort throughout the session.
This step is especially important once the initial numbing wears off or proves insufficient, as it allows the artist to continue working on sensitive skin while minimizing bleeding, swelling, and discomfort, ensuring smoother procedures and better pigment retention.
Recommended Numbing Products
Hanafy Ice Gel is a powerful secondary cooling gel made for PMU, Microblading, and Tattooing procedures. It helps reduce bruising, bleeding, and swelling while easing sensitivity, keeping clients comfortable and treatments smoother for artists.
Use for: Primary & Secondary
This gel-based anaesthetic is specially formulated to stay in place on the skin without sliding, making it ideal for use on eyes, brows, lips, or areola during PMU procedures. With 4% Lidocaine for fast pain relief and 0.04% Epinephrine to quickly reduce swelling, it delivers comfort within minutes for both clients and artists.
Use for: Secondary
Suitable Areas: Eyes, Brows, Lips or Areola
A true PMU artist favorite, this topical anaesthetic is trusted for keeping clients comfortable throughout brows, lips, and areola procedures on open skin. Formulated with 4% Lidocaine, 2% Tetracaine, and 0.05% Epinephrine, it delivers quick pain relief while reducing swelling within minutes for a smoother treatment experience
Use for: Secondary
Suitable Areas: Brows, Lips or Areola
Tina Davies IceCream™ Topical Anaesthetic is a fast-acting, long-lasting numbing solution. With 5% Lidocaine for pain relief, proprietary peptides to block pain signals, and 0.25% Phenylephrine to minimize bleeding and swelling, IceCream™ keeps clients comfortable for up to 2–3 hours. Its neutral pH and added moisturizers make it safe for sensitive areas while keeping the skin soft and plump.
Use for: Primary & Secondary
Suitable Areas: Lips, Brows,
Want to learn more about how to use Tina Davies IceCream™? Click below for YouTube video with all the information you need from Tina Davies herself!
Zensa Numbing Cream contains 5% lidocaine to desensitize the skin for Permanent Makeup procedures. This product is effective on closed skin and is safe to reapply on broken skin to extend the numbing sensation.
Use for: Primary & Secondary
Suitable Areas: Brows, Lips, Eyeliner or Areola
How Long Does Numbing Last?
The duration of numbing can vary depending on the type of product used and how each client’s skin responds, but generally, primary numbing creams last around 30 to 60 minutes and begin to fade once the skin is broken.
Secondary gels or liquids, which are applied during the procedure, take effect within minutes and typically last 1 to 2 hours, depending on the formula and skin sensitivity. When both are used in combination, they help ensure client comfort throughout the entire process. Since every product works differently and each client’s skin can react uniquely, the exact duration of numbing may vary, but this provides a reliable general guideline.
Safety Tips for Using Numbing Creams in PMU
Using numbing creams for Permanent Makeup safely ensures client comfort without compromising results.
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Always follow manufacturer instructions.
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Use only professional PMU numbing products.
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Avoid over-application, too much can irritate the skin or affect pigment retention.
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Always check for allergies or prior reactions.
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Communicate with clients during the procedure to monitor comfort levels.
FAQs About Numbing in PMU
1. Can numbing affect pigment retention?
Yes, if overused, numbing can sometimes affect pigment absorption. Using products as directed prevents this issue.
2. What if a client still feels pain?
Secondary numbing gels can be reapplied during the procedure for continued relief.
3. How should clients prepare for numbing?
Advise them to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and blood thinners before treatment, as these can increase sensitivity and bleeding. As well as all your pre-procedure advise.
Numbing in PMU is more than just a comfort measure, it’s an essential part of delivering safe, smooth, and professional results. By understanding the difference between primary and secondary numbing agents, choosing the right products, and following best practices, PMU artists can create a more positive experience for every client.