Can you use lidocaine before a tattoo? Here's the deal.

If you're sitting there wondering, can you use lidocaine before a tattoo to make the whole experience a lot less painful, you're definitely not alone. Let's be honest—tattoos hurt. Whether it's your first piece or your fiftieth, the idea of sitting under a needle for three or four hours isn't exactly anyone's idea of a relaxing afternoon. Lidocaine has become the go-to solution for people who want the art without the agony, but using it isn't quite as simple as just slapping some cream on and heading to the shop. ...

May 10, 2026 · 6 min · Frederic Novian