Dr. Numb says that it’s a way for you to get work done on your skin, like waxing, tattoos, and injections, without feeling the pain that’s usually involved. On the surface this looks like a winner right from the start, but this is one of those products where a little research will leave you with more questions than you have answers. So we tried to sift through the information, the misinformation, and the debates to see what actual users are reporting.
Overview
Just because you want to get a tattoo doesn’t mean you have to endure the pain that comes with it. Although some tattoo enthusiasts would say that’s part of the rite of passage into the “tattooed club” others might want one just for the look. The same holds true for those that want to be hair free, as well as pain free. Some of the most effective hair removal procedures entail their fair share of pain, and by sidestepping that pain they become a much more attractive option than shaving.
The Claim
Dr. Numb claims that you’ll be able to get your tattoos done faster because they won’t have to stop so much due to the pain. The same thing goes with waxing and laser procedures for hair removal. They also say that you can use this for injections, either insulin for diabetics or for kids getting their shots at the doctor’s office. They say that millions of users have proven that it’s safe and effective to use, and that it goes on fast and can last up to 4 hours.
The Cost
One tube of Dr. Numb is $54 plus shipping, which might seem pricey at first, but they’ll let you try it out for free for 10 days so you can see if it’s worth keeping. They offer bulk discounts, and say that 5 tubes at $150 with free shipping is one of their best offers. They also have bigger discounts for tattoo shops and waxing clinics so they can have it on hand for patients and clients. One popular sentiment is that these prices are rather high, and that the size of the tubes is rather small.
The Motivation
With the reduction in pain this should represent less of a commitment to procedures that are notorious for being a bit traumatic when it comes to the pain level. In fact, some of the procedures they mention conjure so many memories of painful encounters that they probably get people ordering just so they don’t have to relive them. Pain is a strong motivator, and the thought of being able to get work done on the skin, minus the pain is something that is too tempting for many people.
Evaluation
The reviews are mixed when it comes to Dr. Numb, which is not really something you want to see when you’re taking an all-or-nothing chance on missing out on some pain. They have a 30 day guarantee, but the fine print states that they only on this for unopened tubes. That doesn’t make much sense unless you buy multiple tubes up front without trying it out first. The 10 day free trial appears that you can use it and then call to cancel the charges from happening as long as you’re in that 10 day window, but you’re still charged for shipping.
One way to go is to ask your tattoo artist which numbing cream they recommend. They’re the ones on the front lines seeing what works reliably, and since they’ll be held accountable if you have a bad experience, you can be sure that they don’t have any ulterior motives behind the suggestions they make. They’ll also be able to make sure that you apply it correctly, and then you’ll at least have the peace of mind knowing that if it still hurts that’s just the best that can be done.
Some tattoo artists also say that using numbing creams before getting work done can actually effect the tattoo, and that the pain is a necessary indicator for when the body has had too much for one session. By dulling that sensation you could be taking on too much at a time and it could make the healing process take longer.
Final Dr. Numb Review
Dr. Numb is getting the Thumbs Down based on the large number of negative reviews that it has received. A product like this should basically be universal and have a large percentage of users saying that it works wonderfully. What you see is a split down the middle, with half of users saying it works and that the other half doesn’t know how to use it right. But the fact of the matter is that you don’t want to take a 50/50 chance on something that is supposed to numb pain. If you’re expecting no pain and then get a lot of it, it’s going to hurt worse because you weren’t expecting it.
Our Recommendation
There are a few ways you could feasibly use something like this. One would be if you’ve always wanted to get a tattoo, but didn’t want to take all the pain that comes with it. The other would be if you’ve been wanting to get waxed but know how bad it hurts. It might also come in handy for your young one if they’ve been known to throw a fit when getting their inoculations. We did find one possible alternative, a well-reviewed numbing cream that’s nearly half the price.
I would suggest applying heat to make sure your pores are open so it can absorb the cream. I was told to use a blow dryer. It actually works.
I just used Dr Numb for a tattooing session. I applied the product exactly as instructed from the directions in the box. It did work….for only about an hour and then it started to fade out. It did not make the tattoo discomfort worse after the numbing sensation was gone, however, I felt the usual sting of the needle for the remaining 3 hours of the tattoo session. Its a good product to get you started but I was dissapointed that I paid over $50 for only an hour of pain relief. I wouldn’t give it a second chance, I might try a different product in the future that is less expensive and hope for more than an hour of discomfort relief.
100% Agree. Used this twice for a chest piece. The first two sessions, I had no numbing cream and felt my soul leave my body it was so painful. Used Dr. Numb and had two amazing tattoo experiences. It does wear off about an hour or so, at least for me but that’s because this stuff works on the top layer of skin and tattoos are done deeper than that so of course it’s gonna hurt after awhile. I agree that anyone that says it doesn’t work, hasn’t applied it properly. I keep the numbed area wrapped for about two and a half hours.
Dr. Numb DOES work. Ignore the people who use it indirectly.
How to use:
1) shave the hair off the area you want worked on.
2) take a HOT shower roughly 1-2hour before you leave so the pores are open and the cream can get in there.
3) apply cream to dry skin and wrap it in cling film
4) enjoy your pain free tattoo. Now bare in mind it won’t be 100% pain free the WHOLE season (it does lose a bit of its effect after a few hours) but it will take 90% of the edge off. I was tattood yesterday, first 2 hours was pain free, last hour could barely feel it.
I doubt anyone is immune to lidocaine so if anyone claims it doesn’t work they cannot apply cream to themselves.
For me, it lasts about 2-3 hours. My strategy is that I time things so I put Dr. Numb on with plastic wrap over it for 1 hour, I immediately wash it off very well, then drive straight to my appointment. I’m in and out before it wears off. It even lasts for an hour or so afterwards. Make sure to wash it off completely, otherwise you may severely blister.
Used it for a big chest piece last two hours made it sooo easy had no issues at all had the odd pinch in sensitive spots but this stuff’s amazing willdefinetly use agin and again
This is such a scam. $54+ shipping is ridiculous! I will NEVER buy this crap again. I mean if it “actually worked” then yea I wouldn’t mind paying $54 for it I would pay $100 no problem, but the fact is it doesn’t work! I follwed the instructions hoping for some pain relief but was left disappointed.
Hi Larry, thank you so much for this review. I was looking everywhere for application amount for laser tattoo removal. It was manageable up to my fifth session 3 months ago and I literally had to stop 3 times and broke down crying. When finished I was shaking from head to toe from shock. My piece is my half way down my back until above my bottom with gaps in between. I have been using Emla but it just did not cut it last time. I did think Dr Numb was a different application amount to putting the tattoo on as it is based on time and not area covered.
Good luck with your journey, I hope you get the result you are looking for 🙂
Bought today and now testing. Followed instructions and now had skin covered for 1 hour. No numbness at all. I presume this is not normal.
I used it for my stomach tattoo and was useless, it hurt like hell
Hello, I was wondering how long did the cream last for you? Hours.. or minutes?
I had PicoSure laser tattoo removal for a large back piece, probably 15″ by 15″. My first session took about 20 minutes. I thought I had a high pain threshold, but this damn laser was crazy. It felt like torture, 50 times more painful than getting the tattoo. I kept tapping out and asking for a break. it would have taken 10 minutes if I just let her continue without breaks. Pain was a 11 out of 10.
12 weeks later I returned for my second session. I applied Dr. Numb liberally over the tattoo, covered in saran wrap for an hour, washed off the residue, and immediately drove for my 2nd PicoSure session. I was dreading it so bad. Well, my skin wasn’t numb, but it made a noticeable different. I would say the pain was about a 6-7 out of 10. Definitely did not tickle, but I was able to go through the session without asking for a break. I’ll take those results any day of the week.
I probably used 10 grams (approx. 1/3 of the bottle) to cover a 15″ by 15″ tattoo. So, I have enough left for 2 more sittings. Dr. Numb isn’t necessarily cheap, but when you consider my PicoSure costs $750 per session!, and extra $10-15 in numbing cream isn’t a big deal.
Highly recommend! Couldn’t be happier. Just keep your expectations realistic and don’t expect total numbing, unless you’re one of the lucky ones.
Does not work at all. I bought it off their website and followed the instructions very carefully. Waste of money!!!
No it does not ive used it several times although you can have a skin rash if you have sensitive skin
This stuff really works!!!! If you know how to use it!:0 i have very bad nerve damage on my thigh so its very sensitive if anything comes near or touch with that being said i still wanted a tattoo there lol i got dr numb put a layer on my thigh waited 15 min then added another layer left wrapped it with plastic kept it on for a 1 hour and a half and it lasted 3 and a half hour session on my thigh without feeling unbearable pain! Felt slight very small pinches at time but nothing big very slight pain. Highly recommend to anyone who cant handle pain!
Does Dr numb have any side effects
I was recommended dr numb by my artist at purple rose in bristol for my back piece after a session or two of prolonged agony!! I was a bit hesitant due to the price but i bought a tube from ebay and did as she advised, covered half of my back with a thick layer (not rubbed in) one hour before session, wrapped myself in cling film. When we started the tattooing i was amazed, i didnt feel a thing at all it blew my mind! I just lay on my front reading a book it was bliss. Sometimes the needle would go over a spot the cream had missed and make me jump but other than that it was such a relief. After an hour or so she applied more cream.to the other side of my back which she moved onto later, again wonderfully numbed. I would say the people who it hasnt worked for probably didnt put it on correctly as every tube ive bought has worked a treat. Ive had 25 hours on my back so far and the last three sessions using the cream have been a breeze, couldnt handle getting it finished without dr numb!! One more session to go 🙂
Not sure why but my AutoCorrect keeps putting Dr. Nam instead of Dr. numb Sorry guys
I recently purchased Dr. Nam and sat through I five hour tattoo I personally think the application is the very important part on how it works I actually shaved the area first to get the first layer of skin off and then I soaked it with a really hot cloth to open the pores and then I rubs the first layer of Dr. Nam on until there was no color left and then apply the second coat that was very thick to the point that my skin would not absorb any of it after this I wrapped it with saran wrap and kept it wrapped for about two hours I can say that it worked really well for about 2 1/2 hours and then the pain slowly started to come back within the three and four hour marks so with that being said I feel that the product is a good product if used correctly hopefully this helps anyone that is skeptical about the product
recently bought this and can honestly say it dosnt work one bit and for the price its ridiculous its a total scam do not buy !!!!!!!!
Doctor Numb does not work. I personally can attest to that.
Dr. Numb works wonders. It’s important to purchase the product from official site because amazon and ebay sell counterfeit products. For example, the product carton shown on this post is counterfeit. They have different packaging when you order from the official site. We are a retail shop so we were originally deceived due to some Chinese seller on ebay. When u order from the official site, it is NOT in an aluminum tub nor the product box illustrated in this post! Also it should have a leaflet and child resistant cap!
Call their hotline if you are unsure. Drnumb products are second to none. Just gotta watch counterfeit products just like any other items on ebay amazon these days..
My daughter did the same thing. She has had one tattoo and it was painful and her tattoo artist told her about Dr. Numb so the next tattoo she had done she was prepared. She said the pain was lessened. It cost effective. I have used Dr. Numb when I was having a terrible toothache. I was using orajel and it wasn’t doing a thing for my toothache and my daughter told me to put some on the side of my face where the pain was from the toothache and it did take away the throbbing pain from the tooth. Dr. Numb is great for toothaches too!
I love Dr Numb! I was getting a tattoo in March and the pain was excruciating! I said I wish there was a way to numb the area, and my tattoo artist told me about the product. I finished the session and bought a tube of this stuff. Trust me, if it weren’t for Dr Numb I would’ve never had my tattoo finished! I love it, and will be using it every time I get tattooed from now on!
Dr Numb is actually pretty good, but if I had to choose I’ll probably go with Lidocream as well. You’ll find the link right below the recommendation. Once you get it you’ll find that it has a lot more use than you can think of right now. They’re cheap, last long, and they’re very effective. You can’t do surgery with it 😛 but for most commonsensical uses you’ll find lidocream very useful.
I don’t know about using it for tattooing but it’ll come in handy for hair removal and depending on how effective it is it might even be very nice to use for diabetics. I get waxing done all the time and I literally shed tears sometimes because it hurts so much. Maybe I could try a tube and my aunt and I could split the cost since she can use it when she gets her insulin shot. If anyone’s used Dr. Numb please advice.