Alcohol thins your blood, which can make the tattooing process trickier for your artist, and can worsen your healing too. Excess blood while you are being tattooed could mean more ink gets pushed out of your skin, leaving you with a lackluster tattoo.
It is advisable that you refrain from drinking for at least 48-72 hours after getting a tattoo. It is normal for plasma and blood to ooze 48 hours after getting a tattoo. However, alcohol consumption will increase the bleeding rate due to blood thinning. Excessive bleeding may lead to bigger problems.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
We've all seen those movies or TV programs where people find the courage to get a tattoo when drunk. But they almost always regret them afterwards. If you're serious about getting an amazing tattoo, then we'd advise not to drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand.
You should not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before the tattoo appointment, because alcohol dilutes your blood.
Pee first.
This one is my favorite only because one time, while getting tattooed, I fainted and peed. No joke, that happened. So take my advice and pee first. Also, once your artist gets going you don't want to have to interrupt them to tinkle.
Cleaning and excess water exposure
So never submerge a fresh tattoo underwater. Also, avoid excessive water exposure while showering. Our skin is like a sponge and it will absorb the water, which can damage the tattoo. When it comes to cleaning your new tattoo, make sure you do this several times a day.
But guzzle tons of water. Drink plenty of water. Your skin thins when you're dehydrated, so chugging water, starting the day before your appointment, will make your body a better canvas for the tattoo.
Alcohol lessens the number of white blood cells that, helps to fight off infections, and promotes healing. So you need to preserve all your healing ability for a tattoo that you and your artist have envisioned. Avoid drinking before and after the process, and let your body heal without any trouble.
You can thicken your blood after drinking alcohol by consuming foods that are high in vitamin K.
Alcohol detection tests can measure alcohol in the blood for up to 12 hours, on the breath for 12 to 24 hours, urine for 12-24 hours (72 or more hours after heavier use), saliva for up to 12 hours, and hair for up to 90 days. The half-life of alcohol is between 4-5 hours.
We advise that you don't drink coffee before getting a tattoo. Sure, drinking coffee, or any drink that contains caffeine, may calm your nerves, but this is a temporary effect and should be avoided. For one, caffeine is known to thin the blood, which can increase bleeding and reduce healing.
Alcohol, in low to moderate amounts, thins the blood, reducing the risk of clots. But moderation is key - and doctors don't recommend drinking alcohol to protect against DVT. The relationship between alcohol and deep vein thrombosis may depend on what, and how much, you pour in your glass.
With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
It's recommended you wait at least 24 hours before showering after getting a new tattoo. This allows the tattooed area to begin the healing process and reduces the risk of infection. Showering too soon after getting a tattoo may expose the open wound to bacteria and increase the chances of complications.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
Your tattoo is an open wound, so soaking it in water exposes the open wound to bacteria, increasing the chance of infection—yikes! Wait at least two weeks, or as long as your tattoo artist recommends, before exposing it to swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, pools, saunas, and any other open water or moist environment.
Drink plenty of water the day before and make sure that you eat a healthy meal no longer than an hour before your appointment. Bringing a snack that is high in protein with you to your appointment helps your body to rejuvenate when you and your artist take a break.
Avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo and using any slept-on sheets. Previously-used bath or face towels should also never touch or go near a fresh tattoo. Don't drink any alcohol for at least 48-72 after (and before) getting a tattoo. Alcohol thins your blood, which can lead to excess bleeding.
Most professionals say you can generally expect tattoos to heal in two weeks, but it's usually safe to work out 48 hours after getting a tattoo or 1–2 days after laser tattoo removal. Make sure you're wearing comfortable clothes, following aftercare instructions, and avoiding overexertion.