Eat right before your appointment — your pain tolerance is highest, and you're calmer and less twitchy. After more than a couple of hours since eating, it hurts more, and you can get dizzy and sick during the tattoo.
The body's blood sugar will be raised and more prepared for the stamina and energy needed for an appointment. In addition, the body's pain tolerance will be higher on a full stomach versus an empty one. If the tattoo will take a while to complete, consider bringing something to eat during a break as well.
Make sure to eat something a few hours before you come in. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach may cause you to feel faint, nauseated, or dizzy. Allow plenty of time for your visit. Your tattoo session will be most enjoyable if you have time to appreciate it.
Don't: Consume Alcohol, Coffee, and Energy Drinks
A rough night before will also leave alcohol in your system, so be aware of how much you consume. Like alcohol, caffeine intake and energy drinks also thin out your blood. So, skip that morning cup of coffee the day you get your tattoo.
Eat and Bring Snacks
Showing up to your appointment starving is not a good move. You are going to need your energy especially if you are about to sit through a longer session. A balanced and healthy meal will help your body as it deals with the needle and it will help you mentally.
Nerves and excitement might give you a loss of appetite before hitting the tattoo studio, but it's important to eat a balanced meal before you go. Remember you are about to undergo a cosmetic procedure that could take a while, so it's important your body is properly fuelled with a full stomach.
Many people will say the time of day you decide to get a tattoo is up to personal preference. Regardless of the time you choose, always make sure you eat a good meal at least two hours before your appointment.
Try to avoid drinking alcohol or taking any mind-altering substances, and make sure you keep your body hydrated in the days before and after your appointment. Hydrated skin is easier to tattoo and has much better ink retention than dry skin.
It's not uncommon for people to shiver during a tattoo because your body may be in shock so consider bringing a sweater, hoodie, or blanket to keep you warm.
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.
First of all, people pass out because their blood sugar drops from not eating or they just allow themselves to get too worked up and their own fear knocks them out. Pain is usually not the culprit when someone faints during a tattoo.
It is crucial that you get a good night's sleep before your tattoo appointment. Showing up to your appointment completely exhausted and sleepy isn't ideal as it will make the process more difficult for both you and your artist. In fact, when you are tired your body becomes more sensitive to pain.
You need a lot of energy to sit through a tattoo. The more rest you get the night before, the longer you can hold through the pain while getting a tattoo. If you come in exhausted, chances are you won't be able to handle a full multi-hour session.
The most painful spots to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas such as ribs or hips or chest usually hurt a lot. Tattoos on ribs are very popular especially among women, for example quotes, song lyrics or jewellery along the lower ribs.
You know that amazing mood boost you get after an intense gym session? The tattooing process has the same effect. These feel-good chemicals reduce your perception of the pain in the same way as drugs like morphine or codeine. You'll also feel a 'natural high' according to Mark.
Basically treat this sickness as if it is a regular flu. Your symptoms should pass in a day or two as your body's immune system calms down and gets to the proper work of healing the actual tattoo on your skin.
Small tattoos usually take under an hour to make. Palm-sized tattoo would take from one to three hours to make. Hand sized tattoo can take up to 5 hours to make. Full sleeve tattoo can take 6-10 hours to make.
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.
Eat about one hour before your appointment
After more than a couple of hours since eating, it hurts more, and you can get dizzy and sick during the tattoo. Save sugary stuff until after your tattoo – you'll do better if you're not on a “sugar high” during your appointment.
Usually, you should remove your tattoo bandage after 3-4 hours. Carefully wash your new tattoo with a professional tattoo cleanser or mild antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Pat it dry with a fresh paper towel. Always wash your hands before cleaning or touching any skin near the fresh tattoo.