Make sure to drink lots before, during, and after the tattoo session. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water, natural fruit juice, lemonade, or lime water.
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.
Alcoholic Beverages – alcohol should be avoided before and after getting a tattoo. It can dilute the blood and promote excessive bleeding during and after the tattooing process. Because of the excess blood, the tattoo will have a hard time drying and sealing, which can cause an inflammatory reaction and infection.
Vitamin C develops the creation of collagen and keeps the skin sturdy and moist. The natural oils in oranges assist with moisturizing skin and giving a healthier feel to it. You can eat or drink orange juice and will end up with similar outcomes.
To act on tattoo hydration from the inside, drinking more water will increase the water content travelling through the blood vessels and the layers of the skin. However, the most efficient way to increase your tattoos' hydration is from the outside; by applying a moisturizer to your tattoos.
Foods to avoid include those that promote inflammation – red meats, foods high in sugar, salt and additives, as well as overly processed foods. These can interfere with the body's natural healing processes. The same is said to be true for an excessive amount of dairy.
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.
Like alcohol, you should avoid all types of energy drinks: coffee, coca-cola and other caffeinated liquids. Such drinks dilate blood vessels, which can lead to more bleeding with skin injuries. From the list of foods consumed, seafood should be excluded, as well as fatty, heavy, spicy and fried foods.
Drunken behaviour could ruin your new tattoo
You need to be aware of keeping your tattoo clean and dry while it is fresh, so a night out might not be the best option. It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
After getting a new tattoo, it's important to wait at least 24 hours before showering. This delay allows the tattoo to begin the healing process and ensures that the open wound has had enough time to close, reducing the risk of infection.
The outer layers of your skin will heal in about two to four weeks, while the deeper layers where the ink sits will take about 4 months to heal.
Carbs are good, but not too many
But, Whitney Marie Donohue, artist at Rise Again Tattoo in Billings, MT, suggests “bringing little candies to keep your blood sugar up” during the session so that you don't feel faint from the sight of needles, blood, or you know, from not eating at all.
Since caffeine increases blood pressure, you should refrain from caffeine until your tattoo has healed. Keep in mind that caffeine is also present in many other common foods and drinks, some of which you may not be aware of: Breakfast cereals. Frozen yogurt.
Get hydrated. Drink at least one (1) to two (2) liters of water a day. When you are hydrated, your skin is hydrated and will be able to maintain a better heal and withstand longer sessions. Lotion the area to be tattooed every day, or twice daily.
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.
Tattoo flu explained
So while you might be super chill mentally, your immune system might charge in like there's a four alarm fire. When the needle hits your skin, your pain receptors go into overdrive, giving you a nice jolt of adrenaline which then makes your ticker beat a bit faster.
You may also see redness, swelling, and some mild bleeding. DAYS 3-14 (or until healed): After the first 2-3 days, your tattoo should begin to feel dry and tight.
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
After cleaning your tattoo, using a moisturizer is a crucial step in tattoo aftercare. Keeping the area moist will protect it from cracking, drying, and bleeding. Use a moisture-sealing product two to three times daily (every 8 to 10 hours) until the scabs have fully healed.