You might choose a tattoo that seemed cool when you were drunk, but the next day, you might regret that fresh ink because it’s not the design you really wanted. In fact, as any reputable artist will tell you, they are known to decline drunk customers for liability concerns. Read on to discover why teetotaling helps your body prepare to get and heal a new tattoo safely and effectively. A night out in a new city with friends can be an exciting adventure, and the idea of getting a tattoo on a whim can add to the thrill. However, the combination of alcohol and tattoos can lead to complications, dissatisfaction, and even health risks.
How Does Alcohol Consumption Affect Tattoo Ink and the Healing Process?
Afterward bleeding may flush out ink out of the tattoo area which means alcohol and tattoos that the tattoo may look patchy once healed. During the healing phase, it’s best to hold back on the partying. The next party is sure to come and it will be even better than before with your new, well-healed tattoo. The appearance of a film means that the damaged skin is healed and there is no more risk of bleeding (and also washing out pigment from the skin).
Sunblock On A New Tattoo: The Dos and Donts
Hydration is particularly crucial before a tattoo, as it promotes skin elasticity for a more comfortable experience and optimal tattoo ink absorption. Post the tattoo session, ongoing drinking of water supports the healing process, promoting skin recovery and safeguarding the vibrancy and well-being of your new ink. The body processes alcohol quite slowly, and the effects on the blood are not immediately obvious. Even if you feel okay, or just a bit hungover when you get your tattoo done, your blood may still be quite diluted for hours i.e. the next day or two after drinking. If the blood is not clotting properly because it is too thin due to alcohol consumption, you’re going to have a greater risk of bleeding during and after the tattooing process. Drinking before the tattooing process can lead to complications during the application and may affect the tattoo’s appearance.
How To Come Up With Amazing Tattoo Ideas
You’ll be left with a marred tattoo that’s nowhere near what you envisioned. Let’s explain why alcohol can cause all these issues when you’re getting tattooed. Here are the reasons why you shouldn’t get tattooed while drunk. Plus, if you’re constantly under the influence, you might neglect the ongoing care your tattoo needs, like moisturizing and protecting it from the sun. Remember, alcohol is a dehydrator, and over time, dehydrated skin loses elasticity. Plus, tattooing someone under the influence is alcoholism a major no-go in many places.
When Can You Drink Alcohol After Getting a Tattoo?
You need to approve of the tattoo design you want, its size and the place you want it tatted on your body. You also need to make sure that the stencil is applied to your liking. Also, you will need to make sure that you listen keenly to aftercare instructions given which are vital for your recovery. Most people prefer to consume alcohol then get a tattoo to help numb the pain during a tattoo procedure. People are different, while some may feel that taking alcohol reduces the pain, others will definitely feel that the pain is more intense when they are drunk. As we already wrote above, alcohol is not recommended for use until the tattoo is completely healed.
- When alcohol depresses your immune system, you are more vulnerable to infections that your body would otherwise naturally fight.
- He later found out that the excessive alcohol had thinned his blood, causing some minor bleeding and ink disbursement overnight.
- The next party is sure to come and it will be even better than before with your new, well-healed tattoo.
- After all, the tattoo artist is responsible for you and your tattoo.
- In terms of drinking before the session, the excess bleeding can make it hard for the tattoo artist to do their job properly.
- Pigments accumulating in lymph nodes can lead to swelling and impair immune function.
The Boozy Truth: Alcohol and Tattoo Aftercare
- Trust me, excessive bleeding isn’t just messy, it can also dilute the ink, affecting your tattoo’s vibrancy and longevity.
- You want to come out of your tattoo session with the best, darkest ink, and drinking can mean you need a touch-up stat.
- Here are some healthy options to aid your tattoo’s healing journey.
- If your behavior due to drinking causes other customers to feel uncomfortable, or your tattoo ends up less than ideal because of thin blood, this could harm the tattoo artist and the studio.
- The vast majority of tattoo artists will refuse your tattoo request on the spot if they have any suspicions whatsoever that you may be intoxicated as you enter the studio.
- This will lead you to fidget even more or feel more pain and discomfort.
Refraining from alcohol for 24 hours before and 48 hours after the procedure is crucial to avoid potential issues and ensure optimal healing. Neglecting this precaution can result in adverse, possibly permanent effects. Opt for nourishing foods and plenty of water to aid healing and enhance well-being. Additionally, consider the policies of the tattoo parlor regarding alcohol consumption to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. This patience and care can contribute significantly to the recovery process as well as the appearance of the tattoo.
Tattoo Benefits: An Artist’s Perspective
The next morning, I woke up to a swollen, angry tattoo that felt hot to the touch. The excessive oozing had soaked through my sheets, and I was filled with a sense of dread. Thankfully, with extra care and attention, the tattoo healed fine, but it was a stark reminder of the potential consequences of even a single night of indulgence. As an experienced tattoo enthusiast, I’ve spent years exploring the intricate world of ink, from the historical significance to the diverse artistry.
Why You Should Not Drink Before Getting a Tattoo:
This can be dangerous, as we might experience prolonged or continued bleeding, or even excess bleeding if we drink alcohol after getting a tattoo. I vividly remember getting a large piece on my back a few years ago. Feeling invincible (and maybe a little too celebratory), I ignored my usual aftercare diligence and had a few too many drinks that night.
Lifestyle
Placement, style, size, shading, color and design are just a handful of important decisions you’ll need to articulate to your tattoo artist. What seemed like a great idea after a few drinks could end up as a tattoo that you have to look at every day for the rest of your life! Drinking impacts your ability to make good judgements, and you are more likely to make poor choices that you regret later. Sunlight exposure can degrade certain tattoo pigments into harmful by-products.