CAN YOU DRINK BEFORE OR AFTER YOU INK ?

Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but let’s face it—it can also make you a little anxious. It might feel tempting to have a drink or two to calm your nerves before your appointment. But before you reach for that drink, think again. Drinking alcohol before getting a tattoo is actually a big no-no, and here’s why.

Less Control Over Your Body
When you get a tattoo, your skin is pierced thousands of times per minute. Depending on the size and detail, you could be in that chair for hours. Tattooing is already tough on your body, and adding alcohol into the mix makes it even harder. Alcohol lowers your control over your movements, which means you could unknowingly fidget or move around—making it impossible for your artist to give you those clean, crisp lines. Not to mention, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning you’ll be running to the bathroom more often than you’d like. Trust us, taking too many breaks during your session will only prolong the pain for you and frustrate your artist.

Lack of Good Judgment
Choosing a tattoo is a big decision—it’s going to be on your body for life! When you drink, your judgment isn’t at its best, and that can lead to impulsive choices you’ll regret the next day. It’s all fun and games until you wake up with both a hangover and a tattoo you didn’t really want.

Thinned Blood
Alcohol causes your blood to thin, which means you’ll bleed more during your tattoo session. This extra bleeding can mess up the artist’s stencil and make it harder to apply the ink smoothly. In some cases, the ink might not stick properly, leaving you with a patchy tattoo. If you want a clean, vibrant tattoo, it’s best to skip the booze before your appointment.

Respect the Artist and the Shop
Lastly, showing up drunk to your tattoo appointment is not only disrespectful to yourself but also to the artist and the shop. No one wants to deal with a tipsy or out-of-control client. Plus, other customers might see you and question the professionalism of the shop. Many reputable artists will refuse to work on someone who’s been drinking, so save yourself the embarrassment and avoid this situation altogether.

Why You Shouldn’t Drink After Getting a Tattoo

So you got through the session, and now you want to celebrate with a drink. Hold up! Drinking right after getting a tattoo can also mess with your healing process. Here's why you should wait at least 48 hours after your tattoo before drinking alcohol:

Alcohol Causes Excessive Bleeding
If you notice your tattoo is still bleeding more than 36 hours after the session, alcohol might be the reason. Your body needs to clot and scab to heal properly, and alcohol can prevent that from happening. If the bleeding continues beyond 48 hours, it’s a sign that something's wrong and you may need medical attention.

Slows Down Healing
A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and it takes time for your body to heal. Drinking alcohol can slow down the healing process by suppressing your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Larger tattoos take even longer to heal, so if you want your ink to look its best, give your body a break and let it recover.

The Bottom Line: Skip the alcohol before and after your tattoo to ensure the best outcome and fastest healing. It’s not worth the risk!