Getting a tattoo is an experience that can make you feel both excited and nervous. Whether it's your first tattoo, or you're adding to your collection, there are certain precautions you should take to ensure the best outcome. One of these precautions involves being mindful of what you consume before your tattoo appointment, particularly substances like caffeine and alcohol.
Here's why you might want to skip that morning coffee or evening cocktail before getting inked:
Blood Flow and Bleeding
Caffeine and alcohol both have an impact on your body's blood flow. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, while alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels. These effects can lead to increased bleeding during the tattooing process. Excessive bleeding not only makes it harder for the artist to work, but can also affect the outcome of the tattoo, potentially causing ink to spread or leading to an uneven or patchy appearance once healed.
Pain Perception
Tattoos range from easy to difficult to withstand depending on the area of the body they’re placed on. Certain substances can make the experience even more uncomfortable. Caffeine, with its stimulating properties, can heighten your sensitivity to pain, making the tattooing process feel more intense. Similarly, alcohol can dull your senses, but it can also make you more sensitive to pain once its effects wear off. By avoiding both substances, you give yourself the best chance of tolerating the discomfort more easily.
Hydration Levels
Both caffeine and alcohol consumption lead to dehydration. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to fluid loss. Alcohol also has a dehydrating effect on the body. Proper hydration is essential for the healing process post-tattoo, as it helps the skin recover and promotes optimal ink retention. By avoiding caffeine and alcohol, you can help ensure that your body is adequately hydrated before, during, and after your tattoo session. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water and supplementing with electrolytes prior to your tattoo appointment.
Clarity and Decision-Making
Getting a tattoo is a significant decision, because short of having laser treatments to remove it which is painful and can cause scarring, it’s permanent. It's essential to approach it with a clear mind. Both caffeine and alcohol can alter your cognitive function and decision-making abilities. Specifically, alcohol can impair your judgment and reasoning. Making decisions about the design, placement, and size of your tattoo is best done with a sober and focused mind to avoid any potential regrets down the line. We’ve all fallen into the trap of saying yes to things we otherwise may not after a few drinks, no judgment here!
Overall Health and Healing
Tattoos are essentially minor wounds to the skin, and your body's ability to heal properly is crucial for achieving the best results. Caffeine and alcohol can both have negative effects on your immune system and overall health, which may impede the healing process. By avoiding these substances before your tattoo appointment, you give your body the best chance to heal efficiently and minimize the risk of complications such as infection or a longer healing time.
If you’re looking to learn how to tattoo, be sure and check out our Tattoo Academy for a great start to building the foundations as a new tattoo artist!
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to indulge in your morning cup of coffee or a drink before getting a tattoo, it's best to resist the temptation. By avoiding both of these substances, you are sure to have the best possible outcome from your healed ink. Remember, your tattoo is a permanent addition to your body, so it's worth taking the necessary steps to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Your future self will thank you for it when you get to enjoy a lifetime of wearing beautiful art on your body!
If you’re looking for your next tattoo, whether big or small, our artists at Bold Beauty Company would love the opportunity to bring your vision to life! We have a variety of artists all specializing in different things, and we promise it’ll be the most fun you’ve had in getting tattooed. Come pay us a visit and check out our Instagram for more!