What should I eat when getting a tattoo?

If you're wondering what to eat before you visit the tattoo studio, cook a meal that's protein-rich with plenty of eggs, fish or red meat. Protein helps with recovery, so it's a great way to prepare for the procedure ahead.


What should I eat while getting a tattoo?

Best Snacks to Bring on the Day of Your Tattoo Appointment
  • Sugar-free and low-fat fruit bars.
  • Protein bars, especially those with chocolates and nuts.
  • Bag of "green" chips, such as spinach and kale.
  • Roasted almonds and pecans.
  • Vitamin C fruit drops.
  • Lemon or lime water.
  • Natural fruit juice.


What not to eat when getting a tattoo?

List of foods you should avoid
  • Ready-made juices and sodas;
  • Fried foods and fast food, such as chips, pastries and french fries.
  • Fast food.
  • Pork and processed meats such as fresh and smoked sausage, ham, bacon, mortadella and salami;
  • Sweets, stuffed biscuits, cakes, ready-made cakes, chocolates, cereal bars;


Is it best to eat before getting a tattoo?

Eat about one hour before your appointment

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.

What is the best thing to drink while getting a tattoo?

Drinking water not only helps your artist out by making your skin more moisturized and easier to tattoo but also keeps away any dizzy or light-headed feelings that you may encounter during your tattoo session.


Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Tattoo | Dos and Don'ts



How much should you tip a tattoo artist?

“A suggested percentage of 20% to 25% for personal services is an accepted standard, especially in these post-COVID times.” Cornolo puts the range between 15% to 20%, but says that it really varies. “Some tip less, and some are very generous."

How can I make my tattoo less painful?

To reduce tattoo pain, follow these tips before and during your appointment:
  1. Choose a licensed tattoo artist. ...
  2. Pick a less sensitive body part. ...
  3. Get enough sleep. ...
  4. Avoid pain relievers. ...
  5. Don't get a tattoo when you're sick. ...
  6. Stay hydrated. ...
  7. Eat a meal. ...
  8. Avoid alcohol.


What to avoid when you first get a tattoo?

Keep the tattooed area out of the sun for at least a few weeks. Avoid swimming. Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while your tattoo is healing. Choose clothing carefully.


How do you prepare your body for a tattoo?

What to do before getting a Tattoo
  1. Get a Good Night's Sleep. The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. ...
  3. Shave. ...
  4. Shower. ...
  5. Moisturize your Skin. ...
  6. Eat and Bring Snacks. ...
  7. Dress for you Session. ...
  8. Do not show up Intoxicated.


What should I do the night before a tattoo?

Be sure to get a good night's sleep, don't drink the night before, stay hydrated, and eat something before arriving at the tattoo studio. (You can also bring snacks to have while getting tattooed.) "I definitely try to make sure my clients have a meal at least 30 minutes before the tattoo," Garner says.

What food helps tattoos heal faster?

These are just a few of several foods that can help maintain that skin for years to come!
  • Oranges. Oranges consist of high volumes of Vitamin C, which can make your skin look full of youthfulness. ...
  • Dark Chocolate. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Pineapple. ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Tomatoes. ...
  • Water.


Should I drink Gatorade before a tattoo?

Don't: Consume Alcohol, Coffee, and Energy Drinks

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.

Why should you eat a lot before a tattoo?

It is important to eat a good meal the night before your session and a slow energy releasing breakfast - this way, once your body works through all it's reserves it can feast on the additional calories from your previous meal(s). Without these additional calories you could become dizzy and worse case, pass out.

How do I prepare for an all day tattoo session?

How to Survive an All-Day Tattooing Session
  1. Take care of the placement area. ...
  2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! ...
  3. Sleep the night before your tattoo session. ...
  4. Eat a good meal. ...
  5. Stay hydrated. ...
  6. Bring snacks and drinks for the session. ...
  7. Headphones, please. ...
  8. Prepare for hot or cold.


Does sugar help with tattoo pain?

It also helps tremendously with any pain you might experience. Carbs are great but including loads of protein is even better for long term energy. Sugary drinks and sweets are good during the tattoo to give you a short-term sugar boost and get you through until lunch.

What I wish I knew before getting my first tattoo?

It's all about the research before your first tattoo

Find the right artist and style of tattoo for you. For starters, make sure that you're 100% sold on your tattoo's design. Think of all the details you want it to include. Always, always have the finished outcome in mind before the tattoo artist gets to work.

Should I drink a lot of water before a tattoo?

Drink plenty of water. Your skin thins when you're dehydrated, so chugging water, starting the day before your appointment, will make your body a better canvas for the tattoo. It will also keep your energy up, so bring a bottle or two to sip during your session.


Where does tattoo hurt most?

Pain in these areas may be high to severe.
  • Armpit. The armpit is among the most painful places, if not the most painful place, to get tattooed. ...
  • Rib cage. ...
  • Ankles and shins. ...
  • Nipples and breasts. ...
  • Groin. ...
  • Elbows or kneecap. ...
  • Behind the knees. ...
  • Hips.


How do you survive a first tattoo?

Tips for Your First Tattoo
  1. Don't rush the process. You've drummed up the courage to get your first tattoo. ...
  2. Don't be afraid to ask questions. ...
  3. Consider placement. ...
  4. Don't be too thrifty. ...
  5. Come as your best self. ...
  6. Make yourself comfortable. ...
  7. Take good care. ...
  8. Relax!


What should I do 24 hours before a tattoo?

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.


How soon after a tattoo can you shower?

This can be anywhere from 1 to 24 hours, depending on the location and size of your ink. If your artist uses a medical-grade, waterproof bandage, like Saniderm, you can shower anytime — as long as you keep the bandage on for the length of time the artist told you to.

Does tattoo hurt first day?

Tattooing tends to be a painful procedure because tattoo artists use needles to inject ink into the dermis layer of the skin. The injections cause localized swelling and damage to the skin. Once the tattoo procedure is over, the area may be sore for about a week before the swelling goes down.

What painkillers can I take before a tattoo?

“You can take things like over-the-counter painkillers, but the sharp pain you have at the surface of the skin will still likely be felt during the procedure.” You can take acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil) can help with any soreness that occurs in the hours after you get your tattoo, but there's ...


What does tattoo pain feel like?

Some people describe the pain as a pricking sensation. Others say it feels like bee stings or being scratched. A thin needle is piercing your skin, so you can expect at least a little pricking sensation. As the needle moves closer to the bone, it may feel like a painful vibration.

Should I take Tylenol before a tattoo?

Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand. It's best to avoid these as well the prior day and the day of the appointment.