What not to do before a tattoo? A practical checklist

How to prepare for a tattoo? We answered this question quite thoroughly in one of our previous blog articles. We also mentioned what you should not do shortly before your scheduled tattoo studio visit. So, it's time to elaborate on this topic – especially since some of the recommendations might be quite surprising or seem peculiar to you. Have you already booked an appointment with a tattoo artist? Then find out what not to do before getting a tattoo.

No alcohol

We recommend completely refraining from alcohol for about 24 hours before your tattoo studio visit – even an innocent beer or a glass of wine. Alcohol impairs blood clotting, leading to its thinning, which can result in intense bleeding, making the tattoo artist's work difficult, significantly worsening your comfort, and even potentially affecting the quality of the project's execution.

Be careful with coffee

You can, of course, drink coffee on the day you have a scheduled visit to the tattoo studio. It is important not to do it directly before the procedure. Coffee has a stimulating effect, which can increase the stress associated with tattooing and significantly reduce your comfort during the session.

Do not take painkillers

Many people fear the pain associated with tattooing and prophylactically take various painkillers. We advise against this, and in the case of aspirin (which thins the blood), we explicitly warn against it. Every professional studio has appropriate tattoo anesthetics in the form of creams or gels – just ask for them.

Do not exercise

It's best to come to the session rested, refreshed, and relaxed. Immediately before the procedure, and preferably on the day of your scheduled tattoo studio visit, refrain from exercising. Calm down, focus on yourself, and if you feel stressed – try meditation or mindfulness techniques.

Do not plan important tasks at work

If your studio visit is scheduled on a workday, for example, in the afternoon, then – if possible – do not leave any difficult meetings or key project implementations at work for that day. This is about counteracting stress, which has a very negative impact on your mental comfort, potentially intensifying the perception of pain or causing a negative attitude towards the tattoo artist and the results of their work.

Do not sunbathe

If you have already chosen a specific spot that will soon be adorned with a new tattoo, remember not to expose it to direct sunlight for at least several days, and optimally several weeks. Tanned skin is more sensitive and prone to damage, which can result in scarring, and also cause greater discomfort during the session.

To depilate or not?

Many people are unsure whether they should depilate the skin themselves where the tattoo will be. We recommend discussing this with the tattoo artist, or best of all, simply leaving the matter of depilation to them – it's better to avoid the risk of injury, which could even lead to having to reschedule the appointment.

Do not starve yourself

Even if stress is gripping your stomach, try to eat a light meal before your tattoo studio visit – especially if you know in advance that the entire session will take at least several hours. Hunger causes discomfort and irritability, which in turn can negatively affect your cooperation with the tattoo artist. We also know of cases where people who did not eat or drink for many hours before getting tattooed simply fainted during the session.

Also check out other articles on the blog and learn, among other things, what cosmetics help with tattoo itching and why it's worth using specialized tattoo butter.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Can you drink alcohol before a tattoo?

We strongly advise against it. It is best to completely refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting a tattoo. Alcohol thins the blood, impairing its clotting, which can result in significant bleeding and make the tattoo artist's work very difficult. Getting tattooed while under the influence of alcohol is also out of the question.

Is it worth taking a painkiller before a tattoo?

This is not recommended – popular painkillers can affect blood clotting or worsen your well-being. If you are afraid of pain, ask the tattoo artist to apply a local anesthetic in the form of a special preparation (gel, foam, cream).

Do you have to come to a tattoo on an empty stomach?

No, getting tattooed on an empty stomach is a bad idea. The session can last several hours, and a growling stomach will cause irritation, discouragement, and fatigue, which does not promote good cooperation with the tattoo artist and can impair your assessment of the tattoo's quality.

Do you need to shave before a tattoo?

Discuss this with your tattoo artist. As a rule, however, there is no such need, and in most cases, the person doing the tattoo will shave your skin where the design will be placed.

Can you sunbathe before getting tattooed?

Absolutely not. Once you have a tattoo appointment, avoid direct sun exposure to your skin for at least several days, and ideally several weeks. This will minimize the risk of irritation, increased pain during tattooing, and the formation of unsightly scars.