Can you drink alcohol after getting a tattoo? What you need to know

Planning to celebrate your new tattoo with a drink? You might want to hold off on popping the cork. While it's tempting to toast to your fresh ink, consuming alcohol after getting a tattoo can complicate the healing process. 

Alcohol not only increases excess bleeding and swelling but also impacts your body's ability to heal, potentially muddling the appearance of your new artwork. Before you consider a celebratory drink, let's dive into what you really need to know about alcohol and tattoo aftercare.

Can you drink alcohol after getting tattoos?

It's generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after getting a tattoo. Alcohol can thin your blood, which may increase bleeding during the tattoo process and slow down the healing afterwards. It can also dehydrate your skin, potentially affecting how well the tattoo heals. For best results, it's wise to give your body time to recover without the influence of alcohol.

What happens if you drink alcohol after getting a tattoo?

• Increased bleeding: Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, which can increase bleeding during and after getting tattooed. It prolongs the healing process and can also cause the ink to bleed out, potentially affecting the clarity and appearance of your tattoo.
• Increases swelling: Alcohol can lead to increased inflammation and swelling around the tattooed area. This can be uncomfortable and may distort the appearance of the tattoo during the healing phase.
• Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose fluids and become dehydrated. Adequate hydration is crucial for healing, and dehydration can slow down the recovery process, making your skin dry and less capable of healing efficiently.
• Causes excessive bleeding: As a blood thinner, alcohol can result excessive bleeding during and after the tattooing process. This makes the process messier and can also affect the distribution of ink in the skin, potentially leading to a blotchy appearance.
• Impaired immune response: Alcohol can weaken your immune system, reducing your body's ability to fight off infections. Since a fresh tattoo is an open wound, a compromised immune system increases the risk of infection.
• Disturbs the tattoo healing process: Alcohol consumption can disrupt the skin natural healing process after a tattoo. It impairs the body's ability to regenerate tissues and can lead to longer healing times and complications.
• Poor sleep quality: Alcohol can affect sleep patterns, and restful sleep is essential for the body's repair processes, including skin healing.

Does alcohol help with tattoo pain?

Drinking alcohol might seem like a tempting way to reduce tattoo pain, but it's not effective for pain relief and can cause complications. 

Alcohol thins your blood, leading to increased bleeding during the tattoo process, which can affect the quality of the tattoo and increase pain from swelling. 

It's advisable not to drink alcohol before getting a tattoo to ensure the skin is in the best possible condition for inking and healing.

Can you drink alcohol before a tattoo?

It's not recommended to drink alcohol before getting a tattoo. Alcohol can thin your blood, leading to excessive bleeding during the tattoo session process. 

This makes it more difficult for the tattoo artist to work and also affects the healing and the final appearance of the tattoo. Additionally, being under the influence can impair your judgment about the tattoo you're getting and your pain tolerance.

What to consume or drink after getting a tattoo?

Here are some recommendations for what to consume or drink after getting a tattoo to support the healing process:

• Water: Staying hydrated helps your skin heal and remain healthy.
• Nutrient-rich foods: Consuming foods high in vitamins C and A, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can aid in skin repair and boost your immune system.
• Lean proteins: Foods like chicken, fish, tofu, and beans promote tissue repair.
• Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, kale, and broccoli provide essential nutrients for skin health.
• Fresh fruits: Berries, oranges, and apples are high in antioxidants and vitamins.
• Herbal teas: Non-caffeinated teas can be soothing and hydrating without the dehydrating effects of caffeine.

Final thoughts

In summary, it's best to avoid alcohol after getting a tattoo to ensure your new ink heals cleanly and beautifully. Alcohol can increase bleeding or blood clotting, lead to more swelling, and slow down the healing process, which might affect the final appearance of your tattoo.

For those looking to support their tattoo healing journey, we offer a range of aftercare products on our website. From soothing balms and gentle soaps to moisturising lotions, find everything you need to take care of your new tattoo and keep your skin healthy and vibrant.