How long after a tattoo can I drink alcohol?

Author: Jasper Turner  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Wait at least 24-48 hours after getting a tattoo: To give your body the best chance to heal properly, it's recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours before drinking alcohol. This will give your body time to start the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.

Is it okay to drink alcohol after a tattoo?

No, do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after getting a tattoo. In fact, you shouldn't drink for 24 hours before getting a tattoo either. Your new tattoo will be considered an open wound, and alcohol delays the body's healing process.

What should I avoid after getting a tattoo?

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and stronger things, at least for a few days, ideally for a couple of weeks. It's important to avoid tattoos when the weather is hot and the tattooed part should not be exposed to the sun for a whole month.

Is it bad to drink 24 hours before a tattoo?

Drinking the night before may make you bleed and swell more during the tattoo process, and lower your pain tolerance. You need to be well rested, well hydrated, and well fed.

Can I put alcohol on my new tattoo?

Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. Gently pat the tattoo dry after you wash it. You may cover the tattoo with a thin layer of an unscented, water-based cream or lotion and a non-stick bandage. Replace the bandage as needed.

Tattoos and Alcohol: A Dangerous Mix | Sorry Mom

How long after a tattoo can I drink reddit?

You shouldn't drink before or up to the point it's scabbed. If you have thin blood and you drink thinning your blood even more. You risk pushing out the ink. Once it's scabbed you can drink as much as you want.

Does alcohol remove tattoo ink?

Alcohol mixed with Carrier Oil: This unique mixture offers ink removal properties while providing skin care benefits. However, keep in mind that alcohol can potentially damage the tattoo, so it's important to apply it carefully.

Can you drink caffeine after getting a tattoo?

When getting a tattoo alcohol and caffeine should be avoided for 24 hours prior to the tattoo session and 3 days after the tattoo session. Both alcohol and caffeine thin the blood. They both can increase bleeding which can causes the ink not to stay as well resulting in a blotchy tattoo.

How long should I gym after a tattoo?

“A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 48 hours after getting a tattoo before engaging in any physical activity,” shares board-certified, New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, who offers laser tattoo removal at her practice.

What not to do the night before a tattoo?

Don't make these mistakes before getting your first tattoo
  • Don't Drink Alcohol. Excessive Bleeding. ...
  • Avoid Sunburns and Tanning. Protect You Skin. ...
  • Skip Over-the-Counter Blood Thinners: ...
  • Avoid Numbing Creams: ...
  • Avoid Impulsive Decisions. ...
  • Say No to Excessive Caffeine. ...
  • Avoid Going in “Hangry” ...
  • Hydration is Good.

What damages tattoos the most?

Excessive Sun Exposure. Excessive sun exposure can quickly ruin a new tattoo. Especially during the first 40 days, stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you have to go outside, then make sure to cover up your fresh tattoo with clothing.

What messes up tattoo healing?

NEVER itch or pick your tattoo: Picking off scabs or itching your tattoo will delay healing and may damage your ink. Drying your tattoo with washcloths or towels can also remove scabs and delay healing. Friction from wearing tight pants or shirts over your tattoo can also irritate the skin.

When to stop washing a tattoo twice a day?

Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.

How much alcohol thins your blood?

Right now, experts often define moderate alcohol use as fewer than 7 drinks per week for women or 14 drinks per week for men. But it's not clear whether any level of alcohol use is completely safe. Even moderate alcohol use can affect the body. For example, mild and moderate alcohol intake can thin your blood.

Can you drink the night before a tattoo on Reddit?

I like to go at least 12hrs with no alcohol or weed before a tattoo. I'm much more cautious of alcohol, since that causes dehydration, so ideally go longer (24-48hs). Make sure you're hydrated, well rested, and that you've eaten beforehand.

How to thicken blood before a tattoo?

Steps
  1. Alter your diet one to two weeks in advance. ...
  2. Eat a well-balanced diet so you're getting enough vitamin K. ...
  3. Stop drinking alcohol. ...
  4. Keep yourself adequately hydrated. ...
  5. Avoid salicylates. ...
  6. Control your vitamin E. ...
  7. Stay away from omega-3 fatty acids. ...
  8. Avoid taking supplements unless they're approved by your doctor.

How long after a tattoo can you drink alcohol?

Wait at least 24-48 hours after getting a tattoo: To give your body the best chance to heal properly, it's recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours before drinking alcohol. This will give your body time to start the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.

Will sweat ruin a new tattoo?

Sweat can irritate the skin and damage the tattoo, while friction from clothing or equipment can break down the ink. Sun exposure, especially during outdoor workouts, can degrade the pigments, leading to faster fading.

Can you drink alcohol after a tattoo on Reddit?

Having a couple drinks afterwards will not kill you, it will not ruin your tattoo. If you do drink, do it in moderation, drink water, and don't do dumb drunk stuff like jump in a pond or pool or go to a hot sweaty club with randoms grinding all over your new tattoo.

How much to tip a tattoo artist?

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

What not to consume after getting a tattoo?

🚫 Tattoo Taboos: Food To Avoid After Tattoo
  • Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption, as it can thin your blood and impair the healing process.
  • Excess Sugar: High sugar intake can lead to inflammation. ...
  • Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can irritate the skin. ...
  • Excessive Caffeine: Too much caffeine can dehydrate you.

What pulls tattoo ink out?

Saline tattoo removal is a procedure that uses a saline solution to draw tattoo ink or pigment out of the skin.

Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?

Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.

When can I drink alcohol after tattoo removal?

Though I don't advise drinking alcohol, “yes“ you can drink alcohol after a laser tattoo removal. Combining alcohol with laser tattoo removal will not affect the procedure or results. As always, drink responsibly. Of course, I would not recommend drinking alcohol during the procedure!

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