Why eat sugar when getting a tattoo?

Author: Braxton Koss  |  Last update: Saturday, January 3, 2026

Eating something that is filling is important as it reduces the likelihood of becoming lightheaded or passing out during the tattooing process. The body's blood sugar will be raised and more prepared for the stamina and energy needed for an appointment.

Does eating sugar help with tattoos?

Alcohol, sugar and dairy can actually slow down the healing process.

What's the best thing to eat before a tattoo?

If it's a smaller tattoo. Eat a normal meal. For a larger piece i'd recommend eating a big bowl of pasta and some type of fatty protein. Make sure you're well hydrated (helps your skin which helps the tattoo artist). While there, I'll bring some dried fruit or grapes, Some type of sugary drink, and water.

What food to avoid after getting a tattoo?

  • Ready-made juices and sodas;
  • Fried foods, such as chips, pastries and other savory foods, 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;

What foods reduce tattoo pain?

A healthy meal with plenty of veg, and protein is the perfect preparation for a tattoo. Eating a couple of hours beforehand allows time for your food to settle, and healthy foods are less likely to leave you feeling bloated. Protein is important for recovery too as your body heals your tattoo.

This Tattoo Could Change Diabetes Forever | Food Interrupted

How to increase pain tolerance for tattoos?

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Proper hydration and nutrition before your tattoo session can help improve your pain tolerance and promote a more comfortable experience.

Why no caffeine before a tattoo?

While it may be true that caffeine is your go-to energy booster in daily life. It is better to reduce your intake before your tattoo session. Excessive caffeine can make you feel more anxious or restless. This in turn can potentially affect your ability to sit still and relax during the tattooing process.

What you Cannot do after a tattoo?

What NOT to do after getting a tattoo
  • Scratching.
  • Picking at scabs.
  • Exfoliating the area.
  • Using petroleum jelly.
  • Direct sunlight.
  • Applying sunscreen to the area until the tattoo is fully healed.
  • Wearing tight clothing.
  • Immersing the area in water (hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, etc.) until the tattoo is fully healed.

What not to drink before a tattoo?

Skip the caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

While you may think alcohol will numb the pain, it's actually illegal to tattoo someone under the influence in most states. So if you're serious about your ink, grin and bear it. Caffeine and alcohol also both thin the blood, which makes it harder to tattoo.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

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.

Why did I almost pass out while getting a tattoo?

1. Lack of Sleep 💤 😴 When you're tired, your body is weaker and less able to handle stress or pain, making it easier to faint. 2. Missing Breakfast🍔 No food means low blood sugar, which can make you feel lightheaded or faint, especially during something stressful like a tattoo.

What foods are good for healing tattoos?

Anti-inflammatory foods are those rich in good fats, such as nuts, avocado, salmon, tuna, sardines, olive oil, peanuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, and sesame seeds. In addition, drinking 1 to 2 cups of anti-inflammatory teas can also help with the healing process, and you may use herbs like chamomile, ginger and rosemary.

What promotes tattoo healing?

From protecting your tattoo to improving recovery time, we've got you covered.
  • Relax and Stay Calm.
  • Say No to Re-Bandaging.
  • Wash Your Tattoo with Mad Rabbit Gentle Wash.
  • Let Your Tattoo Breathe—No Picking Allowed.
  • Moisturize Regularly—But Don't Overdo It.
  • Avoid Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs.
  • Stay Out of the Sun (For Now)

What is the best snack for a tattoo?

Drinks and Snacks

Getting tattooed, even if it's not hurting you too much, still causes reactions within your body which drain your energy reserves. I recommend an energy/cereal bar or some sweets or chocolate.

How to not faint during a tattoo?

Hold still! If you find yourself needing to cough, re-adjust your position, stretch your leg, wiggle, answer the phone, laugh, or flinch; you have to give the artist warning first. You should also not assume that because you don't hear the machine running, they don't still need you to be motionless.

Should I eat sugar before a tattoo?

Eat a Nutritious Meal Before the Appointment

If your blood sugar drops too low during the tattoo appointment you run the risk of serious complications such as passing out, seizures, etc. To help avoid this, stay away from food or drinks with excessive sugar.

How to make tattoos hurt less?

Just remember to use numbing cream before starting your session; take breaks throughout; choose smaller tattoos over large ones; avoid sensitive areas; and use ice both during and after your session! With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way towards getting the perfect traditional tattoo in no time—painlessly!

What are the don'ts before getting a tattoo?

No tanning, fake tanning, chemical peels, sunburns, major cuts or scrapes, in the area to be tattooed within a month prior to your session. We cannot work on freshly damaged skin, as it will not heal properly.

Why can't you shower after a tattoo?

Depending on the size and location of your tattoo, it will take around four weeks to completely heal, and showering too soon may be painful and cause further irritation or infection. Think of it this way, would you expose a fresh wound, uncovered and raw, to hot water or hard pressure in a shower? Probably not!

Is tattoo ink bad for you?

Tattoo ink can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can happen even years after getting a tattoo. Red ink tends to be more prone to allergic reactions that other tattoo ink colors. Skin infections.

Can I donate blood if I have tattoos?

Yes, you can donate blood if you have tattoos

The same rules also apply to ear and body piercings. Remember, tattoos also include tattoo “touch-ups” and permanent cosmetic tattoos.

What should I eat for breakfast before a tattoo?

Top 5 Foods to Eat Before Your Tattoo Session

Proteins give your body the fuel it needs to stay strong during longer tattoo sessions. 2. Whole Grains: Foods like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread provide steady energy. Whole grains keep you feeling full and balanced.

What is the best tattoo aftercare?

Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist. After 5 days, you can switch from an antibiotic ointment to a gentle fragrance-free body lotion.

What drink is best before a tattoo?

It's important to make sure you're hydrated and you've had a little something to eat before your tattoo. Drinking something with natural electrolytes and sugar, like a fruit smoothie or some coconut water, can help to bring balance to your body.

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