Eating Before Getting a Tattoo

Hello! At Speakeasy Tattoo in California Los Angeles, I am doing all I can to learn more and more about tattooing and the care that goes into it. This led me to the importance of eating a healthy meal before getting a tattoo. 

“Extended periods of trauma caused to the body, be it covering a small or large area is going to cause you to use up a lot of energy. Think of it like running a marathon. When being tattooed you are effectively being stabbed by 50-3000 needles per second, which causes your body to use up all of your stored sugars and fats to get you through the process,” (Stories and Ink).

In order to prepare your body for the extended trauma it’ll endure, you want to make sure you have a balanced meal the night before. “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,” (Stories and Ink). 

For longer tattoo sessions it's good to bring a snack or two to make sure you have enough protein and carbs to get you through your appointment. It is all about making your experience the most comfortable process possible. As for what specifically to eat it is good to “focus on nutrient-rich foods like carbs for energy, lean proteins for skin repair, and hydrating fruits and vegetables. These foods fuel your body, prevent dizziness, and enhance your tattoo experience,” (Hyper Inkers).

“Eating a filling and well-balanced meal before your tattoo appointment is crucial as it significantly reduces the risk of feeling lightheaded or fainting during the tattooing process. A proper meal helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels, boosting your energy and stamina, ensuring your body is prepared to handle the physical demands of the tattooing process, whether it lasts one hour or several…Ideally, you should eat within three hours before your appointment, focusing on foods rich in protein and carbohydrates, as these are the primary energy sources your body burns when experiencing pain.” (Hyper Inkers). 

Thinking of the tattoo process like a marathon is the best case scenario because it convinces you to drink more water before your tattoo appointment and have that fuel in your body to get you through the appointment in the most comfortable way possible. I hope this advice brings a little more comfort and pain tolerance to your next tattoo.