Permanent Makeup Care Guide
Before & After Your Procedure
Permanent makeup begins with a skilled artist and continues with proper care during healing. Following these general guidelines helps support comfort, pigment retention, and long-term results.
Always follow the specific instructions provided by your artist. Individual recommendations may vary based on your procedure, skin type, and medical history.
Before Your Appointment
To prepare for your procedure and support optimal healing:
- Avoid aspirin and blood-thinning medications unless prescribed by your doctor (These can increase bleeding and affect pigment retention.)
- If you have a low pain tolerance, you may take Tylenol or Motrin about one hour before your appointment
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to your procedure (Alcohol can increase sensitivity and swelling.)
- Avoid caffeine on the day of your appointment (Caffeine may increase sensitivity.)
- If you are prone to cold sores and are having a lip procedure, begin a preventative as recommended by your doctor (A prescription may be required.)
Arrive well-rested, hydrated, and with clean skin.
General Aftercare Guidelines
Your procedure will need some time to heal after the treatment; this is a normal part of the process. Some of the things you can expect during healing are:
- Treated areas will appear darker or more intense right after the procedure (may darker further for up to 3 days)
- Flaking or light scabbing is normal
Do not pick, scratch, or prematurely remove flaking skin, as this can impact healing and color retention.
- Color will soften significantly over the following weeks
- An initial touch-up after 4-6 weeks is usually necessary to perfect your PMU; after that you may go 1-3 or more before your next touch-up
Brow Aftercare
During the first few days after your brow procedure:
- Apply ice packs for 10–15 minutes per hour during the first three hours to help reduce swelling (Use a clean barrier between ice and skin.)
- Apply a small amount of your provided post-care ointment 2–3 times daily, or whenever the area feels dry
- Keep brows dry for at least 24 hours
- Avoid sun exposure; wear a hat and sunglasses if needed
- Avoid facial creams, exfoliates, or harsh cleansers on the brow area during healing
- Normal daily activities may resume immediately, but delay heavy exercise for 2–3 days
Color changes are normal.
Pigment will appear darker for several days before flaking or softening back to the implanted tone, or lighter.
Final results should be evaluated after at least one full month, once healing is complete and color has stabilized.
Eyeliner Aftercare
Eye procedures require extra care during healing:
- You may use eye drops every 1–2 hours on the first day if recommended by your artist
- Apply post-care ointment gently with clean cotton swabs only (Always use a new swab — do not double dip.)
- Avoid touching the eye area except with clean hands or cotton swabs
- Expect some swelling, discharge, or mattering around lashes in the morning (This is normal and can be cleaned gently with warm compresses.)
- Do not rub, scratch, or remove crusting along the lash line
- Avoid swimming, tanning beds, and eye makeup for at least two weeks or until flaking is complete
- Contact lenses may be resumed after flaking has finished
Light sensitivity is common during the first 24–48 hours. Sunglasses are encouraged, especially outdoors.
Lip Aftercare
Lip procedures require gentle care and moisture:
- Expect swelling and dryness immediately following treatment
- Apply post-care ointment frequently using a clean cotton swab (Do not use fingers.)
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds during healing
For the first 72 hours:
- Brush teeth using water only
- Drink liquids through a straw
- Avoid acidic, salty, oily foods and alcohol if possible
- Be gentle when eating, drinking, or kissing during early healing
If you are prone to cold sores, outbreaks may occur after lip procedures. Preventative medication prescribed by your doctor may be recommended. Always consult your physician if you are unsure.
Lip color retention varies significantly between individuals. A touch-up is typically scheduled 30–45 days after the initial procedure to refine and stabilize results.
When To Contact Your Artist
Contact your artist if you experience:
- Signs of infection (area is red, swollen, warm to the touch, etc.)
- Excessive swelling or redness
- Unusual discomfort
- Healing concerns beyond what was discussed during consultation
Your artist is your primary point of contact for care-related questions and guidance.
Final Note
Your permanent makeup is a multi-step process.
Healing takes time, and results continue to evolve over several weeks.
Patience, proper aftercare, and working with a trained professional are key to long-term satisfaction.
A Gentle Reminder
This care guide provides general information to support healing after permanent makeup procedures. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your artist, as individual recommendations may vary based on your skin, procedure, and medical history.
