eyebrow PMU
pre + after care instructions
microblading + powder brows
disclaimer
Permanent cosmetic makeup is not for everyone. You must review our contraindications + other considerations page prior to scheduling your appointment. Failing to follow the instructions and requirements described the page and below will result in your appointment being canceled and forfeiture of your reservation fee.
It is highly recommended that you follow our PRE + AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS to ensure the best possible results and longevity of your cosmetic tattoo. However, this information acts as a guideline only and we cannot guarantee results. Each client’s skin responds differently both in how long it takes to heal and the number of sessions needed for color retention and desired results. For the best results, take good care of your brows while healing and beyond.
pre-care
Cold sores
Permanent makeup procedures can trigger an outbreak of cold sores. As a necessary precaution, all clients with a history of cold sores must take an anti-viral medication for a total of 10 days (5 days prior to procedure, including day-of, and 5 days post-procedure).
Even if you have not had a history of cold sores, you can still support your immune system and healing by taking L-Lysine supplements, an over-the counter antiviral medication.
Examples of antiviral medications include Zovirax, Famvir, Valtrex, and over-the-counter L-Lysine. Please consult your doctor to determine which medication is right for you and to obtain prescription strength anti-viral medication if needed.
Come to your appointment prepared
The procedure should involve very minimal pin-point bleeding. During your procedure you want to avoid any excessive bleeding, which can drastically effect your ability to numb and the overall results. Therefore, do NOT drink alcohol or caffeine the day of your procedure. Do NOT take any blood thinning medications (Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Ibuprofen, etc) for one week before your appointment unless prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.
Plan your procedure with your schedule/vacations/events! Do NOT schedule when you have an upcoming event that will conflict with healing. You will need 5-7 days heal. Expect an additional "perfecting" touch-up 6 weeks after the first appointment.
Please eat before the procedure, since you want normal blood sugar levels for any tattooing procedure. You will not feel like eating after (and you have to wait 3 hours before eating anything).
If you are nervous, consider bringing headphones and music to help you relax. Numbing will be used during the whole procedure.
Eyebrow PMU pre-care checklist:
AVOID tweezing, waxing, electrolysis, and coloring your brows for 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
(History of cold sores) Begin taking anti-viral medication 5 days before your appointment.
(Optional) Take L-Lysine supplements to support your immune system and healing.
Do NOT work out for 48 hours before procedure.
NO alcohol or caffeine for 24 hours before or after procedure.
AVOID tanning and prolonged sun exposure for two weeks prior to procedure.
Do NOT have cosmetic injections on the forehead for at least two weeks prior to your appointment.
Do NOT take aspirin, niacin, vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen for 48 hours before procedure.
Chemical peels and laser treatments may NOT be done within 4 weeks before or after your procedure.
Do NOT use growth supplements such as RevitaBrow at least one week prior to or one week after your procedure.
AVOID fish oil, prenatal vitamins, nutritional shakes, “Hair, Skin, Nail” supplements for 48 hours prior to procedure.
DISCONTINUE Retin-A/Retinol for at least 4 weeks prior to procedure.
REFRAIN from the use of any Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) (BHA) products close to the eyebrow area for at least 4 weeks prior.
(Optional) Begin taking supplements to help with bruising and healing the day before the procedure and continue for 4-5 days after. Do NOT use topical Arnica.
(Optional) Eat lots of pineapple. Pineapple contains Bromelain, which is a mix of enzymes that studies show can reduce inflammation and nasal swelling, and also aid in the healing of wounds.
(Note) You may be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.
after-care
Eyebrow PMU after-care checklist
Do NOT sweat for at least the first 3 days so avoid working out or excessive movement that leads to sweating. Sweat produces bacteria that could cause an infection.
(History of cold sores) Complete course of anti-viral medication to avoid an outbreak.
Keep applying healing ointment as much as you need the day of the treatment and during the healing period.
Wash your brows before bed on the first night with antiseptic/antibacterial soap and rinse with sterile water. Gently tap away free water, let air dry and then apply Aquaphor healing ointment or another recommended ointment. Do this day and night for the next 10 days.
Do NOT scrub your brows for the next 10 days and AVOID allowing shower water spray directly on the area.
When brows begin to flake, leave them alone and do not pick, pull or remove any dry scabs or flakes.
AVOID smoking for 10 days. Smoking affects the body's ability to heal quickly.
AVOID water exposure (e.g. pool, sauna, hot tub, etc.) for a minimum of 4 weeks to avoid bacterial infection.
Do NOT expose the brows to direct sunlight or tanning beds for 4 weeks. Newly healed skin can burn easily and exposure to direct sunlight too soon may also cause scarring and alter pigment color
AVOID sleeping face down.
After healing, use a physical/mineral sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 whenever you are out in the sun to prevent fading or discoloring of your brow color. Do NOT use a chemical sunscreen because it may irritate your screen. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR TATTOO!
healing process
What to expect after my procedure
DAYS 1-2: Brows may be tender to the touch. The color may look more concentrated and dark on day 2.
DAYS 3-5: Once the healing of the skin starts taking place, your brows will be very dry and may appear patchy in color. Do not pick or rub at the dry areas. Brows will fade up to 40% during the first 5 days. Use Aquaphor healing ointment as often as needed!
DAYS 5-10: Healing will continue and color will continue to settle and even out. Your brows may still be peeling so let them be, do not pull at them and stay away from bacteria.
DAYS 10-30: Brows will be fully healed with new skin regeneration by Day 30. Color will brighten slightly from the initial healing period for final results!
WEEKS 4-6: You may get your touch-up/perfecting procedure 4-6 weeks after the initial procedure - no sooner - to allow for complete healing and regeneration of the skin.
long-term care
Keep your cosmetic tattoo looking beautiful for years to come
You’ll find that if properly cared for your cosmetic tattoo will last between 1 and 3 years after the initial touch-up session. We recommend you follow the long-term care instructions listed below to ensure your brows look beautiful for years to come.
Future touch-up appointments are required to maintain your brows’ shape and depth of color. If you do not maintain them, the color will lighten over time. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, and iron deficiency. We suggest that if you want to maintain your brows so that they always look their best, plan on scheduling a touch up once a year for best results.
Use a good sunscreen on the brows if you plan to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time. Sun exposure will fade your cosmetic tattoo over time. Smokers, sun worshipers, or anyone with skin that is in a state of distress may have less desirable results.
If you are planning a chemical peel, laser procedure or MRI scan, inform the technician of your cosmetic tattoo.
The use of Retin-A/Tretinoin, hydroquinone, or any other rapid skin exfoliation used regularly on any area surrounding the brow area will cause your cosmetic tattoo to fade prematurely.
The use of chemical peels, acid peels, lightening or any brightening products that targets hyper-pigmentation used regularly on the forehead region can cause permanent eyebrows to fade prematurely.
The use of exfoliating cleansers, scrubs, cleansers with acne fighting ingredients or “acid” in the name will cause rapid exfoliation of the skin containing the pigment and will increase odds of premature fading.