Contraindications + Pre/Post Care + Stages of Healing
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Pregnant or Nursing
Diabetic (A Doctors note is required)
High blood pressure or heart conditions
Taking blood-thinners such as aspirin or similar medication
Viral infections and/or diseases
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Herpes simplex/Seborrheic dermatitis
A Pacemaker or major heart problems
Had an Organ transplant
Tendency towards keloids
Skin irritations or Psoriasis near the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
Have upcoming vacations or special occasions planned.
Used Accutane in the past year
Allergic to anesthetic (Lidocaine)
Extremely Oily or Problematic Skin
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Do not work out 48 hours before procedure.
NO alcohol or caffeine 48 hours before procedure (Yes, there is caffeine in decaf coffee and tea!).
Avoid sun and tanning one week prior to procedure.
Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen 48 hours before procedure.
Avoid Fish Oil, Prenatal Vitamins, Nutritional Shake, “Hair, Skin, Nail” supplements 48 hours prior to procedure.
Discontinue Retin-A at least 2 weeks prior (and avoid on eyebrow area after procedure).
Refrain from use of any Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products close to the eyebrow area 2 weeks prior (and avoid on eyebrow area after procedure).
Botox and filler on the forehead, temple, and eye area should be avoided 1 month prior to procedure for those who do not regularly receive injectables.
No brow waxing, tinting, or threading one week prior (the more natural hair growth you have, the better!
Avoid Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Botox, filler, lasers, or other cosmetic treatments for 2-4-weeks prior procedure.
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Keep the brow area clean by using a natural fragrance-free gel cleanser (such as Cetaphil/Cerave or the cleanser provided) and water. Hands must be freshly clean . Avoid use of abrasive washcloths or sponges.
Allow eyebrows to completely air dry or gently pat dry them before applying ointment. Apply pea size amount of aftercare ointment given for 1-3 times a day with freshly washed hands.
DO NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate off. Picking can cause scarring and pigment loss!
COMPLETELY avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for a minimum of 2 weeks after your procedure. Direct sunlight can cause the pigment to change color while it is healing and can also cause hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Avoid pool, sauna, steam rooms, hot showers and/or hot baths for 2 weeks.
Avoid sweating for a full 10 days. Any physical effort, gym, hot weather, any other activity that may cause sweating through or on the brows will expel pigment from the dermis producing poor results.
Avoid sleeping on your face/brows for the first 10 days..
NO makeup or skincare products to be used on the treated area for two weeks.
NO facials, chemical treatments and microdermabrasion for 4 weeks.
NO botox for 4 weeks. We recommend that it’s best to wait until after your touch up heals to get Botox, as an educated injector will take your new brows into consideration when choosing where to inject.
After 14 days, once the area has healed completely, consider using sunblock when going out in the sun to stop the color from fading.
Eyebrow tinting should not be undertaken for 2 weeks after your procedure.
Avoid Retin-A, Chemical Peels and Microderms around the brow area once healed.
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WHAT TO EXPECT!
Healing after getting permanent makeup brows (such as microblading or ombre powder) is a gradual process that varies slightly for each person. Here's a general breakdown of what you can expect:
Days 1-2: Fresh and Bold
Appearance: Your brows will look bold, darker, and more defined than expected. Swelling or redness may be present but should subside within a day or two.
Feeling: They may feel tender, tight, or slightly sore.
Days 3-7: Scabbing and Flaking
Appearance: Scabs will form as your skin begins to heal. The brows may start to flake or peel, and some pigment may come off with the scabs.
Feeling: You might experience itching as the skin heals—this is normal. Avoid scratching or picking at the scabs, as this can lead to patchy results or infection.
Days 8-14: Light and Patchy
Appearance: Once scabs fall off, the brows may appear much lighter, patchy, or uneven. This is part of the healing process as the pigment settles into the skin.
Feeling: The area should feel fully healed, with no tenderness or itching.
Days 15-30: Color Restores
Appearance: The pigment will gradually darken and even out as the skin regenerates. You’ll start to see the true, healed color of your brows.
Feeling: Your brows should feel completely normal, with no signs of irritation.
Brows
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Are unwilling to commit to touch-ups – Fine line tattoos may need maintenance over time.
Have a history of keloid scarring – The skin may not heal properly.
Want a long-lasting, bold tattoo – Fine lines fade faster than traditional tattoos.
Are frequently exposed to the sun – Sun exposure accelerates fading.
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Stay Hydrated & Moisturize – Well-hydrated skin takes ink better and heals more smoothly. Avoid excessive sun exposure before your appointment. Moisturize regularly, but avoid lotions on the tattoo area the day of your session.
Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine – Refrain from drinking alcohol or excessive caffeine 24 hours before your appointment, as they thin the blood and can affect healing.
Eat a Full Meal – Have a balanced meal before your appointment to keep your blood sugar stable and prevent dizziness. Some sessions may take time, so feel free to bring water or a light snack.
Bring What You Need for a Relaxing Session- headphones, a book, or music to keep yourself relaxed.
Dress for Comfort & Accessibility Wear loose, dark clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area and won’t rub against fresh ink.
Avoid Blood Thinners – If possible, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinning medications before your session (unless prescribed by a doctor).
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Fine Line Tattoo Aftercare Guide
Keep It Clean – Gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap 1–2 times a day. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Moisturize Lightly – Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo balm or unscented lotion to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid over-moisturizing.
Avoid Picking & Scratching – Let your tattoo heal naturally. Peeling and slight itching are normal, but scratching can cause fading or uneven healing.
Limit Sun Exposure – Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight, and once healed, always apply SPF to prevent fading.
Skip the Gym & Swimming – Avoid excessive sweating, pools, hot tubs, and the ocean for at least 2 weeks to prevent infection and ink loss.
Wear Loose Clothing – Tight fabrics can rub against your tattoo and cause irritation or premature fading.
Be Patient – Fine line tattoos heal within 2–3 weeks, but full settling may take a few months. Touch-ups may be needed for best results.
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Fine Line Tattoo Healing Stages
Day 1-3: Fresh & Tender
Your tattoo may be red, slightly swollen, and tender.
Light plasma (clear fluid) may form—this is normal.
Once tegaderm is removed, gently wash 1–2 times a day and apply a thin layer of tattoo balm.
Day 4-7: Peeling Begins
The tattoo may start to flake and peel like a sunburn.
Some areas may look faded or patchy—this is part of the healing process.
Do not pick or scratch! Let the skin shed naturally.
Week 2-3: Itching & Light Scabbing
The tattoo might feel itchy but resist scratching.
Scabs (if any) will begin to fall off on their own.
Continue moisturizing with a fragrance-free lotion.
Week 3-4: Almost Healed
The outer layer of skin has healed, but the deeper layers are still settling.
Your tattoo may look slightly dull—this will improve as the skin fully regenerates.
1-3 Months: Fully Healed & Settled
The tattoo is now fully set in your skin.
If any areas appear too light or uneven, a touch-up may be needed.