This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability for any treatment is confirmed at a private consultation, and clients with medical conditions or medications should check with their physician first.
Microblading and powder brow aftercare
- 01First 24 hoursDo not wash the area and keep it dry. Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor two to three times a day.
- 02Days 1 to 3Gently press the brows with a clean paper towel (not tissue) to absorb any fluid. Continue the Aquaphor.
- 03Days 4 to 10Cleanse gently with a mild soap and reapply Aquaphor.
- 04For 10 daysAvoid swimming pools, direct sun and tanning, heavy exercise, brow makeup, and facial treatments near the brows.
Light flaking and itching are normal. Let flakes fall off on their own. Brows can look darker at first, then patchy or faded for a short time while the skin settles; the follow-up four to six weeks later perfects the result. More on microblading.
Lip blushing aftercare
- 01Day of the procedureIce on and off to limit swelling and bruising. Pat the lips dry about every 15 minutes and keep them moist with Aquaphor.
- 02The first dayAvoid toothpaste on the lips and hot foods.
- 03First 3 daysAvoid whitening toothpaste and teeth whiteners, spicy and salty foods, lemon, vinegar, coffee, wine, and strongly colored food and drinks.
- 04For 2 to 4 weeksKeep applying Aquaphor so the lips stay moist. For 10 days, avoid pools, sun, tanning, heavy exercise, and skin treatments around the mouth.
Lips look brighter at first and soften considerably as they heal; healed color can take around four weeks to show. Avoid smoking, which can affect healing and color. If you get a cold sore, contact your physician. More on lip blushing.
Permanent eyeliner aftercare
- Expect some puffiness right after the appointment; it usually settles quickly.
- Do not rub, pick, or scratch the lash line.
- Skip eye makeup, mascara, and lash serums on the area until you are told it has healed.
- Avoid pools, hot tubs, saunas, and direct sun while healing.
- Wait to wear contact lenses until you are cleared.
More on permanent eyeliner.
Brow lamination and lash lift aftercare
- Keep brows or lashes dry, and avoid steam, saunas, and sweaty workouts, for about 24 hours (up to 48 hours for lashes).
- Do not rub the area or use a lash curler.
- Wait a day or two before mascara, and use an oil-free remover.
- Brush brows into place each morning; a conditioning brow or lash serum helps keep hairs healthy.
More on brow lamination and lash lifts.
What is normal, and when to call a doctor
| Usually normal | Call your physician |
|---|---|
| Mild redness and tenderness for a few days | Redness that spreads or gets worse after the first days |
| Light swelling, especially lips and eyelids | Swelling that increases, or eye pain or vision changes |
| Flaking, itching, and temporary patchiness | Pus, a bad smell, or skin that feels hot |
| Color darker at first, then softer | Fever, or blisters and a rash around the area |
Allergic reactions to pigment are uncommon but can appear later, sometimes months or years after a procedure. Tell your doctor you have permanent makeup if a reaction develops, and tell imaging staff before any MRI.
Long-term care
- Once fully healed, use sunscreen on brows and lips; sun exposure speeds fading.
- Keep retinoids, acids, and exfoliating products away from treated areas.
- Tell facial, laser, and peel providers about your permanent makeup before treatment.
- Book color refreshes when results start to fade; Mahsa recommends one every eight months to a year.
Questions clients ask
When can I wash my face after microblading?
Keep your brows dry for the first 24 hours. For the next few days, blot gently with a clean paper towel, then cleanse the area with a mild soap through day ten.
What should I put on my brows or lips after permanent makeup?
Mahsa's instructions use a thin layer of Aquaphor, applied as directed. Follow the written aftercare from your appointment rather than switching products.
Is flaking normal after microblading or lip blushing?
Yes. Light flaking and peeling are a normal part of healing. Let flakes fall off on their own, because picking can pull out pigment.
When can I work out after permanent makeup?
Avoid heavy exercise and sweating for about ten days while the skin heals, along with pools, saunas, and direct sun.
Why do my brows look patchy a week after microblading?
Temporary patchiness is common while the skin renews, and color keeps settling for several weeks. The follow-up appointment four to six weeks later fills in any areas that healed lighter.
When should I see a doctor after permanent makeup?
Contact your physician for spreading redness, increasing swelling, pus, heat, fever, or any eye pain or vision change after eyeliner.
Keep exploring
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic — Micropigmentation
- Cleveland Clinic — Lip blushing
- Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals — Information for the public
- American Academy of Dermatology — Tattoo skin reactions
- U.S. FDA — Tattoos & Permanent Makeup: Fact Sheet
- California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Lash and brow perming bulletin
Written by Mahsa Gerami, The Brow Doctor | Makeup By Mahsa G.. Last updated .