Important considerations for your new cosmetic tattoo
The most important thing to understand is that cosmetic tattooing is a process. It requires a follow up application to perfect the initial procedure, which can be performed after 6 weeks (once you’re fully healed). Due to the numerous variables that affect our skin, each person is unique and will heal differently. Please keep this in mind as we work together to achieve your cosmetic tattooing goals.
There are many factors that can affect the healed result of your procedure, so it is extremely important to understand that what YOU do to YOUR skin during the healing process can directly affect YOUR final result. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in loss, discoloration or distortion of pigment. I want you to look your absolute best so please read through this information and follow it to the best of your ability. Your face will thank you for it!
It is normal to lose 30-50% of the implanted color during the healing period. Immediately after the procedure your new brows may appear much darker than you’re used to, and after 2 weeks they may appear lighter than you expected. Please be assured that as your skin cells naturally regenerate, the color will come back around the 3 week mark and continue to clarify throughout the first 6 weeks. Be patient and kind to your skin as it does its job during this important phase!
Some residual swelling and redness is normal following the procedure. Dry skin, itching and tenderness are also common during the healing process – the treated area is a wound after all. If these symptoms are experienced, they should dissipate each day. You may take Tylenol or Ibuprofen within the first 2 days to alleviate any minor symptoms, but avoid aspirin as it is a blood thinner. Allergic reactions to the cosmetic tattoo pigments I use are rare, but should you experience any severe symptoms that do not clear up in a day or two please let me know.
Recommendations for long term care of your cosmetic tattoo include avoiding the use of strong chemicals (bleaching, tinting, peels), skin care products such as glycolics, Retin-A, acne, and brighteners, as well as exfoliation and tanning. Your cosmetic tattoo is different and less durable than a traditional body art tattoo; as the cosmetic tattoo pigments are designed to fade over time you must take care to not hasten the process. The longevity of a cosmetic tattoo is unique to each individual, however, the average person usually requires a color boost every 1 – 3 years.
If you have an MRI or laser treatments in the future, please inform your technician that you have been tattooed with iron-oxide pigments, as discomfort or discoloration of your tattoo may occur.
Healing Instructions
The #1 rule for eyebrows with microbladed hair strokes is a dry heal. If you get them wet, sweat excessively or use anti-aging/acne products on the treated area during the healing process, you can end up with blurry or faint hair strokes. Salt and chlorine can cause your tattoo to fade or change color – so it is imperative to avoid sweating and swimming. Please follow the instructions below to protect your cosmetic tattoo and promote a beautifully healed result.
- DRY HEAL FOR 10 DAYS! You must keep your brows free from all water, sweat and products.
- For the first 2 days, do not wash your hair at all or in a traditional manner in the shower (salon washes or dry shampoos are great alternatives).
- For days 3-10, you can wash your hair in the shower but be sure to put Vaseline on your eyebrows to provide a protective barrier while in the shower. Once you come out, immediately blot the Vaseline completely dry (do not wipe with applied pressure as this can pull off the scab).
- Do not rub, scratch, or pick at the treated area – this can cause scarring or pull out pigment causing premature fading. If you must tend to an itch, gently pat the area.
- Remember that your cosmetic tattoo is a wound that is healing – treat it with care like any other wound. Clean hands are a must!
- During the 10 day healing period, do not apply any products to the treated area (except for Vaseline temporarily). This includes make up, moisturizers, ointments and cleansers.
- During the first month, do not scrub or exfoliate the treated area. Let any scabs fall off naturally.
- For the life of the tattoo, never use the following products on the treated area: anti-aging, anti-acne, Retinol, renewal, skin-brightening, chemical peels, and heavy oil moisturizers. You can still use these products on the rest of your face, but take care to avoid the eyebrows. The better you care for your new brows, the better they’ll look and the longer they’ll last!
Healing Schedule / Typical Effects
Days 1-2 The eyebrows are much darker and bolder than they will be when healed. The hair strokes will lighten and shrink throughout the healing process. Minor swelling may occur.
Day 3 Eyebrows can start to itch and appear a bit thicker in texture (this is a scab forming). Natural exfoliation begins – do not pick or scratch!
Days 4-7 Skin begins to flake, peeling from the outside edges first – resist picking the scabs and let them fall off naturally. Be careful to avoid sleeping on your face, as this can rub off scabs.
Days 8-14 Any scabs that form will continue to flake and appear softer. The first part of the healing process is complete when there are no more scabs and the texture of the skin is once again smooth (typically around the 10-14 day mark). After this point you can resume working out, normal showering, and using makeup and gentle products on your eyebrows.
Days 15-45 Over these several weeks, color will gradually come back darker and more clarified. Continue to avoid exfoliation, excessive tanning and harsh chemicals. Schedule your follow up session after 6 weeks!
