Pre-Care & Aftercare Guide for Permanent Makeup
Pre-Care & Aftercare Guide for Permanent Makeup
Proper preparation and aftercare are essential for achieving beautiful, long-lasting results from your permanent makeup procedure. Follow our expert guidelines for optimal healing and pigment retention.
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How We Approach Aftercare at Le Kitsuné
The basic philosophy of aftercare is simple: facilitate your body's natural healing process.
Since we're working with the dermis layer of your skin, this means keeping the area clean and protected until the skin is completely closed, then allowing it to heal optimally. By keeping the area free of excess sebum and maintaining proper moisture levels, you ensure optimal healing and pigment retention. Drier skin types need to stay on top of moisturizing and avoid water over-exposure, while oilier skin types should focus on keeping the area clean of excess oil buildup.
General Pre-Care: Preparing For Your Procedure
Proper preparation is crucial for optimal pigment retention and minimal complications. Follow these timeline-based guidelines leading up to your appointment to ensure your skin is in the best possible condition for your procedure.
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Four Weeks Before Your ProcedureAvoid Botox, laser treatments, and chemical peels. These treatments can affect skin texture and pigment retention.
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Two Weeks Before Your ProcedureStop using Retin-A, AHA products (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid), microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning. These active ingredients thin the skin and can interfere with pigment deposit.
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One Week Before Your ProcedureAvoid sun tanning, tanning beds, and significant sun exposure. Sunburned or tanned skin will not heal properly and can result in uneven pigment retention.
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Three Days Before Your ProcedureDo not wax, thread, or tint the treatment area. However, you may tweeze stray hairs outside your desired brow shape.
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48 Hours Before Your ProcedureAvoid aspirin, niacin, vitamin E, ibuprofen, fish oil, and other blood thinners unless medically necessary. These can increase bleeding and affect pigment retention.
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Day Before & Day Of ProcedureNo alcohol consumption the night before or day of your procedure. Alcohol thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding and poor color retention. Stay well-hydrated with water instead.
If you are on prescribed blood thinners, consult your doctor before your appointment. Do not discontinue prescribed medications without medical approval.
Avoid consuming cannabis products 72 hours before your procedure, as they can significantly heighten pain sensitivity during the treatment.
Day Of Procedure: What To Expect & Bring
Should I wear makeup to my appointment? If you normally wear makeup, then yes! This gives us a clear understanding of your personal style, makeup routine, and color preferences. We want to see how you typically present yourself.
If you don't wear makeup regularly, please come naturally and we'll work together to create a look you're comfortable with.
What to bring: If you have specific brow pencils, eyeliners, or lipsticks you love, bring them along! This helps us match your preferred colors and style.
Eat a good meal before your appointment and stay well-hydrated. This helps you stay comfortable during the procedure and aids in healing afterward.
Read Service-Specific Pre-Care Instructions
General Aftercare: Essential Instructions For All Procedures
The following instructions apply to all permanent makeup procedures—eyebrows, lips, and eyeliner. These guidelines are designed to facilitate optimal healing, maximize pigment retention, and prevent complications.
Keep it clean. Keep it moisturized. Keep your hands off. These three principles are the foundation of successful healing.
Your skin will naturally want to heal itself—your job is simply to create the optimal environment for that healing to occur without interference.
What To Do
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Keep The Area CleanGently cleanse the treated area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleaner like w/ Cetaphil and moisturize with Cerave . Pat dry with a clean paper towel—never rub or use washcloths.
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Maintain Proper MoistureApply a thin layer of the aftercare ointment we provide (or use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer like CeraVe) using clean hands or a cotton swab. The area should be moist but never shiny or greasy.
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Sleep On Your BackFor the first 3-5 nights, try to sleep on your back to avoid friction on the treated area. Use a clean pillowcase and consider protecting it with a towel, as some pigment may transfer during the first few nights.
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Hands Off!Do not pick, peel, scratch, or rub the treated area. If it itches, apply more ointment with a gentle patting motion. Picking will cause premature pigment loss and potentially uneven healing.
What To Avoid While Rcovering
- Water prolonged exposure: ALthough its ok to get the area wet for the first 7-10 days avoid prolonged swimming, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, or long showers. Generally keep the area dry as possible!
- Makeup: Do not apply makeup to or near the treated area for at least 5-7 days, or until all scabbing has completely healed.
- Exercise & sweating: Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy sweating, and activities that cause perspiration for 7-10 days. Sweat contains saline that can prematurely fade pigment.
- Sun exposure: Avoid tanning beds, and sunbathing for at least 2 weeks as possible. After healing, always use SPF 30+ sunscreen on the treated area.
- Skincare actives: Do not use any products containing AHAs, BHAs, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Retinol, Tretinoin, Vitamin A, any exfoliating ingredients or excessive moisturizing near the treated area for at least 2 weeks.
- Friction: Avoid rubbing, scratching, or any form of friction on the treated area. This is the enemy of proper healing!
- Facials & treatments: No facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, or any facial treatments for at least 4 weeks after your procedure.
Do NOT use: Neosporin, Bacitracin, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, witch hazel, tea tree oil, or any product containing antibiotics (these can draw out pigment and cause allergic reactions).
If using Vaseline or Aquaphor, use only the tiniest amount so your skin can still breathe. Over-moisturizing can cause pigment to "weep" out of the skin.
Read Service-Specific Aftercare Instructions
Eyebrow Pre-Care & Aftercare: Hybrid, Nano & Powder Brows
Important: Follow all General Pre-Care and General Aftercare instructions in addition to these eyebrow-specific guidelines.
Pre-Care For Eyebrows
If you normally shape your brows (waxing, threading, tweezing), have this done at least 3 days before your appointment—but preferably one week before. This allows any redness or irritation to subside.
Avoid tinting your brows for at least one week before the procedure.
If you use skincare actives like retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs on your forehead, discontinue use 2 weeks before your appointment in the brow area.
Aftercare For Eyebrows
Our machine-based techniques (Hybrid Brows, Nano Brows, and Powder Brows) typically result in minimal scabbing and light healing. Most Le Kitsuné clients report little to no peeling—many tell us "nothing happened!" However, some clients do experience visible healing stages.
Microblading vs. Machine Techniques: If you've had traditional microblading before, you may remember heavier scabbing and more intense peeling. Our machine techniques create less trauma to the skin, resulting in a gentler healing process with better pigment retention.
What To Expect
Your brows may appear darker and bolder immediately after the procedure—this is normal! The color will soften significantly over the next 7-10 days as the surface layer heals. By week 2-4, you'll see the true color emerge as the pigment settles into the dermal layer.
Some clients experience light dandruff-like flaking around days 3-7, while others see no visible peeling at all. If you do peel, do not pick or scratch! Let the skin shed naturally. Premature peeling will pull pigment out with it.
Daily Care Routine
Days 1-7: Gently cleanse brows twice daily (morning and night) with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Pat dry and apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment. Keep them lightly moisturized but never shiny.
Days 7-14: Continue gentle cleansing. You can resume most normal activities but continue avoiding skincare actives, excessive water exposure, and makeup on the brows.
Most Hybrid, Nano, and Powder Brow clients report significantly less peeling and scabbing compared to traditional microblading. By keeping your skin moisturized and avoiding water over-exposure, you can minimize any flaking even further.
The longer any scabs stay on naturally, the better your pigment retention will be. Don't rush the healing process!
What To Avoid During Healing
- Water exposure: Avoid getting the area wet for the first 7-10 days except for gentle cleansing. No swimming, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, or long showers.
- Makeup: Do not apply makeup to or near the brows for at least 5-7 days, or until all scabbing has completely healed.
- Exercise & sweating: Avoid strenuous exercise for 7-10 days. Sweat contains salt that can prematurely fade pigment.
- Picking or scratching: Do NOT pick, peel, or scratch the brows. This will cause premature pigment loss.
Long-Term Brow Care
After healing, always use zinc-based sunscreen SPF 30+ over your brows when exposed to sun. UV exposure is the #1 cause of premature fading.
Avoid applying anti-aging or acne products (retinoids, acids, exfoliants) directly on or within one inch above your brows, as these will cause premature fading or color changes.
Lip Pre-Care & Aftercare: Watercolor Lips & Lip Blush
Important: Follow all General Pre-Care and General Aftercare instructions in addition to these lip-specific guidelines.
Pre-Care For Lips
Begin hydrating and exfoliating your lips one week before the procedure. Apply lip balm frequently and gently exfoliate with a soft toothbrush or washcloth after showering. This helps prepare your lips for optimal pigment retention.
If you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters: As a precautionary best practice, we recommend consulting your doctor about acquiring an antiviral prescription (such as Valtrex, Zovirax, or Famvir). The procedure involves light trauma to the lip area which can potentially trigger an outbreak in susceptible individuals. Starting the medication 3 days before your procedure and continuing for 3-5 days after can help prevent this. Please bring proof of your prescription or a signed waiver to your appointment.
Aftercare For Lips
Lip procedures require the most intensive aftercare due to the delicate nature of lip tissue and constant movement/moisture exposure. Following these instructions carefully is essential for optimal color retention and healing.
Daily Care Timeline
Day 1: Day of Procedure
Within the first hour after your procedure, wipe your lips with the antiseptic wipe included in your Aftercare Kit, followed by a cotton round dampened with lukewarm water. This removes excess lymph fluid and prevents heavy scabbing.
Repeat this gentle cleaning at bedtime on Day 1. When your lips feel dry, apply A&D ointment (included in your Kit) liberally. Your lips should never feel dry or tight!
Days 2-7: Active Healing Phase
Do your best not to wet your lips for this entire period, aside from the initial Day 1 cleaning. Let them heal! Keep the skin moist at all times—do not let your lips dry out.
Continue to reapply A&D ointment as needed throughout the day. Apply liberally, especially after eating or drinking. DO NOT PICK OR PEEL at any scabbing or flaking! This will cause significant pigment loss.
Days 8-14: The "Ghost Stage"
Your lips may look like the color completely disappeared—don't panic! The pigment is still there beneath the surface layer of healing skin. This frosty appearance is completely normal and temporary.
Continue gentle care and moisture. The true color will begin to emerge as your skin completes its healing cycle.
Weeks 3-4: Color Return
The true color will emerge fully. Lips can fade 40-60% initially, which is why we schedule a touch-up 4-8 weeks later to perfect the color and achieve your final result.
What To Avoid During Healing (Days 1-10)
- Water on lips: Except for the initial Day 1 cleaning, keep lips as dry as possible for 7 days.
- Lip products & makeup: No lipstick, lip gloss, or lip products for 7-10 days.
- Hot foods & drinks: Avoid hot soup, coffee, tea, or steamy foods for 72 hours. Use a straw for all beverages.
- Spicy & salty foods: Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, or irritating foods for 7 days.
- Teeth brushing: For 72 hours, brush teeth with mouthwash only or very carefully with water to avoid toothpaste on lips. Toothpaste can pull pigment out!
- Kissing: Sorry! Avoid kissing, oral contact, and any friction on the lips for 7-10 days or until completely healed.
- Vaping & smoking: Avoid vaping! The metal mouthpiece will make the color turn ashy and gray. If you must smoke, do so very carefully and reapply ointment immediately after.
Use a straw for all beverages for the first 7 days, especially coffee, tea, wine, or anything that could stain. This prevents the liquid from touching your healing lips and pulling out pigment.
When eating, be very careful not to wipe your lips with napkins or lick your lips. Both actions will impede healing and cause color loss.
Eyeliner Pre-Care & Aftercare: Lash Enhancement & Eyeliner Tattoo
Important: Follow all General Pre-Care and General Aftercare instructions in addition to these eyeliner-specific guidelines.
Pre-Care For Eyeliner
Do not wear contact lenses to your appointment. Please wear glasses on the day of your procedure and bring your contact lens case with you. You must abstain from wearing contact lenses for 48 hours after the service (see aftercare section for why this is critical).
Remove eyelash extensions at least one week prior to your procedure. Discontinue Latisse, Revitalash, or any lash growth serums for 2 weeks before your appointment as they increase bleeding and bruising risk.
Come to your appointment with clean eyes—no mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, or makeup on the eye area.
Aftercare For Eyeliner
Eyeliner procedures require careful aftercare due to the sensitive nature of the eye area. The goal is to keep the area clean, maintain moisture, and avoid any irritation or infection.
Please abstain from wearing contact lenses for 48 hours after the service. The numbing agent renders the cornea extremely sensitive, and wearing contacts could scratch the cornea, potentially causing damage and serious infection.
Wear glasses during this time and make sure you have them ready before your procedure!
Daily Care Routine
First 24 Hours: You may experience swelling, especially the morning after your procedure. This is completely normal. Apply ice packs for 10-15 minutes at a time with a barrier (paper towel or clean cloth) to reduce swelling. Do NOT press ice directly onto eyes.
Days 1-7: Gently cleanse the eyeliner area twice daily with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Use cotton balls or clean cotton swabs—never your fingers directly. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of gentle moisturizer or the provided aftercare ointment using a clean cotton swab. The area should be lightly moisturized but never greasy.
What To Avoid During Healing
- Eye makeup: No mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, or eye makeup for 7-10 days. After healing, use a brand-new tube of mascara to prevent infection.
- Eyelash curler: Do not use an eyelash curler for 2 weeks. Clean your curler with alcohol before using it again.
- Lash extensions & treatments: No eyelash extensions, lash lifts, lash tinting, or lash perming for 2 weeks after your procedure.
- Rubbing or touching: Do not rub, scratch, or irritate your eyes. If you need to touch the area, use a clean cotton swab ONLY. Never use your fingers.
- Water exposure: Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms for 7-10 days.
Peeling and Fading: What To Expect
Some flaking is normal around days 3-7. Do not pick or try to peel this skin off. Most clients see about 30-50% lighter color after the first session completes healing—this is expected and will be perfected at your touch-up appointment 4-6 weeks later.
Managing Swelling & Discomfort
Sleep elevated on 2 pillows for the first 2-3 nights to reduce swelling. The most swelling typically occurs the morning after your procedure and should subside within 24-48 hours.
Some residual pigment may transfer onto your pillowcase for the first few nights—this is normal. Use an old pillowcase or protect it with a towel.
Open skin around the eyes is sensitive to pet dander, gardening, dust, and dirty hands. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the eye area, and be especially careful around pets and outdoor activities during healing.
If you experience any signs of infection (excessive redness, swelling, pus, or discharge), contact your doctor immediately and seek medical attention. Eye infections are rare but must be treated promptly.
Recovery Timeline: What To Expect
Everyone is different and most clients are out and about the day of the procedure! Based on our experience, we recommend adhering to a 2-week aftercare routine to ensure optimal outcomes.
That said, downtime really does vary significantly. Even the same client can have different experiences with each procedure depending on their current lifestyle factors including pre/post pregnancy status, stress levels, overall health, medications, supplements, diet, climate, workout regimen, and skincare routine.
The Healing Spectrum
Some clients report feeling no visible change in their skin at all—they experience minimal to no peeling, scabbing, or downtime. These clients often tell us "I didn't even know I was healing!"
Others go through a more visible "process," which typically looks like this:
- Day 1-2: The treated area appears very dark due to oxidation of the ink (intermingled with blood and lymphatic fluid).
- Days 3-7: The color begins to soften and may peel (ranging from light dandruff-like flaking to more visible patches).
- Days 7-14: The color appears to "disappear" as a frosty layer forms over the area (the "ghost stage").
- Weeks 2-4: The true color returns and settles as the skin completes its healing cycle.
We advise clients to be patient for one full month, as the skin cell regeneration cycle is approximately 28 days. It takes that long for your skin to be fully healed and for the true color to be revealed.
This is why we wait 4-6 weeks before proceeding with touch-ups. At that point, the pigment has settled into its final color and we can assess what adjustments, if any, are needed.
Planning Major Social Events
The good news: Most clients look great and are ready to resume normal activities immediately after their procedure! Many of our clients go straight back to work, run errands, and continue their daily routines without any visible issues.
That said, some clients do experience visible darkening during the first week or light peeling/flaking during days 3-7. If you're one of these clients, you may prefer to have a few days at home during the most visible healing stages.
For major events like weddings, photoshoots, or important presentations: We recommend scheduling your procedure at least 6-8 weeks in advance so you're fully healed and have completed your touch-up appointment before the big day. While many clients don't give themselves this much time (and still look great!), waiting until after your touch-up is best practice for locking in your final look with minimal risk. This gives us the opportunity to perfect the color, shape, and saturation for your most important moments.
Want A More In-Depth Understanding?
For a detailed, day-by-day breakdown of the healing process with specific guidance for each stage, check out our comprehensive healing timeline article:
Ingredient Information & Transparency
We believe in complete transparency about what products come in contact with your skin during your procedure. Here is a comprehensive list of ingredients for all products used at Le Kitsuné.
If you have any known sensitivities or allergies, please confirm with your doctor prior to your appointment.
Permanent makeup is an elective cosmetic procedure. If you have any medical concerns, allergies, sensitivities, or questions about how this procedure may affect your health, please consult with your doctor before proceeding.
By choosing to proceed with permanent makeup services, you acknowledge that you've been informed of the procedure details, aftercare requirements, and potential risks, and that you accept responsibility for your decision.
Trust The Process & Trust Le Kitsuné
At Le Kitsuné, we've refined our techniques and aftercare protocols over thousands of procedures to give you the best possible experience and results. Our Hybrid, Nano, and Powder Brow techniques are designed for minimal downtime, natural-looking results, and exceptional pigment retention.
Most clients heal beautifully with minimal intervention—your job is simply to keep the area clean, moisturized, and protected while your body does what it does best: heal itself. Follow these guidelines, be patient during the healing process, and trust that the final result will be worth it.
Remember: We're here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns during your healing journey, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help!