+ Aftercare

• GENTLY wash your brows with a pea size amount of soap like Cetaphil, Seventh Generation Free & Clean Fragrance-Free Wash or Dial, using water to suds it up in your hand. Wash 2x a day, once in the AM, once in the PM before bed. You do not need to scrub the brows, just use clean fingers to wash with gentle wiping motions in the direction of hair growth about 5x per brow, then rinse. Use a fresh paper towel to pat them dry, do not rub.
• No excessive moisture or water- meaning not getting them when in the shower or sweating. When cleansing your face, use a makeup remover or washcloth to avoid your brows, completely. If your eyebrows get wet during the healing process pat them dry with a paper towel or tissue, DO NOT RUB.
• Apply a THIN layer of healing balm or cream, that you were given, according to your therapist’s advice. If you have excessively oily skin, you may not need to use healing balm. For those with dry skin, balm can be used up to 2-3 times per day. The easiest way to apply the balm is with a cotton swab and spread it across the treated area. Be sure not to over apply as this could delay the healing. Make sure your brows are dry when applying the balm, never apply the balm to wet or damp skin.

+What to expect while healing

• Immediately following your procedure, the pigment will appear to be darker, and bolder in color and more sharply defined. This can last up to a week after the treatment while the initial healing process takes place. Do not be alarmed if you see some pigment on cotton swabs as this is excess pigment or bodily fluid that is naturally exiting your skin. The treated area may feel a bit like sunburn afterwards but there should be minimal discomfort.

• During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is some scabbing or flaking, do not pick, rub, or scratch and allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own.

• Temporary side effects from Cosmetic Tattooing and Microblading include but are not limited to: redness, swelling, puffiness, bruising, dry patches, and tenderness. In the case of swelling, cover the treated area with plastic wrap and place ice or ice packs over or next to the affected area to relieve symptoms, do not hold ice on the area longer than 5 minutes and do not place the ice directly onto the treated area to avoid moisture and contamination.

• Color change or color loss. As the procedure area heals, the color will lighten and sometimes seem to disappear in places. This can all be addressed during the touch-up appointment which is why touch-up is necessary. The procedure area has to heal completely before we can address any concerns. Healing takes about four weeks.

• The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks, at which time the true color of the results is evident. During this process, the pigment will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 6 weeks to see the true color, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 6-8 weeks that your touch-up can be done.

• A touch-up may be needed 6 months to 1 year after the first touch-up procedure depending on your skin, medications, and sun exposure. Your first touch-up should be scheduled 6 weeks after your initial appointment. You will need a color-boost every .5-3 years to maintain fresh and natural appearance. Some clients may choose to come in sooner for a small touch-up visit. Everyone's genetics, physiological makeup, and lifestyle will affect the treatment in various, unique ways. You may still need to fill in or powder your brows after they heal- this is an enhancement to your natural brows, not a permanent one. If most of the hair strokes have faded, the entire procedure will need to be repeated. An email photo consultation may be necessary to determine if you need a color-boost or a repeat of the entire procedure.

• Though rare, infection is possible. If you see signs of infection such as persistent increased redness or swelling, fever, drainage, or oozing, contact your doctor immediately.

+ Healing Schedule

• Day 1: Brows will look finely detailed and crisp. Color may appear dark (50% darker than healed). Expect light to moderate swelling and redness.
• Days 2-4: Brows will darken as scabs begin to form as skin's natural exfoliation takes place. The scabs will be raised and darker version of each hair stroke, or a thicker scab for powder/combo brows.
• Days 5-7: Scabs will begin to flake off. DO NOT PICK. This may create patchiness or scarring.
• Days 8-10: Skin under scabs will appear lighter in color until the color clarifies. For the next few days, the color may now be lighter than what the final color will be.
• Days 11-28: Your body will develop a new layer of skin over the tattoo. Brow color will begin to come back, but may be a little patchy or uneven in tone
• Days 30+: Brows will continue healing until your 6-8 week touch up session where we can perfect any color issues.

+ What not to do

• DO NOT pick, scratch, or rub at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It may appear as though the tattooed area has completely disappeared. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates.

• Please keep the area clean and let it breathe! Do not apply any cosmetics to the treated area and avoid excessive sweating for at least 14 days.

• Do not scrub, rub or pick at the epithelial crust that forms. Allow it to flake off by itself. If it is removed before it is ready the pigment underneath it can be pulled out. There is no need to touch your brows at all unless you are washing them with clean hands.

• Do not use any makeup on the brows for at least 14 days.

• No sweating, excessive heat, steam or sun exposure for 14 days. Additionally no swimming, saunas, or sunbed tanning. You MUST refrain from working out and sweating (even a little) to prevent the salt & oils from damaging your pigment or creating a cloudy/powdered effect.

• NO sunscreen on the treated area for at least 2 weeks

• Avoid using daily skin care products and anti-acne products directly on the eyebrows

• Do not use makeup or cosmetics on the area for 14 days.

• NO anti-aging products or facial products containing Alpha Hydroxyls (AHA’s), Retin-A, Lactic Glycolic Acids, or exfoliants for 6-8 WEEKS after your initial procedure and 4 weeks after your touch-up.

• Do not tweeze eyebrows for one week after the procedure.

• Do not bleach, tint or dye the tattooed area for one month following the procedure.

• Do not use Vaseline, Neosporin or other petroleum based products while healing

• No facials, botox, chemical treatments, or microdermabrasion for at least 6-8 WEEKS after your initial procedure and 4 weeks after your touch-up

+ After the Healing Processs

• Once your brows are completely healed always apply a sunscreen on your eyebrows when exposed to the sun. Sun exposure may cause the color pigment to fade more quickly.

• Glycolic acid, microdermabrasion, and chemical face peel products must be kept away from the tattooed area as continued use could lighten the pigment.

• Please inform your technician that you have had a cosmetic tattoo or microblading if you are having laser hair removal or laser resurfacing. Continue with your own discretion.

• If you are planning to have an MRI scan please inform your doctor or nurse that you have had the microblading procedure.

• Use sun block after the procedure area is healed to protect from sun fading.

• Smoking WILL cause pigment to fade prematurely.

+ Aftercare

• Gently rinse off aftercare ointment with room temperature water 2-3 hours after the procedure.
• Keep eyelids clean and dry for 7 days, and do not pick scabs.
• You may use a cold pack or sleep elevated to help reduce swelling.
• Use a clean pillowcase, and avoid touching the treated area without clean hands.
• Avoid eye makeup for 5-7 days, or until all scabs have flaked off.

+ Healing Schedule

• Days 1-2: You may have swollen, red, heavy or tender eyelids. Avoid heavy lifting, physical exertion, contacts, eyedrops and crying.
• Days 4-5: Scabs will begin to flake off in small. The skin underneath may look light.
• Days 5-28: The color will return slowly, but some unevenness of color is expected. This will be perfeted during your touch-up.

+ Aftercare

• Keep area clean and open to air, do not cover with a bandage. You should not be touching the area at all, but wash your hands before you have to.
• Clean by blotting area with saline 3-4 times a ay using a paper towel.
• Shower as normal, but keep area out of shower spray as much as possible.
• Once all scabs have naturally fallen off, apply vitamin E oil up to 4x/day until the next lift session.
• For Lips: please drink all liquids with straw until all scabbing ha naturally fallen off. Brush with Toms of Maine or Classic Crest (no whitening, no peroxide). Cut foot into small bites- no biting into foods. Keep mouth expressions to minimum.
• Please allow 8 weeks between sessions.

+ What to expect while healing

• Immediately following your procedure you might be red or bleeding and pigment may appear dark and splotchy.
• Minimal swelling may occur
• Stinging/burning is normal as it is quite literally "salt in the wound"

+ What not to do

• Do not use ice.
• Do not soak area in water- no swiming, saunas, hot tubs, jacuzzi, tanning or exercize for the duration of healing/scabbing.
• No picking, rubbing or scratching.