Healing guide
Aftercare
How you care for fresh pigment in the first two weeks decides how well it holds. This is the general guide; always follow the written instructions you’re given at your appointment.
Do
- Follow the written aftercare you’re given at your appointment exactly. It’s specific to your service and your skin.
- Keep the area clean, and use only the balm or ointment you’re given, in a thin layer.
- Sleep on your back for the first week if you can.
- Once fully healed, protect your results with SPF. Sun is the biggest cause of fading.
Avoid for about two weeks
- No picking, peeling or scratching. Let flakes fall off on their own.
- No swimming, saunas, steam rooms or hot tubs for about two weeks.
- No heavy sweating or workouts for the first week.
- No makeup, skincare actives (retinol, acids) or facials on the area until it’s healed.
- No direct sun or tanning on the area while it heals.
Healing stages
What’s normal, week by week
Brows
- Days 1–7Brows look darker and bolder than the final result. That’s the pigment sitting on the surface, and it softens.
- Days 7–14Light flaking and itching. Let the flakes fall off on their own; picking pulls pigment out.
- Weeks 2–4Brows can look patchy or much lighter as the skin heals over the pigment. This is the stage people worry about, and it’s normal.
- Weeks 4–6Colour settles back in and you see the true healed result.
- Weeks 6–8Your touch-up refines the shape and fills anything that didn’t hold.
Lips
- Days 1–3Lips are swollen and the colour is very bright.
- Days 3–7Lips flake and peel. Keep them moisturised with the aftercare balm and don’t peel.
- Weeks 1–2Colour looks pale or even patchy. This is normal.
- Weeks 3–6The true colour blooms back as the lips fully heal.
- Weeks 6–8Touch-up to deepen and even the colour.
Lip blush extras
- Drink through a straw for the first few days.
- Avoid spicy, salty and acidic foods while the lips heal.
- If you get cold sores, take any antiviral your doctor prescribed exactly as directed.
When to call us
Some redness, tenderness and flaking is normal. Contact the studio, and your doctor, if you notice increasing pain, heat, swelling or discharge after the first few days.
Ready when you are
Book your appointment
Start by texting a makeup-free photo to (408) 469-2671. Mina will check your skin and confirm the right service before you book.