Permanent makeup is an easy way to boost your confidence, cut down on expensive makeup products, and look well-groomed and put together every day of the week. But before you book an appointment with your desired artist, it is important to get acquainted with the aftermath of your PMU treatment of choice.
Permanent makeup after care is a crucial element in getting the most out of your treatment and the best way to prevent infection and scarring. Read this article to find useful information on the permanent makeup healing process, permanent makeup side effects, and what to expect after your PMU appointment.
What to Expect After Your PMU Appointment for 2 Weeks?
The first 2 weeks after any permanent makeup are crucial and require you to follow the prescribed aftercare routine. You can expect your skin to go through the symptoms of recovery, and you won’t get the final results immediately.
Healing After Brow Tattoos
Let’s take a look at the day-by-day healing process and aftercare for your microblading, ombre powder brows, microshading, and nano brows treatment!
The Microblading Healing Process
The healing process of eyebrow microblading lasts 6-8 weeks. During this time it is normal to encounter certain side effects which can be divided into 6 stages:
- Days 1-4 – Eyebrows are swollen and dark
- Days 5-10 – Eyebrows begin to scab and flake
- Days 8-11 – Eyebrows become light, almost invisible
- Days 11-41 – The color is coming back but the eyebrows look patchy
- 6-8 weeks after the procedure – Time for a touch-up
- A couple of days after the touch-up – Complete recovery
It is important to note that not everyone’s skin heals the same way. Some people might go through the PMU healing process quickly and without any scabs at all, while others need as long as 6 weeks or more for their skin to fully heal.
PMU aftercare is the best prevention against fading, infection and other complications that can occur after microblading. Here are some tips on how to take care of your brows after the procedure:
- Don’t scratch or pick at scabs
- Avoid getting the treated area wet for at least 7 days, but clean it as instructed
- Avoid wearing makeup for at least 7 days after the procedure
- Apply prescribed creams or balms following the PMU aftercare instructions given by your technician
Read about the microblading aftercare routine in more detail here.
Image source: Instagram @foxcraft
The Ombre Powder Brows Healing Process
The healing process of ombre powder brows can be divided into 6 stages. Each of those stages comes with certain side effects that are normal during this period:
- Days 1-2 – Eyebrows appear dark and swollen
- Days 3-4 – Eyebrows start itching and scabbing
- Days 5-7 – Eyebrows appear light and patchy
- Days 8-10 – The powder brows color returns
- Days 11-28 – Time for a touch-up
- Days 28-42 – Eyebrows have fully healed
When it comes to ombre powder brows aftercare, the first 10 days are the most important for proper healing and optimal results. After that period it is still advised to be careful around your powder brows and especially to avoid touching them.
Check out these tips to learn how to properly take care of your freshly done eyebrows:
- Don’t touch, rub or scratch the treated area
- Clean and moisturize the brows as instructed
- Avoid wearing makeup
- Avoid physical activities that cause sweating
- Don’t sleep face down
Read about the ombre powder brows aftercare routine in more detail here.
Image source: Instagram @sculptlashandbrows
The Microshading Healing Process
The microshading healing process implies 2 weeks of surface healing, and another 4 weeks of invisible, internal tissue recovery and pigment settling. Usually, there are 6 stages of healing after a microshading treatment during which certain side effects may occur:
- Days 1-2 – Initial redness, swelling and tenderness
- Days 3-4 – Scabbing and itchiness
- Days 5-7 – Peeling stage
- Days 8-10 – Ghosting stage, eyebrows appear light and uneven
- Days 11-42 – Color reemerging
- Day 42 – Time for a touch-up, full recovery
After your microshading procedure, it is important to follow the prescribed aftercare advice given to you by your technician for a period of 2 weeks. After the procedure, your brows take 6-8 weeks to heal completely, but the aftercare routine is necessary only in the first days following the treatment until the brows stop peeling. Here’s how to take care of your skin after microshading:
- Clean the treated area gently with a damp cotton pad as instructed
- Apply aftercare ointment
- Avoid applying makeup for at least 14 days
- Don’t sleep face down
Read about the microshading aftercare routine in more detail here.
The Nano Brows Healing Process
The surface symptoms of the nano brows healing process should subside within 10-12 days after the initial treatment. You can consider the area completely healed 6-8 weeks after the procedure, at which point you should go back in for a touch-up. Your nano brows will go through 6 phases during the healing process, during which possible side effects may occur:
- Days 1-2 – The treated area appears red and swollen
- Days 3-4 – Scabs begin to form, itchiness
- Days 5-7 – Patchiness, scabs begin to flake
- Days 8-10 – Ghosting phase, eyebrows appear light
- Days 11-42 – Color reemerging stage
- Day 42 – Time for a touch-up, full recovery
Aftercare is an essential part of the nano brows process as it ensures optimal results after treatment and prevents infection. It is advised to keep up with your nano brows aftercare routine for 14 days. By this time, the micro-wounds made during the treatment will close up and there won’t be any risk of infection. Here are some basic rules of nano brow aftercare:
- Don’t touch your brows or pick at scabs
- Be careful when washing your face
- Use the prescribed aftercare balm
- Avoid applying makeup for at least 2 weeks
- Don’t sleep face down
Read about the nano brows aftercare routine in more detail here.
Image source: Instagram @rafif_sakher_nanobrows
Healing After Permanent Eyeliner
The permanent eyeliner healing process has two aspects – skin recovery and pigment settling.
Eyelids are a sensitive part of the face, and the skin around the eyes is very delicate so the eyeliner tattoo healing period may not be the most comfortable experience. This period can last for about 4-6 weeks and can include possible side effects such as:
- Day 1 – You may experience soreness, swelling and irritation
- Day 2 – You may experience tightness and sensitivity in the lash area
- Day 3-4 – The beginning of scabbing and flaking
- Days 5-10 – Eyeliner appears light and faded
- Days 11-41 – Color reemerging stage
- Day 42 – Your eyeliner has fully healed
At the permanent eyeliner appointment, your artist will assess your skin and prescribe the best aftercare routine for your skin type. Permanent eyeliner aftercare lasts for about 10 days and its main goal is to prevent infection and irritation of the treated area. Here are some tips on how to protect your skin after the procedure:
- Don’t touch, scratch or rub the treated area
- Clean regularly and use your healing cream
- Don’t wear eye makeup for at least 14 days
- Limit your daily exercise in order to avoid excessive sweating
- Don’t wear contact lenses, switch to glasses for a while instead
Read about the eyeliner tattoo aftercare routine in more detail here.
Image source: Instagram @portsidebeauty
Healing After Lip Blush
The lip blush healing process can be divided into 2 phases – superficial healing and internal deep tissue healing.
The first phase can last about 7-10 days in most cases, but the second phase can last for up to a month after the initial procedure. Similarly to other PMU treatments, the lip blushing healing process can come with certain side effects:
- Day 1 – Swelling, tenderness and high color intensity
- Day 2 – Dryness and chapping
- Day 3-4 – Scabbing, peeling and tightness
- Days 5-10 – Color ghosting stage
- 6 weeks in – Your lips are fully healed
For achieving optimal results after your lip blushing treatment, a specially prescribed aftercare routine is necessary. There are 2 general types of lip tattoo aftercare – dry and wet healing. Both entail some general rules for the first 7-10 days, or until the peeling is over:
- Avoid touching your lips and picking at scabs
- Clean as instructed and use the aftercare ointment prescribed by your technician
- Prevent your lips from getting wet when showering
- Avoid getting toothpaste on your lips
- Don’t put any makeup or skincare products over the treated area
Read about the lip blush aftercare routine in more detail here.
Healing After Scalp Micropigmentation
The scalp micropigmentation healing process lasts about 7-10 days. After the treatment it is common to notice slight redness on the scalp for 2-3 days post session, but likely there is no downtime needed after this procedure. Clients are allowed to wear hats and continue with their daily activities as per usual.
During this period some possible side effects may occur:
- Day 1 – Redness, inflammation and lymph oozing
- Days 2-3 – Scabbing, minor dryness and itchiness
- Days 4-7 – Peeling and flaking of the treated area
- Days 8-13 – Patchiness, uneven pigmentation
- Day 14 – The best time for a touch-up
- Day 30 – The treated area has fully healed
The scalp micropigmentation aftercare period boils down to not touching your scalp, keeping it dry and clean, moisturizing if advised, and avoiding sweating and using harsh products. Proper aftercare is strongly advised after each treatment in order to achieve long-lasting results. Here are some tips and basic rules to follow during this time:
- Clean and moisturize as instructed
- Don’t touch your scalp in order to avoid infection
- Keep the treated area dry (no washing or excessive sweating)
- No shampooing – after day 3 you can clean the scalp with mild, fragrance-free soap
- Avoid UV radiation exposure
Read about the SMP aftercare routine in more detail here.
Image source: @scalpaesthetic_dearborn
Main Takeaways
If you decide to get a permanent makeup treatment, bear in mind that the healing process can last anywhere from 6-8 weeks for most procedures.
During this time it is important to follow instructions given to you by your artist since aftercare dictates the success and longevity of the procedure itself. Refrain from getting the treated area wet and keep track of emerging side effects, since anything out of the ordinary can be a sign of possible infection.
For more in-depth information on your desired PMU procedure click here.
Cover image source: Freepik
