Before Your Appointment
Precare, simplified.
A little prep goes a long way. Great healed results start before you ever sit in the chair. Here's exactly what to do (and avoid) before your cosmetic tattoo appointment.
General pre-care information
These apply to all cosmetic tattoo services: microblading, powder brows, combo brows, nano brows, and lip blush.
- Cosmetic tattooing may require multiple treatment sessions. For the best results, you'll return for at least one re-touch appointment, 6–10 weeks after your initial procedure.
- Prone to bruising or swelling? We recommend oral Arnica Montana (available at vitamin stores or online). Start 4–5 days before your appointment, per label instructions.
- If you have used or are using Accutane, you must discontinue use for at least 1 year prior to your appointment.
You may want to avoid cosmetic tattooing if you…
- Have very oily skin and/or very large pores on your forehead and brow area
- Are very tan or sun-damaged
- Suffer from severe allergies
- Have very delicate, fragile, sensitive, or problematic skin. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or melasma present on the face will affect retention, how your color ages, and the longevity of your cosmetic tattoo
- Are allergic to Lidocaine, Tetracaine, or Benzocaine
- Have chronic chapped lips (lip services only)
- Are prone to scarring or keloids
- Are epileptic
- Are under 18 (we will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18)
- Are pregnant or nursing
Brows
Microblading, powder brows, combo brows & nano brows.
- Discontinue any Retinols, Retinoids, Retin-A, or Tretinoin creams for a minimum of 6 weeks.
- Take a break from exfoliating and anti-acne products (glycolics, vitamin C, AHA/BHA, enzyme washes, serums, etc.) near your brow area for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your session for best healed results.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol or taking blood-thinning medications 24 hours prior to your appointment.
- Treatments such as lasers, peels, waxing, Botox, and tinting should take place 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after your appointment.
- Skin should be healthy, non-irritated, blemish-free, and sunburn-free for best results. Your skin type and condition will greatly determine your results.
- Microblading alone is only suitable for dry, non-porous, healthy skin. Most clients will benefit from a naturally shaded style brow with a few hairlike details.
Lips
Lip blush, first sessions & touch-ups.
The week before your appointment
- Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, lipsticks, and extreme sun exposure.
- Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water (8 oz each) daily.
- Apply Vitamin E or Vitamin A&D to your lips throughout the day.
- After showering or washing your face in the evening, gently scrub your lips with a lip scrub (recipe below), especially in the middle, then apply a thin layer of Vitamin D or A&D.
- Do not take blood thinners such as ibuprofen or aspirin 24 hours prior to your appointment. If needed, Tylenol can be taken 30 minutes before.
- Prone to bruising or swelling? Start oral Arnica Montana 4–5 days before your appointment, per label instructions.
- No fat transfer, Botox, or filler less than 2 weeks before your appointment.
Important lip advice
- Make sure your lips are well moisturized in the days leading up to your appointment. Dry, cracked lips won't heal nicely. If your lips are dry, cracked, or irritated on the day of your appointment, you will most likely be rescheduled.
- If you've EVER had even one cold sore on or around your mouth, you must take doctor-prescribed Valtrex (or similar) at least 3 days before and 3 days after your lip tattoo. Without it, this procedure will trigger an outbreak that affects healing. Very important, and very easy to avoid.
- If you have lip filler, you must wait at least 1 month before or after to get your lips tattooed.
Lip scrub
- Combine 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Mix well.
- Apply to lips in a circular motion for 5–10 minutes to eliminate chapping.
- Repeat daily, up to 3 days before your appointment.
Lash line enhancement | Classic liner
To ensure the best results and a smooth experience, follow these guidelines before and after your appointment.
- Discontinue lash growth serums at least 3 weeks before your appointment.
- Remove lash extensions at least 48 hours prior.
- Avoid Lash Lift + Tint services for at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
- After your procedure, wait 2 weeks before resuming lash growth serums or getting lash extensions again.
- Refrain from intense workouts on the day of your procedure and for 7–10 days afterward.
- Avoid for at least 1 week before: fish oils, Omega-3s, Vitamin E.
- Avoid for at least 48 hours before: alcohol, energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, aspirin, ibuprofen, niacin, exfoliating or microdermabrasion facial scrubs, blood thinners, and painkillers.
- Avoid caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment.
- If you wear contacts, please wear glasses to your appointment, since contacts cannot be worn during the procedure.
Freckles
Application is quick, and a combination of natural browns is used for the most subtle effect. Like other forms of cosmetic tattooing, freckles will look a bit "unnatural" and more defined for 3–5 days before they settle in and become soft and natural.
Please note
- If you use any exfoliating anti-aging or anti-acne products (retinoids, glycolics, vitamin C, AHA/BHA, enzyme washes, serums, etc.), you must not use these on the tattooed area, both before and after the tattoo.
Still have questions?
We're happy to walk you through anything before your appointment.