Brow Cosmetic Tattoo Aftercare: What You Need to Know

by Nancy Pham

Getting your brows tattooed is an exciting step towards low-maintenance beauty, but the results you achieve are just as much about what happens after your appointment as what happens during it. Proper aftercare is essential for healing, colour retention and long-lasting results.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to care for your brows after a cosmetic tattoo.

 

The Healing Process

Immediately after your brow tattoo, the area may feel slightly tender and appear darker than expected. This is completely normal. Over the following days, the pigment will soften as your skin heals. You may experience some light flaking or scabbing. Do not pick or scratch the area as this can cause scarring and patchy healing.

Most healing occurs over the first ten days, but full healing can take up to four to six weeks.

Key Aftercare Tips

  1. Keep the area clean and dry
    For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid getting your brows wet. This means no swimming, sweating or saunas. Use a damp cotton pad to gently clean around the area if needed.

  2. Use the aftercare balm
    Apply a very small amount of the recommended healing balm as instructed by your artist. Over-applying can clog pores and disrupt healing.

  3. Avoid makeup and skincare on the area
    Keep all makeup, moisturisers and active skincare products away from the brows while they heal. Ingredients like acids and retinol can interfere with pigment retention.

  4. Stay out of the sun
    UV exposure can cause premature fading. Avoid direct sun exposure and skip the tanning beds. Once healed, use sunscreen on your brows to preserve the colour.

  5. No picking or scratching
    It can be tempting to remove dry skin or scabs, but let them fall off naturally. Picking can lead to loss of pigment and scarring.

What to Expect During Healing

  • Days 1 to 3: Brows look bold and defined

  • Days 4 to 7: Flaking or scabbing may occur

  • Days 8 to 14: Colour may appear very light or patchy

  • Week 4 onwards: Colour settles and final results start to show

A touch-up appointment is typically recommended six to eight weeks after your initial session. This helps perfect the shape and colour once your skin has fully healed.

Long-Term Maintenance

To keep your brows looking fresh, you may want to book a colour boost every 12 to 18 months depending on your skin type, lifestyle and how well you follow aftercare. Remember to avoid harsh exfoliants, chemical peels and lasers directly over the brow area, as these can cause the pigment to fade faster.

 

Following your artist’s aftercare instructions gives you the best chance of achieving beautiful, long-lasting brows. Every skin type heals differently, but staying consistent with your aftercare will make a noticeable difference.

If you ever have questions or concerns during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your brow artist. We’re here to help you love your new look every step of the way.

Back to BROWS