Cosmetic Tattooing Aftercare
Everything You Need to Know for Best Results
At Anh’s Artistry, we pride ourselves in advising you the proper aftercare as it plays a crucial role in how your cosmetic tattoo heals and how long your results last. While the procedure itself is important, what you do in the days and weeks following your appointment can significantly impact pigment retention, colour accuracy, and overall healing.
Below is a comprehensive aftercare guide for all cosmetic tattooing procedures, including brows, eyeliner, lips and SMP, to help you achieve the best possible long-term results.
Why Aftercare Matters
Cosmetic tattooing is a controlled skin trauma, and your body needs time to heal. Following the correct aftercare instructions helps:
• Prevent infection and irritation
• Support even pigment retention
• Reduce premature fading
• Ensure your results heal soft, natural, and true to colour
Healing varies from person to person, so patience and consistency are key.
General Aftercare – All Cosmetic Tattooing
Please follow these guidelines carefully after your treatment:
• Avoid exercise, swimming, saunas, and spas until the peeling phase is fully complete
• Keep the treated area clean and free from makeup or skincare products
• Keep the area dry for the first 24 hours
• After 24 hours, avoid direct water exposure on the treated area
• Do not pick, scratch, or rub the area at any stage of healing
You may notice the tattoo appears darker the day after your procedure — this is completely normal. Around the 2-week mark, the colour will look much lighter. The true healed result will gradually reveal itself between 4–6 weeks.
Every client heals differently. Some results heal perfectly, while others may experience slight patchiness or fading. If needed, you may lightly fill the area with makeup (such as a pencil or powder) until your scheduled touch-up appointment.
Eyebrow & Eyeliner Aftercare
For brow tattooing and eyeliner procedures, additional care is required during the healing phase:
• Gently cleanse the area using a damp cotton pad with light pressure to remove any buildup or bacteria (only if needed)
• Mild itching is normal — avoid scratching
• Exfoliation is expected and varies depending on individual metabolism
• Peeling typically begins around day 5 and completes within 7–10 days
• During peeling, the colour may appear very light — this is temporary
• True colour returns once exfoliation is complete
• The final healed result will be softer, lighter, and more natural
Once healed, applying SPF daily is essential to protect your cosmetic tattoo and prevent premature fading.
THE PEELING
This is the emotional rollercoaster I want you to be aware of while your brows are healing.
EYELINER
Expect the colour to fade too a softer pigment.
Lip Tattoo Aftercare
Lip tattooing and small cosmetic tattoos require slightly different care due to the sensitivity of the area and how quickly lips and fine skin regenerate. Following the correct aftercare is essential for comfort, colour retention, and even healing.
• Expect swelling, tenderness, and a stronger colour for the first 24–48 hours
• Lips will appear darker initially and may feel dry or tight — this is normal
• Keep lips clean, dry, and moisturised using the recommended aftercare balm
• Avoid hot, spicy, salty, or acidic foods for the first few days
• Drink through a straw if needed to minimise contact with the lips
• Do not pick or peel any flaking skin
• Avoid kissing, oral contact, or lip products not advised by your artist during healing
Lips only take 3-4 days to peel
Colour will soften significantly during healing and continue to settle over 4–6 weeks, revealing a natural, even tone.
Scalp Micro-pigmentation (SMP) Aftercare
SMP aftercare is similar to cosmetic tattooing, with a few additional considerations due to the scalp’s exposure:
• Avoid direct sun exposure during healing
• Do not allow the scalp to become sunburnt, as this can cause pigment loss and uneven healing
• Wear a hat if outdoors, but avoid tight headwear that causes friction
• Avoid sweating, swimming, or heavy workouts until peeling is complete
• Once healed, apply SPF to the scalp daily to maintain pigment longevity
Protecting your scalp from UV exposure is one of the most important factors in preserving long-term SMP results.
Final Healing Notes
Healing timelines vary between individuals depending on skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare consistency. Patience is key — the final colour and clarity of all tattoos will only be visible once the skin has fully healed.
If you have any concerns or questions during your healing process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
What to Expect During Healing
• Healing time varies between individuals
• The skin may feel tight, itchy, or dry
• Colour fluctuations are normal throughout the healing process
• Final results are not visible until the skin has fully healed
Your touch-up appointment allows for refinements once the skin has settled and pigment has stabilised.
Here to Support You
If you have any questions or concerns at any stage of your healing journey, you’re always welcome to reach out. Proper aftercare, patience, and communication ensure the best possible results from your tattoo
