Your Guide to Lip Tattooing
Thinking about getting your lips tattooed?
A fresh lip blush can make you feel so confident and effortlessly put-together — but the secret to beautiful, long-lasting results actually begins before you walk into the studio.
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been thinking about it for ages, here’s a simple, personal guide to help you get ready and to support you through the healing process.
Before & After Your Appointment
Before Your Lip Tattoo Appointment
Your lips are about to get a little moment of self-care glory, so prepping them well is the best thing you can do for comfort and pigment retention.
Keep Your Lips Hydrated
This is the big one. Start moisturising your lips regularly and drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Soft, hydrated lips = smoother healing and better colour.
Avoid Caffeine & Alcohol (Just for 24 Hours)
Both can increase pain and bleeding, so skipping your morning coffee or that cheeky drink the day before will make your appointment much more comfortable.
Hit Pause on Lip Injections
No lip filler for 2 months before your tattoo, and wait at least 1 week after your treatment before topping them up.
Avoid Blood Thinners
Unless medically necessary, avoid Advil, aspirin, ibuprofen, niacin, Vitamin E, and any other blood thinners for 48–72 hours before your session. These can cause extra bleeding, which reduces pigment retention.
No Heavy Skin Treatments
For at least 4 weeks prior, avoid chemical peels, laser resurfacing, retinol, and fish oil supplements.
Skip the Gym on Appointment Day
Exercise increases blood flow and can make you more prone to bleeding during the procedure.
Cold Sores — Important!
If you’ve ever had a cold sore (even once), you are at risk of a breakout after your lip tattoo due to the stress on the skin. To reduce this risk, you can start one week before treatment:
Lysine tablets
Famvir (from the chemist)
Zovirax cream
Antiviral medication from your GP
These are only precautions — they help, but they can’t guarantee you won’t get a cold sore.
If you currently have an active cold sore, we’ll need to reschedule to avoid scarring and poor pigment retention.
After Your Lip Tattoo Appointment
Right after your appointment, your lips will feel a little swollen, tender, and significantly darker than your final result. Don’t worry — this is completely normal. The colour softens beautifully as you heal.
Keep Them Moisturised
Apply a non-petroleum lip balm frequently. If your lips dry out, your pigment won’t hold as well — so keep that balm close!
Do Not Pick or Peel
Your lips will exfoliate naturally over the next few days. Let them do their thing — picking can pull pigment out.
Avoid Certain Foods & Habits (Just for a short while!)
No kissing, spicy food, or hot drinks for the first 24 hours.
Avoid water spinach, sticky rice, and dark-coloured foods/drinks until peeling is done.
This includes red wine! (If you use a straw - this is ok)
Foods include: Beetroot, Curries, Turmeric, ect. Remember that anything that stains your skin will also stain your fresh lips.
No lipstick for at least 2 months. (Lip balm only!)
Healing Timeline
Peeling usually begins around day 3–4
Full surface healing takes about a week
It’s completely normal to lose up to 80% of colour after the first session — which is why touch-ups are so important for your final result
Cold Sore Reminder
If you’re prone to cold sores, they may flare during healing. Continue your chosen antiviral routine for around 5 days after your appointment (or as advised by your doctor/pharmacist).
“Lip tattooing is a beautiful treatment, but like any cosmetic tattoo, the magic really happens with good prep and good aftercare. I’m here to support you every step of the way — if you have any questions or if something doesn’t feel quite right, please reach out anytime.
Wishing you the smoothest healing journey”
