Aftercare is crucial – it’s 70% of your treatment’s success.
First Week Essentials
Immediately after your appointment the treated area may feel tender and appear more intense in colour than your final result will be. Gently blot away any lymph fluid with a clean, dry tissue — do not rub or wipe. Keep the area completely dry and avoid touching it with unwashed hands. This first window sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Apply your recommended healing ointment sparingly — a thin layer, once or twice daily — using a clean cotton bud. Keep your brows dry at all times: no submerging in water, no steaming, and no heavy sweating. Skin over the brows will begin to peel and flake naturally; allow this process to occur on its own. Interfering now will directly affect your healed result.
During the first 7–10 days, keep all of the following well away from your treated brows.
What to Expect
Day 1
Brows appear darkest and most intense immediately after treatment — this is completely normal and expected. The pigment sits close to the surface at this stage and will soften significantly over the weeks ahead. Redness and mild tenderness around the treated area are also normal.
Days 2–3
Colour continues to appear dark; mild swelling or redness may be present as healing begins. This is the skin’s natural inflammatory response and a sign that everything is working exactly as it should. Continue applying ointment sparingly and keeping the area dry.
Days 4–6
Skin begins to peel and flake naturally — do not pick or scratch at it, even when it feels tempting. The colour underneath may appear patchy as layers of skin lift away. This is expected and temporary. Allowing the peeling to resolve on its own protects the pigment beneath.
Days 7–10
Peeling completes and brows may look lighter or faded as a fresh layer of skin forms over the pigment. This “ghost phase” is entirely normal — the colour is still there, settling beneath the surface. Many clients worry at this stage; rest assured, it is part of the process.
Weeks 2–4
The true colour begins to return as the new skin settles and the pigment becomes visible again. Shape becomes clearer and more defined day by day. Most clients notice a significant improvement from where they were in the ghost phase.
Weeks 4–6
The healed result fully emerges. Brows look natural, soft, and settled — the result Lauren shaped for you at your appointment. At this point you can resume all normal skincare and activities around the brow area.
Touch-Up · 6–12 Weeks
Your touch-up appointment is scheduled 6–12 weeks after the initial treatment, once healing is fully complete. Lauren will adjust shape, colour, and density based on how your brows have healed — perfecting and locking in your result.
Long-Term Care
Once healed, apply SPF 30 or higher to the brow area every day. UV exposure is the primary cause of pigment fading — consistent sun protection significantly extends your result and maintains colour depth.
Keeping the skin around the brows supple and hydrated helps pigment appear vibrant and settled. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser applied to and around the healed brow area supports long-term colour retention.
Acids, retinol, chemical exfoliants, and active skincare applied directly on or near the brows will accelerate fading. Route your actives around the brow area, and check that any facial treatments avoid the region.
Extended time in direct sunlight without protection is the quickest way to fade your brows prematurely. Wear a hat or seek shade during peak UV hours, particularly in summer and when outdoors for extended periods.
Cosmetic tattoo pigment fades gradually over time — this is by design. A colour refresh every 1–3 years keeps your brows looking intentional, fresh, and beautifully maintained between full treatments.
Lauren is here to support you through every stage. Reach out anytime.
