Pre-care & aftercare

Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of your appointment, and avoid blood-thinning supplements (such as fish oil) in the days before, as they can increase sensitivity and bleeding — check with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication. Avoid intense sun exposure or tanning on the treatment area in the week before. Come with clean skin and no makeup on the area being treated. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition affecting your skin or healing, tell us before booking so we can advise whether treatment is suitable.

Don't wax, thread, tint or laminate your brows in the week before your appointment — we shape them as part of the treatment. If you use skincare with retinol or strong acids, pause it around the brow area for at least a week beforehand.

Keep your lips well hydrated in the days before — gentle exfoliation and lip balm help the pigment take evenly. If you have ever had cold sores, ask your doctor about a preventative antiviral before lip tattooing, as the treatment can trigger an outbreak.

Do not wear contact lenses to your appointment (bring glasses and a fresh pair of lenses for afterwards). Remove eyelash extensions before eyeliner treatment, and avoid lash serums for at least two weeks beforehand.

Keep the area clean and dry, and follow the specific washing and balm routine Maryam gives you. Avoid soaking the area — no swimming, saunas, or long hot showers — and avoid heavy sweating for the first week. Don't pick, scratch or rub the treated area as it flakes; letting it heal naturally protects the pigment. Keep makeup and skincare products off the treated area until it has fully closed.

Colour will look darker at first, then soften considerably as the skin heals — this is normal, and patches can look uneven before the true colour settles. Protect the area from direct sun, and once healed, use sunscreen on it daily: UV is the main cause of premature fading. Your first touch-up (usually 4–8 weeks after the initial session) is where the shape and colour are perfected.

Permanent makeup softens gradually over one to three years depending on your skin, lifestyle and sun exposure. An annual touch-up keeps the colour and definition fresh. Avoid applying strong exfoliants, retinol or acids directly over the treated area, as they speed up fading.