Who should not get permanent makeup?

Florida law requires you to be at least 18 years old to get permanent makeup.  16 with parental consent, but we only do 18 and older.

Women who are pregnant or currently nursing should not receive permanent makeup.

During pregnancy, the immune system is naturally suppressed and the body prioritizes the developing baby. This increases the chance of infection at the treatment site. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause unpredictable pigment retention or migration, and some of the products used (numbing agents, pigments, or aftercare ingredients) could theoretically enter the bloodstream.

While nursing, there is a small risk that substances used during the procedure could pass into breast milk. In addition, healing can be slower and less predictable. Most reputable artists and clinics require clients to wait until pregnancy and breastfeeding are fully complete.

The procedure involves prolonged focus, mild discomfort, and sometimes bright lighting or the sensation of vibration from the device. These factors can trigger a seizure in people with epilepsy

Any procedure that creates stress on the body (even mild stress) or carries an infection risk is generally avoided. An infection near the heart or interference with a medical device is a serious concern.

Autoimmune diseases can cause the body to overreact to the trauma of tattooing. This may lead to delayed healing, excessive inflammation, pigment rejection, or a flare-up of the underlying condition.

People who have received organ transplants are usually on long-term immunosuppressant medication. A suppressed immune system dramatically raises the risk of infection and poor wound healing—both of which are serious after a permanent makeup procedure.

These conditions mean the skin barrier is already compromised. Tattooing inflamed or damaged skin increases the chance of infection, scarring, uneven pigment, and prolonged irritation or flare-ups.

Permanent makeup pigments contain various metal oxides and colorants. An allergy can cause severe swelling, itching, blistering, or permanent discoloration of the skin. A patch test is sometimes offered, but known allergies are a strong reason to avoid the procedure.

If your skin forms raised, thickened scars (keloids) after injuries or piercings, the trauma of permanent makeup can trigger the same response. The result can be permanent raised scars in the brows, lips, or eyeliner area.

Accutane thins the skin and impairs its ability to heal normally. Tattooing skin that has been affected by Accutane carries a high risk of scarring and poor pigment retention. Clients should wait at least 6–12 months after finishing the medication before considering permanent makeup.

High or unstable blood sugar impairs circulation and the body’s ability to fight infection and heal wounds. Even well-controlled diabetes can increase the chance of delayed healing or infection after permanent makeup.

Medications that thin the blood (including prescription anticoagulants and sometimes high-dose aspirin or certain supplements) increase bleeding during the procedure. Excess bleeding makes it harder for the pigment to stay in the skin, leads to more bruising, raises infection risk, and often results in faster fading.  Some clients stop taking blood thinners a few days before doing a procedure to improve their pigment retention.   You should check with your doctor first. 

Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system and slows healing. The risk of infection and complications is significantly higher until the body has recovered and blood counts have normalized.. 

Thyroid imbalances affect hormones, metabolism, and skin health. This can lead to unpredictable pigment retention, faster fading, or changes in how the skin heals.

Procedures around the eyes (such as eyeliner) can temporarily increase pressure or cause irritation. Clients with glaucoma need medical approval to ensure the treatment will not interfere with their eye health or medication.

These are the most common ingredients in topical numbing creams used during permanent makeup. Without effective numbing, the procedure can be quite uncomfortable. An allergic reaction to the numbing agent itself can also be serious

Excess oil production can push pigment out of the skin during healing, resulting in significantly lighter or patchier results than expected. Multiple touch-ups may still not achieve the desired density.

Any trauma to the lip area—including permanent lip blush—can trigger an outbreak. An active cold sore during or after the procedure can interfere with healing and pigment retention. Antiviral medication should be taking a few days before doing a lip procedure.

Some skin types respond to injury by producing excess melanin, leaving dark spots or uneven color. Permanent makeup is a controlled injury, so the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is higher in these clients.

Chronically sun-damaged skin often has compromised collagen and uneven texture. Pigment may not take evenly, and healing can be less predictable.

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster). The trauma and stress of a permanent makeup procedure can potentially reactivate the virus, leading to a new outbreak. In addition, skin that has recently had shingles may not heal normally. It is recommended to wait several months after the skin has fully recovered before considering treatment.

Recommendation:  Wait until you are healthy and strong.

Why: Permanent makeup needs your immune system to be at it's best for healing and fighting of infection.  If you are sick, your body is already fighting your illness, so you don't want it fighting your illness and healing your cosmetic tattooing at the same time.

Recommendation:  Don't get permanent makeup over unhealthy skin.

Why: Permanent makeup gets the best results on healthy skin.  If you have a temporary skin problem, depending on the issue, you should wait until the issue has passed/cleared. 

Recommendation:  Wait 2-4 weeks. If you recently received Botox (or similar neurotoxins such as Dysport or Xeomin), you should wait before getting permanent makeup.  Wait 2-4 weeks after Botox so the product has fully settled.

Why: Getting Botox within 14 days before permanent makeup can distort your results, as relaxing facial muscles gradually shift brow symmetry and skin position during this settling period. Brow mapping relies on your resting facial structure; tattooing over unsettled muscle movement risks permanent design asymmetry once the Botox takes full effect. Furthermore, micro-trauma from tattooing before the toxin fully binds to muscle tissue carries a slight risk of causing Botox to migrate. Waiting the full 14 days ensures your facial structure is stable so your artist can create an accurate, balanced design. 

Preferred order.  Many artists prefer that permanent makeup be done first (while your muscles are in their natural state), followed by Botox after the skin has healed. However, if you have already had Botox, simply allowing the 2-week (or longer) wait is the standard and safe approach.

When to Resume:  Wait 3 weeks post-procedure to do more Botox (or until the treated area is completely healed).  Injections immediately after a permanent makeup procedure can disrupt the newly implanted pigment, cause localized inflammation, or distort skin placement while the pigment is setting. Waiting 2 to 3 weeks ensures the skin surface has fully closed, the initial healing phase is complete, and facial muscles settle naturally around your settled cosmetic results. 

Gentle: Basic Hydrating Facial: 

• Recommendation: Schedule at least 1 week before your appointment. 
• Why: Receiving a basic hydrating facial before permanent makeup softens and over-saturates the epidermis, causing pigment lines to blur or migrate while residual active ingredients like Vitamin C and botanical oils can trigger color shifts and irritation. Additionally, facial steam and massage elevate surface blood flow, sensitize skin, and open pores—leading to excessive bleeding and lymph expression that dilutes pigment, lowers retention, and increases the risk of post-procedure inflammation or infection. 
• When to Resume:  2 to 3 weeks post-procedure (or until the primary peeling, flaking, and superficial skin healing are 100% complete).  Permanent makeup creates thousands of microscopic openings in the upper layer of the skin. Applying facial creams, masques, or steam too early introduces foreign ingredients and bacteria into unsealed skin, dramatically increasing the risk of irritation or infection. 

Aggressive: Advanced/Exfoliating Facial (Chemical Peels, Dermaplaning, Microneedling Dermaplaning, Hydrofacials) 

• Recommendation: Schedule at least 2 to 4 weeks before your appointment. 
• Why: Deep exfoliation thins the epidermis and leaves skin overly sensitized, inflamed, or prone to excessive pinpoint bleeding, which prevents pigment from holding evenly. 
• When to Resume: After permanent makeup, avoid facials (especially aggressive ones) for at least 4 weeks so the pigment can fully settle without interference.

• Recommendations:  Wait Time: 72 hours (3 days) before your permanent makeup appointment. 
• Why: Threading pulls hair directly from the follicle root, which temporarily opens pores, creates microscopic skin trauma, and brings blood flow to the surface of the brow area. Tattooing over freshly threaded skin increases pinpoint bleeding and lymph expression (which dilutes pigment) and heightens nerve sensitivity and infection risk. 
• When to Return:  Wait Time: 4 weeks post-procedure (or after your touch-up session has fully healed).   Threading requires pulling the skin taut and scraping twisted cotton thread directly across the brow area. Doing this on freshly pigmented skin can tear delicate, newly formed epidermis, strip away settling pigment, cause uneven color loss, and introduce bacteria into the dermal micro-wounds. Once fully healed at 4 weeks, hair removal can safely resume around your new brow shape. 

• Recommendations:  Wait 3 to 7 days before your permanent makeup appointment. 
• Why: Waxing lifts away hair along with the top layer of dead skin cells (epidermis), leaving the brow area raw, sensitized, and micro-inflamed. Tattooing over freshly waxed skin causes intense stinging, elevated pinpoint bleeding and lymph fluid (which flushes out fresh pigment), and increases the risk of post-procedure hyperpigmentation or infection. 
• When to Return: Wait 4 weeks post-procedure (or 4 weeks after your touch-up session).  Applying hot wax and ripping strip tape across freshly tattooed skin will tear delicate, newly regenerating epidermal tissue. Pulling off skin during the critical healing and color-stabilization phase leads to scarring, severe pigment lifting, and patchy results. Once 4 weeks have passed, waxing can safely be used to clean up stray hairs around your permanent brow design. 

• Recommendations:  Wait 48 to 72 hours (2 to 3 days) before your appointment. 
• Why:  Tweezing plucks individual hair follicles directly from the root, which opens up micro-pores and triggers localized swelling and increased surface blood flow. Tattooing over freshly plucked skin causes extra pinpoint bleeding and lymph expression (which dilutes pigment), heightens nerve sensitivity, and creates open pathways for potential bacterial infection. 
• When to Return:   Wait 2 to 3 weeks post-procedure (or after all scabbing, flaking, and primary peeling have completely finished).  Unlike waxing or threading, tweezing focuses solely on individual hairs outside your new brow shape without dragging across or tearing the skin surface. However, you must wait until the outer skin barrier has fully sealed and flaked off so that pulling surrounding hairs does not disturb adjacent, settling pigment particles or introduce bacteria into healing skin. 

• Recommendations:  Must be completed at least 2 to 3 weeks before starting chemotherapy. Checking with your doctor is strongly recommended.
• Why: Chemotherapy severely suppresses the immune system by lowering white blood cell counts (neutropenia) and impairing platelet production. Tattooing must be done early enough so that the skin completely heals and seals before chemo begins. If performed too close to treatment, the body cannot defend against bacterial infections, and poor clotting will cause heavy bleeding and pigment loss. 
• When to Return:  Wait 6 months after completing chemotherapy (or until blood counts fully normalize). Post-chemo skin remains fragile, thin, and prone to delayed healing, hyperpigmentation, or severe infection. Allowing a 6-month buffer ensures the immune system, skin barrier, and blood-clotting mechanisms have fully recovered to safely process and retain pigment.

Prescription Anticoagulants & Antiplatelets (Coumadin/Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, Pradaxa, Lovenox)

• Recommendation:  Obtain medical clearance. Typically, clients stop using blood thinners 3 to 7 days prior to the appointment to reduce bleeding and pigment loss —strictly dependent on physician authorization. 
• Why: Prescription blood thinners significantly impair your body's ability to clot. Excessive bleeding during pigment placement dilutes the ink, prevents it from settling into the dermal layer, and results in severe pigment loss, bruising, or patchy healed results.
• Crucial Safety Warning: Never stop taking a prescribed blood thinner without explicit instructions and approval from your physician.
• When to Resume - You may resume 24 to 48 hours post-procedure.  The micro-wounds created during pigment placement must form an initial seal before normal clotting times are reduced. Resuming anticoagulants too quickly can trigger secondary pinpoint bleeding or lymph oozing beneath fresh pigment, which washes out the color and creates thick scabbing. 

Daily Low-Dose Aspirin Therapy

• Recommendation: Discontinue 7 days prior to your procedure only if approved by your doctor. If prescribed by a physician for cardiovascular health, medical clearance is required.
• Why: Aspirin permanently inhibits platelet aggregation for the life of the platelet, causing increased bleeding and poor color retention.
• When to Resume -  Allowing 24 hours gives the skin's surface micro-punctures time to close securely, preventing blood thinning from causing localized swelling or delayed color setting. 

Supplements with Natural Blood-Thinning Properties (Fish Oil/Omega-3, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic Supplements, St. John's Wort, Niacin)

• Recommendation: Pause taking these supplements 7 days prior to your appointment.
• Why: High doses of these natural supplements thin the blood and increase localized bleeding and bruising during treatment.
• When to Resume: You may resume 48 to 72 hours. Waiting 2 to 3 days ensures the primary inflammatory healing phase has stabilized, allowing pigment particles to settle locked in the dermal layer without disruption from elevated skin blood flow. 

Oral Antidiabetic Medications (Metformin, Glipizide, Januvia, Jardiance)

• Recommendation: Medical clearance from your physician.
• Why: While oral medications manage blood sugar levels, diabetes itself affects peripheral circulation and microvascular health. This can delay wound healing, prolong inflammation, and increase susceptibility to post-procedure skin infections or compromised pigment retention.

Insulin Therapy (Injections or Pump)

• Recommendation: Medical clearance from your doctor.
• Why: Insulin-dependent diabetes requires strict blood sugar control. Fluctuating glucose levels directly impact the skin’s natural healing response, white blood cell function, and tissue recovery, which can result in slower healing and patchy pigment retention.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists & Weight Loss Injectables (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity, Victoza)

• Recommendation: Medical clearance if accompanied by unmanaged blood sugar levels or severe delayed gastric emptying/dehydration.
• Why: These medications slow digestion and can alter hydration levels and skin elasticity. Dehydrated or thin skin can affect pigment implantation and initial recovery.

General Diabetes Pre-Procedure Requirements

• A1C Level: Your HbA1C must be stable and well-controlled (typically below 7.0%) prior to receiving permanent makeup.
• Appointment Day: Ensure you eat a balanced meal and monitor your glucose levels before arriving to maintain stable blood sugar throughout your session.

Do not take blood-thinning pain relievers for 48 hours prior to your session, including:

• NSAIDs: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve)
• Aspirin & Excedrin

Why: Blood thinners increase bleeding during the procedure, which pushes pigment out of the skin and leads to poor pigment retention and patchy healed results.

When to Resume:  24 hours post-procedure.  The micro-wounds created in the skin during pigment placement need about 24 hours to form a protective seal. Waiting a full day ensures that the blood-thinning effects of NSAIDs will not trigger secondary bleeding or lymph oozing beneath your fresh pigment, which can wash out color and cause heavy scabbing. 

Safe Alternative

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Safe to take prior to your appointment because it relieves pain without thinning the blood.

Prescription Notice

• Do not stop taking prescription blood thinners without approval from your prescribing physician. Please inform your technician prior to booking if you are on prescribed blood thinners.

Oral Isotretinoin (Accutane)

• Recommendation: Must be completely off Accutane for 12 months prior to booking. 
• Why: Accutane severely thins the skin, alters cell turnover, and delays healing. Performing permanent makeup on active or recent Accutane skin can cause scarring, tearing, hyperpigmentation, and severe pigment migration.
• When to Resume:  If you plan to restart an Accutane course post-procedure, consult your dermatologist and wait until the full 4 to 6-week healing cycle (including the touch-up session) is complete. 

Topical Retinoids & Prescription Acne Creams (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Differin/Adapalene, Tazorac, Epiduo)

• Recommendation: Stop using on the treatment area 2 to 4 weeks prior to your session.
• Why: Topical retinoids exfoliate the upper skin layers. Applying pigment to thinned, sensitive skin leads to excess bleeding, hypersensitivity, and premature pigment fading.
• When to Resume: 4 weeks.  Retinoids increase cellular turnover and exfoliate the skin. Applying them too soon while pigment is settling into the dermal layer will cause rapid fading, color shifts, and severe patchy retention. Once resumed, avoid applying retinoids directly over your permanent makeup long-term to preserve color longevity. 

Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHAs/BHAs) (Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid)

• Recommendation: Pause use around the treatment site 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your appointment. 
• Why: Chemical exfoliants alter the skin's surface integrity, preventing pigment from settling evenly and causing patchy healed results.
• When to Resume: 2 weeks.  Chemical exfoliants strip the upper skin barrier. Using them too early disrupts the natural healing cap and can lift pigment right out of the skin. 

• Recommendation: Wait 7 to 14 days after completing your full course of oral or topical antibiotics before having a procedure.
• Why: Antibiotics are taken to fight active infections or inflammation in the body. Performing a permanent makeup procedure while taking antibiotics—or while your immune system is compromised—increases your risk of secondary infection, causes elevated skin sensitivity, and leads to poor pigment retention.

Prophylactic (Pre-Procedure) Antibiotics

• Recommendation: If your doctor requires you to take antibiotics prior to dental or minor surgical procedures (e.g., due to heart conditions, joint replacements, or specific medical histories), you should obtain medical clearance.

Topical Antibiotic Ointments Post-Procedure

• Recommendation: Do not apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointments (like Neosporin or Polysporin) to your healing permanent makeup unless explicitly instructed by a doctor.
• Why: Ointments can suffocate the skin, draw pigment out during the initial healing phase, and trigger allergic contact dermatitis.

Oral Steroids (Prednisone, Dexamethasone, Medrol)

• Recommendation: Wait 2 to 4 weeks after completing your medication before your session, and obtain medical clearance if used for a chronic condition.
• Why: Oral steroids suppress the immune system, thin the skin, and delay natural wound healing. Performing procedures while on oral steroids significantly increases the risk of infection, poor pigment retention, and improper healing.
• When to Resume:  Wait 2 to 3 weeks post-procedure (or until the primary skin closure, scabbing, and flaking are completely finished). Oral steroids reduce systemic inflammation by suppressing immune function. Starting them immediately after tattooing leaves fresh micro-wounds vulnerable to bacterial infections while the skin barrier is unsealed.

Topical Corticosteroids (Hydrocortisone, Triamcinolone, Clobetasol)

• Recommendation: Discontinue use on or near the treatment area 2 to 4 weeks prior to your appointment.
• Why: Topical steroids cause localized skin thinning (atrophy) and fragile capillaries, leading to excessive bleeding, bruising, skin tearing, and uneven healed color.
• When to Resume:  Wait 4 weeks post-procedure before resuming topical steroids on or near the treated area.  Applying corticosteroids to open micro-wounds or fresh pigment strips the pigment out of the dermis, causes extreme color fading or shifting, delays epidermal closure, and increases susceptibility to localized bacterial or fungal infections.

Steroid Injections (Joint or Epidural Injections)

• Recommendation: Wait 14 days post-injection before receiving permanent makeup.
• Why: Systemic absorption from joint or spinal injections can temporarily suppress your immune response and affect early healing.
• When to Resume:  Wait 2 weeks post-procedure before receiving a scheduled joint or epidural steroid injection.  Systemic anti-inflammatory effects from steroid injections slow down cellular repair, delay epidermal closure, and inhibit the body’s ability to lock pigment into the dermal layer. Delaying injections until primary healing is complete ensures the skin barrier has re-sealed and pigment has stabilized. 

Anabolic Steroids

• Recommendation: Must be discontinued, or medical clearance provided.
• Why: Heavy use alters skin thickness, vascularity, and inflammatory responses.
• When to Resume:  Wait 2 to 3 weeks post-procedure before starting a new cycle or increasing dosages.  Elevated androgen levels increase skin oiliness and accelerate cellular turnover during active healing. Excessive sebum production can push settling pigment out of open micro-wounds, leading to patchy healed results and premature fading. 

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists & GIP Dual Agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda, Rybelsus)

• Recommendation: Notify your technician prior to booking; ensure you are fully hydrated leading up to your session.
• Why: These medications slow gastric emptying and frequently cause side effects like mild dehydration, dry skin, and decreased skin turgor/elasticity. Dehydrated or tight skin can alter how smoothly pigment implants into the dermal layer and may cause increased sensitivity or minor surface peeling during early healing.

Prescription Amphetamine-Based Stimulants / Appetite Suppressants (Phentermine, Adipex-P, Qsymia, Contrave)

• Recommendation: Refrain from taking stimulant-based weight loss medications on the day of your appointment.
• Why: Stimulants elevate heart rate and blood pressure, which can increase capillary reactivity, localized micro-bleeding, and nervous system sensitivity during the procedure. Increased bleeding dilutes pigment and leads to poor retention.

Fat Absorption Blockers (Orlistat, Alli, Xenical)

• Recommendation: Discontinue fat-soluble vitamin supplements (especially Vitamin E) if taken alongside these medications 7 days prior to your procedure.
• Why: While Orlistat itself does not thin the blood, changes in fat-soluble vitamin absorption can occasionally alter skin barrier function or lipid retention in the upper skin layers.

Important Pre-Appointment Checklist for Weight Loss Patients

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water for 48 hours prior to your appointment to ensure the skin is adequately plump and hydrated.
• Blood Sugar Stability: Eat a substantial, balanced meal before your session, as many weight loss drugs lower blood glucose levels, which can cause lightheadedness or nausea during tattooing.

Supplements with Natural Blood-Thinning Properties (Fish Oil/Omega-3, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic Supplements, St. John's Wort, Niacin)

• Recommendation: Pause taking these supplements 7 days prior to your appointment.
• Why: High doses of these natural supplements thin the blood and increase localized bleeding and bruising during treatment.
• When to Resume: You may resume 48 to 72 hours. Waiting ensures the primary inflammatory healing phase has stabilized, allowing pigment particles to settle locked in the dermal layer without disruption from elevated skin blood flow. 

High-Dose Niacin Supplements (Inositol Hexanicotinate, Nicotinic Acid, Flushing Niacin)

• Recommendation: Discontinue high-dose Niacin supplements 7 days prior to your appointment.
• Why: Niacin acts as a potent vasodilator—it expands blood vessels near the surface of the skin (often causing the temporary "Niacin flush"). During a permanent makeup procedure, dilated blood vessels lead to excessive pinpoint bleeding, skin redness, and fluid swelling. Increased bleeding dilutes the cosmetic pigment and pushes it out of the skin, resulting in poor color retention and patchy healing.
• When to Resume: You may resume high-dose Niacin supplements 48 hours after your appointment, once the micro-wounds have closed and initial crusting has begun.

Daily Multivitamins containing Standard Niacin

• Recommendation: Standard low-dose Niacin found in everyday multivitamins (100% DV / ~16 mg) does not need to be stopped, but avoid taking your multivitamin on the morning of your session.
• Why: Even standard doses taken right before a procedure can trigger mild micro-flushing and increased skin sensitivity while you are in the chair.

Biotin (Vitamin B7 / Vitamin H)

• Recommendation: Pause taking high-dose Biotin supplements 7 days prior to your appointment.
• Why: Biotin accelerates cell turnover and skin regeneration. While great for hair and nail growth, elevated cellular turnover during or immediately after pigment placement can cause the skin to shed pigment rapidly during early healing, leading to premature fading, patchy retention, or altered color healed results.
• When to Resume: 7 to 10 days after your appointment, once the primary peeling/flaking stage is complete.

High-Dose Collagen Peptides & Keratin

• Recommendation: Discontinue high-dose collagen powders or keratin boosting supplements 7 days prior to your procedure.
• Why: Collagen supplements stimulate micro-circulation and dermal repair pathways. Taken immediately before a session, they can cause increased skin firmness and fluid retention (edema) in the dermal layer, making pigment insertion more difficult and causing extra surface bleeding.
• When to Resume: 7 to 10 days after your appointment, once the primary peeling/flaking stage is complete.

High-Dose Vitamin C & E (Found in Beauty Blends)

• Recommendation: Pause multi-ingredient beauty supplements containing high doses of Vitamin E 7 days prior to your session.
• Why: Vitamin E is a natural blood thinner. High amounts increase pinpoint bleeding and lymph expression during pigment implantation, which dilutes the ink and prevents proper retention.
• When to Resume: 7 to 10 days after your appointment, once the primary peeling/flaking stage is complete.

Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, & Ginseng (Including St. John’s Wort, Dong Quai, Feverfew, and Turmeric/Curcumin)

• Recommendation: Discontinue taking concentrated herbal supplements 7 days prior to your appointment.
• Why: These botanical supplements act as potent natural anticoagulants (blood thinners) and anti-platelet agents.  Taking these prior to your session causes excessive pinpoint bleeding and fluid discharge (lymph expression) during pigment placement. Extra fluid dilutes the cosmetic pigment, prevents it from settling into the skin, and leads to poor retention, severe bruising, or patchy healed results.
• When to Resume: You may safely resume your herbal supplement routine 48 to 72 hours after your session, once the micro-wounds have completely closed.

• Recommendation:   Avoid High-Niacin & Herbal Shakes: Stop taking specialized performance, detox, or high-dose nutritional shakes 7 days before your appointment. 
• Why:  Many fitness, weight-loss, and wellness meal-replacement shakes contain hidden high doses of Niacin (Vitamin B3), Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, or Green Tea Extract. These ingredients act as natural vasodilators and blood thinners, which increase pinpoint bleeding and lymph fluid during tattooing—leading to pigment washout and patchy retention. 
• When to Resume: 24 to 48 hours post-procedure for detox, high-niacin, or herbal performance shakes. Standard protein shakes can be continued immediately. Waiting 24 to 48 hours allows the micro-wounds in the skin to form a primary seal, ensuring that natural vasodilators in herbal or high-vitamin shakes won't trigger secondary oozing beneath fresh pigment. 

• Recommendation:  Avoid all caffeinated beverages for 24 hours prior to your appointment and on the morning of your procedure.
• Why: Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant and mild vasodilator. It elevates heart rate and blood pressure, which increases capillary reactivity, skin sensitivity, and pinpoint bleeding during pigment implantation. Increased bleeding pushes pigment out of the skin, resulting in poor color retention.
•  When to Resume: 24 hours after your procedure. 

• Recommendation: Decaf coffee is safe to consume, but avoid decaf teas made with green or black tea bases on the morning of your session.
• Why: While decaf coffee contains negligible caffeine, decaf green and black teas still contain polyphenols and natural antioxidants that can slightly thin the blood or increase vascular sensitivity when consumed in large quantities immediately before a service.
•  When to Resume: Immediately.

• Recommendation: Avoid all alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours prior to your appointment, as well as 24 hours after.
• Why: Alcohol is a strong blood thinner and dehydrator. Consuming alcohol before your appointment causes heavy bleeding, localized swelling, and severe pigment dilution. Drinking alcohol post-procedure delays early wound healing and increases the risk of scabbing and patchy retention.
• When to Resume:  24 to 48 hours after your procedure. 

• Recommendation:  Discontinue 48 hours prior to your appointment.
• Why: These beverages combine concentrated caffeine with additional vasodilators like Niacin, L-Arginine, and Taurine. This combination severely increases blood flow to the skin's surface, leading to excessive bleeding, skin redness, and compromised healed results.
• When to Resume: 48 hours after your procedure. 

• Recommendation: Highly Encouraged! Drink plenty of water and electrolyte beverages in the 24 to 48 hours leading up to your session.
• Why: Well-hydrated skin is supple, soft, and absorbs pigment easily and evenly. Proper hydration speeds up natural wound healing and reduces post-procedure swelling and crusting.

• Recommendation: Avoid: 24 to 48 hours prior to your appointment.
• Why: High sodium levels cause tissue fluid retention (edema) and swelling, particularly around delicate areas like the brows, eyes, and lips. Swollen or puffy tissue makes skin tense, which interferes with smooth pigment implantation and leads to uneven healed results.
• When to Resume: Immediately. 

• Recommendation: Avoid: 24 hours prior to your appointment (especially critical for lip blush procedures).
• Why: Spicy foods increase internal body heat, trigger facial flushing, and dilate micro-capillaries near the surface of the skin. Dilated capillaries increase pinpoint bleeding and skin sensitivity during pigment placement.
• When to Resume: Wait 48 to 72 hours (especially for Lip Blush services). Direct contact with salty, spicy, or citrusy foods on fresh lip micro-wounds will cause severe stinging, irritation, and potential pigment loss. Use a straw for liquids and cut food into small bites during the first few days of healing. 

• Recommendation: Avoid: On the morning of your procedure.
• Why: Sugary breakfasts cause rapid blood spikes followed by sudden crashes during your service, which can increase nerve sensitivity, jitteriness, or lightheadedness while in the chair.
• When to Resume: Immediately. 

• Recommendation: Consume: 1 to 2 hours before your appointment.
• Why: A substantial, protein- and complex-carb-balanced meal stabilizes your blood sugar, reduces pain sensitivity, prevents lightheadedness, and keeps you comfortable during your procedure.

• Recommendation: Consume: 48 hours leading up to your session.
• Why: Water-dense foods hydrate the skin from within, making the dermal tissue soft, supple, and receptive to cosmetic pigment.

• Recommendation: Rest up the night before your appointment.
• Why: A well-rested body is less prone to stress and sensitivity, making the entire process more comfortable. Plus, it helps your skin look its best on the day of the procedure. 

• Recommendation: Hydration is key, not just on the day of your appointment, but in the days leading up to it and a few days after the appointment.
• Why: Well-hydrated skin is more resilient and heals better, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. 

• Recommendation: On the day of your appointment, wear something cozy and easy to remove, especially around the neck area. 
• Why: You’ll want to be comfortable during the procedure, which can take a couple of hours.  If you get cold easily in AC, bring something warm or we have blankets you can use.

• Recommendation:  Avoid working out on the day of your microblading appointment.
• Why: Exercise increases blood flow and sweat, which can interfere with the procedure and cause excess bleeding. Plus, sweat can irritate the fresh microblading area, making it harder for the pigment to settle properly. Save your workout for another day to keep things smooth. 
• When to Resume: Minimize your exercise for at least 1 week. Preferably 2 weeks.  Excessive sweating can force pigment out and also can get trapped under skin that is trying to heal.

• Recommendation:  Avoid hot showers right before your appointment. Use luke warm water for showering and/or cleansing.
• Why:  Hot water can open up your pores, making your skin more sensitive. A lukewarm shower is best to keep your skin calm and ready for the procedure. 
• When to Resume: You can start showering in the evening after your appt, but avoid hot steaming showers and the shower hitting you directly in the face.  Be gentle. No scrubbing.   Minimize how wet your skin gets for at least 1 - 2 weeks. You can the are a little wet for cleaning purposes, but not so wet that your skin becomes soft.  Clean then dry off immediately.

• Recommendation:  Avoid scheduling major events for a couple weeks, like weddings or vacations, right after your appointment. 
• Why:  It is very important to keep your permanent makeup clean and use healing cream twice a day for 2 weeks to avoid infection and maximize healing.  Additionally, there’s a healing phase that includes some redness and flaking so your permanent makeup will look patchy or flakey and traditional makeup should not be used for 2 weeks.  Give yourself some downtime to heal and settle in.  Try to minimize sun and swimming as well.
• When to Resume:  After the 2 weeks, you can stop the cleansing and healing cream.  It is ok now to use traditional makeup, if needed. Continue to minimize sun and swimming for the duration of the healing process.

• Recommendation:  Light moisturizing is fine, but skip the heavy, oil-based creams on the day of your appointment. 
• Why: These can create a barrier on your skin, making it harder for the pigment to settle properly. If you need some hydration, stick to something gentle and non-greasy.  

• Recommendation:  Pros and cons. If you have a makeup style you like, wear your makeup like you want it or take a photo so the artists can see your style; otherwise, it is best to come without makeup.  Either way is ok.  We will clean your face before the procedure.
• Why:  Makeup can clog pores and interfere with how your artist maps and works on your brows. Coming with no makeup lets your skin breathe to get the best results. 

• Recommendation: Proper aftercare is just as important as the prep and plays a huge role in how your brows heal and how long they last.