Following your aftercare instructions closely is one of the most important things you can do to protect your results. Full instructions and recommended products will be provided in your aftercare pack — please read them carefully. Aftercare may vary slightly depending on the technique you had done.

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What to expect immediately after your treatment

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It's completely normal for the area to feel tender and look more intense than you expected straight after your appointment. There may be some minor swelling or bruising, but this typically settles within 1–2 days. By the next day the colour will appear darker as scabs begin to form — don't be alarmed, this is all part of the healing process.

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The day of your treatment

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Fluid will naturally weep from the tattoo as your skin begins to heal. To minimise scabbing, gently wipe the area using the wet cotton rounds or wipes provided — this prevents fluid from building up and forming heavy scabs. If the area feels tender or swollen, you may apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth for relief.

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Days 2–10: The healing phase

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This is the most important stage of your aftercare. Your tattoo is an open wound during this time, so treating it with care is essential.

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• Do not touch the area with unwashed hands — this is the most common cause of infection and can seriously affect your results

• Brows — keep completely dry for the first week

• Lips — avoid prolonged contact with water as this can soften scabs and cause them to fall off too early

• Do not pick, scratch, or peel any scabs or flaking skin — let them fall away naturally. Picking is the number one way to pull out pigment and cause patchy results

• Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid sleeping face-down

• Brows — apply your recommended ointment morning and night

• Lips — keep moisturised throughout the day with your recommended ointment

• Avoid all products on the area — no cleansers, makeup, creams, or skincare until all scabs have fully healed

• No excessive sweating — avoid intense exercise until scabs have naturally come away, as the salt in sweat can break down pigment

• No sun exposure or tanning beds for at least one month — UV rays can dramatically alter the colour and appearance of your tattoo

• No botox, facials, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion for one month following your treatment

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After the scabbing phase

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Once the scabs have naturally fallen away, the surface of your skin has healed and you can gradually return to your normal routine. A few things to keep in mind:

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• Your tattoo may have a milky, frosted, or slightly grey appearance at this stage — this is completely normal and simply means the deeper layers of skin are still healing underneath. Full healing takes 6 weeks for brows and lip blush, and up to 12 weeks for Dark Lip Neutralisation

• Your result will appear softer and less defined once fully healed — this is expected and exactly why the Perfecting Treatment exists

• You may resume wearing makeup on the area once healed

• Continue to avoid active skincare ingredients near the tattoo, including retinols and AHAs

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Long-term care

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To protect your results and extend the life of your tattoo, please keep the following in mind:

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• Avoid these products directly on your tattoo: Retinol, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Glycolic Acid, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Vitamins E and C — these can lighten or fade pigment faster

• Wear SPF daily — UV exposure is the leading cause of premature fading. Make this a habit once your tattoo is fully healed

• Rinse after salt water or chlorine exposure, as both can deteriorate pigment over time

• Always inform your technician of your cosmetic tattoo before undergoing any laser treatments, facials, or skin procedures — some treatments can affect the pigment

• Results vary by individual — skin type, lifestyle, iron levels, and immune response all affect how long your tattoo lasts and how crisply it heals. Those with oily skin, an iron deficiency, or a particularly strong immune system may find their pigment fades faster or heals less defined than others

• Cover-up work may require additional sessions depending on the condition of the skin and how much pigment remains. For those who have undergone laser removal, it is important to note that laser can affect the skin's texture and ability to retain pigment. We recommend waiting a minimum of 6–12 weeks after your last laser session before having a cosmetic tattoo — however, the longer you wait, the better your results will be.

• Colour Refreshes are recommended every 1–3 years, and often longer, to maintain the appearance of your tattoo. Touch-ups are a normal and expected part of the cosmetic tattoo journey

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Have questions about your healing?

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Don't hesitate to get in touch — email us at hello@draderbrows.com and we'll be happy to help.