Preparing for your permanent makeup (PMU) appointment is just as important as the procedure itself. Whether you’re having your brows, lips or eyeliner done, following the correct pre-care instructions will ensure better retention, reduced healing time, and beautiful, long-lasting results.
Why Preparation Matters Before Permanent Makeup
As a PMU artist, I’ve seen how preparation can make or break a treatment outcome. Your skin, lifestyle, and habits in the days and weeks before your appointment play a direct role in how your skin retains pigment, heals, and how satisfied you’ll be with the final results. Think of your PMU appointment as a collaboration and it starts with good pre-care.
Initial Step: Book a Consultation with Your Artist
Before your appointment, schedule a consultation to go over the look you’re hoping to achieve, any previous work you may have had done, and to raise any questions or concerns. I always use this time to explain the procedure, set expectations, and provide personalised pre-care advice depending on your treatment area (eyebrows, lips, or eyeliner).
What We’ll Cover in Your Consultation:
- Your desired shape, colour and symmetry goals
- Skin type and suitability for the treatment
- Any medical conditions or medications to be aware of
- Aftercare and healing expectations
How to Prepare Your Skin for a PMU Appointment
1. Cleanse and Exfoliate
Two days before your appointment, gently exfoliate the area to remove dry skin cells. The day of your appointment, cleanse the area thoroughly but gently no harsh scrubs or tools. Clean skin allows for even pigment implantation and prevents infection.
2. Moisturise
Keep the area well hydrated in the week leading up to your appointment using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser. Well moisturised skin accepts pigment more evenly and heals faster.
3. Avoid Active Ingredients
Stop using any skincare products with retinol, acids (AHA/BHA), or Vitamin C on or near the treatment area at least **7 to 10 days before** your appointment. These ingredients thin the skin and increase sensitivity.
4. No Sun or Tanning
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, or fake tan for at least **two weeks** before your appointment. Tanned or sunburnt skin is more sensitive, harder to work on, and may not retain pigment evenly.
Medications and Substances to Avoid
1. Blood Thinners
Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) **for 3 days prior** to your appointment unless medically necessary and advised by a doctor. These thin the blood and may cause excess bleeding during the procedure.
2. Alcohol and Caffeine
Please avoid alcohol and caffeine (yes, including coffee and energy drinks) **for at least 24 hours before** your appointment. They stimulate the blood flow and may affect pigment retention.
3. Omega 3 and Vitamin E
Stop taking Omega 3 supplements and Vitamin E **7 days prior** to your appointment. Both have blood thinning properties and can cause more bleeding during the procedure.
4. Brow Growth Serums, Tinting, and Hair Removal
- Discontinue brow growth serums at least **1 month** before your appointment.
- Do not tint or dye your brows for **14 days** beforehand.
- Avoid plucking, threading or waxing for **7 days** before your procedure.
Other Important Tips for the Day of Your Appointment
1. Come with Clean, Bare Skin
Avoid applying makeup to the treatment area on the day of your appointment. If possible, come with no face makeup at all. Clean skin is essential for infection control and pigment adherence.
2. Wash Your Hair Beforehand
You may be advised to avoid getting the treatment area wet for a few days post-treatment. Washing your hair the day before or the morning of your appointment is ideal.
3. Be Well Rested and Hydrated
Get a full night’s sleep before your appointment and drink plenty of water. A relaxed, well hydrated body will help minimise discomfort and improve your experience.
What Not to Do Before Permanent Makeup
- Do not get a facial, chemical peel, or microdermabrasion for at least **two weeks** prior
- Don’t have Botox or fillers on or near the area **within 4 weeks** before the appointment
- Don’t work out on the day of your appointment raised body temperature increases sweating and blood flow
What Happens If You Don’t Follow These Guidelines?
Neglecting pre-care can lead to:
- Poor pigment retention
- Excess bleeding during the procedure
- Longer healing time
- Uneven or patchy results
If in doubt, always message your PMU artist ahead of your appointment it’s better to reschedule than proceed with unprepared skin.
Summary: Your Permanent Makeup Pre-Care Checklist
Cleanse and exfoliate gently
- Moisturise regularly for the week prior
- Avoid active skincare ingredients for 7–10 days
- No alcohol, caffeine, aspirin, or omega supplements for 1–3 days
- No tanning or waxing the area for at least a week
- Arrive makeup-free, well rested and with clean hair
FAQs
How do you prep for permanent makeup?
You prep by cleansing and moisturising the skin, avoiding blood thinners, alcohol, and active skincare products, and arriving to your appointment with clean, bare skin.
When can I wash my face after permanent makeup?
You can wash around the area gently the next day, but avoid direct water contact on the treated area for the first 3–5 days. Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions.
What not to do before permanent make-up?
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, blood thinning medications, active skincare, sun exposure, brow tinting, waxing, or using serums in the two weeks prior to your appointment.
What is the best aftercare for permanent makeup?
Keep the area dry, avoid makeup, heat and sweat exposure, and apply a healing balm as directed. Do not pick, scratch, or touch the treated area.
How long does it take to heal from permanent makeup?
The initial healing phase takes 7–10 days, but full healing can take up to 4–6 weeks depending on your skin type, health, and how well you follow aftercare instructions.