Before your appointment
A little preparation makes a big difference to how your cosmetic tattoo heals. Follow this timeline before your session.
4 weeks before
Stop retinol and skin-thinning treatments
Discontinue retinol, AHAs/BHAs, and any prescription-strength exfoliating skincare around the treatment area. These affect skin cell turnover and can impact how the pigment takes.
2 weeks before
No sun, spray tan, or facial injectables
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, spray tans, and cosmetic injectables (Botox, fillers) in the area. Sunburned or recently injected skin affects the pigment result.
1 week before
No waxing, threading or tinting
Avoid any waxing, threading, tinting or chemical brow/lip treatments for at least one week before. Your skin needs to be in a settled state for the best result.
72 hours before
No alcohol, blood thinners or anti-inflammatories
Avoid alcohol and medications like aspirin and ibuprofen for 72 hours before your session, as these can thin the blood and affect how the pigment settles. Always consult your GP if you are on prescription blood thinners.
Lip Blush clients — Valtrex advisory
If you have a history of cold sores (oral herpes), the trauma of a lip tattoo can trigger an outbreak. Kirra recommends speaking to your GP about a course of Valtrex (valacyclovir) starting 2 days before and continuing for 5 days after your lip appointment, even if you haven't had a cold sore in years. This is a precautionary measure — your GP can advise on the appropriate dose.
After your appointment
The first 7–10 days are the most important for your heal. What you do (and don't do) in this window shapes your final result.
01
Keep the area clean and dry
Avoid getting the treated area wet for the first 5 days. No swimming, saunas, steam rooms, or heavy sweating. When washing your face, work around the area carefully.
02
No picking or peeling
The area will scab and peel naturally over 7–10 days. Let it flake off on its own — picking will pull out pigment and affect the heal. It will look patchy during this stage; that's completely normal.
03
Apply ointment as directed
Use the aftercare ointment provided by Kirra, applied with a clean finger or cotton tip. A thin layer only — not too much. Keep the area from drying out without over-moisturising.
04
Avoid sun and SPF in the first week
Do not apply sunscreen directly to the healing tattoo in the first week. Once fully healed, SPF 50+ daily on the area will protect your pigment and extend the life of your result significantly.
05
Lip blush specific care
Avoid eating hot, spicy, or acidic foods in the first few days. Apply ointment frequently — lips dry out faster than other areas. Use a straw for drinks to reduce moisture contact.
06
Eyeliner specific care
Avoid eye makeup on the treated area during healing. Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid rubbing your eyes. Contact lens wearers should switch to glasses for the first few days.
The healing stages
Healing happens in stages. The initial peel is 7–10 days; the full, settled result takes up to 6 weeks. Trust the process.
Days 1–3
Fresh and vivid
The pigment will appear darker and more intense than the final result. This is completely normal. Some swelling and redness is to be expected in the first 24–48 hours.
Days 4–10
Scabbing and peeling
The area will begin to flake and peel. This is your skin shedding the outermost layer. The colour will look patchy and may appear to have mostly disappeared — it hasn't. Be patient.
Weeks 2–4
Settling and softening
The colour begins to emerge from beneath the skin. It will appear softer and lighter than the initial application. This is the pigment settling into its true final tone.
Week 6
The final, healed result
By six weeks, your tattoo is fully healed. This is the right time for Kirra to assess whether a touch-up is needed at your 4–8 week follow-up appointment.
Touch-up intervals & longevity
Cosmetic tattoo longevity varies by treatment and how well you protect the area from UV. Here's a guide.
| Treatment | Initial touch-up | Results last | Top-up frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brow Tattoo | 4–8 weeks | 1–2 years | Annual top-up recommended |
| Lip Blush Tattoo | 4–8 weeks | 1–3 years | Every 1–2 years |
| Eyeliner Tattoo | 4–8 weeks | 2–3+ years | Every 2–3 years |
| Freckle Tattoo | As desired | 1–2 years | When fading is noticeable |
Longevity is affected by sun exposure, skin type, skincare routine, and lifestyle. Daily SPF 50+ on healed cosmetic tattoos significantly extends results. Individual results vary — Kirra will advise at your follow-up appointment.
Questions about your appointment?
Reach out via email or book a complimentary consultation to discuss your treatment, eligibility, or aftercare before committing to a booking.
