Permanent Makeup Aftercare: Your Complete 2-Week Recovery Guide
Published by Monique Conradie, GGD Licensed Permanent Makeup Artist | Amsterdam
Congratulations on your new permanent makeup! Whether you've just had hyperrealism brows, lashline enhancement, or permanent eyeliner, proper aftercare is absolutely crucial for achieving the beautiful, natural results you're expecting. Having guided hundreds of Amsterdam clients through their healing journey, I want to share everything you need to know for a successful recovery.
Why Aftercare Matters More Than You Think
Think of permanent makeup healing like planting a garden. The pigment I've carefully placed is like seeds that need the right conditions to flourish. Proper aftercare ensures:
Optimal color retention (up to 30% more pigment retention with proper care)
Even healing without patchy areas
Reduced risk of infection
Faster recovery time
Better long-term results
Poor aftercare can result in color loss, uneven healing, or in rare cases, infection. The good news? Following my proven protocol makes healing straightforward and stress-free.
Your Daily Aftercare Routine: The Non-Negotiables
For the next two weeks, you'll follow this simple but essential routine twice daily:
STEP 1: Gentle Cleansing
Using the provided antibacterial soap and lukewarm water:
Wet your hands thoroughly
Create a small amount of lather
Gently cleanse the treated area with your fingertips (never use a washcloth)
Rinse with lukewarm water
Timing: Morning and evening
STEP 2: Complete Drying
Pat (don't rub) the area dry with a clean paper towel
Allow air-drying for 2-3 minutes
Ensure the area is completely dry before applying balm
STEP 3: Balm Application
Use only a tiny amount of the provided healing balm
Apply the thinnest possible layer
The skin should not look shiny or greasy
Remember: Less is more! Over-moisturizing suffocates the skin
Week-by-Week Healing Timeline
Days 1-3: The Initial Phase
What to expect:
Treated area appears darker and more defined than final result
Slight swelling (completely normal)
Tender to touch
Your skin is: Beginning the healing process, forming a protective layer
Key focus: Gentle cleansing and light balm application
Days 4-7: The Scabbing Phase
What to expect:
Small scabs or flakes begin forming
Itching sensation (resist scratching!)
Color appears to fade as scabs form
Your skin is: Creating new tissue underneath the protective scabs
Key focus: Hands off! Let scabs fall naturally
Days 8-14: The Reveal Phase
What to expect:
Scabs naturally slough off
True color begins to emerge
Skin feels normal again
Your skin is: Nearly healed with final color settling
Key focus: Continue gentle care, resist picking at any remaining flakes
Weeks 3-6: The Final Settlement
What to expect:
Final color and texture emerge
Any initial concerns typically resolve
Ready for your touch-up consultation
Water Restrictions: Navigating Amsterdam's Active Lifestyle
What You CAN Do:
Quick showers with face away from spray
Washing your hair in the sink
Splash-proof cycling (light rain is fine)
Indoor workouts with minimal sweating
What to AVOID:
Swimming: No pools, canals, or North Sea dips for 2 weeks
Saunas: No hot, humid environments
Long, hot showers: Keep them short and cool
Face-first contact: Avoid direct water pressure on treated areas
Amsterdam-Specific Tips:
Cycling in rain: Wear a cap with a brim to protect your face
Vondelpark workouts: Stick to covered areas or indoor alternatives
Weekend canal trips: Admire from the boat, but stay dry!
Common Healing Experiences (What's Normal vs. Concerning)
Completely Normal:
Color changes: Initial darkness fading to lighter shade
Mild swelling: Especially common with eyeliner treatments
Itching: Sign of healing, but don't scratch
Uneven peeling: Some areas heal faster than others
Apparent color loss: Color returns as healing completes
When to Contact Me:
Excessive redness lasting beyond day 5
Yellow or green discharge (signs of infection)
Severe swelling that worsens after day 3
Unusual pain that increases rather than decreases
Signs of allergic reaction (rare but important to monitor)
Activity Restrictions: Staying Active in Amsterdam
Week 1: Take It Easy
Exercise: Light walking only (perfect for Amsterdam's pedestrian-friendly streets)
Cycling: Short, easy rides avoiding overheating
Yoga: Gentle stretching without inversions
Work: Normal activities fine, just avoid touching the area
Week 2: Gradual Return
Exercise: Low-intensity activities, but still no swimming
Cycling: Normal commuting, but avoid long-distance rides
Sports: Outdoor activities fine if you can stay relatively dry
Beauty treatments: Still off-limits (facials, botox, etc.)
The Science Behind Successful Healing
Why No Picking?
When you pick at scabs, you're literally pulling out pigment that's trying to settle. This can cause:
Permanent scarring
Uneven color
Increased healing time
Potential infection
Why Minimal Water?
Excess moisture causes:
Scabs to soften and fall off prematurely
Pigment to leach out before it's properly set
Extended healing time
Potential bacterial growth
Why Light Balm Application?
Over-moisturizing creates:
A barrier that traps bacteria
Softened scabs that fall off too early
Suffocated skin that can't breathe properly
Delayed healing process
Special Considerations for Different Treatments
Hyperrealism Brows:
Expect minimal scabbing due to gentle technique
Color may appear patchy during healing (completely normal)
Avoid makeup on brows for full 2 weeks
Lashline Enhancement:
May experience slight eye sensitivity
Avoid eye makeup and lash extensions for 2 weeks
Sleep with head slightly elevated first few nights
Permanent Eyeliner:
Possible mild swelling for 2-3 days
Avoid all eye makeup for 2 weeks
Use fresh pillowcases nightly
Your Support System
24-Hour Check-In
I personally message every client 24 hours post-treatment to ensure you're healing well and answer any immediate questions.
Weekly Updates
Feel free to send photos via WhatsApp if you have concerns. I'm here to guide you through every step.
Touch-Up Appointment
Scheduled 6-8 weeks post-treatment to perfect any areas that need attention.
Aftercare Products: What I Provide
Antibacterial Soap: Specifically formulated for post-tattoo care Healing Balm: Medical-grade, gentle formula designed for optimal healing Written Instructions: Detailed card for easy reference
Lifestyle Tips for Busy Amsterdam Professionals
Morning Routine:
Cleanse gently before coffee
Apply balm before getting dressed
Choose hairstyles that don't require touching brow area
Evening Routine:
Remove all makeup except treated areas
Cleanse treated areas last
Apply balm before bed
Work Considerations:
Inform close colleagues to avoid surprise
Keep balm at desk for midday touch-ups if needed
Plan treatment before lighter work weeks when possible
Setting Realistic Expectations
Immediate Results (Days 1-3):
30-50% darker than final result
More defined than final appearance
May appear "drawn on"
Healed Results (6-8 weeks):
Natural, soft appearance
20-30% lighter than initial application
Perfectly integrated with your natural features
Long-Term Care:
Annual touch-ups recommended for optimal appearance
SPF protection to maintain color longevity
Gentle skincare routine around treated areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wear makeup during healing? A: Avoid makeup on the treated area for 2 weeks. You can wear makeup elsewhere on your face.
Q: What if I accidentally get them wet? A: Gently pat dry immediately and continue with normal aftercare. One incident won't ruin your results.
Q: When can I return to my normal skincare routine? A: After 2 weeks for most products. Wait 4 weeks for acids, retinoids, or exfoliants near the treated area.
Q: How do I know if my healing is progressing normally? A: Follow the timeline above. When in doubt, send me a photo – I'm always happy to reassure you!
Your Journey to Beautiful, Healed Results
Remember, healing is a process, not an event. The next two weeks are an investment in years of effortless beauty. By following this aftercare protocol religiously, you're ensuring the best possible outcome for your permanent makeup investment.
Trust the process, be patient with your skin, and remember – I'm here to support you every step of the way. Soon you'll be waking up every morning with perfectly enhanced features that look naturally, beautifully you.
Questions about your healing process? Don't hesitate to reach out. Your beautiful results are my top priority.
