You are looking at investing your time and money into having your procedure so of course you want it to last and to retain as much colour as possible.
To help you achieve this, I have provided some useful tips.
- You will be given a Preparation handout when you book your treatment. Some of the really important things that it mentions are that your skin hasn’t recently been exposed to a lot of sun and that it isn’t tanned. This is because it negatively affects the implantation and retention of the pigment and from experience – I mean it really does make a difference! You are better off waiting until after that holiday or having it done 6 weeks before if you want the best results.
- Using hydroxy acids, Vitamin A and other exfoliating products directly on or around the brows thins the skin and affects the retention of the tattoo, so again – best avoided.
- Once the skin is healed, using a moisturiser with SPF EVERY morning over the tattoo(s) really helps to retain the colour and intensity. It will last longer before requiring a touch up but it’s also the most important anti aging treatment you can do for yourself – ask any dermatologist!
- Once your lovely new brows and/or lips are completed, you are given an Aftercare card. It is absolutely essential that you adhere to this because the aftercare is every bit as important as the preparation. Wearing makeup before it has healed, not cleansing the area twice daily or applying the ointment too heavily, working out, saunas, sunbathing and facial treatments can all seriously affect the pigment retention and also lead to the infection.
- Other things that really help are making sure you are well hydrated before your procedure, that your skin is well exfoliated and moisturised in the days before the procedure and that you turn up for your appointment calm and relaxed and that you haven’t been exercising beforehand.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours before – it really helps.
- Relax and trust the process – it’s really not that stressful to have done – I have had it personally many, many times over the years. If you are overly anxious about having it done then that transfers to your artist. If you are not sure you are making the right decision then don’t do it or search around until you find the right artist for you.