Hyperrealism Brows Pre-Care and Aftercare
Hyperrealism brows (machine hair strokes) require careful pre-care and dedicated aftercare for the best results.
Pre-Care Timeline
2 Weeks Before:
- Avoid strong skincare: Do not use Retinol, AHA/BHA, or chemical exfoliants on or around the forehead.
- No hair removal: Stop waxing, tweezing, or threading.
- Skip cosmetic treatments: Avoid facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments in the brow area.
1 Week Before:
- Pause supplements: Avoid fish oil, Vitamin E, and other blood-thinning supplements unless medically necessary (always check with your doctor).
- Stay out of the sun: Avoid heavy sun exposure or sunburns on the face.
24–48 Hours Before:
- No alcohol or caffeine: These thin the blood and can cause extra bleeding and sensitivity during the tattooing process.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications: If possible and safe, avoid aspirin or ibuprofen.
The Day of Treatment:
- Come as you are: You can arrive with your brows filled in as you normally wear them so your technician can see your preferred style and daily makeup habits.
- Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing as the appointment can take a couple of hours.
- Eat a meal: Have a good meal beforehand to keep your blood sugar stable and reduce sensitivity.
Aftercare Instructions
The First 14 Days (The Healing Phase)
Gently blot your brows every hour for the first day to remove any lymph fluid. From day two, clean them twice daily with a damp cotton pad and apply a tiny amount of prescribed ointment. Avoid soaking your brows in water, excessive sweating, and picking at any light flaking to ensure the pigment settles correctly within the hair strokes.
Weeks 3–4 (What to Expect)
Your brows may appear lighter or slightly milky during this time as the skin finishes regenerating. This “ghosting phase” is normal. Do not panic if the color seems to have disappeared; the pigment will gradually bloom back to the surface. Continue to avoid exfoliating treatments directly on the brow area during this period.
Long-Term Care (Beyond 4 Weeks)
To protect your healed results and maximize pigment retention, always apply SPF to your brows when outdoors. Sun exposure is the primary cause of fading and color shifting. Avoid using anti-aging creams or acids directly over the brow area, and schedule a color boost every 12–18 months to keep your hyperrealism strokes looking crisp and fresh.
Lips Pre-Care and Aftercare
Beautiful, lasting lip results depend heavily on the condition of your skin before and during the healing process. Follow these steps for your Lip Blush or Neutralisation appointment.
Pre-Care Timeline
4 Weeks Before:
- No fillers: Avoid lip fillers or Botox around the mouth area for at least 4 weeks to allow position and inflammation to settle.
2 Weeks Before:
- Hydrate intensely: Use lip balm or masks daily. Dehydrated or chapped lips cannot be tattooed, as the pigment will not take properly.
- Avoid active skincare: Stop using chemical peels or acids (AHA/BHA/Retinol) around the lips.
1 Week Before:
- Anti-viral treatment: If you have EVER had a cold sore, consult your GP for anti-viral medication (like Aciclovir). The tattooing process can trigger an outbreak, which may lead to Patchy healing or scarring.
- Gentle exfoliation: Use a soft sugar scrub 2–3 times this week to remove dead skin cells.
24–48 Hours Before:
- Avoid thinners: Skip alcohol, caffeine, and aspirin/ibuprofen to minimise bleeding and swelling during the procedure.
Aftercare Instructions
The First 24 Hours
Keep your lips clean by gently blotting with a damp cotton pad every hour to remove lymph fluid. This prevents heavy scabbing. Apply a thin layer of the provided aftercare balm frequently to keep the area protected.
Days 2–5 (The Peeling Phase)
Your lips will feel tight and dry before they begin to flake. Do NOT pick or peel the skin; let it fall off naturally. Picked skin will result in lost pigment. Avoid spicy, salty, or very hot foods that may irritate the delicate tissue during this phase. Use a straw for drinks.
Weeks 2–6 (Colour Maturation)
After peeling, your lips may look lighter than expected. This is the “hidden phase.” The pigment will gradually warm up and re-appear over the next few weeks as the skin heals deeply. Do not judge the final colour until your 6–8 week touch-up.
Long-Term Maintenance
Protect your lips with SPF 30+ balm to prevent UV-induced fading. Avoid using whitening toothpastes or chemical exfoliants directly on the lips. Schedule your perfection session to lock in vibrant, even colour.