✨ PMU/SMP/Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

 

Please read carefully to ensure optimal results and a safe healing process.

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☀️ Pro Tip:

Once your skin is completely healed, always apply an oil-free SPF 30–50 when exposed to the sun. Sun exposure will cause the pigment to fade more quickly.

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PERMANENT MAKEUP 

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🗓 Immediate Aftercare Timeline

Day 1 – Day of Treatment

• Before bed, gently cleanse the treated area using a barely damp Q-tip or cotton round (do not soak).

• For lip procedures, apply the aftercare ointment you provided immediately after cleansing and reapply frequently throughout the day to maintain moisture.

Days 2–3

• Gently cleanse the area morning and evening with the provided cleanser and a damp Q-tip or cotton round.

• Do not scrub or rub. Gently pat the area and keep your hands clean when handling it.

• For lips, continue applying your aftercare ointment as often as needed.

Days 4–14

• If the area feels dry or tight, apply a very thin layer of the aftercare cream after washing with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
  ▸ The area should not appear greasy or shiny—if it does, you’ve applied too much.

• Lips may continue with regular ointment use as needed.

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❗ In Case of Infection:

If you notice signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus), seek medical attention immediately.

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🚫 Avoid the Following for 10 Days After Your Procedure:

• Sweating, working out, or playing sports

• Swimming or soaking in hot tubs, saunas, or Jacuzzis

• Sun tanning or salon tanning

• Laser treatments, chemical peels, or products with Retin-A or Glycolic Acid

• Picking, scratching, or peeling the treated area (this will affect pigment retention and may cause scarring)

• Heavy-duty cleaning (e.g., garages, basements) due to airborne dust/debris

• Spicy foods, smoking, or alcohol in excess

• Driving open-air vehicles like convertibles, boats, bikes, or motorcycles

• Touching the area unnecessarily

• Applying unapproved creams or ointments
  ▸ Do not use antibiotic ointments, gels, or vitamin creams—they can pull pigment from the skin.

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🚿 Showering Instructions

• Limit showers to 5 minutes to minimize steam exposure.

• Keep your face/procedure area out of direct water while showering.

• Wash your hair at the end of the shower, and keep the treated area dry.

• For brows: cover the area with a dry cloth and gently wash the face with cleansing wipes or a washcloth.

 

🩹 What to Expect During the Healing Process

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Days 1–4:

Pigment will appear very dark and bold. This is normal and temporary—pigment sits on top of your skin and will soften over time. Some swelling and pigment transfer on cotton swabs is also normal.

Days 5–7:

You may notice light flaking or dry skin that resembles dandruff. This is the top layer, naturally exfoliating and not pigment loss—don’t panic.

Days 8–12:

The pigment may appear to have faded entirely. This is a regular part of the healing cycle. Please trust the process.

Days 14–28:

Colour begins to resurface as the pigment settles into the skin. Some patchiness or uneven tones may be visible—this is expected.

 

💉 Touch-Up Timing

Your perfecting session should be booked no sooner than 5 weeks and no later than 10 weeks after the procedure.
Touch-up Appointments made more than 10 weeks after the original session may incur an additional fee.

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TATTOO

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Daily care routine

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First 2–4 hours: Leave the wrap or bandage that your artist applied. This protects against bacteria and keeps the area moist. Wash gently: Remove the bandage, then wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap using your clean fingertips. Pat dry with a fresh paper towel. Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or tattoo balm (such as Lubriderm or Aquaphor). A little goes a long way — don't smother it.

Repeat 2 times daily for the first two weeks, or whenever the skin feels tight or dry.

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What to avoid

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Do not scratch or pick at peeling skin. This pulls ink out and causes scarring.

No direct sunlight on a healing tattoo. UV fades ink and delays healing. Use SPF 50+ once healed.

No swimming, soaking, or baths — pools, oceans, and hot tubs introduce bacteria. Showers are fine.

Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo. Tight fabric rubs ink off and traps sweat.

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Pro tips

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Sleep on clean sheets. Stay hydrated. Eat nutritious food. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Don't re-wrap unless advised. Keep pets away from fresh ink.

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See a doctor if you notice...

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Excessive redness, swelling, or warmth that worsens after the first 48 hours

Yellow or green discharge — clear or plasma-like fluid is normal early on, but pus is not

Fever, chills, or red streaks radiating from the tattoo (signs of infection)

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SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION

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SMP is typically done over 2–3 sessions spaced 7–14 days apart. Aftercare is applied between sessions and continues for at least 30 days after your final treatment.

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Phase 1 Acute phase Days 1 – 4 - Phase 2 Settling Days 5 – 10 - Phase 3 Full healing Days 10 – 30+

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First few days — immediate care

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You can wash gently AFTER 24 HOURS — use lukewarm water and very light fingertip pressure only.

Treat the scalp with care and avoid any rubbing or scrubbing.

Your hands carry oils and bacteria that disrupt pigment settling.

Stay out of direct sunlight. UV exposure in the first days can cause premature fading and uneven pigment absorption.

Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid prolonged pressure on the treated area.

A travel pillow can help keep your head elevated.

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Washing the scalp

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Use lukewarm water — not hot. Let it run gently over the scalp rather than rubbing or massaging vigorously.

Hold off on shampoo for the first few days if possible, then use a mild, sulphate-free, fragrance-free formula.

Avoid anything with alcohol or harsh chemicals.

Pat dry gently with a soft, clean towel. Never rub. Allow the scalp to air-dry fully before applying any moisturizer.

Moisturize lightly once dry using a fragrance-free, alcohol-free lotion. This prevents flaking without disrupting pigment.

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Things to avoid (first 30 days)

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No swimming pools, oceans, or hot tubs, as they all pull pigment out and risk infection

No saunas or steam rooms — heat opens pores and pushes pigment out

No intense exercise — heavy sweating saturates the scalp and disrupts healing

No sunbeds or tanning — UV degrades pigment rapidly in the first month

No harsh shampoos with sulphates, alcohol, or strong fragrances during healing

Do not pick flaking skin — it will lift pigment dots and create patchy results

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Shaving

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Use an electric razor only during the healing period. Avoid wet shaving with a blade until fully healed (day 28+), as blades can disturb the pigment and skin surface.

Wait until after day 10 before shaving over treated areas, even with a trimmer.

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Long-term care tips

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Use SPF 50+ on the scalp daily

Moisturize scalp regularly

Use sulphate-free shampoo

Stay well hydrated

Schedule touch-ups every 3–5 years

Avoid harsh exfoliants on the scalp

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Contact your practitioner if you notice...

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Significant redness, swelling, or tenderness that worsens beyond 48 hours after your session

Pus or unusual discharge — some plasma weeping is normal in the first 24 hours, but pus is not

Raised bumps, blistering, or an allergic reaction to the pigment

Extreme fading, blurring, or uneven results after full healing — a touch-up session may be needed

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📞 Need Help?

If you experience any unusual symptoms or have questions about your healing, please contact:

Jesse Volpato
📞 403-874-6523
📧 jessevolpato@gmail.com