Welcome to the vibrant and sophisticated world of Arbelola, where art meets beauty and love. We infuse every service we offer with creativity, support, and inclusivity. Today, we're diving into permanent makeup—a fantastic way to enhance your brows, lips, or eyes long-term.
Not everyone is a perfect fit for permanent makeup, and that’s okay. Take a look below and make sure you’re all clear before joining the permanent makeup club.
Is It Legal?
Under 18
In many places around the world, it’s illegal to tattoo anyone under 18— that includes your classic tattoos and cosmetic ones like nano brows or powder brows. So, if you're under 18, check your local regulations because nothing says ‘responsible beauty’ like staying on the right side of the law.
When to Hold Off on Those Dream Brows or Lips
Sometimes, waiting a bit for your perfect brows or lips is the smartest move for safety and stellar results. Here’s a solid list of times when it’s best to hit pause:
Pregnancy and Nursing
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can throw your hormones into overdrive, which means your skin might not heal as expected, and the pigment may not hold as well. Plus, there's a teensy chance some pigment could sneak its way into your bloodstream, and we’d rather not share that with the baby, right? So hang tight and let’s save those fabulous brows or lips for later! (Wright & Wright, 2024)
Recent Cosmetic Procedures
If you’ve just had a cosmetic treatment—like a chemical peel, laser session, or Botox—it’s best to let your skin fully heal before jumping into permanent makeup. Give your skin some time to bounce back so it’s ready for those beautiful, lasting results! (Magnolia Dermatology, 2023)
You should wait at least two weeks after receiving Botox before getting permanent eyebrow makeup. This waiting period helps make sure that the Botox has fully settled into the muscles, so we can get a more accurate assessment of the natural ups and downs of your brows or lips - your position and movement.
More cautious people recommend waiting six to eight weeks. You can take a look at this Google search to get a well-rounded idea:
I had some nano brow hairs removed about one month after Botox and had no complications. I also had lip blushing done to my lips about six weeks after I had filler injections. They both worked well together. I purposefully got my lips injected before my procedure because I read that the two treatments complement each other so well.
Cancer Treatment
If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment should avoid permanent makeup eyebrows until they have completed their treatment and received medical clearance.
Medications
If you are taking medications that affect skin healing or blood clotting, such as Accutane, Retin-A, Renova, or steroids like cortisone, should wait until they have completed their medication regimen and their skin fully recovers.
Skin Conditions
If you have skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, blisters, or acne in the treatment area, you should wait until their skin condition has improved and the area is clear of any active issues. (Body Treats, n.d.)
Illness
If you have a cold, flu, or COVID-19, it’s best to reschedule your appointment until you’re fully recovered to prevent any complications and ensure a safe procedure.
Sunburn or Burns
Avoid scheduling permanent makeup eyebrow treatments if the treatment area is sunburned or otherwise burned. The skin needs to heal completely to achieve optimal results.
Open Wounds
Any open wounds on the skin in the treatment area or areas the artist will be touching must be fully healed before undergoing permanent makeup to prevent infection and ensure proper pigment retention.
Adhering to these guidelines can ensure a safer and more effective permanent makeup experience, resulting in beautiful, long-lasting results.
Get a Doctor’s Note List
For some folks, getting the green light from a doctor before diving into permanent makeup is a must. Safety first, fabulous brows or lips second! So, if any of these conditions apply to you, go ahead and grab that doctor’s note like the responsible and fabulous person you are.
Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions like lupus, vitiligo, or alopecia areata can affect how the skin heals and retains pigment.
Certain Infections or Diseases
If you have conditions like HIV, Hepatitis, herpes simplex, uncontrolled diabetes, or any other viral or infectious disease, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor before going for permanent makeup. Why? Because these conditions can affect healing, increase infection risk, or interact with the procedure in ways we don’t want. A quick thumbs-up from your doc will make sure you’re all set to get those dream brows safely and smartly!
Medications
Because certain medications can affect how your skin heals and reacts, it’s important to check in with your doctor before diving into permanent makeup. If you’re taking meds that impact blood clotting or your skin, getting your doctor’s approval helps ensure everything goes smoothly and sets you up for safe, fabulous results!
Blood Disorders
Blood disorders such as like sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, or platelet disorders can interfere with pigment placement and increase the risk of complications. (Bình, 2022)
Skin Diseases or Severe Skin Sensitivities
Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or severe sensitivities near the treatment are can cause uneven healing and pigment distribution, leading to unsatisfactory results.
Scarring and Pigmentation
If you have a history of keloid scarring or are prone to hyperpigmentation, it's essential to approach permanent makeup cautiously. These conditions can affect how your skin heals and responds to the pigment, so consulting with a healthcare professional is critical. (Lowes, 2024)
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Organ Transplant
Individuals who have undergone an organ transplant need to get a doctor’s approval before considering permanent makeup. The immune-suppressing medications taken post-transplant can affect healing and increase the risk of complications.
Heart Condition
If you have a heart condition, your doctor can evaluate potential stress from the procedure and address healing concerns so we can be sure everything runs smoothly.
Other Conditions
If you have a thyroid condition or uncontrolled high blood pressure, check with your doctor before moving forward. These conditions can influence how your body responds to the treatment and affect the healing process. (Countrywide Testing, 2021)
By consulting with your healthcare provider and obtaining a doctor's note for any of the above conditions, you can ensure your permanent makeup procedure is safe for your specific body. This proactive step also helps your artist provide the best results for your treatment.
Pigment Allergies
If you have allergies to makeup or colors, lanolin, paints, nickel, topical anesthetics, or latex, it's crucial to inform your artist beforehand. An allergy test should be conducted before your cosmetic tattooing procedure to ensure safety and comfort. Testing the pigment and anesthetics is essential for people with the allergies listed above.
Although I've undergone permanent makeup procedures with three different professionals from various training schools—each overseen or performed by the teacher—I was not tested for allergies. This isn't meant as a critique. I don't judge unless necessary or if something significantly impacts my life. I'm sharing this to highlight that, while allergy testing is highly recommended in many articles and books, it isn't always practiced universally.
At Arbelola, we prioritize your safety and peace of mind. We like to do a patch test during a pre-permanent makeup consultation. Alternatively, once we receive your deposit, we will gladly send you a kit to patch-test the ink. This step ensures that you do not have any allergic reactions to the pigments, providing confidence and comfort as you proceed with your permanent makeup treatment.
Pre-Cosmetic Tattoo Care & Precautions to Consider
If you checked off all the reasons you may want to wait and you’re ready to get your permanent makeup on, here’s how to prep like a pro: First off, let your artist know if you’re allergic to any fun stuff like latex gloves, numbing creams, or stainless steel. Hydrate that skin like it’s a desert—moisturized skin heals way better. And about a week before, ditch any strong skincare products around your brows or lips (yeah, that means your fancy retinoids and acids). Also, stay out of the sun so your skin doesn’t freak out when it meets the pigment. And finally, no brow waxing or tweezing for a week pre-procedure.
What’s Next for Your Permanent Makeup Journey?
At Arbelola, we prioritize your health, safety, and satisfaction. Permanent makeup can transform your look and boost your confidence, but it's essential to be aware of contraindications and take necessary precautions.
At ArbeloLA, we’re here to guide you through every part of this process. If you still have questions or are curious about what style will suit you best, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let us make your permanent makeup dreams come true with the perfect blend of art and expertise!
Let Us Know What You Think!
We love hearing from our readers and clients! Have a question, an experience to share, or any tips for others considering permanent makeup? Drop a comment below and join the ArbeloLA community. Your thoughts and stories make this journey even better for everyone. Plus, who doesn’t love a little brow talk?
Stay gorgeous, stay informed, and always choose what's best for you. 🌟
References
Bình, P. N. (2022, November 10). Lab-grown blood transfusion a world first - World Marks. World Marks. https://worldmark.world/lab-grown-blood-transfusion-a-world-first/
Body Treats. (n.d.). Lemon Eczema Blend Body Butter. https://luvbodytreats.com/products/copy-of-eczema-blend-body-butter
Countrywide Testing. (2021, May 28). What is Melatonin? — Uses, Benefits, & Side Effects. https://www.countrywidetesting.com/blogs/news/what-is-melatonin-uses-benefits-side-effects
Lowes, J. M. (2024, January 5). How Long Does Microblading Last. Someofthisandthat.com | Beauty, Fitness & Lifestyle Blog. https://someofthisandthat.com/how-long-does-microblading-last
Magnolia Dermatology. (2023, June 29). Hydrafacial: The Ultimate Treatment for Your Skin. https://magnoliadermfrisco.com/services/hydrafacial/
Wright, L., & Wright, L. (2024, August 13). Who should not get microshading? - Bad Dogs. Bad Dogs - Beauty Hacks for Bad Dogs. https://baddogapps.com/who-should-not-get-microshading.html
