How to prepare for your permanent brow appointment
The short answer
Starting two weeks out, stop retinol and exfoliating acids on your brow area. Stop tweezing, waxing, and tinting one week before. For 24 hours before, skip alcohol, and for 48–72 hours skip non-essential blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil. Come with clean skin, freshly washed hair, and inspiration photos.
Your prep timeline
- 4 weeks before: no chemical peels, laser treatments, or microneedling on or near your brows. If you're thinking about Botox or filler around your forehead or eyes, get it done at least 2 weeks before your appointment, or wait until you're fully healed.
- 2 weeks before: stop using retinol, retinoids (like tretinoin), and exfoliating acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic) on your forehead and brow area. Avoid tanning and sunburn on your face.
- 1 week before: no brow waxing, threading, tinting, or lamination. Put the tweezers down, too. The more natural hair I have to work with, the better I can design your shape.
- 48–72 hours before: if it's not medically necessary, skip aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and other supplements that thin the blood. Never stop a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.
- 24 hours before: no alcohol, and skip heavy workouts the day of your appointment.
- Day of: go easy on caffeine, eat a good meal, and wash your hair, since you'll want to keep your brows dry for about a week afterward.
Talk to me before booking if…
Permanent makeup is safe for most healthy adults, but some situations mean waiting or checking with your doctor first. Please reach out before you book if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (I'll ask you to wait)
- Have taken Accutane (isotretinoin) in the last 12 months
- Take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Are going through chemotherapy or radiation
- Have diabetes, an autoimmune condition, or a history of keloid scarring
- Have eczema, psoriasis, active breakouts, or irritation on or around your brows
- Already have old brow tattooing or microblading (send me a photo first)
What to bring
- Photos of brows you love, and ones you don't. Both help.
- Your brows filled in the way you usually wear them, if you'd like me to see your style. Bare is fine too.
- About two and a half hours of free time, so you're never watching the clock.
Preparing for lip blushing
Follow the same timeline for alcohol, blood thinners, and caffeine. If you've ever had a cold sore, tell me when you book. The procedure can trigger a breakout, so many clients ask their doctor about an antiviral to take before and after. Exfoliate and moisturize your lips well in the week leading up, and skip lip fillers for at least 2 weeks before.
Jenn was gentle with my brows as this was my first time EVER getting any tattoo whatsoever—- and this one was on my FACE. Needless to say, initially, I was a bit nervous. But Jenn was gentle and made this a pain-free experience. I love my brows. Thanks, Jenn!
Common questions
Can I get Botox before permanent brows?
Yes, but give it at least 2 weeks before your appointment so your brow position has settled. Botox right before or after can shift where your brows sit, which affects the shape we design. If you'd rather wait, get Botox after you're fully healed, about 4 weeks after.
Should I stop tweezing before my appointment?
Yes. Stop tweezing, waxing, and threading about a week before. Hairs that look stray to you may be exactly what helps me build a fuller, more natural shape.
Can I come to my appointment with makeup on?
Light face makeup is fine. For your brows, either come bare or wear them the way you usually do so I can see your style. I'll clean the area before we start.
Can I get permanent brows if I'm on my period?
Yes. Some people are a little more sensitive during their cycle, so if comfort is a concern, you might book for a different week. It won't affect your results.