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Ilaria tattooing a client's brows in the Ska Brows studio
Pre & aftercare guide

Permanent MakeupPre & Aftercare in Bristol

How to prepare for your Nano or Ombré Brows, and how to care for them while they heal.

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  • 4 weeksbefore: start preparing
  • Days 1 to 7keep your brows dry
  • Up to 21 daysfor optimal healing
  • 6 weeksfull healing, then touch-up

Follow these permanent makeup aftercare guidelines to ensure the best possible healing and long-lasting results from your Nano Brows or Ombré Brows treatment at Ska Brows.

Permanent makeup pre-care

A good preparation for your appointment is important to get the best possible results. Make sure you are well prepared for the treatment.

  1. 4 weeksbefore
    • Refrain from microdermabrasion or facials for 4 weeks prior.
  2. 2 weeksbefore
    • Stop using Retin-A, AHA products and chemical peels 2 weeks before and after your treatment.
    • Avoid Botox, lasers or fillers for 2 weeks before your treatment.
  3. 1 weekbefore
    • Avoid sun exposure and tanning for one week before your appointment, to prevent treatment on damaged or peeling skin.
  4. 2 nightsbefore
    • For oily skin, exfoliate thoroughly 2 nights before your appointment.
  5. 48 hoursbefore
    • Don't consume aspirin, niacin, vitamin E, ibuprofen, fish oil or prenatal vitamins 48 hours before the procedure, to minimise bleeding.
    • Avoid alcohol and caffeine 48 hours prior to the procedure.

Aftercare guidelines for Nano & Ombré Brows

For optimal healing, which may take up to 21 days, follow these aftercare guidelines to ensure the colour pigment properly adheres to your skin, resulting in even, flawless brows.

Days 1 to 7

The first week matters most. Follow every point below.

Do

  • Keep your brow tattoo dry.
  • Stay out of direct sunlight and humid areas.

Don't

  • Avoid makeup on the forehead.
  • Don't touch or rub your brows.
  • No exercise.
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What to expect during the healing process

The healing process for new eyebrows takes 6 weeks and involves several phases:

  • Initially, the pigment looks unnatural and dark.
  • The colour may seem to fade after peeling, due to natural skin regeneration, which is normal.
  • Uneven fading can occur, which is why a touch-up is needed after 6 weeks.
  • The skin may flake, resembling dandruff, as part of the healing.
Close-up of soft powder brows by Ska Brows
Day by day

Key milestones

  1. Day 1Brows appear shiny and bold.
  2. Days 2 to 5Brows darken and may seem too thick.
  3. Days 5 to 7Flaking begins, leading to unevenness.
  4. Days 7 to 10Brows can be gently cleansed.
  5. Days 10 to 15The tattoo fades significantly, but this is expected.
  6. Days 15 to 30The tattoo's appearance improves, though a retouch may be needed for patches where the pigment did not attach.

Questions about your aftercare?

For any questions about your aftercare routine, don't hesitate to contact Ilaria directly. We're here to support you throughout your healing journey at Ska Brows, Gloucester Road North, Bristol.

Message Ilaria on WhatsApp
Ska Brows at Morgans Hair and Beauty13 Gloucester Road North, Bristol BS7 0SG
Monday to Saturday, by appointment
More on Ombré BrowsMore on Nano Brows

Frequently Asked · Aftercare

Aftercare, made simple.

How should I care for my brows after the treatment?
Keep the area clean and dry, follow the personalised instructions Ilaria gives you, and avoid picking or scratching. Gentle aftercare in the first one to two weeks is what protects your final result.
Can I get my brows wet or wash my face?
Avoid soaking the brows while they heal. Cleanse gently around the area and pat, do not rub, for roughly the first week, as advised.
Can I exercise or sweat after the treatment?
Hold off on heavy workouts, saunas and anything that makes you sweat for about a week, as excess moisture can affect how the pigment settles.
Is some flaking or darkness normal?
Yes. Brows look bolder and darker for the first few days, then lighten and may flake gently as they heal. Let them shed naturally and never pick.
Can I wear makeup on my brows while healing?
Avoid makeup directly on the brow area until it is fully healed, to keep the area clean and prevent irritation.
What about sun, swimming and saunas?
Avoid direct sun, swimming pools and saunas until your brows have healed. Once settled, applying SPF helps keep the colour vibrant for longer.
When are my brows fully healed?
Surface healing takes around one to two weeks, with the colour fully settling by about six weeks, which is when your touch-up session perfects the result.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Message Ska Brows any time via WhatsApp. The studio is on Gloucester Road North in Bristol (BS7 0SG).
Do you offer treatments outside Bristol?
Yes. Bristol (Gloucester Road North) is the home studio, and Ilaria also works by appointment in Amsterdam and in Calabria, Italy. See the dedicated Amsterdam and Calabria pages to book in those locations.
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