Getting permanent makeup is exciting, but the healing process can bring some surprises if you don’t know what to expect. Whether you’re getting microblading, enhanced lip color, or permanent eyeliner, the healing journey is part of the process, and it’s completely normal to experience changes in the look and feel of your results as your skin recovers. To help you feel confident every step of the way, we’ve broken down the healing stages week by week, so you know exactly what’s normal and what to expect when getting permanent makeup.
Week 1: Immediate Healing
During the first week after your permanent makeup service, you’re in the immediate healing stage and may experience any of the following:
- Your skin may feel tight, tender, or slightly swollen.
- The color will look very bold or dark, this is normal!
- You may notice mild redness or irritation near the treated area.
- Minor scabbing may begin toward the end of the week.
These are all common and very normal effects. Right after your session, your body starts to heal. The pigment appears more intense because your skin is fresh and slightly inflamed. Don’t panic, it will soften as you heal. Follow your aftercare instructions closely. Keep the area clean, avoid heavy sweating, and do not pick or apply makeup to the area.
Week 2: Peeling & Fading
Welcome to week 2! During this stage of healing, you will be experiencing peeling and fading. You may see and experience:
- Flaking or peeling skin (like a mild sunburn).
- The pigment may appear patchy or faded once the flaking ends.
- The area may feel dry or itchy, resist the urge to scratch.
During this healing stage, your skin is shedding the top layer, which can cause the color to fade or look uneven temporarily. This is part of the normal skin regeneration process. Keep moisturizing with your aftercare antibiotic ointment as directed. Avoid exfoliating or exposing the area to sun or water (like pools or saunas).
Week 3: Gradual Return of Color
During week three of your permanent makeup healing journey, you’ll start to see healing progress. You’ll notice:
- Flaking stops, and the skin starts to smooth out.
- The pigment may still seem lighter than expected, this is temporary.
- You’ll see more even color as the skin continues healing.
In week 3, the pigment resurfaces and stabilizes as your skin heals below the surface. Your brows, lips, or liner look more natural and defined. Be patient during this stage. This is when many clients start to worry their color is “gone,” but it’s simply the healing process at work.
Week 4-6: Healing Complete and Time for a Touch-Up
You made it! In weeks 4-6, your healing should be entirely healed or close to done. The color will appear more true-to-tone and even, and the shape and definition will improve as the skin is fully closed and settling. By this point, most of the healing is complete. You’ll have a good sense of your final results but may still need a touch-up to perfect the shape, color, or fill in any uneven spots. What should you do next? Schedule your touch-up! Most permanent makeup procedures include a perfecting session around 6 weeks after your initial appointment.
Contact Utopia Salon for All Things Permanent Makeup!
Healing times can vary slightly depending on the treatment, your skin type, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you ever feel unsure about what’s normal, contact Utopia Salon – we’re happy to answer questions, check progress, and help you feel confident throughout your PMU journey. Ready to book your touch-up or curious about your healing progress? Contact us today! We’re here to keep your results looking flawless!
