Semi-Permanent Makeup Healing Timeline

What to Expect After Your Treatment

Whether you’ve chosen Microblading, Powder Brows, Lip Blush, Eyeliner Tattoo, or Scalp Micropigmentation, understanding the healing journey is essential for beautiful, lasting results. Healing is a process, not an event — and we’re here to walk you through every step.

This timeline outlines the general healing phases for most semi-permanent makeup treatments. Each treatment will vary slightly, but the overall process remains consistent.

​

Day-by-Day Healing Breakdown

DAY 1 – The Fresh Look

​

What’s Happening:

• The pigment is freshly implanted in the skin.

• Treated area appears bold, dark, defined, and more saturated than the final result.

• Some redness, tenderness, or swelling is normal (especially for lips and eyeliner).

What You Should Do:

• Keep the area clean and dry.

• Blot gently with a sterile cotton pad if lymph fluid appears.

• Begin applying aftercare ointment as directed (if applicable).

💡 It’s normal to think the results look too bold or dark — this is temporary.

​

DAY 2–3 – Intensification & Initial Healing

​

What’s Happening:

• The pigment may look even darker or more defined.

• Swelling begins to subside.

• For lips and eyeliner, tightness or dryness may be felt.

What You Should Do:

• Continue keeping the area dry.

• Do not apply makeup or skincare over the treated area.

• Avoid sun exposure, heat, sweating, and touching.

⚠️ This stage can feel like a shock — but bold color and swelling are expected.

​

DAY 4–7 – Flaking & Peeling

​

What’s Happening:

• The outer layer of skin begins to flake or peel.

• Small scabs may form and fall off naturally.

• Treated area may become itchy, dry, or patchy.

What You Should Do:

• DO NOT pick, scratch, or peel the flakes — this can pull out pigment.

• Continue using aftercare balm as instructed.

• Keep skin hydrated (externally and internally).

🧼 Let the skin exfoliate naturally — picking can lead to patchiness or scarring.

​

DAY 8–14 – The “Ghosting” Stage

​

What’s Happening:

• Skin is healing beneath the surface.

• Pigment may appear very light, faded, or patchy — sometimes it looks like it’s gone.

• This is due to new skin temporarily obscuring pigment underneath.

What You Should Do:

• Don’t panic — this is 100% normal.

• Avoid any retouching or covering with makeup.

• Maintain your aftercare routine if instructed.

👻 This stage is known as “ghosting.” The color will return!

​

DAY 15–30 – Color Resurfacing

​

What’s Happening:

• Pigment begins to re-emerge and settle into its new shape.

• Color softens, evens out, and begins to reflect the final result.

• Brows or lips may still look slightly uneven or muted — this will be adjusted during your touch-up.

What You Should Do:

• Continue to protect the area from sun and harsh products.

• Reintroduce skincare around (not on) the treated area.

• Be patient — true results are almost here.

🌿 You’re 70–80% healed — the skin is still adjusting and settling.

​

WEEK 6–8 – Perfecting Stage (Touch-Up Appointment)

​

What’s Happening:

• Your touch-up session perfects any uneven areas, enhances color, and ensures longevity.

• This step is essential to lock in your final look.

• Minor adjustments can be made to shape, density, and tone.

What You Should Do:

• Treat this like a full treatment — follow all aftercare again.

• Understand that every skin type heals differently; some may need a third session (especially oily, mature, or compromised skin).

🖌️ The touch-up brings your semi-permanent makeup to life — don’t skip it.

​

​

​