Can You Shower After Permanent Makeup? Expert Aftercare Tips

One of the most common questions clients ask after a permanent makeup procedure is, “Can I shower afterwards?” Proper aftercare is key to achieving the best results and maintaining the longevity of your cosmetic tattoo. In this blog, we’ll go over how to shower safely after your permanent makeup procedure and why you need to follow the rules during the healing process.

What to Expect

Permanent makeup is implanting pigment into the skin, like tattooing. After the procedure your skin needs time to heal and for the pigment to settle. During this healing phase your skin is more sensitive to external factors, including water, which can affect the healing process and pigment retention. Proper care, like avoiding direct sunlight, hot water and excessive sweating, is important for optimal healing.

Healing time varies for everyone, depending on skin type, age and procedure. Most people heal in 7-10 days with scabs forming. The entire healing process can take up to 4 weeks. During this time you need to follow your aftercare instructions to ensure even healing and best results.

Is It Safe?

Yes, you can shower after permanent makeup, but with precautions. Here’s what to do:

1. Avoid Direct Water on the Treated Area: Don’t let water hit your freshly tattooed area. Use a washcloth or cover the area with a clean towel to prevent splashes from the shower head. Excessive water can affect wound healing and cause pigment loss.
2. Use Warm Water: Avoid hot showers as the steam can open your pores and cause pigment fading or infection. Warm water is best to prevent excessive moisture and support natural healing. Cold water can also help reduce inflammation.
3. Limit Shower Time: Keep your showers short during the initial healing period. Longer exposure to moisture can disrupt the wet healing process and affect pigment retention. Don’t over-rinse as this can remove pigment particles prematurely.
4. Be Gentle When Washing Your Face: Use a gentle, damp cloth or cotton swab to wash your face, avoiding the treated area altogether. If you need to wash, use a non-abrasive cleanser or gentle soap and pat dry with a clean tissue or paper towel.
5. Don’t Rub or Scrub: Don’t rub or scrub the treated area as this can cause irritation, remove scabs prematurely and cause uneven healing. Using a healing ointment or aftercare cream can help protect the area and the healing process.
6. Avoid Steam and Hot Water: Don’t drink hot beverages, go to sauna or steam rooms during the healing time. Heat can cause excessive sweating which can affect the healing and pigment colour.

Top Tips

• No Tanning Beds or Direct Sun: Sun exposure and UV rays can cause hyper-pigmentation or loss of colour. Apply sunscreen after healing to protect your tattoo.
• No Swimming Pools or Bodies of Water: Don’t swim in pools, lakes or oceans for at least 10-14 days. Chlorine and bacteria in these environments can damage the tattooed area and increase the risk of infection.
• Use Aftercare Products: Follow your artist’s advice on aftercare products, antibacterial soap and aftercare ointment to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
• No Makeup or Harsh Cleansers: Don’t use makeup, heavy creams or cleansers containing retinol acids or fruit acids on the treated area until fully healed.
• No Chemical Treatments: Don’t use chemical peels, exfoliants or light therapies until the skin is fully healed.

Aftercare

Not following aftercare instructions can lead to:

• Pigment Loss: Too much water, sweat or chemical exfoliants can dilute the pigment and cause uneven colour or fading.
• Infection: Airborne debris, contact with dirty surfaces or exposure to bacteria can cause infection during the healing process.
• Prolonged Healing Time: Not following aftercare can delay the natural healing cycle and cause uneven results.
• Hyper-Pigmentation or Scarring: Direct sun exposure, harsh treatments or scratching the area can cause long-term damage to the skin.

Whether you’ve had microblading, a Lash enhancement tattoo or an eyeliner tattoo, aftercare is key to getting beautiful and long-lasting results. Cosmetic tattooing can give you a polished look but you need to protect your investment by following the care guidelines.

Follow the aftercare and use the aftercare kit and don’t sweat or exercise heavily.

Don’t do this

1. Forget Aftercare Ointment: Aftercare ointment keeps the area moisturised and helps with healing. Not using it can cause dry skin or scabbing.
2. Use Harsh Cleansers: Use non-scented, gentle cleansers to avoid irritation.
3. Excessive Sweating: Sweaty exercise or heavy lifting can introduce bacteria and disrupt the healing skin.
4. Exposure to Sunlight: Wear protective clothing or avoid direct sunlight to prevent pigment discolouration.
5. Touch the Treated Area: Don’t touch the area with your hands to reduce the risk of infection.

By following these tips and care instructions you will protect your investment in permanent makeup and get flawless, long-lasting results. Remember proper aftercare is key to the entire healing process so you get the best outcome for your cosmetic tattooing.

FAQ

When can I wash my face normally after permanent makeup?

You can wash your face normally after about 7-10 days once the area has healed and the scabs have fallen off naturally. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh exfoliants or chemical peels.

Can I go swimming after permanent makeup?

No, you should avoid swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas for at least 10-14 days to prevent pigment loss and reduce the risk of infection. Bodies of water can introduce bacteria and disrupt the healing process.

How do I keep my permanent makeup dry while showering?

Use a clean towel or waterproof barrier to cover the area. Don’t let water run directly onto the tattooed skin. Alternatively use a shower cap if possible.

What if the area gets wet?

If the area gets wet, gently pat dry with a clean, soft paper towel or cloth. Don’t rub or scrub the area to avoid irritation or removal of healing scabs.

Can I apply makeup over the treated area during healing?

No, don’t apply any topical makeup or heavy creams to the area until it’s fully healed to avoid irritation, hyper-pigmentation and infection. Follow the aftercare instructions given by your cosmetic tattoo artist.