How to Prepare for Permanent Makeup | HD Beauty by Val

A little preparation goes a long way. Following Val’s pre-care guidelines keeps you comfortable during your appointment and helps your color heal well and last longer. Whether you are booked for microblading, powder or nano brows, lip blush, eyeliner or scalp micropigmentation, here is exactly what to do, and what to avoid, before you arrive at HD Beauty by Val in Bedford, serving Halifax and the surrounding area.

Your Permanent Makeup Prep Checklist at a Glance

4 Weeks Before: Botox and Chemical Peels

Keep Botox and chemical peels at least 4 weeks away from your appointment. If you have either planned, schedule your permanent makeup around them.

3 Weeks Before: No Waxing

Avoid waxing for 3 weeks before your appointment.

1 Week Before: Pause Retin A and Strong Skincare Products

From one week before your appointment, stop using Retin A and any strong skincare products on or near the treatment area. Val asks you to keep avoiding them until you are fully healed, which takes about 8 weeks, so your color lasts.

24 Hours Before: No Alcohol or Blood Thinners

Skip alcohol for the 24 hours before your appointment, and avoid blood thinners including ibuprofen, Tylenol and Advil. If you take medication prescribed by a doctor, do not stop it on your own. Talk to Val and your doctor first. If you are unsure about a medication, ask Val before your appointment.

2 to 3 Hours Before: Skip Caffeine and Eat Something

Skip caffeine (coffee, tea and energy drinks) for 2 to 3 hours before your appointment, and have something to eat. Steady blood sugar helps you stay more comfortable and less sensitive during the procedure.

Plan Your Schedule Around Healing

Most initial appointments take about 2 hours. For the first 24 hours afterward, avoid workouts, tanning, facials, spas and touching the area, so clear your evening. Full healing takes about 8 weeks, and your color will change along the way. If you have a wedding, vacation or big event coming up, book early enough to be healed. Our eyebrow aftercare guide and lip blush aftercare guide walk you through every stage.

What to Tell Val Before Your Appointment

Tell Val about any medications you take, allergies, skin conditions or medical concerns, and whether you are pregnant or nursing. If you are booked for lip blush and have a history of cold sores, let her know when you book. It also helps to bring photos of looks you like, so she can tailor the result to your face and your style.

Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Book a Personalized Consultation ($75, 30 minutes) to talk through your options with Val before you commit to a treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink coffee before my permanent makeup appointment?

Skip caffeine for 2 to 3 hours before your appointment and have something to eat. Steady blood sugar helps you stay comfortable.

Can I take Tylenol or ibuprofen before my appointment?

Val asks clients to avoid blood thinners, including ibuprofen, Tylenol and Advil, for 24 hours before. If you take prescribed medication, do not stop it on your own. Talk to Val and your doctor first.

How long before my appointment should I stop using retinol?

Stop Retin A and strong skincare products on or near the treatment area one week before your appointment, and keep avoiding them until you are fully healed, about 8 weeks.

Can I get Botox, a chemical peel or a wax before my appointment?

Keep Botox and chemical peels at least 4 weeks away from your appointment, and avoid waxing for 3 weeks before.

Ready to wake up flawless?

Book your appointment online, or call 902-497-7392.

HD Beauty by Val, 1175 Bedford Highway, Bedford, NS