AFTERCARE 101

  • Your brows have just been chemically reshaped and, if you received a stain, color has also been deposited onto the brow hair and skin. A little extra care at home will help keep your brows hydrated, your lamination fluffy, and your stain looking fresh for as long as possible.

    The First 24–48 Hours

    This is the most important part of your aftercare.

    Keep your brows completely dry

    For the first 24 hours minimum, and ideally up to 48 hours, avoid getting your brows wet.

    This includes:

    • Washing your face directly over your brows

    • Shower water hitting the brow area

    • Steam and saunas

    • Swimming

    • Hot yoga or excessive sweating

    • Heavy workouts

    • Hot tubs

    • Getting caught in the rain

    Water, steam, heat and excessive moisture can affect how the lamination settles and can cause your stain to fade more quickly.

    Keep your hands off

    Try not to touch, rub, scratch or constantly brush your brows during the first 24 hours. Your brow hairs are settling into their new direction, and unnecessary manipulation can disturb the result.

    Skip makeup directly on the brows

    Give your brows a break from brow makeup, skincare and cleansers during the first 24 hours.

    If you absolutely need to remove makeup around the area, be very gentle and avoid rubbing directly over the brows. An oil-based makeup remover can help dissolve makeup with less friction, but try not to work it through the brows, especially if you received a stain, as oils can contribute to faster color fading.

    After 24–48 Hours

    Once your initial aftercare window has passed, your brows can return to a more normal routine — but hydration becomes your new best friend.

    Hydrate your brow hairs daily

    Lamination is a chemical service, so keeping the brow hairs conditioned and flexible is an important part of maintaining their appearance.

    Choose one of the following:

    BROW DADDY VANILÁMI Aftercare + Styling Gel
    A great everyday option designed specifically for laminated brows. The formula contains hydrolyzed keratin, aloe vera and argan oil to condition and hydrate the brow hairs while providing a soft, natural hold.

    A simple moisturizer
    You can use a gentle moisturizer on the brow hairs as long as it does not contain active exfoliating or resurfacing ingredients.

    K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
    A tiny amount can be used to condition the brow hairs. K18's formula contains ingredients including squalane, avocado oil and sunflower oil and is designed to smooth and condition hair. Because this product is formulated and labeled for hair rather than specifically for the eye area, use only a very small amount and keep it away from the eyes.

    The goal: soft, flexible, hydrated brow hairs — never dry or crunchy brows.

    Be Gentle When Brushing

    Once you're past the initial 24–48 hour window, you can gently brush your brows into place each day.

    If you have a stain, be especially gentle.

    The stain on your skin is sitting on the surface of the skin, so excessive brushing, rubbing or exfoliating can physically remove it faster.

    My favorite trick:

    Instead of aggressively brushing your brows with a spoolie, use a clean lip wand to gently distribute your aftercare product through the hairs.

    Think conditioning, not exfoliating.

    If you do use a spoolie, use a very light hand and avoid repeatedly scrubbing the skin underneath the brow.

    Protect Your Stain

    Your stain will naturally fade as your skin exfoliates and your brow hairs shed. How long it lasts varies from person to person and depends heavily on your skin type, skincare routine and lifestyle.

    A skin stain commonly lasts around 5–10 days, while color on the brow hair can last several weeks, although individual results vary.

    To help your stain last:

    Avoid exfoliating the brow area

    Keep the following away from your brows:

    • Retinol / Retin-A / tretinoin

    • AHA's

    • BHA's

    • Glycolic acid

    • Salicylic acid

    • Facial scrubs

    • Peels

    • Exfoliating toners

    • Other resurfacing or stripping products

    These ingredients increase skin turnover or exfoliation and can cause your stain to disappear faster.

    Be mindful of your skincare

    When applying your skincare, try to work around your brows rather than directly through them.

    Your skin may love your active ingredients, but your brow stain does not!

    Avoid unnecessary rubbing

    When cleansing your face, don't scrub your brows back and forth. Gently cleanse around them and pat the area dry.

    A Few More Things to Know

    Your brows may look darker immediately after your appointment.
    This is completely normal, especially with a stain. The color can continue to settle and soften during the first 24–48 hours.

    Your skin stain will not last forever.
    The stain on your skin is temporary and will fade naturally as your skin exfoliates. Trying to "save" it by scrubbing or exfoliating will actually make it disappear faster.

    Your lamination will relax over time.
    Lamination results generally last several weeks, but longevity varies depending on your hair type, growth cycle, lifestyle and aftercare.

    Healthy brows are the goal.
    If your brows ever feel excessively dry, brittle or irritated, stop using products that may be contributing to the irritation and contact your brow artist.

  • The First 4 Hours

    Directly after your appointment, blot your eyebrows with a cotton round/tissue with NO product/or water every 45-60 minutes (this is really important).

    Day of Appointment Before Bed

    On the first night wash the brows and apply aftercare ointment once before bed. Use lukewarm water with a gentle cleanser (cetaphil or cerave only) and wash in the direction of the hair growth gently in circular motions (typically outwards towards your temples) pat dry with a cotton round or tissue and apply a rice grain amount of aftercare ointment to your brows.

    Day One to Five

    Starting the day after your appointment, wash the tattooed area 3 times a day for dry/normal skin and 4-5 times a day for combo/oily skin for only 4-5 days

    Use lukewarm water with a gentle cleanser (cetaphil or cerave) and wash in the direction of the hair growth.

    Pat dry with a soft tissue or cotton round, and apply a rice grain amount of the aftercare provided to the brows everytime they are washed.

    Keep the area clean and allow the skin to breathe for the best retention. Do not apply too much of the aftercare. These washing instructions are not just a suggestion, your brows will 100% not heal properly without proper aftercare. I will most definitely notice if aftercare is not followed, and you may be turned away from your perfecting session if I see you pose risk of not following aftercare as this can lead to an infection. Brows are 50% artists correct technique and 50% client care. This is an investment on your face, so please follow all aftercare thoroughly and please don’t hesitate to reach out.

    What do i do when my brows begin to flake over?

    Leave them alone completely. No washing, No aftercare ointment, don’t touch them, don’t pick at them, let them naturally flake off no matter how tempting it is to touch them.

    What happens if my brows don’t flake?

    This is best case scenario when healing, wash and aftercare for a full 7 days and then stop after day 7 if they are not flaking by then.

    What you must avoid until finished flaking

    • Increased sweating, exercises, strenuous activity. Brow tattoo removal is done using saline, saline is what our sweat is made out of, so you just remove your tattoo by sweating during the first 7 days.

    • Getting your eyebrows wet outside of washing instructions. Yes, you can shower, but face away from the shower and crack the curtain if you like hot showers.

    • Tanning bed use at any point after having your brows tattooed will result in discoloration, and premature fading

    • Many UVA/UVB exposure will pose risk or discoloration. when brows are done flaking apply spf daily (I like the Cocokind one) Do not plan a vacation two weeks prior to or 4 weeks after. If you are on vacation two to four weeks prior to any appointment please shield yourself from the sun entirely with hats, umbrellas and SPF

    • DO NOT PICK at any possible scabbing or flaking. You will pull out the ink permanently. I will 100% know if you picked at your brows to speed up the healing process and your touch up appointment will be canceled for not following aftercare. If you accidentally brush off a flake its okay! just no picking.

    • Wash hands prior to washing brows, and wash your pillowcase to lower risk of infection.

    • Avoid Retinol, Retin-A, Vitamin A, Acids & Oils on your brows and forehead. These ingredients are amazing, but they have cellular communication so they will fade your brows prematurely.

    • No lotions, non gentle cleaner, or makeup should applied to the brows until they are done flaking

    • Do not sleep on your side, you will prematurely pull off the scabbing, pulling out the ink entirely causing your brows to heal more patchy and uneven.

    • Do not wear your hair over your brows, the natural oils from your hair will cause premature fading during the healing process.

    Scheduling your touch up

    You must reach out between week 2-3 after your appointment with clear photos of your healed brows. Most clients think they need a touch when in fact they dont.

    You picked Cece as your artist because you admire how soft her brows heal to, she does not perform bold/makeup brows. If you are wanting a bold look you have picked the wrong artist. Cece strives on honoring the skins integrity as well as how the brows will age. Too much saturated pigment does not allow for fading over time therefore being stuck with bold dark brows unless a removal is done.

    We want to keep the brows so natural that you still may have to apply makeup to them if you like a more dramatic look (this is a good thing)

    This is your responsibility to text us photos of your healed brows in order to book a touch up. We will then decide if one you need one, and if you do then we will decide when we will book one between a window for 6 weeks and 6 months. Touch ups are only allowed to be scheduled on weekdays.

  • Your lips are going to go through a healing process before you see your final lip blush color. Immediately after your appointment, your lips may appear brighter, darker, more saturated, swollen or slightly uneven than expected.

    This is completely normal.

    Your initial color is not your healed color, so please give your lips time to heal before judging your results.

    Your Aftercare Is Simple

    For the first 5 days, your only job is:

    BLOT + AQUAPHOR + LEAVE THEM ALONE.

    You will be provided with individual Aquaphor packets to use during your healing process.

    Day 1: Blot + Reapply

    For the first day, you may notice a small amount of clear fluid or moisture on the surface of your lips. This is normal during the initial healing period.

    Using a clean tissue, gently blot your lips — do not wipe or rub them.

    After blotting, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor.

    Repeat this throughout the day as needed.

    Your lips should stay consistently moisturized with Aquaphor. Do not allow them to become dry, tight or cracked.

    Days 2–5: Keep Them Constantly Hydrated

    Continue applying Aquaphor 24/7 for the first 5 days.

    Reapply whenever your lips begin to feel dry or after eating and drinking.

    You do not need to completely remove the previous layer before reapplying. Simply add a fresh, thin layer as needed.

    Always make sure your hands are clean before touching your lips.

    The Most Important Rule: DO NOT PICK

    Around days 3–7, your lips may begin to dry, flake and peel.

    LET THEM PEEL NATURALLY.

    Do not:

    • Pick at the skin

    • Pull off flakes

    • Bite the peeling skin

    • Scratch your lips

    • Rub your lips with a towel

    • Exfoliate

    • Use a lip scrub

    Even if a piece of skin is hanging off and tempting you to pull it, leave it alone.

    Picking or prematurely removing the healing skin can interfere with pigment retention and irritate the area.

    Eating + Drinking

    For the first few days, be mindful of anything that may irritate your healing lips.

    Try to avoid:

    • Very hot foods or drinks

    • Spicy foods

    • Highly acidic foods

    • Very salty foods

    • Foods that are difficult or messy to eat

    Take smaller bites and be mindful of keeping food off your lips as much as possible.

    If you get food or liquid on your lips, gently blot — don't wipe.

    A straw can be helpful for drinks during the first few days.

    What NOT to Put on Your Lips

    Until your lips are completely healed, avoid putting anything on them other than the aftercare recommended by CECEBROWS.

    This means no:

    • Lipstick

    • Lip liner

    • Lip gloss

    • Lip plumpers

    • Lip scrubs

    • Tinted lip balms

    • Exfoliating products

    • Retinoids or active skincare

    Your lips need time to heal without additional irritation.

    Avoid Heat, Sweat + Water Exposure

    Until your lips have completely healed, avoid activities that create excessive heat, moisture or sweating.

    This includes:

    • Swimming

    • Hot tubs

    • Saunas

    • Steam rooms

    • Hot yoga

    • Heavy workouts

    • Prolonged hot showers

    Avoid direct sun exposure while your lips are healing as well.

    What Your Healing May Look Like

    Days 1–2

    Your lips may look very bright, bold or darker than expected.

    Swelling, tenderness, tightness and dryness can also occur.

    This is normal.

    Days 3–7

    Your lips may begin flaking or peeling.

    The color may suddenly look extremely light, patchy or like it has completely disappeared.

    Do not panic.

    This is a normal part of the healing process. The color can appear much softer while the new layer of skin is forming.

    Weeks 2–4

    Your lips will continue to heal and the color will gradually begin to settle.

    You may notice the color becoming more visible again as the skin regenerates.

    Weeks 4–8

    Your healed color will become much easier to evaluate.

    Everyone heals differently, so your final result will depend on your natural lip color, skin, lifestyle, healing process and how your lips retain pigment.

    Cold Sore Warning

    If you have ever had a cold sore, fever blister or oral herpes outbreak, make sure your artist knows before receiving lip blush.

    Lip tattooing can trigger an outbreak in people who are susceptible. If you have a history of cold sores, speak with your healthcare provider about whether preventative antiviral medication is appropriate for you.

    If you develop symptoms that concern you during the healing process, contact your healthcare provider.

    Once Your Lips Are Healed

    Once your lips have completely healed, you can return to your normal lip products and routine.

    For the longevity of your lip blush:

    • Keep your lips moisturized

    • Use SPF on your lips

    • Avoid excessive sun exposure

    • Avoid aggressive lip exfoliation

    • Keep strong active skincare away from the lip area

    Sun exposure and frequent exfoliation can contribute to faster fading over time.

    Your 5-Day Aftercare

    DAY 1

    BLOT → AQUAPHOR → REPEAT

    Gently blot any moisture from the lips and immediately reapply Aquaphor.

    DAYS 2–5

    AQUAPHOR → REAPPLY → LEAVE THEM ALONE

    Keep your lips consistently moisturized with Aquaphor 24/7.

    DAYS 3–7

    PEELING IS NORMAL.

    Do not pick, pull, scratch or exfoliate.

    THROUGHOUT HEALING

    Let your lips do their thing.

    Your color will change as your lips heal, and your initial result is not your final result.

    The Golden Rule

    Keep them moisturized. Don't pick them. Don't panic.

    If you have any concerns about your healing process, please contact CECEBROWS before attempting to treat or alter the area yourself.