Aftercare Guide: Permanent Eyeliner Machine, Kit & Needle

Are you tired of spending way too much time trying to get your eyeliner just right every morning? Don't worry! Permanent eyeliner can be a lifesaver for your daily makeup routine. However, even though it may seem like "easy" body art, eyeliner tattoos still require some major TLC during healing.

You might think, "What?! I thought I'd just wake up with perfect liner every day!" Don't worry, you will, but not immediately. Your eyes need time to recover and settle first. The good news is that with proper aftercare, the short healing period will fly by.

So if you're considering permanent eyeliner, keep reading this guide to learn what to expect during the healing process and how to care for your new eyeliners.

What to Expect During the Healing Process

The healing process for permanent eyeliner generally takes 4-6 weeks until completely finished. Here's what you can expect during the various stages:

Days 1-2: Your eyeliner will appear darker and thicker than the final result due to swelling and oxidization of the pigments. Your eyes may feel tight and swollen. Use cool compresses to help reduce inflammation.

Days 3-5: Your eyeliner will start peeling and flaking, which is completely normal. Do not pick at the scabs, as this can lead to patchiness. The color will start to lighten during this stage.

Days 6-10: The final color will start to show through once the top layers have peeled off. The liner may still appear a bit lighter than the finished result. Avoid wearing eye makeup during this time.

Weeks 3-6: The color will settle and reach its final shade. The swelling should be completely gone by now. You can book a touch-up appointment once fully healed to make any adjustments.

What Are the Aftercare Methods?

There are two main aftercare methods for permanent eyeliner:

Dry Healing

This involves keeping the area dry and letting it heal naturally without applying anything. The pros are minimal effort required. However, this can lead to heavy scabbing and uneven pigmentation.

Wet Healing

This method requires cleaning the eyeliner area multiple times a day and applying a healing balm or gel. The pros are less scabbing and more even results. However, it requires diligent at-home care.

Many artists use a combination approach, starting with dry healing for a few days and then switching to wet healing. Always follow your artist's specific instructions.

What Are the Do's and Don'ts for The Healing Process

As your permanent eyeliner continues healing during the first two weeks, be mindful of activities that can disrupt the process and prolong swelling or irritation. Avoid rubbing, picking, sweating, or anything that places pressure on the area while being patient as your eyes adjust.

Here are the things to avoid during permanent eyeliner aftercare:

Makeup and skincare products near the eyeliner
Sweating from exercise
Swimming or direct sun exposure
Rubbing, scratching, or picking at the area
Sleeping on your face
The hot steam from showers or saunas

You're free to do the following, as long as you're comfortable:

Wear sunglasses for sun protection
Gently wash your face avoiding the eyeliner
Use new throw-away mascara wands and eyeliner pencils
Take cool showers instead of hot
Sleep propped up to reduce swelling

What If You Have Issues Like Irritation or Infection?

While you'll hopefully heal without any bumps in the road, it's useful to know how to troubleshoot common issues that may pop up during the healing process. Just remember that most minor complications can be easily remedied with a bit of care and patience.

Here are some tips for you to deal with the common issues:

Eyelids Sticking Together: Use a clean, damp Q-tip to gently separate them. Don't force them open.
Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, oozing, or severe pain. Contact your artist immediately. May require antibiotics.
Patchiness: This can occur if scabs fall off prematurely. Book a touch-up once healed to correct. Avoid picking.
Irritation: Cool compresses, oral antihistamines, and antibiotic ointment can help soothe. Avoid rubbing the area.

Try the tips above to gently troubleshoot any problems. But know that you should always contact your artist right away if you have severe pain, swelling, or any other concerns. With diligent but gentle care when addressing complications, you'll soon be past the short healing period and enjoying flawless, maintenance-free eyeliner every day. Just stay calm and be patient - this too shall pass.

How Can You Make Your Eyeliner Last?

Once you've made it through the initial healing period, it's important to continue taking proper care of your permanent eyeliner so you can keep it looking fresh and flawless.

Here are steps you can take to maintain your permanent eyeliner:

Avoid oil-based makeup removers which can cause fading
Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to eyelids before sun exposure
Have a touch-up done once every 1-2 years to refresh color
See an experienced artist for any corrections or adjustments
Use a new tube of mascara every 3 months

With some simple maintenance and care, your eyeliner tattoo can last for many years, saving you time on your beauty routine while still looking naturally beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Permanent eyeliner offers convenience and time savings for your beauty routine. However, proper aftercare and maintenance will help you get the best long-lasting results from your investment. Follow these tips and work closely with your artist during the healing process. With a little patience, your permanent eyeliner will soon be an effortless, everyday luxury.

The Complete Guide to Permanent Eyeliner Aftercare