What to avoid before your permanent makeup appointment

You've done your research, booked your consultation, and picked your technique — now it's just a matter of counting down to appointment day. But before you get there, there's one more step that often gets overlooked: permanent makeup prep.

What you do (and don't do) in the days leading up to your session can have a real impact on how well your pigment takes, how accurate your colour looks once healed, and how comfortable the procedure itself feels.

This guide covers exactly what not to do before PMU, so you can walk into your appointment with your skin, and your results, in the best possible condition.

Why Pre-Appointment Prep Matters

Permanent makeup whether that's Ombre brows, lip blush, or eyeliner, works by implanting pigment into the skin. Anything that thins your blood, irritates your skin, or affects how it heals can interfere with that process. Poor prep is one of the most common (and most avoidable) reasons clients end up with patchy pigment retention, excessive bleeding during treatment, or a longer, more uncomfortable healing period.

The good news is that most of the "don'ts" are simple to follow — you just need to know about them in advance.

What Not to Do Before PMU: The full breakdown

1. Avoid Alcohol for 24–48 Hours Before

Alcohol thins the blood, which can cause excess bleeding during your treatment. Excess bleeding doesn't just make the procedure messier, it can actively push pigment out of the skin as it's being implanted, leading to patchier, less even results once healed. Skip the wine the night before, and definitely don't drink the morning of your appointment.

2. Avoid Caffeine 24 Hours Before

Caffeine increases sensitivity and can make your skin more prone to bleeding, similar to alcohol. It can also make you feel jittery during a procedure that requires you to stay relaxed and still for an extended period. Try switching to decaf or herbal tea on the morning of your session.

3. Don't Take Blood-Thinning Medication (Unless Prescribed)

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil supplements are common culprits that thin the blood and increase bleeding risk. Most technicians recommend avoiding these for at least 24–48 hours beforehand, if it's safe for you to do so. Always check with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication — this guidance applies to over-the-counter painkillers and supplements you're taking electively, not medication prescribed for a medical condition.

4. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning

Sunburnt or freshly tanned skin (including fake tan) is more sensitive and can affect how pigment settles. Sun exposure in the weeks before your appointment can also make it harder for your technician to accurately assess your natural skin tone, which is a key part of choosing the right pigment shade. Aim to avoid sunbathing, tanning beds, and fake tan for at least two weeks prior.

5. Don't Get Botox or Fillers Too Close to Your Appointment

If you're having brow-area permanent makeup, Botox and dermal fillers can temporarily alter muscle position and skin texture. Most technicians recommend waiting at least 2–4 weeks after Botox or filler before a PMU appointment, so your natural brow position and skin surface are stable enough to map and treat accurately.

6. Avoid Retinol and Exfoliating Skincare

Retinol, glycolic acid, and other active exfoliating ingredients speed up skin cell turnover, which can affect pigment retention and increase sensitivity. Pause these products on the treatment area for at least one week before your appointment.

7. Don't Pluck, Wax, or Tint Your Brows Beforehand

It might be tempting to tidy up your brows before a brow appointment, but your technician needs to see your natural brow shape and hair growth pattern to map the most flattering design for your face. Leave any shaping, waxing, or tinting to your technician, or wait until after your session.

8. Avoid Intense Workouts on the Day

Exercise raises your heart rate and increases blood flow to the skin, which — like alcohol and caffeine — can lead to more bleeding and pigment loss during the procedure. It's best to skip the gym on the morning of your appointment.

What Happens If You Don't Prepare Properly?

Turning up without following this guidance doesn't necessarily mean your appointment will be cancelled, but it can affect your results. Common issues linked to poor preparation include:

• Increased bleeding during the procedure

• Patchy or uneven pigment retention

• Longer, more uncomfortable healing

• Inaccurate colour matching due to tanned or sun-affected skin

• The need for an additional touch-up sooner than expected

A qualified technician will always talk you through pre-care instructions when you book, but it's worth reading them properly rather than skimming, since the small details make a genuine difference to your final results.

This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace personalised pre-care advice from your permanent makeup technician.