Aftercare Eyeliner
Permanent Eyeliner Aftercare Instructions
Please follow these instructions carefully for 7–10 days after your eyeliner procedure to ensure proper healing and long-lasting results.
Immediate Aftercare (Days 1–3)
- Every 2 hours for the first 3 days, gently cleanse your lash line using a cotton pad lightly dampened with distilled water. Do not rub — just lightly press and pat the area clean.
- After cleansing, apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor (morning and night only — 2x per day). Start on day one and continue applying Aquaphor for a total of 7 days.
- Do not over-apply ointment. The eyelids need oxygen to heal — the lash line should never look greasy or shiny.
General Healing Guidelines
- DO NOT rub, scratch, or pick at the lash line. Let any flaking or scabbing exfoliate naturally.
- DO NOT soak the treated area in the bath, pool, or hot tub. For at least 10 days, refrain from swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools, and avoid saunas, hot yoga, or steam rooms.
- NO EXERCISE for 10 days. After 10 days, you may resume activity, but take care to avoid sweat getting into your eyes.
- DO NOT let shower water, soap, or shampoo run into your eyes. Keep your face out of direct water flow while healing.
- DO NOT touch the treated area with your fingers, unclean cotton swabs, or products
not intended for healing. If you need to touch near your eyes, always use clean hands and a sterile cotton swab. - DO NOT wear eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow) until your eyeliner has fully healed.
- DO NOT use lash serums, lash extensions, or strip lashes until healing is complete.
- DO NOT wear contact lenses for at least 48 hours after your procedure. Use glasses temporarily if needed.
- DO NOT expose the area to direct sunlight. After healed (30 days), always wear sunglasses outdoors to protect pigment.
- Sleep on your back for at least 7–10 days to avoid rubbing your eyes against the pillow. Use a clean pillowcase.
- Wash your hands before touching near your eyes and avoid contact with pets or dirty environments while healing.
- If you are a blood donor, please note: you may not give blood for 1 year following your permanent eyeliner procedure (per Red Cross guidelines).
What to Expect
- Days 1–3: Eyelids may feel swollen, tender, and appear darker than expected. This is normal.
- Days 4–7: The liner may scab or flake lightly. Color may look patchy or uneven. Do not pick.
- Weeks 2–4: Pigment settles and softens into the healed color.
- Touch-up: Permanent eyeliner is always a two-step process. Schedule a touch-up 6–8 weeks after your first appointment for best results.
Long-Term Care
- Always apply sunscreen to the eyelid area once healed.
- Avoid exfoliants, scrubs, or retinol products directly on the eyelids.
- Limit heavy, oil-based eye creams directly on the lash line.
- Touch-ups are usually needed every 2–3 years to refresh color.
- Avoid Botox, fillers, or facials around the eye area for at least 4 weeks post-procedure.
Symptoms of Infection
Mild redness or tenderness is normal, but contact your doctor if you notice:
- Severe swelling beyond 3 days
- Yellow or green discharge
- Excessive pain or heat around the eyelids
- Fever, chills, or red streaks near the eyes

