Permanent makeup is safe for most people, but not for everyone and not at every moment. A good artist asks about your health before the procedure, and sometimes the right answer is "let's wait."
Here are the most common permanent makeup contraindications, possible side effects and what to tell your artist during the consultation.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, talk to your doctor before booking.
Quick Overview
| Situation | What we usually recommend |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | Wait until after |
| Blood thinners or other medication | Tell us; check with your doctor; never stop medication on your own |
| Active skin condition in the area | Wait until the skin calms down |
| Recent peel, laser or microneedling nearby | Let the skin recover first |
| History of cold sores (lips) | Tell us; your doctor may recommend antiviral medication |
| Eye infection or recent eye surgery (eyeliner) | Wait and check with your eye doctor |
| Keloid scars, healing problems | Discuss at the consultation |
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. We recommend postponing permanent makeup, including nanoblading and lip blushing, until after this period.
Blood Thinners and Other Medication
Blood thinners and some other medications increase bleeding, which affects how the pigment settles and heals. Never stop prescribed medication on your own. Tell us what you take, and ask your doctor whether a procedure is right for you now.
Skin Conditions in the Treated Area
Active acne, eczema, psoriasis, irritation, sunburn or broken skin on the brows, lips or eyelids should calm down before a procedure.
Recent Skin Treatments
Peels, lasers, microneedling and strong exfoliating or retinoid products near the treated area make the skin more sensitive. Let the skin recover first, and tell us about any recent treatments.
Lips: Cold Sores
A lip procedure can trigger a cold sore in people who carry the herpes simplex virus. If you have ever had cold sores, tell us before your appointment. Your doctor may recommend antiviral medication beforehand. Read more in lip blush healing stages.
Eyeliner: Eye Health
Tell us before permanent eyeliner if you have an eye infection or recently had eye surgery. Contact lenses must be removed before the procedure, lash extensions removed and lash serums paused in advance.
Other Things to Mention
- Allergies, especially to pigments, metals, numbing products or latex;
- A tendency to keloid or raised scars;
- Conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system;
- Previous permanent makeup in the same area;
- Upcoming events, travel or beach holidays: you need about 7–10 days for the surface to heal and 4–6 weeks for the final result.
None of these automatically mean "no," but they may change the plan, the timing or the technique.
Possible Side Effects of Permanent Makeup
Normal and temporary:
- redness, tenderness and swelling for a day or two (more on lips and eyelids);
- dryness, itching and flaking during the first week;
- color that looks too dark at first, then light or patchy before it settles.
Rare, but tell us or your doctor:
- allergic reaction to pigment;
- infection, usually linked to poor hygiene or picking during healing; signs include increasing redness, swelling or pain after the first days, pus or fever;
- cold sore after a lip procedure;
- scarring, usually from picking or overworked skin.
Is Permanent Makeup Bad for You?
For healthy adults, permanent makeup performed by a trained, licensed artist with sterile, single-use needles is generally safe. The biggest risks come from inexperienced artists, poor hygiene and skipped aftercare. That is why your consultation, an honest health conversation and aftercare matter so much.
Why Honesty Matters
Your health information is what lets us keep you safe and give you a result that heals well. If in doubt, we recommend waiting or checking with your doctor first. A delay of a few weeks is always better than a problem that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the contraindications for permanent makeup?
Common reasons to wait include pregnancy or breastfeeding, blood thinners and some other medication, active skin conditions or recent skin treatments in the area, cold sores (for lips) and eye infections or recent eye surgery (for eyeliner).
Can I get permanent makeup while pregnant?
We recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Can I get nanoblading while breastfeeding?
We recommend waiting until you have finished breastfeeding. Tell us during the consultation, and we will plan the procedure for later.
What are the side effects of permanent makeup?
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness and flaking are normal. Rare side effects include allergic reactions, infection, cold sores after lip procedures and scarring.
Can I get lip blushing if I get cold sores?
Often yes, with precautions. Tell us in advance; your doctor may recommend antiviral medication before the procedure.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. The consultation at Soulu is free, and it is the best time to ask any health questions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nadia Afanaseva
Founder of Soulu, AAM-certified permanent makeup trainer
Nadia has worked in permanent makeup for more than 15 years and performed over 20,000 procedures. She leads the Soulu studio in Edgewater, NJ and trains new artists at the Soulu Academy.
