How to Prepare for Your Eyebrow Tattoo
Pre-Appointment Guide — Melbourne Designer Brows
Good preparation makes a real difference to your eyebrow tattoo result. Follow Anne’s guide below to protect your skin, support pigment retention, and arrive ready. We see clients by appointment at our Richmond and Springvale studios — call 0418 188 277 with any questions.
In the Week Before
Avoid plucking, waxing, threading, or tinting your eyebrows for at least 5 days beforeyour appointment. We need to see your natural brow shape and hair growth to design the best look for you. If you normally get your brows done regularly, let them grow out a little — don’t worry, we’ll tidy everything up on the day.
Skincare — Retinol, Acids & Active Ingredients
Stop using Retinol, Retin-A, Glycolic acid, or AHA products around the brow area at least 7 days before your appointment. These products thin the skin and can cause increased sensitivity, bleeding, and poor pigment retention.
If you’re using prescription-strength Tretinoin, stop at least 4 weeks before.
Botox and Fillers
If you’ve had Botox in the forehead or brow area, we recommend waiting at least 4 weeks after your injections before booking your brow tattoo. Botox affects muscle movement and symmetry, and we need to see your brows in their settled position to get the shape right.
If you’re planning to get Botox, we recommend doing the brow tattoo first, then Botox once you’ve healed.
48 Hours Before
Avoid alcohol, aspirin, fish oil, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, as these can thin the blood and increase bleeding during the procedure, which affects pigment retention. Limit caffeine on the day of your appointment.
On the Day
Arrive with a clean face— no makeup on or around the brow area. You’re welcome to do the rest of your makeup as normal.
If you have a particular brow shape or style in mind, bring reference photosalong — it helps us understand exactly what you’re after.
Eat a good mealbefore you come in, and feel free to bring headphones or music if you’d like to relax during the procedure.
Please Let Us Know in Advance if You…
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a tendency to scar or keloid
- Are currently taking any medications, particularly blood thinners or Roaccutane
- Have had any facial surgery in the last 3 months
- Have any allergies to topical anaesthetics (numbing cream)
Questions?
If you have any questions before your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to help. Call or text Anne on 0418 188 277, email info@mdbrows.com.au, or book your appointment online. Melbourne Designer Brows operates by appointment at our Richmond studio (Level 1, 382A Bridge Rd) and our Springvale studio (Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd).
Last updated: June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preparing for your eyebrow tattoo appointment.
No. Avoid plucking, waxing, threading, or tinting your eyebrows for at least 5 days before your appointment. We need to see your natural brow shape and hair growth to design the best look for you. If you normally get your brows done regularly, let them grow out a little — we'll tidy everything up on the day.
If you've had Botox in the forehead or brow area, we recommend waiting at least 4 weeks after your injections before booking your brow tattoo. Botox affects muscle movement and symmetry, and we need to see your brows in their settled position to get the shape right. If you're planning to get Botox, we recommend doing the brow tattoo first, then Botox once you've healed.
Stop using Retinol, Retin-A, Glycolic acid, or AHA products around the brow area at least 7 days before your appointment. These products thin the skin and can cause increased sensitivity, bleeding, and poor pigment retention. If you're using prescription-strength Tretinoin, stop at least 4 weeks before.
No. Avoid alcohol, aspirin, fish oil, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for at least 48 hours before your appointment, as these can thin the blood and increase bleeding during the procedure, which affects pigment retention. Also limit caffeine on the day of your appointment.
Arrive with a clean face — no makeup on or around the brow area. You're welcome to do the rest of your makeup as normal. If you have a particular brow shape or style in mind, bring reference photos along — it helps us understand exactly what you're after.
Please let us know in advance if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a tendency to scar or keloid, are currently taking any medications (particularly blood thinners or Roaccutane), have had any facial surgery in the last 3 months, or have any allergies to topical anaesthetics (numbing cream).
Related Preparation Guides
Ready to Book Your Eyebrow Tattoo?
Visit us by appointment at Richmond or Springvale. Shape is approved in pencil before any pigment is applied.