Why Staying Hydrated Before and During Your Cosmetic Tattoo Appointment Is Essential
When you book a cosmetic tattoo appointment—whether it’s for lip blush, brows, or any other treatment—you’re probably thinking about the end result: waking up with flawless makeup every day, no smudging, no fuss. But there’s one essential factor that can help ensure the best outcome, and it’s something you might not expect: hydration.
Straight from master Brow Artist Kellee Klintock of DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo in Scottsdale, these are the top reasons staying hydrated before and during your cosmetic tattoo appointment is key to getting the beautiful, lasting results you want. Tip: Read all the way down for a little-known secret of brow hydration, you’ll be glad you did!
1. Healthy Skin Starts with Hydration
Hydrated skin is healthier skin. When your skin is properly moisturized from the inside out, it’s more supple, elastic, and resilient. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, tends to be dry, flaky, and prone to irritation. When your skin is in optimal condition, it better receives the tattoo pigment, leading to more even results and better color retention. The softer and smoother your skin is, the easier it is for the tattoo artist to work, giving you a flawless application.
2. Minimizes Discomfort
Getting a cosmetic tattoo isn’t typically very painful, but some discomfort is normal. Staying hydrated can actually help reduce this discomfort. Well-hydrated skin is more pliable and less sensitive, which can make the tattooing process more comfortable for you. On the flip side, if you’re dehydrated, your skin may feel tighter, and you could experience more sensitivity during the session.
3. Improved Healing
Hydration doesn’t stop being important once the tattooing is done. After your procedure, your skin will need time to heal, and hydration is a critical part of the healing process. Proper hydration helps your skin repair itself more efficiently and can reduce the risk of irritation or uneven healing. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain the moisture barrier of your skin, which promotes quicker recovery and ensures the pigment stays intact as your skin heals.
4. Better Pigment Retention
The goal of cosmetic tattooing is long-lasting results. Hydrated skin absorbs and retains pigment more effectively than dry, dehydrated skin. Without enough moisture, your skin can struggle to hold onto the pigment, which can lead to uneven or faded results. By ensuring you’re well-hydrated before your appointment, you’re setting yourself up for better, longer-lasting pigment retention—meaning you can enjoy your new look for even longer without touch-ups.
5. Prevents Unnecessary Complications
Dehydration can cause a host of issues that could complicate your cosmetic tattoo experience. Dry, cracked skin may lead to patchy pigment application, while overly sensitive skin might cause discomfort and irritation. Ensuring you’re hydrated helps create an optimal environment for your artist to work on, giving them a smooth canvas and reducing the chance of complications during the session.
Hydration Tips for Your Appointment:
- Start early. Don’t wait until the day of your appointment to start drinking water. Aim to be well-hydrated for at least a few days leading up to your session.
- Sip during your appointment. Bring a water bottle with you and take sips throughout your session. Staying hydrated from the inside will help keep you comfortable.
- Little known secret? Moisturize your brows a week in advance! While drinking water is essential, external hydration matters too! In the days before your appointment, apply a thin layer to the brows of either of these two specific items: Aquaphor or beef tallow. Do this at night for the week leading up to your appointment. You may not notice yourself, but this moisturizing of the brow area makes a huge difference to the final outcome. If you want to add another layer, you can apply a thin amount of castor oil first, then Aquafor or beef tallow over the top.
- Note: You will be given specific after care instructions to follow. After your brows are fully healed you can resume the process above indefinitely. It will help maintain your tattoo and continually boost your skin.
At DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo, we believe that precare and aftercare are just as important as the procedure itself when it comes to achieving the best-healed results. Taking the time to prepare your skin by staying hydrated, moisturizing, and following any other instructions from your artist will set the foundation for a smooth, successful treatment.
After your cosmetic tattoo, adhering to the recommended aftercare routine ensures that your skin heals properly, the pigment sets evenly, and you avoid unnecessary complications. From using gentle cleansers to applying healing ointments, every step of your aftercare is designed to protect your investment and help you achieve long-lasting, beautiful results.
At DAELA, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of the process—from pre-appointment hydration to post-appointment healing—so you can feel confident and empowered, knowing you’re doing everything to look and feel your best. Your results are our priority, and together, we can ensure your cosmetic tattoo is everything you envisioned.