Can You Put Vaseline on a Tattoo? | QM Makeup Guide
Can You Put Vaseline on a Tattoo?
Applying Vaseline to a new tattoo is a common query, especially among semi permanent makeup (PMU) professionals and their clients. While Vaseline is well-known for its moisturizing and protective properties, its application on fresh tattoos—or PMU treatments—should be navigated with expertise to prevent potential risks. Below, we answer the top FAQs about Vaseline and its use in tattoo aftercare within the semi permanent makeup industry.
Is Vaseline Safe for New Tattoos?
Generally, Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is not recommended for fresh tattoos, including PMU procedures such as microblading or lip blush. Its thick, occlusive nature can block air, trap bacteria, and impede the natural healing process. Instead, use a fragrance-free, breathable ointment or aftercare balm specifically formulated for tattoo healing.
When Is It Appropriate to Use Vaseline on Tattoos?
Vaseline can be helpful after the tattoo or PMU area is fully healed. For example, you can use a thin layer to protect older tattoos from harsh elements, such as ocean water or excessive friction. Avoid applying Vaseline on scabbing or open areas, as it can delay proper healing.
What Are the Risks of Using Vaseline on Fresh Semi Permanent Makeup?
Applying Vaseline too early can increase the risk of clogged pores, infection, color fading, and improper healing. PMU professionals strongly advise against it in the initial healing phase. Always follow the aftercare instructions provided by your artist, and select products explicitly intended for cosmetic tattoo healing.
Are There Better Alternatives to Vaseline for PMU and Tattoos?
Yes. After a semi permanent makeup procedure, opt for specialized aftercare balms or creams that are free of alcohol, fragrance, and irritants. Look for ingredients like panthenol, calendula, or chamomile—these soothe the skin and support natural healing without suffocating it. Consult with QM Makeup for our recommended aftercare products.
How Should I Advise Clients on Post-Treatment Care?
Educate PMU clients to avoid oils, Vaseline, and occlusive balms during the first 7–10 days of healing. Instead, use a light, appropriate aftercare product, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid sun, swimming, and makeup over the treated area until fully healed. Always customize your advice based on the client’s skin type and treatment.
For optimal results and product recommendations, refer to QM Makeup’s professional PMU aftercare guidelines.
- Can You Put Vaseline on a Tattoo?
- Is Vaseline Safe for New Tattoos?
- When Is It Appropriate to Use Vaseline on Tattoos?
- What Are the Risks of Using Vaseline on Fresh Semi Permanent Makeup?
- Are There Better Alternatives to Vaseline for PMU and Tattoos?
- How Should I Advise Clients on Post-Treatment Care?

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Tattoo balm
Is the repair product suitable for all skin types?
Yes, our repair products are good tattoo aftercare products, it is suitable for all skin types aftercare for tattoo. They are gentle and safe and can be used on sensitive skin.
Lash lift kit
Does the perming lotion contain the ingredient “Cysteamine” ?
Yes, some formulas contain the ingredient “Cysteamine”, then some contain the ingredient “Thioglycolic acid”. The active ingredient of the perming lotion is a reducing agent, which acts to break the disulfide bonds in the eyelash. Commonly used reducing agents are Thioglycolic acid and Cysteamine. Compare to Cysteamine, Thioglycolic acid has a strong reducing power.
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Easy to do lifting with glue balm by myself?
Yes, you could use it by yourself for DIY at home.
Blade
What size needle for microblading eyebrows? U-curved needle or a slope needle?
Slope Needle: The tip of a tilting needle usually presents a beveled angle. This shape is suitable for detailed line and contour work and is commonly used for contour and fine areas of tattoos, but may require some skill to ensure smoothness and consistency of the line.
U-curved Needle: U-curved needles have a U-curved tip and usually consist of multiple needles. The U-curved needle design distributes ink more evenly across the skin. It is more suitable for color filling and shading effects and gradient effects on large areas, and can cover a larger area in a short period of time. However, you need to control the pressure and speed to avoid uneven color.
To summarize, the choice of needle depends mainly on the design of the eyebrows semi permanent makeup and the desired effect.
Handmade pen
What size of microblading pen should I choose?
Currently, the more popular thicknesses are 0.16mm and 0.18mm; the popular sizes are 16U, 18U, and 18P. How to choose a microblading brow tools that suits you can refer to the advice on choosing a best microblading blade to use, which depends largely on several factors, including the type of eyebrow tattoo, the degree of detail required, and personal tattooing skills. Here are some basic guidelines:
Type of eyebrow tattoo: Detail and line tattoo: Finer lines and details can usually be achieved with finer needles (such as 0.16mm or 0.18mm).
Filling and shading: Slightly thicker needles (such as 0.20mm or 0.25mm) may be required to achieve better color coverage and shading effects on the skin.
Personal tattooing technique: Novice tattoo artists may tend to use thicker needles to minimize the operation time on the skin, while experienced tattoo artists have the flexibility to choose needles of different thicknesses to achieve more diverse effects.
Skin type: The texture and thickness of different skin will also affect the choice of needles. Thicker skin may require slightly thicker needles to ensure color and lines penetrate effectively.
Hair Condition: The thickness of your client’s natural hair is also an important factor in choosing needle thickness. Thicker hair requires slightly thicker needles to ensure lines are consistent with the natural hair.

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