Thinking about getting a brow tattoo while pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive?
You’re not alone. Many women want to feel confident through motherhood — and having perfectly shaped brows can certainly help. But when it comes to permanent makeup (PMU) and pregnancy, there are important medical and ethical reasons why this isn’t the time.
In this post, we’ll break down why brow tattooing isn’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, the risks involved, how your body’s inflammatory response plays a role, and what products are used during the procedure. If you’re trying to conceive, stay tuned — a dedicated blog is coming soon to guide you through PMU and your fertility journey.
Why You Should Avoid Brow Tattooing While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Even though brow tattoos are done on the surface layers of the skin, this is still considered a minor cosmetic tattoo procedure. It involves trauma to the skin, the introduction of pigments, and healing — all of which affect your immune system. During pregnancy and postpartum, your body is more vulnerable and reactive.
Here’s why the procedure is not advised:
Unknown Effects on the Fetus or Breastfeeding Infant
There is no clinical data proving PMU pigments or numbing agents are safe for fetuses or nursing babies. Even though the risk may seem low, no reputable artist or doctor will guarantee 100% safety. Some of the ingredients in pigments and topical numbing agents may potentially cross the placenta or pass into breast milk. These include:
- Lidocaine, Epinephrine, and Tetracaine ( numbing cream ingredients)
- Iron oxide or carbon-based pigments
Your Body’s Inflammatory Response Is Heightened
Pregnancy and breastfeeding alter your hormonal and immune systems, often leading to:
- Increased swelling
- Slower or unpredictable healing
- Poor pigment retention
- Higher risk of allergic reactions
Your immune system is already working overtime to protect the baby, and introducing trauma through tattooing can provoke a stronger-than-normal inflammatory response. This could put unnecessary stress on your body & potentially affect your pregnancy.
The Pigments & Products Used
In my studio, I use high quality, professional-grade pigments that are safe for use under normal circumstances. However, even the cleanest, most stable PMU pigments are not medically approved for use on pregnant or breastfeeding women. Why ?, because ingredients like this:
- Iron oxides
- Glycerin
- Alcohol preservatives
- Botanical additives
. . . all of which may be absorbed into the bloodstream or milk supply. Again, there’s no solid medical evidence confirming these are safe for a developing fetus or infant.
💊 If an Infection Occurs, You Have Limited Treatment Options
Though rare, infections can happen with any skin-breaking procedure. If you develop an infection during pregnancy or postpartum, your options for treatment may be limited, since many antibiotics and medications are not safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
🍼 Trying to Conceive? Wait Until You’re Clear
If you’re actively trying to get pregnant, I recommend holding off on brow tattooing until your cycle and hormone levels are stabilized, whether that’s after giving birth or after breastfeeding ends. I’ll be publishing a separate post soon that breaks down the connection between PMU and fertility in more detail.
🕰️ The Best Time to Get Your Brows Done
Waiting ensures better pigment retention, less risk of complications, and peace of mind for you and your baby. The safest and most effective time to get PMU is:
- Before pregnancy begins, or
- After you’ve stopped breastfeeding and your body has had time to regulate hormones and recover
💬 Final Thoughts from Joanna
As a PMU artist and trainer, my top priority is client safety and quality results. I understand how important it is to feel beautiful during this life changing time, but your health comes first.
If you’re unsure or have questions about timing your brows around pregnancy or breastfeeding, I’m here to support you, send me an email at info@thebrowclinique.com .
