Dark Lip Neutralisation Tattoo in Melbourne

This is a Permanent Makeup procedure to correct unwanted cool, dark or uneven lip tones by implanting carefully selected warm lip pigment into the skin. It’s not the same as going straight for a Lip Blush tattoo — the first stage focuses on Lip Neutralising to balance undertones before adding your ideal shade.

If we put a pink pigment over blue or brown lips without neutralisation, you’d end up with a muddy tone. Neutralising creates an even base for future colour, whether you choose a soft Lip Blush or a more vibrant hue.

In Melbourne, where we see a wide variety of skin types and lip tones, pigment selection is key to matching the individual.

Lip pigmentation varies and can be caused by:

• Genetics – Some people naturally have darker lip regions or uneven tone.
• Sun Exposure – Our city’s high UV index deepens pigmentation over time.
• Hormonal Changes – Pregnancy, menopause or medication can shift lip colour.
• Lifestyle Habits – Smoking, coffee and certain foods can stain lips.
• Skin Trauma – Past burns, injuries or even previous Cosmetic Tattoo work.
• Chemical Peels – Done too close to the lip line can temporarily or permanently alter pigmentation.

Melbourne Tip: In summer, SPF balm protects your lip pigment from fading. In winter, a hydrating balm prevents dryness that can exaggerate pigmentation

• Even Lip Colour without heavy makeup.
• Confidence Boost for clients who have avoided going bare-lipped.
• Custom Pigment tailored to your skin tone and goals.
• Corrective Power for old Cosmetic Tattoo mistakes.
• Long-Term Results compared to daily lipstick.

Real Client Example: A woman in her 30s with naturally bluish lips came to us feeling she couldn’t leave the house without lipstick. Two sessions later, she confidently wore just a clear balm — and loved how her smile looked in family photos.

You’re a good candidate if you:

• Have dark, cool, or uneven lip tones.
• Want to improve your natural lip colour without overlining or fillers
• Can follow aftercare instructions during the healing process.
• Are committed to 2–3 sessions for best results.

While dark lip neutralisation is safe for most people, there are times when it’s best to delay or avoid treatment. You should hold off if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding — Cosmetic tattooing pigments are safe, but we avoid any potential risk during these times.
• If you have an active cold sore outbreak, the skin must be fully healed before your session.
• If you are prone to frequent cold sores without antiviral protection, your artist may suggest starting an antiviral such as Zovirax Cream or an oral prescription several days before treatment to reduce flare-up risk.
• Have uncontrolled diabetes or immune system disorders — These conditions can affect healing and pigment retention.
• Have had recent lip filler — Wait at least four weeks to avoid pigment migration or uneven healing.
• Had a recent chemical peel in the lip region — Wait a minimum of four weeks so the skin barrier can recover.

Tip: Always share your medical history and any active treatments during your consultation so your artist can tailor your session safely.

Good prep equals great results. I tell all my clients that.

One Week Before

• Gently exfoliate the lips 2–3 times using a sugar scrub or a soft toothbrush to remove dry skin.
• Keep lips hydrated day and night with a nourishing balm (I recommend balms without menthol or camphor, which can be drying).
• Avoid strong acids, retinols or chemical peels around the mouth area.

24 Hours Before

• Skip alcohol and excessive caffeine — both can thin the blood and increase sensitivity.
• Drink plenty of water so the lip skin is plump and hydrated.
• If you’re prone to cold sores, start your antiviral medication protocol as discussed in your consultation.

Here’s what happens in the Face Figurati studio when you come in for your dark lip neutralising session:

Comprehensive Consultation

We assess your natural lip tone, undertones and any uneven pigmentation. We’ll also chat about your long-term goals — do you want a soft, natural blush or a brighter, more defined lip colour over multiple sessions?

Numbing Cream Application

A medical-grade topical anaesthetic is applied and left to take effect, so you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. Most clients describe the sensation as a mild vibration rather than pain.

Custom Pigment Selection

Using colour theory and knowledge of how pigments heal in different skin tones, I’ll select a warm-based shade to neutralise cool, dark or blue tones. Pigment choice also takes into account your skin type, Fitzpatrick scale category and lifestyle factors.

Application Technique

With a professional cosmetic tattoo machine, I layer the warm pigments in soft passes, building up coverage gradually. This technique avoids overworking the skin and helps prevent trauma, so the colour will last better. Multiple passes give a smooth blend that looks natural once healed.

Aftercare Advice

Before you leave, you’ll receive a nourishing aftercare balm and a printed healing process guide specific to dark lip neutralisation. We’ll go through what to expect at each healing stage, from initial vibrancy to the softened, healed result

Session Time: Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on your lip size, undertone complexity, and whether additional corrective work is needed.

Aftercare is key to protecting your lip tattoo investment and smooth healing. Here’s the full guide:

First 24 Hours

• Keep lips clean and dry. Don’t lick, bite or touch them unnecessarily.
• Gently blot with a clean tissue if excess lymph fluid appears — this prevents hard scabbing.

First Week

• No makeup, lipsticks or glosses on the treated area.
• Avoid swimming pools, spas, saunas and steam rooms to reduce the risk of infection and pigment fading.
• No heavy exercise that causes excessive sweating, as salt from sweat can interfere with pigment retention.
• Only use the aftercare balm provided or recommended by your cosmetic tattoo artist.

Food & Drink Caution

• Avoid spicy, salty or acidic foods for the first few days — they can sting and irritate.
• Eat lukewarm or cool foods and drink through a straw to minimise lip contact.

Healing Protection

• Don’t pick, scratch or rub your lips — this can remove pigment and cause uneven healing.
• Use a lip-safe SPF balm once the flaking stage has passed to protect against UV fading.

Long-Term Maintenance

• Keep lips hydrated year-round to preserve pigment vibrancy.
• Book a colour boost every 2–3 years to maintain your desired shade.

One of the biggest differences between a successful lip neutralisation and a disappointing result is how well your artist understands pigment science.

When working with lips that have cool, dark or ashy tones, we don’t just pick a colour we like — we choose a pigment that will neutralise the existing tone using colour theory.

Basic Principles:

• Cool tones (blue, purple, ashy) need warm pigments (peach, orange, coral) to lift the tone.
• Warm tones (reddish-brown) may need slightly different blends — still warm but adjusted for depth.
• Final shades are built in layers — neutralise first, then enhance.

Why This Matters In Melbourne:
I see every Fitzpatrick skin type in the studio — and pigment choice varies drastically between a client with naturally deep melanin and someone with fair, freckled skin.

Pro Tip: It’s not to “lighten” lips — it’s to balance the undertone so your final healed colour looks natural and even.

Common temporary effects:

• Mild swelling and redness – Usually subsides within 24–48 hours, especially if you follow aftercare advice. A cold compress can help in the first few hours.
• Cold sore reactivation – If you’ve ever had cold sores, the trauma of tattooing in the lip region can trigger an outbreak. That’s why I often recommend starting an antiviral like Zovirax cream or prescription medication before your appointment.
• Uneven fading if aftercare isn’t followed – Picking, premature exfoliation or ignoring healing guidelines can cause patchiness in lip pigment.
• Rare allergic reaction to pigment or balm – High-quality tattoo pigments are generally well-tolerated, but patch testing is available in most reputable Melbourne cosmetic tattoo studios.

At Face Figurati, I take the time during consultation to go through your health history, skin type and any sensitivities so we can minimise the risk of unwanted side effects.

Lip tattoos — including lip blush, lip liner and lip neutralising — are semi-permanent makeup. This means results will fade over time. In most cases:

• Average lifespan: 2–5 years before a colour boost is needed.

Factors that affect lifespan:

• Sun exposure – UV rays can break down pigment molecules, causing faster fading.
• Skin type – Oily skin may not hold pigment as long as normal to dry skin.
• Lifestyle – Smoking can dull lip colour sooner due to heat and chemical exposure.
• Pigment depth & type – Deeper, warmer pigments may last longer, while softer tints fade faster.

Many of my Melbourne clients choose to do a colour boost every 18–24 months to keep their lip colour fresh and balanced.

In Melbourne, pricing for lip tattoos varies depending on the artist, studio location and technique used. On average

Some cosmetic tattoo studios — including mine — offer payment plans so clients can spread the cost over a few instalments. This makes treatments more accessible without compromising on safety or pigment quality.