Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that requires careful aftercare to ensure optimal results. One of the most common questions people have after getting their eyebrows microbladed is, “What happens if they get wet?”
While a little water may not completely ruin the results, it’s essential to understand how water affects microblading and what steps to take if your eyebrows do get wet.
Let’s get straight to the point
After microblading, it’s essential to avoid water exposure during the healing process to prevent pigment fading or uneven results. Brief water contact, like raindrops or splashes, is usually harmless—just gently pat the area dry.
However, prolonged exposure (swimming, long showers, sweating) can cause issues like fading or patchy brows. If your brows get wet, dry them immediately and monitor for changes. Contact your artist if significant fading occurs.
Proper aftercare, such as keeping brows dry, avoiding sweat, and scheduling touch-ups, ensures optimal and long-lasting results.
The Impact Of Water On Microblading Pigment
When your freshly microbladed eyebrows get wet, the pigment can loosen. Unlike traditional tattoos, microblading does not penetrate deep into the skin.
The pigment remains close to the skin’s surface, which makes it vulnerable to external factors like water. If your brows are exposed to moisture during the healing period, it can push out the pigment, leading to faded or uneven results.
The key effects of water exposure on microbladed brows include:
- Faded pigment: Water can dilute the pigment, causing it to fade prematurely.
- Uneven results: Inconsistent water exposure can cause patchy areas where the pigment fails to settle.
- Increased touch-up needs: Significant water exposure may result in the need for earlier or more frequent touch-ups.
Water Exposure: Is It A Problem?
Accidental, brief contact with water, such as a few raindrops or a splash during face washing, is unlikely to cause major damage. Minor water exposure, like a small splash, typically won’t cause the pigment to completely fade or disappear.
If this happens, gently pat the area dry with a clean tissue. However, prolonged exposure to water, such as during swimming or a long shower, can lead to more significant issues.
When water gets into the tiny cuts made during the microblading process, it can wash away the pigment before it has time to settle into the skin. If your brows are exposed to water for a prolonged period—think about swimming, sauna sessions, or long showers—the pigment may not set correctly, leading to patchy, uneven results.
This is especially true within the first two weeks when the brows are still healing.
Examples of prolonged water exposure that can harm your brows include:
- Swimming in pools, oceans, or lakes
- Long, steamy showers or baths
- Spending time in saunas or steam rooms
- Excessive sweating from exercise
In these situations, the pigment is more likely to fade or become uneven, and the overall look of your brows may not be as defined as you initially hoped.
What To Do If Your Microblading Gets Wet?
If you accidentally get your microbladed brows wet, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to minimise the impact and help ensure that the healing process stays on track.
Immediate Actions To Take
If your brows get wet, follow these steps immediately to minimise potential damage:
- Gently pat the area dry: Use a clean tissue or soft cloth to carefully pat your brows dry. Avoid rubbing or wiping, as this can disturb the healing process and cause pigment to smudge or dislodge.
- Avoid any additional moisture: After drying your brows, be extra careful not to expose them to any more water. This means keeping your face dry and avoiding activities that may cause you to sweat.
- Monitor for changes: Keep an eye on your brows to see if any significant changes occur, such as fading or patchiness.
If the water exposure was minimal, such as a splash or a few raindrops, the damage may be negligible. However, if you were swimming or took a long shower, you might notice some fading or uneven pigmentation over time.
How To Avoid Water Exposure After Microblading?
The best way to protect your microbladed brows is to avoid getting them wet in the first place, especially during the essential healing phase. Proper aftercare is essential to ensuring that your brows heal properly and retain their colour and shape.
Tips For Washing Your Face
One of the most challenging aspects of aftercare is keeping your face clean without wetting your brows. Here’s how to wash your face while avoiding your eyebrows:
- Use a washcloth or cotton pads: Instead of splashing water on your face, use a damp washcloth or cotton pad to cleanse the lower half of your face.
- Clean your forehead separately: To clean your forehead, use a cotton pad with a gentle cleanser, avoiding direct contact with your brows.
- Be cautious with water: When rinsing off the cleanser, avoid splashing water onto your face. Instead, gently wipe it away with a damp cloth.
By following these steps, you can keep your face clean without disrupting the healing process for your brows.
Taking Showers Without Getting Your Brows Wet
Showering can be another challenge when it comes to protecting your microbladed eyebrows from water. To prevent water from hitting your brows during a shower:
- Turn away from the showerhead: Keep your face out of the direct stream of water. Focus on washing your body and hair, and avoid letting water run over your face.
- Use a shower visor or cap: Some people find it helpful to wear a visor or cap in the shower to shield their brows from water.
- Pat your face dry immediately after showering: If your face does get a little wet during your shower, make sure to gently pat it dry with a clean towel.
These simple steps can help you keep your brows dry while still maintaining your hygiene routine.
When To Contact Your Artist?
If you’re concerned about the impact of water exposure on your brows, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your microblading artist. They can provide guidance and help you understand whether a touch-up will be necessary.
In most cases, the artist will recommend waiting until the healing process is complete before deciding on any corrective measures. You should contact your artist if:
- Your brows were exposed to significant amounts of water (e.g., swimming or sweating heavily).
- You notice fading or patchiness after water exposure.
- The healing process seems to have stalled or worsened.
Most artists will schedule a follow-up appointment six to eight weeks after the initial procedure to assess how your brows have healed. If necessary, they can perform a touch-up during this time to fix any issues caused by water exposure.
Repairing Water Damage To Microblading
If your microbladed brows have been exposed to significant water, don’t worry—most damage can be corrected during a touch-up session. The touch-up is a normal part of the microblading process, and it helps to ensure that your brows look their best after healing.
A touch-up session involves adding pigment to any areas where the colour has faded or where the strokes appear uneven. This session is typically scheduled 6 to 8 weeks after the initial procedure, once your brows have fully healed.
During this appointment, your artist can fix any issues caused by water exposure or other aftercare mishaps. Key benefits of touch-ups:
- Restores faded pigment
- Corrects unevenness caused by water or sweat
- Ensures long-lasting, beautiful results
Long-Term Care For Microbladed Brows
Once your brows have healed, proper long-term care will help them stay vibrant and defined for as long as possible. Here are some tips for maintaining your brows:
- Use sunscreen: Protect your brows from UV rays by applying a gentle sunscreen to the area. Sun exposure can cause the pigment to fade more quickly.
- Avoid exfoliating products: Don’t use harsh exfoliants or scrubs near your brows, as they can wear away the pigment.
- Schedule annual touch-ups: Even with the best care, your brows will naturally fade over time. Most people need a touch-up every 12 to 24 months to maintain their shape and colour.
Conclusion
Proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best results from your microblading procedure. Water exposure, especially during the critical healing phase, can affect the pigmentation and final outcome of your brows.
While brief or accidental contact with water may not cause significant harm, prolonged exposure can lead to fading, uneven results, and the need for additional touch-ups. By following the recommended care guidelines, such as keeping your brows dry, avoiding sweat, and gently patting them dry if they do get wet, you can help ensure a smooth healing process and long-lasting results.
Touch-ups are part of the process, and your microblading artist is always there to support if any issues arise. With the right care, your brows will remain beautiful and defined for months to come!