Eyebrow tattooing is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to give you fuller, more defined eyebrows. However, proper aftercare is essential to ensure the best healing process and long-lasting results. The right care can prevent infection, maintain the pigment, and ensure your eyebrows look great for years to come.
In this guide, we will explain how to properly care for your eyebrows after they’ve been tattooed, with detailed steps and advice on what to avoid.
Let’s get straight to the point
Proper aftercare for eyebrow tattoos is essential for optimal healing and long-lasting results. In the first 24 hours, keep the area clean, avoid touching, and apply the recommended ointment.
During the first week, avoid excessive moisture, sweating, and picking at scabs. Continue protecting your brows from sun exposure, avoid makeup and skincare products, and watch for signs of infection.
Long-term care includes avoiding harsh products, regular touch-ups, and daily sunscreen use to prevent fading. Patience and proper care will ensure your brows heal well and maintain their shape and colour.
Immediate Aftercare For Eyebrow Tattoos
1. First 24 Hours After Your Eyebrow Tattoo
During the first 24 hours, your skin is most sensitive. Following the correct steps in this essential period can significantly impact how well your eyebrows heal.
- Keep the area clean: Your artist may apply a sterile bandage after the procedure. Leave it on for at least 2-4 hours to prevent infection. Once removed, gently clean the area with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap using your fingertips.
- Avoid scrubbing or rubbing: Use a clean towel to gently pat the area dry. Rubbing can cause irritation and damage to the newly tattooed skin.
- Moisturise lightly: Apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare ointment. Use a clean cotton swab or your fingers, but ensure not to apply too much as this can block the pores and slow down healing.
2. Keeping Hands Off The Brows
Touching your tattooed eyebrows increases the risk of infection. Always avoid touching your brows with dirty hands. Bacteria can transfer to the delicate skin, causing irritation or infection.
3. Avoid Excess Moisture
For the first week, avoid getting your eyebrows excessively wet. Water can dilute the ink and cause premature fading. When showering, be cautious to prevent direct water from hitting your brows.
Consider using a shower cap or washing your face separately to keep the area dry.
First Week Of Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare
1. Keep The Area Dry
Water can interfere with healing. For the first seven days, avoid swimming, saunas, and hot showers. If the area gets wet, gently pat it dry immediately.
- Avoid sweating: Activities that cause excessive sweating should be avoided as the salt in sweat can cause the tattoo to fade prematurely. If you must exercise, try to keep it light and avoid activities that make you sweat heavily.
2. Apply Ointment As Instructed
Follow your tattoo artist’s recommendations on aftercare ointments. Typically, ointment should be applied 2-3 times a day. This helps keep the area hydrated and prevents scabbing.
- Do not over-apply: Too much ointment can clog pores and cause breakouts. A thin layer is all that is necessary.
3. Avoid Picking Or Scratching
Your eyebrows will start to scab and flake within a few days. It’s essential to avoid picking or scratching these scabs. Picking them can remove the pigment and lead to uneven colouring or even scarring. Allow the scabs to fall off naturally.
Weeks Two And Three: Continuing Aftercare
1. Limit Sun Exposure
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the tattoo pigment to fade or change colour. During the healing process, keep your eyebrows covered when outdoors by wearing a hat or using sunscreen (after the area has healed, usually after two weeks).
- Avoid tanning beds: These can also affect the healing process and cause the ink to fade prematurely.
2. Avoid Makeup And Skincare Products
Avoid applying any makeup, including eyebrow pencils or skincare products like retinoids and exfoliants near the tattooed area for at least two weeks. These products can interfere with healing and may lead to infection or fading of the pigment.
- Stick to mild, fragrance-free cleansers around the eyebrow area until the skin fully heals.
3. Keep The Brows Moisturised
Continue applying the recommended ointment or moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated. Moisturisation prevents cracking and peeling, which can damage the new ink.
Reduce the frequency of application to once or twice a day as the healing progresses.
4. Monitor For Signs Of Infection
During the healing process, it’s important to keep an eye on your brows for any signs of infection. If you notice increased redness, swelling, pus, or prolonged pain, contact your artist or a healthcare provider immediately.
Long-Term Eyebrow Tattoo Care
1. Avoid Harsh Skincare Products
Once your eyebrows have healed, avoid using exfoliants, retinol, or acid-based products around your brows. These products can cause the pigment to fade more quickly.
Opt for gentle skincare routines around the eyebrow area.
2. Regular Touch-ups
Eyebrow tattoos typically last 1-3 years, depending on your skin type and lifestyle. You may need to schedule touch-up appointments every 12-18 months to keep the pigment vibrant and the shape intact.
3. Sun Protection Is Key
UV rays are one of the biggest causes of tattoo fading. Always apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on your eyebrows when you go outside, especially in sunny conditions.
This will help preserve the colour and prevent it from turning too light or discoloured.
Faster Healing Tips For Eyebrow Tattoos
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water will help your skin stay hydrated and promote faster healing from the inside out. Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks, as they can dehydrate your skin.
2. Sleep On Your Back
To avoid disrupting the healing process, try to sleep on your back with your face up for the first few days after getting your eyebrows tattooed. This prevents the ink from being disturbed by rubbing against pillows.
3. Use Healing Ointments
Use only the aftercare products recommended by your artist. These are usually formulated to help reduce irritation, prevent infection, and accelerate healing. Be sure to use clean hands or cotton swabs when applying ointments.
What Should Be Avoided While Caring For Eyebrow Tattoos?
1. No Swimming
Swimming in chlorinated water or the ocean can cause irritation and may affect the healing process. Wait at least two weeks before swimming.
2. Avoid Skincare Products With Harsh Ingredients
Stay away from products containing retinoids, AHA/BHA, or alcohol. These can cause premature fading of your tattoo and irritate the healing skin.
3. No Heavy Exercise
Try to avoid strenuous activities that cause excessive sweating for at least ten days. The salt in sweat can break down the ink and lead to uneven healing.
4. No Facial Treatments
Avoid getting any facial treatments, including chemical peels or microdermabrasion, for at least 4-6 weeks after getting an eyebrow tattoo. These treatments can disturb the pigment and slow the healing process.
Conclusion
Proper aftercare for your eyebrow tattoo is essential for ensuring a smooth healing process and long-lasting results. By following the steps outlined above, such as keeping the area clean, avoiding moisture, and using recommended ointments, you can avoid common pitfalls like infection or premature fading.
Stay patient, as scabbing and peeling are natural parts of the healing process, and avoid picking at your eyebrows to ensure an even colour distribution. Sun protection and regular touch-ups will also help maintain your brows’ shape and colour for years to come.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy beautifully tattooed brows with confidence.
FAQs About Eyebrow Tattoo
How Long Does It Take For Eyebrow Tattoos To Heal Completely?
The healing process for eyebrow tattoos typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, you may experience some scabbing and flaking as the skin heals. It’s essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist to ensure a smooth healing process.
Can I Get My Eyebrows Wet After Getting Them Tattooed?
It’s generally recommended to avoid getting your freshly tattooed eyebrows wet for the first 7-10 days to prevent infection and color fading. You should also avoid swimming, saunas, and hot tubs during this time. After the initial healing period, it’s essential to protect your eyebrows from prolonged exposure to water and sunlight to maintain the tattoo’s longevity.
What Should I Do If My Tattooed Eyebrows Itch During The Healing Process?
Itching is a common part of the healing process. However, it’s crucial not to scratch or pick at your tattooed eyebrows, as this can cause damage and color loss. Instead, gently pat the itchy area with a clean, dry cloth and follow any soothing recommendations provided by your tattoo artist, such as applying a recommended ointment or moisturizer.
When Can I Start Applying Makeup To My Tattooed Eyebrows?
It’s best to wait until your tattooed eyebrows have fully healed before applying makeup over them. This typically takes about 2 weeks, but it may vary depending on your individual healing process. Once they’ve healed, you can use makeup as desired, but remember to be gentle and avoid harsh products or excessive rubbing.
How Can I Prolong The Color And Appearance Of My Tattooed Eyebrows?
To maintain the color and appearance of your tattooed eyebrows, protect them from excessive sun exposure and UV rays, as this can cause fading. Avoid using harsh exfoliants or chemical peels on your eyebrow area, as they can lighten the tattoo. Regularly apply sunscreen with SPF on your eyebrows when exposed to sunlight, and consider touch-up appointments every 1-2 years to keep your eyebrow tattoos looking fresh.