When I first began performing microblading, I was amazed by the dramatic transformations that this technique could create.
Clients left with fuller, perfectly shaped brows—without the need for daily pencil or powder touch-ups. But, like any cosmetic tattooing procedure, the results can only be as good as the aftercare.
In my experience, proper protection and aftercare are essential to ensuring your microbladed brows heal beautifully and last as long as possible. Understanding the microblading healing process is key—I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of aftercare can lead to faded pigment, uneven healing, or even infection.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
Proper aftercare is crucial for protecting your microbladed brows and ensuring they heal beautifully. By following these essential tips, avoiding common mistakes, and exercising patience throughout the healing process, you’ll enjoy long-lasting, flawless brows.
Consistent care, such as gentle cleansing, moisture, sun protection, and avoiding irritation, will help maintain the shape and pigment of your brows. Stay diligent with your aftercare, and you can enjoy stunning, natural-looking brows for years to come.
Essential Aftercare Practices for Protecting Your Microbladed Brows
Cleaning Your Brows Properly
Cleaning your brows properly during the healing process is one of the most crucial steps. I’ve seen clients who’ve skipped this step or used harsh products, leading to infections or faded pigment.
I recommend the wet healing method—gentle washing with mild antibacterial soap (such as Cetaphil or Dial) and lukewarm water. You can start cleaning your brows from day 1 or 2, using a clean cotton pad or fingertips in a gentle patting motion.
Tip: Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your brows! Use only gentle, light pressure.
Applying Aftercare Ointment or Moisturiser
Once your brows are clean, it’s time to apply aftercare ointment. I always tell my clients to apply only a small amount—about the size of a rice grain. Over-applying can suffocate the skin and hinder the healing process. The ointment forms a protective layer, preventing moisture loss and keeping bacteria at bay.
Tip: Always apply the ointment to dry skin. Avoid using heavy balms like Vaseline, as these can block your pores and delay healing.
Sun Protection for Your Brows
This is something I cannot stress enough: avoid the sun for at least 7-14 days after your microblading procedure. UV rays can fade the pigment quickly, and we don’t want that! After the initial healing period, always wear mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Mineral sunscreens, which contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are ideal as they sit on top of your skin and offer non-irritating protection.
Tip: If you’re going out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor. Protecting your brows is a long-term commitment.
Avoiding Water and Moisture
Water exposure is another biggie during the first few weeks. You’ll want to avoid soaking your brows in water, including in pools, hot tubs, or even the shower.
When you shower, tilt your head back or use a shower shield to protect your face. I’ve had clients who, out of convenience, have let their brows get wet too early, which led to blurred pigment and uneven results.
Tip: Always rinse your face with lukewarm water and gently blot your brows dry.
Sweating and Strenuous Activities
For the first 10-14 days, avoid activities that cause heavy sweating, such as intense exercise or saunas. Sweat can be a real enemy when it comes to preserving the pigment. Sweat can pull out pigment and cause scabs to lift prematurely.
Tip: If you must work out, use an absorbent headband to prevent sweat from dripping onto your brows. If you sweat, rinse your face immediately with lukewarm water.
Microblading Healing Process: What to Expect
Days 1-2: Immediate Aftercare and Initial Healing
Immediately after the procedure, your brows may look bold, even darker than expected. This is completely normal due to the fresh pigment mixing with blood and plasma.
From my personal experience, many clients worry when their brows seem too dark initially, but trust me—this is just part of the healing process.
The first 2 days are crucial as your skin starts to heal. You’ll notice slight redness, tenderness, and maybe some mild swelling, but these symptoms should subside within a couple of days.
Tip: Keep the area dry, and if necessary, use sterile gauze to gently blot away excess lymph fluid. Don’t rub or scrub—it’s all about gently patting to avoid any scabbing.
Days 3-5: Flaking and Itching Begins
The flaking process will kick in around day 3. Your eyebrows might start to feel itchy as the top layer of skin sheds. This is a stage I often tell my clients to embrace with patience. It can be tempting to scratch or pick at the scabs, but trust me, avoid it at all costs!
Scratching or peeling prematurely can lead to uneven results, pigment loss, or even scarring. Instead, gently pat the area with a clean tissue or cloth to relieve the itch.
Days 5-8: Scabbing and Softening
As the days go on, the scabs will begin to fall off naturally. At this stage, your brows may appear lighter, which can be alarming, but don’t fret.
This phase, often referred to as the “ghosting stage,” is temporary. The pigment will return to its final shade after a few more days of healing.
Tip: Resist the urge to pick at the scabs! If you do, you risk disturbing the skin, which could cause patchy brows or scarring.
Days 12-21: True Color Emerges
Around days 12 to 21, you’ll start to see the true colour of your brows emerging. The initial redness and swelling will be long gone, and your brows will gradually settle into a more natural, soft appearance.
You may notice some areas where the pigment looks lighter or patchy; this is completely normal. With time, the brows will even out.
Days 21-30: Full Healing
By the time you hit the 30-day mark, your skin is fully healed on the outside. The brows will appear soft and natural, resembling their desired look.
While the surface is healed, there’s still some internal healing happening beneath the skin. Don’t worry though, the toughest part is over.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Microblading Aftercare
Picking, Scratching, or Touching Your Brows
I cannot emphasise this enough—don’t pick, scratch, or touch your brows. Your brows are still healing, and touching them with dirty hands can introduce bacteria, leading to infection.
I know the itching can be unbearable, but trust me, it’s all part of the healing process. Just let the scabs fall off naturally.
Using Harsh Skin Care Products
Avoid applying anything harsh to your brows, especially products with retinol, glycolic acid, or AHA/BHA. These ingredients can speed up skin cell turnover, causing the pigment to fade prematurely.
I once had a client who didn’t heed this advice and used a vitamin C serum on her brows, which caused the pigment to lighten quicker than expected.
Tip: Stick with fragrance-free, gentle moisturisers and cleansers until your brows are fully healed.
Applying Makeup Too Soon
Another common mistake I see is clients who rush to apply makeup on their brows too soon. I recommend waiting at least 7-14 days to allow the area to fully heal. Applying makeup during this period can trap bacteria, causing infections or pigment disruption.
After the scabbing phase, you can apply brow makeup, but I suggest waiting until your brows are 100% healed to avoid any irritation.
Managing Common Side Effects and Discomfort
Itching and Scabbing
Itching is common around days 3-5. But, the key here is to resist scratching. Gently pat the area if you need to, but avoid anything that could interfere with the healing process.
To ease discomfort, I recommend applying a cold compress or using a fragrance-free ointment to keep your skin calm and moisturised.
Redness, Swelling, and Tenderness
The initial redness and swelling usually subside after a couple of days. However, if these symptoms worsen or you notice pus or severe pain, it might indicate an infection, and you should consult your microblading artist immediately.
Protecting Your Eyebrows from Infection After Microblading
One of the most important aspects of protecting your microbladed brows is preventing infection during the healing process. Since microblading involves small incisions in the skin, it’s crucial to keep the area clean and free from bacteria to avoid any complications.
Steps to Prevent Infection:
- Cleanse Gently: Always wash your eyebrows with mild, antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. This helps to prevent bacteria from accumulating. Gently pat the area dry using a clean, sterile gauze or tissue to avoid introducing any germs.
- Avoid Touching: Do not touch your brows with dirty hands. Our hands carry bacteria, oils, and dirt that can introduce infections into the healing skin. Resist the urge to scratch or touch your brows, even if they itch.
- Avoid Public Pools and Hot Tubs: Chlorine and saltwater can cause irritation and may lead to an infection, especially while the skin is healing. It’s best to avoid swimming for at least 2 weeks after microblading.
- Keep it Dry: Keep the treated area dry during the initial healing period. Excess moisture can lead to bacteria growth, so be careful when washing your face or showering.
Signs of Infection:
- Increased redness or swelling beyond the first 2-3 days.
- Yellow, green, or pus-like discharge from the brows.
- Severe tenderness or pain.
- Foul odour from the treated area.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your microblading artist or healthcare provider immediately.
Protecting Your Brows During the Scabbing Phase
The scabbing phase of microblading is often the most challenging. The temptation to scratch or pick at scabs can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to avoid these actions to ensure that the pigment heals properly and doesn’t get removed prematurely.
Key Steps for Protecting Your Brows During Scabbing:
- Do Not Pick or Scratch: Scabs are a natural part of the healing process, and it’s important to let them fall off naturally. Picking at the scabs can cause pigment loss, scars, or an uneven brow appearance.
- Moisturise Regularly: Keeping the skin moisturised during the scabbing process is vital. Apply a thin layer of the ointment recommended by your artist to protect the healing skin and keep it hydrated.
- Pat, Don’t Rub: If you feel an itch, gently pat the area with a clean tissue rather than scratching. Scratching can disturb the healing process and affect the overall results.
- Avoid Sweating: As the scabs form, it’s essential to avoid excessive sweating. Sweat can loosen the scabs, affecting pigment retention. Wear a headband during exercise or avoid intense activities during this phase.
- Wear a Hat: When going outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor to prevent direct sunlight on your brows. This also helps to protect them from dust or airborne particles.
Tips for Ensuring a Smooth Scabbing Process:
- Keep a gentle routine of cleaning and moisturising.
- Keep the area protected from direct sunlight, sweat, or any friction that may disturb the healing.
- Be patient—your brows will look their best once the scabbing phase is complete.
Protecting Your Brows from Fading and Maintaining Long-Term Results
Protecting your brows from fading and ensuring that they last long-term requires consistent aftercare even after the initial healing phase.
Although microblading is semi-permanent, its longevity is influenced by factors like skin type, lifestyle, and how well you protect them over time.
Factors That Influence Brow Fading:
- Skin Type: If you have oily skin, the pigment may fade faster because excess oil can break down the pigment over time. For those with oily skin, using a light healing balm or no balm at all may be recommended.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays are one of the leading causes of microblading fading. After your brows have healed, continue using SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to protect the pigment from fading due to sun exposure.
- Skincare Routine: Ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, and AHA/BHA can cause pigment to fade. It’s best to avoid using these ingredients around your brows even after they’re healed.
- Tanning and Swimming: Tanning beds and chlorine-filled pools can fade the pigment quicker than natural exposure to the sun. To keep your brows looking fresh, avoid tanning beds and swimming in chlorinated pools as much as possible.
Long-Term Brow Maintenance:
- Regular Touch-Ups: To maintain the look of your brows, book a touch-up appointment every 12-18 months. Over time, the pigment will naturally fade, so a touch-up ensures that your brows retain their sharpness and fullness.
- Daily Sun Protection: Continue applying sunscreen to your brows to shield them from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Stay Away from Exfoliating Products: Never apply exfoliating products on or around the brows, as they can break down the pigment.
Long-Term Microblading Maintenance
|
Maintenance Factor |
Recommendation |
|
Sun Protection |
SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen daily |
|
Touch-Ups |
Every 12-18 months for best results |
|
Avoid Exfoliating Products |
Retinol, AHA/BHA, or Vitamin C around brows |
|
Lifestyle |
Avoid tanning beds, swimming, and excessive sweating |
Long-Term Maintenance for Healthy, Microbladed Brows
Touch-Ups and Frequency
As microblading is a semi-permanent procedure, it’s essential to schedule touch-ups. The first touch-up is typically 4-8 weeks after the initial procedure. After that, regular touch-ups every 12-18 months will help keep your brows looking fresh and defined.
Factors That Affect Longevity
The longevity of your microbladed brows depends on factors like your skin type, lifestyle, and how much UV exposure your brows get. Oily skin, for example, tends to cause pigment to fade faster, while dry skin holds the pigment longer.
Tip: Keep your brows protected from the sun with sunscreen and continue using gentle skincare products to maintain the pigment.
Taking care of your microbladed eyebrows post-procedure is a marathon, not a sprint. By following the right aftercare practices—like keeping them clean, dry, and protected from the sun—you ensure long-lasting results that keep your brows looking fresh and fabulous.
