When you’ve just undergone the delicate art of microblading, you’re eager to see those perfect, defined eyebrows come to life. But while the results can be stunning, the healing process is just as important to ensure your brows look their best for as long as possible. Your aftercare routine plays a significant role in the final outcome, so it’s crucial to follow the dos and don’ts to the letter.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with clients for over two decades, helping them enhance their natural beauty through microblading. One thing I always stress during consultations is that aftercare is everything—it’s where the real magic happens. I’ve had clients call me weeks after their treatment, thrilled with their results, all because they followed the right steps during the healing process. On the other hand, I’ve also seen how easily things can go awry when aftercare isn’t followed properly. Let’s dive into what you need to avoid to keep your brows looking fabulous.
Microblading Aftercare: Why It’s Crucial To Follow The Right Steps?
After investing in a professional microblading procedure, the last thing you want is for your results to fade or heal improperly. It’s not just about what you do during the healing period; it’s just as important to know what to avoid. Over the years, I’ve seen the healing process go perfectly for some clients—others, not so much. The difference? Aftercare. When you take the time to care for your brows properly, you’ll avoid complications that can lead to uneven colour, scarring, or infection.
Think of the first few weeks after your microblading as a bit like looking after a newborn: a little patience and a lot of attention to detail can make all the difference. I know it’s tempting to pick at the scabs when they start to itch, but trust me, this is one of the most common aftercare mistakes. I’ve seen it time and time again, and I always remind clients that their brows need to breathe and heal undisturbed.
Key Things To Avoid In The First 7-14 Days After Microblading
Let’s break down the first few days of healing—this is where the most critical care happens. In these early stages, your microbladed brows are essentially a work in progress, and what you do (or don’t do) will have a direct impact on the final results.
1. Avoid Touching, Picking, Or Scratching Your Brows
One of the most difficult things about healing after microblading is resisting the urge to touch your brows. I get it—it’s natural to want to see how they’re progressing. But here’s the thing: touching or picking at the brows can be disastrous. I once had a client, Sarah, who called me in a panic after picking at her brows a week after treatment. She had tiny scabs on her brows that were starting to lift, and as she scratched at them, some of the pigment came off.
Picking at scabs can lead to uneven, patchy results, and the worst-case scenario is that you could end up with permanent scarring. That’s why I always remind my clients: if your brows start itching or feeling uncomfortable, just tap them gently with your fingertips. You don’t want to risk any unwanted outcomes by messing with the healing process.
2. Don’t Get Your Brows Wet—Avoid Water Exposure
When you’ve just had microblading, water is the last thing your brows need. I always advise clients to steer clear of getting their brows wet for at least 7-10 days. I know it’s tempting to wash your face and jump straight into a hot shower, but water can disrupt the delicate healing process. I’ve had clients—who, bless them, followed my instructions to the letter—tell me that they avoided showers altogether for the first week, and the results were worth it.
This doesn’t mean you can’t wash your face at all—just be careful to avoid getting your brows soaked. If you’re like me and love a good shower, it’s worth finding ways to keep your face out of direct water flow during the healing period. I suggest using a washcloth and gently wiping around your brows.
Also, no swimming! Chlorine, saltwater, or even the chemicals in some public pools can wreak havoc on your healing brows. I always tell my clients to avoid the pool or hot tub for at least two weeks to keep things clean and pristine.
3. Avoid Excessive Sweating To Protect Your Microblading
I know it’s difficult to hear, especially for fitness enthusiasts, but excessive sweating in the first few days can be a killer for your brows. The last thing you want is for sweat to push out the pigment, causing fading or uneven colour. I’ve had clients call me after hitting the gym too soon, worried that their brows weren’t healing as expected. Unfortunately, sweat can affect retention and create patchy areas. That’s why I recommend taking it easy on the cardio during the initial healing period.
I always tell my clients: if you must exercise, opt for low-intensity workouts that don’t leave you drenched. Avoid things like hot yoga or strenuous cardio, which will cause your face to sweat more than usual.
4. Don’t Expose Your Microbladed Brows To Direct Sunlight
The sun is another enemy of fresh microblading. UV rays break down the pigments in your brows, causing them to fade and change colour. I’ve had clients who didn’t follow the sun protection advice and noticed that their brows had faded much faster than expected. It’s like throwing a towel over freshly painted art—it ruins the masterpiece.
For the first two weeks, avoid direct sunlight. If you’re outside, wear a hat or stay in the shade. Even after the initial healing period, applying a good sunscreen to your brows will keep them looking fresh. Always go for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, and a high SPF—30 or above is ideal.
5. Avoid Makeup And Harsh Skincare On Your Brows
It can be tempting to want to cover up your new microblading with makeup, but you’ve got to resist that urge, at least during the initial healing phase. I’ve had clients ask me, “Can I just apply a little concealer over my brows?” And I always say, “It’s best to avoid makeup entirely for at least 10-14 days.” Why? Well, makeup and skincare products can be breeding grounds for bacteria, which isn’t what you want near freshly microbladed skin.
Not only can makeup cause infection if it gets trapped in the brows, but certain products can also interfere with how the pigment sets into your skin. That includes concealers, powders, eyebrow pencils, or any products that could clog your pores or irritate the area.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to avoid:
|
Product Type |
Reason to Avoid |
|
Makeup (Concealer, Powder, Foundation) |
Can clog pores, slow healing, and harbour bacteria. |
|
Skincare Products (Creams, Lotions) |
May cause irritation, disrupt pigment retention, or contain harmful ingredients for healing. |
|
Eyebrow Products (Pencils, Gels, Powders) |
Can interfere with pigment absorption, lead to irritation, and impact brow shape. |
It’s best to give your brows time to breathe and heal without any interference from makeup or other skincare products. Once your brows have fully healed, you can go back to your regular routine. Just make sure to use clean brushes and tools when you do.
6. Avoid Chemical Treatments Near The Brow Area
If you’re a regular user of exfoliating products or getting facials, this one might be tough to hear, but you’ll need to steer clear of certain treatments until your microblading is completely healed. In my years of experience, I’ve seen clients who’ve tried to squeeze in their regular chemical peels or laser treatments only to end up with fading or discolouration in their brows.
Here’s why: chemicals like retinol, glycolic acid, and even things like benzoyl peroxide can disrupt the healing process, cause pigment to fade prematurely, and potentially leave you with uneven or discoloured brows. These chemicals break down the skin, and when they come into contact with your brows, they can cause serious complications.
If you’ve scheduled any skin treatments like facials or chemical peels, make sure to inform your aesthetician that you’ve had microblading done. A professional will be able to work around your brows and avoid these areas. I always recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks after your microblading procedure before undergoing any facial treatments that use strong chemicals or exfoliants.
7. Say No To Alcohol And Caffeine Before And After Microblading
While a celebratory glass of wine sounds great after your procedure, alcohol and caffeine are best avoided. I’ve had clients ask if they can enjoy a drink or their morning coffee the day of their procedure, and while it might not sound like a big deal, here’s why it matters:
- Alcohol thins the blood and can increase bleeding during the procedure. This can make it harder for the pigment to settle properly, affecting the final result.
- Caffeine can dehydrate your skin, leading to slower healing. On top of that, caffeine can also increase the likelihood of excessive bleeding, which can interfere with pigment absorption.
I always recommend clients refrain from consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after the procedure. For caffeine, I advise waiting at least 48 hours after the procedure before resuming your regular caffeine intake. Trust me, this makes a huge difference in how your brows heal and how the pigment settles.
8. Avoid Swimming And Hot Tubs
This one is non-negotiable, especially for those who love a good swim. Saltwater and chlorine are microblading’s worst enemies. Not only can these elements irritate the healing skin, but they can also cause pigment to fade much quicker than usual. The last thing you want is to head to the pool and find that your beautifully defined brows are now a pale shadow of their former self.
Avoid the pool, hot tubs, and even saunas for at least two weeks after your procedure. I tell clients to treat their brows like fine art—don’t let water damage them! You can still get your water fix; just make sure to steer clear of soaking your face. If you do end up going for a swim or soaking your face, make sure to gently dry your brows right away.
9. Don’t Expose Your Microbladed Brows To Direct Sunlight
Sun exposure is the silent villain in the microblading healing process. It’s like pouring bleach on your favourite black shirt—sunlight breaks down pigment and causes it to fade. I’ve had clients in the past who didn’t take sun protection seriously and saw their brows fade within weeks.
Here’s what you need to know:
- UV rays can break down microblading pigments, leading to premature fading.
- Sun exposure can also cause hyperpigmentation, making your brows darker or uneven.
After the initial healing period, when you’re allowed back into the sun, make sure to apply sunscreen on your brows if you’re going outdoors. I recommend SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection, and mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are the best options. But in the early stages, avoid direct sunlight altogether.
10. Avoid Excessive Touch-Ups
I know it’s tempting to have your brows refreshed frequently, especially if you notice some fading. But excessive touch-ups can actually lead to pigment migration or even a build-up of ink that can make your brows look unnatural. After your first treatment, I always recommend waiting at least 12-18 months before scheduling a touch-up. This gives your brows time to heal properly, and you’ll get a more accurate idea of how much pigment has faded.
Remember, too many touch-ups too soon can lead to oversaturation of pigment, making your brows look harsh and unnatural. It’s always best to let the natural fading process happen before deciding when it’s time to refresh your brows.
Long-Term Care And What To Avoid After Your Microblading Heals
Once the initial healing period has passed and you’re seeing your beautiful brows in their full glory, there are still a few things to consider for long-term maintenance. Your microblading can last for up to 1-2 years, but only if you continue to care for your brows properly.
11. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure (Without Protection)
Even after your brows are fully healed, consistent sun protection is key to ensuring they don’t fade prematurely. I always tell my clients that prevention is better than cure—regular sunscreen application is essential. UV rays are a major factor in fading microblading pigments, so make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every time you step out.
It’s not just the beachgoers who need sunscreen. Whether you’re strolling through the Mornington Peninsula or just running errands in Melbourne, protecting your brows from UV damage is essential.
12. Avoid Tanning Beds
Just as with natural sunlight, tanning beds can accelerate fading and affect your brow colour. Many people don’t realise the damage that artificial UV rays can cause. I tell my clients: if you’re looking to get your tan on, it’s best to stay away from the beds. Stick to SPF protection and keep your brows shaded.
13. Don’t Use Chemical Treatments On Your Brows
Chemical peels, laser treatments, microdermabrasion—these are all popular treatments for skin rejuvenation, but when it comes to microblading, they can be harmful. I once had a client, Lily, who had been seeing a dermatologist for acne treatments and forgot to mention her recent microblading. The laser treatment caused some areas of her brows to fade and even lighten the colour unevenly.
If you’re planning to undergo any skin treatments, always inform your professional that you’ve had microblading. Chemical peels, laser treatments (including IPL), and any other exfoliating treatments should be avoided on or near the brow area for several months. These treatments can cause the pigment to fade, distort, or even darken in odd spots. I recommend waiting at least 3-6 months post-microblading before considering these types of treatments.
14. Don’t Apply Foundation Directly On Your Healed Brows
Once your microblading has healed, you might be tempted to apply foundation directly over your brows to conceal any imperfections. But here’s the thing: applying foundation over microbladed brows can make the pigment look lighter or cause it to appear less defined. I always advise clients to avoid putting foundation directly on their brows, especially if they’ve already healed.
If you absolutely need to use foundation in the brow area, try to carefully avoid the microbladed area or use a clean brush to gently apply it around the brows without touching the tattooed skin. The less interference, the better the longevity of your microblading results.
Microblading is a beautiful way to enhance your brows, but as with any cosmetic tattoo procedure, the results depend on the care you give them during the healing process. Taking the time to follow proper aftercare guidelines will help your brows heal beautifully, ensuring they last longer and retain their colour and shape.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve seen both the highs and lows of microblading aftercare in my years of practice. Following the microblading aftercare dos and don’ts I’ve shared can make all the difference. Remember, patience is key. Resist the urge to rush the healing process and avoid those temptations that can damage your stunning brows.
By following these simple rules and giving your brows the love and attention they need, you’ll enjoy vibrant, natural-looking eyebrows that enhance your features and boost your confidence for months to come.
If you notice any signs of infection, excessive swelling, or unusual discharge during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your microblading artist or a medical professional immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health and the longevity of your microblading.
