Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that offers a natural, fuller, and more defined look for your eyebrows. It involves using a handheld tool to create small, hair-like strokes that deposit pigment into the skin. While the results can be transformative, the post-care process is critical to ensuring your brows heal properly and that the pigment lasts as long as possible.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to take care of your eyebrows after a microblading session, covering the initial healing phase, common aftercare mistakes to avoid, and tips to maintain your results.
Why is Aftercare Important?
After a microblading session, your skin needs time to heal and absorb the pigment properly. Without proper aftercare, you risk infections, fading, or even ruining the shape of your newly microbladed brows. Following the right aftercare steps ensures that your eyebrows heal beautifully, the pigment stays vibrant, and you avoid unnecessary complications.
Immediate Post-Session Care (Day 1 – Day 3)
The first few days after your microblading session are crucial for the healing process. Your skin will be sensitive, and it’s essential to treat your eyebrows with care.
- Keep the Area Clean and Dry
- For the first 24 hours, avoid getting your eyebrows wet. This includes avoiding activities like swimming, intense workouts that cause sweating, or washing your face directly over the brows. Water can dilute the pigment and cause premature fading or scabbing.
- After the initial 24 hours, you can gently cleanse the area using a damp cotton pad and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Be gentle—pat, don’t rub.
- Avoid Touching Your Brows
- Resist the urge to touch your brows. Touching can transfer bacteria and lead to infections or irritation, affecting the healing process. Only touch the area when cleaning, and ensure your hands are thoroughly washed before doing so.
- Apply Aftercare Ointment
- Your microblading artist will likely provide or recommend an aftercare ointment. Apply this sparingly as directed, usually 1-2 times a day. This keeps the area moisturized, which helps the healing process and prevents scabs from forming too thickly.
- Avoid using any products that contain fragrances, acids, or exfoliating agents as they can irritate the area.
- Avoid Makeup on the Brow Area
- Do not apply makeup, lotions, or other skincare products on or near your eyebrows for the first week. These products can interfere with the healing process and introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
What to Expect During Healing (Day 4 – Day 14)
As your eyebrows begin to heal, you’ll notice several changes in their appearance. These changes are normal but can be concerning if you’re not prepared for them.
- Flaking and Scabbing
- Around days 3 to 7, your eyebrows may start to flake or scab. This is part of the natural healing process as the skin regenerates and sheds dead cells. It’s crucial that you do not pick at the scabs, as this can remove the pigment and create patchy spots in your brows.
- If your brows feel itchy, resist scratching them. Lightly tapping the area or applying the aftercare ointment can help relieve the itch.
- Eyebrows Darkening and Lightening
- Your eyebrows may appear darker than expected immediately after the procedure, but this is temporary. The dark color will fade as the scabs form and flake off, revealing a more natural, lighter color underneath.
- The final color will start to emerge after about two weeks, but it can take up to 4-6 weeks for your brows to fully heal and settle into their final shade.
- Avoid Excessive Sweating
- Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating, such as intense exercise, hot yoga, or steam rooms, during the first week. Sweat contains salts that can irritate the healing skin and cause the pigment to fade prematurely.
- Sun Exposure
- Protect your brows from direct sunlight or tanning beds, as UV rays can cause the pigment to fade faster. If you must go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face or use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (once the area is fully healed).
Long-Term Care (After 2 Weeks)
Once your eyebrows have fully healed, maintaining them requires minimal effort. However, proper care can extend the longevity of the pigment and keep your brows looking fresh.
- Moisturize Regularly
- Even after the healing process, keeping the skin around your brows moisturized helps maintain their appearance. Use a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin healthy without clogging pores.
- Schedule Touch-Ups
- Microblading is semi-permanent, and your brows will eventually start to fade. To keep them looking fresh, you’ll need a touch-up appointment. Most artists recommend a touch-up session around 4-6 weeks after the initial procedure, followed by annual touch-ups to maintain color and shape.
- Avoid Exfoliants on Brows
- Avoid using exfoliating products (like scrubs or acids) directly on your eyebrows. These can break down the pigment faster and cause the color to fade more quickly. Stick to gentle cleansers around the brow area to prolong the results.
- Sunscreen is Your Friend
- Sun exposure can cause the pigment to fade, so it’s essential to apply sunscreen on your brows whenever you are outside. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply as needed to protect your investment.
Common Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid
- Picking at Scabs
- Picking or scratching scabs can cause uneven pigment and potentially damage your brows. Allow them to fall off naturally to avoid disturbing the healing process.
- Applying Too Much Ointment
- While it’s important to keep your brows moisturized, applying too much ointment can block airflow to the skin, preventing proper healing. Follow the instructions provided by your artist and use the ointment sparingly.
- Skipping the Touch-Up
- Some clients make the mistake of skipping their follow-up touch-up appointment. This session is essential to ensure the color and shape are perfect, as the healing process can sometimes cause areas to fade unevenly.
- Exposing Brows to Water Too Soon
- Keeping your brows dry for the first few days is crucial. Many people accidentally splash water on their face during cleansing or showering. If this happens, gently pat the brows dry with a clean tissue or towel.
Final Thoughts
Proper aftercare is essential to ensuring your microblading results last as long as possible and heal beautifully. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy the full benefits of your new, perfectly shaped brows. From keeping the area clean and dry in the initial days to scheduling regular touch-ups, these aftercare practices will help your brows remain vibrant and flawless for months or even years to come.
Investing in microblading is not just about the initial procedure but also about maintaining the results with consistent aftercare. Taking the time to follow these guidelines will ensure you get the most out of your microblading experience, with beautifully healed brows that look natural and perfectly groomed.
