Microblading Aftercare: Essential Tips for Long Lasting Results
You may be considering microblading for perfect brows, but the real key to success is the care and maintenance that comes after. To achieve stunning results, it’s important to follow the process carefully. Unlike traditional tattoos that penetrate deeply into the skin, microblading only reaches the superficial layers, creating a more natural look that resembles real eyebrow hair. As a result, it requires special care and attention for optimal results. This semi-permanent cosmetic procedure simply enhances the appearance of your brows.
Why Is Aftercare Crucial In Microblading?
Remember to take good care of your eyebrows after microblading to ensure the best results and a long-lasting effect. Proper aftercare will help retain the pigment’s color and prevent premature fading, as well as ensure an even settling of the pigment and avoid any patchiness. Although different from getting a tattoo, microblading still involves a hand-held tool with tiny needles and can get infected without proper care. Good aftercare will help prevent infections and other issues that could affect the results. Keeping the area dry and clean, and avoiding sweat, will help maintain well-defined brows for a longer period. Aftercare is a critical part of the microblading process and directly impacts the quality, safety, and longevity of the results. Here are some basic points to guide you through the microblading aftercare process.
The Day Of The Treatment: First 12 Hours: Apply gentle pressure to the area using a clean tissue to absorb any excess lymph fluid. This fluid is a clear-like substance that may accumulate on the brow area. You may or may not have lymph fluid during this time. If you do, remove it to prevent it from forming into a thick dry crust. If the fluid is not removed, it may cause the pigment to come off with it when it dries and falls off, resulting in less-than-optimal retention and results. Repeat this process every few minutes until the lymph fluid stops secreting.
Days 1-10: Wash AM/PM with gentle Foaming: When you wake up, gently wash your face and brows to remove any bacteria and dead skin. Wash your face again at night before bed, but only outside of the shower. Use a gentle circular motion following your natural hair growth, and be sure to rinse well with warm (not hot) water. Afterward, pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow the brows to air dry as well.
Days 1-10: Moisturize : Remember to allow your brows to air dry for a minimum of 5 minutes before applying any ointment. Your brows should be completely dry before adding the ointment, so never put ointment on damp brows. Apply a very thin layer of ointment using a Q-Tip. Do not use your hands. The ointment should not leave a noticeable shine or film on the brows – you are only applying enough to moisturize.
Apart from these tips there are also a few additional tips that one needs to keep in mind after going through microblading:
The First 24-48 Hours: In the first 24-48 hours, avoid water on the brow area to prevent pigment loss. Also, you need to avoid touching the area or rubbing the brows. It is also advised to avoid using makeup near the brow area to prevent contamination.
- Cleansing and Moisturizing: You are required to gently clean the area using a damn cotton pad with sterile water in order to keep it clean and avoid it from getting infected. It is advised to clean and moisturize the brow area, at least 2-3 times a day.
- Things to avoid in the first week:
- Avoid activities that cause sweating, such as heavy workout sessions, as it can affect the pigment.
- Stay out of direct sunlight, as it can result in fading the pigment. If you go out in the sun, use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50.
- Avoid swimming or saunas, as they can cause the pigment to fade.
- Once the skin starts healing, it may become dry or develop some scabbing. Do not pick at it, as it may result in patchy pigment removal.
- The flaking Period: Please keep in mind that the flaking period typically lasts for about 14 days, but this can vary based on your immune system, stress levels, diet, and how often you dabbed your brows on the first day as directed (every 5 minutes for 1 hour, and then every 15 minutes for 6 hours). At this point, you may experience flaking, and your brows may appear patchy and uneven. Avoid picking at any scabs; let them fall off naturally. Picking at scabs prematurely can result in lost pigment. Once the flaking process is complete, your brows will appear light, possibly the lightest they will ever be. However, you are not ready for a touch-up at this stage. It will take approximately 30 days after the procedure for the final look to fully emerge. If you have oily skin, your brows may heal with a powderier look as the strokes blend together. Individuals who bleed easily, take blood thinners, or consume alcohol may require more sessions due to less pigment retention caused by blood getting pushed to the surface.
- The first Touch-up Appointment: The healing process is halfway done. The color and definition of the hair strokes will start to come back. You can now go swimming or head to the ocean, but be sure to protect your brows from UV rays by wearing at least SPF 30. The sun can fade your brows and make them turn blue or green, depending on your skin tone. Your brows should start to look soft and natural, blending well with your entire face. Keep in mind that after the recovery period (peeling), your brows may look lighter than before. This might make it seem like the color is fading too quickly. It’s normal for some original hair strokes to be lost, making the brows appear uneven. This is why most clients need a touch-up after 4-6 weeks. Avoid rubbing the treated area as it can disrupt the skin’s natural healing process.
- Long-term Care Tips: You are advised to use sunscreen to protect the pigment from UV rays. The sun can significantly fade your brows and turn them into unwanted colours, either blue or green depending on your skin’s undertone. Additionally, don’t use products with harmful chemicals or retinoids on the brow area. You are advised to only use the products given to you by your professional. Do not forget to showup for annual touch-ups to maintain the desired look.
So, now you have a brief idea about how crucial aftercare is in microblading for the healing process. Following the guidance of a professional will lead to better results for you. It is a 30 day process where the brow area needs to be cleaned and taken care of. Right after your procedure, your brows will appear darker, bolder, thicker, and more defined. This is because the pigment is sitting on top of your skin and has oxidized (darkened in color from exposure to air). The color of the pigment will gradually soften. Don’t worry if you see some pigment on the tissue, as this is excess pigment and/or lymph fluid naturally exiting your skin. Please remember to remove any lymph fluid or gooey substance forming on top of your brows. The color will gradually darken each day, and may end up being 50-60% darker than the initial result. Your brow may appear more solid, but this is normal. Following all the after care steps will make this journey a lot more safe and easy for you.
Remember to follow these aftercare tips to protect your investment and ensure that your brows stay flawless and vibrant for as long as possible. The journey to perfect brows doesn’t end in the studio—it’s the care you give them afterward that truly makes the difference. For personalized advice or to book your next appointment, reach out to us at Browlady Microblading Studio. We’re dedicated to helping you maintain beautiful, long-lasting results.