Microblading Aftercare: DOs and DON’Ts

Microblading is a permanent brow makeup technique that creates fine lines that mimic hair and create a natural-looking result. This service is often sought after to create a quicker routine in the morning for clients. While microblading does bring an effortless ease to its recipients, the aftercare and healing process can seem complex and intimidating.

Maybe you’re contemplating having your brows enhanced with microblading, or perhaps you’re an artist considering how to best have your clients navigate aftercare. No matter why you are here, we are happy to have you and hope this guide will simplify the dos and don’ts of microblading aftercare and the importance of following each one carefully.

The Importance of Microblading Aftercare

To ensure you get the most out of your microblading experience, aftercare guidelines must be closely followed. Failure to adhere to microblading aftercare dos and don’ts will likely result in less retention and possible infection. The skin goes through an extensive external and internal healing process, and each instruction or restriction is in place to ensure an ideal outcome.

So without further ado, let’s explore microblading after dos and don’ts together!

DO

Keep the area clean To prevent any infection, make sure to avoid touching the treated area. When washing/caring for your brows, always wash your hands well beforehand. Refrain from any activities that would risk your brows dirty.

Follow moisturized healing Moisturized healing, meaning using soap and an ointment during the healing process, helps prevent infection and promotes higher retention. Artists should invest in quality aftercare to provide clients like Bowler Esthetic’s Candy Cleanse and Healing Balm / Lotion. These quality aftercare products have a proven track record of increased retention and limited flaking.

Protect from the sun During the initial 10-14 days of healing, microblading should be protected from any direct sun. When outside, a hat should be worn, or you should remain in the shade. Once the brows are externally healed, a sunscreen specifically made for tattoos and permanent makeup, like Ink SPF, is essential to avoid lost vibrancy and premature fading.

Trust the process Skin is complex and goes through various stages throughout the healing process. Healing stages include a dark/bold stage, patchiness and potential flaking, a light stage, and color resurfacing. It is important to continue following all aftercare guidelines and to trust the process along the way.

Book your follow-up appointment Most artists recommend or even require a follow-up appointment 6+ weeks following an initial microblading appointment. To ensure your final brow goals are met, don’t forget to schedule your touch up!

DON’T

No sweating Avoid strenuous workouts and do your best to not sweat/get overheated in general. Your sweat glands are directly under where pigment is implanted in your skin. If you sweat, the salt in your sweat severely reduces your retention.

No swimming, hot tubs, or saunas Interacting with pool, lake, ocean, and/or hot tub water can negatively affect your brow’s retention and could cause an infection. Steam and heat from the sauna can cause sweating. If you are going to be around water, make sure you cannot be splashed and that you are not touching the water and later touching your brows.

No direct sun or tanning If you are going to be in the sun, wear a hat or stay in the shade; sunglasses alone are not enough protection. If you are exposed to the sun or tanning beds, your pigment will alter in color, and it will also affect retention.

No picking or scratching If you experience any flaking during the healing process, do not pick the flakes at all; let them come off on their own. If a flake comes off prematurely, you risk having a gap of missing pigment. If your brows itch during healing, you can tap or pat your brows with clean hands; do not scratch them.

No sleeping on side/face If you are a side or face sleeper, the contact of your brows on your pillow could cause irritation or premature flaking. A precaution to take can be to sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to avoid any friction on your brows.

No hot water or steam You can still take a comfortably warm shower, but it is recommended to leave the bathroom vent on to avoid steam, and keep your head tilted back so warm/hot water does not interact with the healing microblading.

No product, haircare, skincare, or makeup in/near brows Only use any aftercare products provided by your artist. Be mindful of hair products such as hairspray and dry shampoo. Try washing your face and applying makeup from the eyes down like normal; be cautious on the forehead and between brows. Do not allow foundation and any powdery products to accidentally get in the brows.

No pet hair, dander, or saliva in/near brows Be aware of the possibility of this happening if any pets sleep with you. Pets can carry bacteria, and interaction with the brows can cause an infection.

No abrasive material Avoid touching healing brows with anything abrasive like towels, wash cloths, and clothing. During aftercare washing, firmly and gently pat brows dry with something disposable like paper towel, gauze, or a cotton round.

Refer to this chart to remember general microblading aftercare dos and don’ts

Conclusion

Following microblading aftercare instructions is essential for achieving the best results from your appointment. By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you can ensure your new brows heal beautifully and have long-lasting retention. For more insights and tips on microblading, check out our other blog posts!