7 Important Aftercare Tips for Your Microblading Session

Microblading is a popular technique that offers beautifully shaped eyebrows, but taking care of them after the procedure is crucial for the best results. In this blog, we'll walk you through some essential aftercare tips to ensure your brows heal perfectly.

1. The First Few Hours

Right after your microblading session, your skin will be sensitive. It's important to keep the area clean and dry. Avoid touching or rubbing your new brows to prevent infection. According to a helpful guide on microblading recovery, the first 24 hours are crucial. Use a cotton swab dipped in sterile water to gently clean the area every few hours to prevent scabbing.

During this period, the pigment will appear darker, and your brows could be slightly swollen. This is completely normal and should subside within a day or so. Ensure you aren’t using any harsh cleansers or alcohol-based products. Additionally, it is vital to keep your face away from any direct water contact. This could mean skipping your usual shower routine and instead opting for a more cautious approach to keep your brow area dry.

For a worry-free start on this journey, don't hesitate to gently pat the treated area with a clean tissue to absorb any excess moisture as advised by BrowBeat Studio experts. This will help in preventing the hardening of lymph, a clear fluid that helps in cleaning wounds but can turn scabby if left unchecked.

2. Avoid Moisture

For the first week, keep your eyebrows dry. This means being extra careful in the shower and avoiding activities that cause sweating. Water can interfere with the pigment and healing process. The importance of this step cannot be emphasized enough, as highlighted in Healthline's comprehensive aftercare guide. By ensuring no water or moisture comes into contact with your brows, you are reinforcing the pigment absorption and overall healing.

If you are an active individual who indulges in strenuous exercises or activities, it's recommended to take a brief hiatus to allow your brows to heal uninterrupted. Instead, opt for milder activities that wouldn't result in sweat running down your face. Sauna sessions, swimming, and even long steamy showers should be off the table for at least a week following your treatment to avoid anything that could hinder the process.

3. Use the Right Ointment

Your technician will likely provide or recommend an ointment to aid the healing process. Apply it sparingly as directed to keep your brows hydrated without over-saturating them. It's important to follow the recommended guidelines for application. Brows by Whitney suggest using the aftercare ointment twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, using a clean fingertip to avoid introducing bacteria to the healing area.

When applying the ointment, ensure that your hands are clean and dry. A little goes a long way; about half the size of a grain of rice is sufficient for each brow. You don't need to slather it on thickly. The goal is to keep the area lightly hydrated to prevent cracking or scabbing, not to suffocate the skin. Remember, the skin needs to breathe to heal properly.

Regular application is crucial but ensure you are not over-moisturizing. Over-saturation can be as counterproductive as under-moisturizing, potentially leading to complications in the healing process. If you notice any irritation or unexpected reactions, cleanse the area with water and mild antibacterial soap, and consult with your technician immediately.

4. Avoid Makeup and Skincare Products

Steer clear of applying makeup or skincare products on or near your eyebrows for at least a week. These products can cause irritation and affect the healing process. Becker Plastic Surgery emphasizes the importance of avoiding anything that might introduce bacteria or chemicals into the treated area, as this can lead to infection or pigment loss.

The skin around your eyebrows will be particularly sensitive and prone to irritation. This automatically excludes products like foundations, concealers, moisturizers, and serums from your routine. Even natural or organic skincare products couldn’t be trusted around the fresh microbladed area as they could cause unforeseen reactions that hinder the healing.

To keep your skin healthy without risking your new brows, focus on cleansing the rest of your face while mindfully dodging the brows. Use clean cotton pads to apply gentle, alcohol-free toners, and refrain from exfoliants that might accidentally come into contact with your microbladed brows.

5. Stay Out of the Sun

Sun exposure can cause the pigment to fade more quickly. Wear a hat or sunglasses when stepping outside to protect your newly microbladed brows from UV rays. This straightforward yet essential tip is greatly emphasized by industry experts like those at The Art Of Ink Studio, highlighting the importance of UV protection. Extended exposure to sunlight can expedite the fading process, heading directly against the vibrant results you’re looking to maintain.

Consider using a high-SPF facial sunscreen around your brows—not directly on them—when you need to be outdoors. You could further safeguard your healing brows with accessories like broad-brimmed hats, which offer ample shade compared to typical caps. Be mindful of applying sunscreen only to the rest of your face and avoiding direct contact on your freshly microbladed area.

6. Avoid Picking or Scratching

You might experience some itching and flaking as your brows heal. It's essential not to pick or scratch, as this can lead to scarring or loss of pigment. As highlighted by BrowBeat Studio, the key here is patience. The formation of scabs and flakes is a natural part of the healing process, signaling that your skin is repairing itself and integrating the pigment.

Resist the urge to obsessively check, touch, or manipulate your healing brows. Constant touching not only irritates the skin but can introduce oils and bacteria that complicate your recovery. Instead, keep the area clean and allow the natural healing process to run its course. Small distractions like squeezing a stress ball or using a soothing essential oil spray can help resist the temptation to scratch.

Another vital point to remember is avoiding heavy facial expressions that could strain the brow area. Until fully healed, minimize facial movements that could stretch the skin, resulting in premature scabbing or flaking.

7. Follow Up Appointment

Don't forget to schedule your follow-up appointment. This visit allows your technician to touch up any areas that did not retain the pigment as well as others, ensuring your brows look perfect. At Everlasting Beauty, we highly recommend a touch-up session around 4-6 weeks post-procedure to solidify and perfect the results.

This appointment is critical as it allows for any adjustments in shape, stroke density, or color intensity that could better complement your features. Much like the initial appointment, a follow-up solidifies the durability and consistency of the pigment. In some cases, you might even desire slight color adjustments. The technician will help you evaluate the look and make tweaks accordingly, thereby ensuring that every stroke and shade aligns well with your skin and preferences.

A timely touch-up ensures longevity, preventing premature fading and ensuring that the pigment remains vibrant for longer. With proper touch-ups, you can enjoy the full benefits of your microblading investment, minimizing the frequency of future maintenance.