Microblading can give you amazing eyebrows, but it’s important to understand the healing process before you book your appointment.
Microblading is essentially a semi-permanent tattoo for your eyebrows, and the entire healing process usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks.
We’ve put together a guide to what you can expect during each stage of the healing process, including a day-by-day breakdown. Following aftercare instructions carefully is essential for getting the best results from your microblading procedure, so we’ll cover that too!
Understanding the Initial Days: What to Expect Immediately After Microblading
So, you’ve just had your microblading procedure. Here’s what you can expect in the first few days.
Day 0-1: Immediate Reactions Post-Treatment
It’s normal to have some redness, tenderness, swelling, and a feeling of being cut or bruised in the area. Your brows might even bleed a little bit.
One thing that surprises people is that the pigment looks darker than they expected. That’s because the pigment is mixing with blood and undergoing a process called oxidation.
Day 1-3: Brows Appear Darker Than Expected
During this phase, the color intensity will reach its peak. Don’t worry, this is a normal part of the process, and the color will soften over time.
At this stage, it’s important to gently clean the area with aftercare products that your technician has approved. Avoid using harsh cleansers or soaps, as these could irritate the skin and affect the healing process.
The peeling and flaking phase: Navigating days 3-7
Around day three, you’ll likely notice some itching around your freshly microbladed brows. And between days five and seven, the area will start to peel and flake. Here’s what you need to know.
Day 3-5: The itching begins (no scratching!)
Itching is a normal sign that your skin is regenerating, but it can be intense. Don’t scratch! Scratching could introduce bacteria into the area, leading to an infection, and it may also cause you to lose pigment.
Applying a thin layer of the ointment your technician recommended can help soothe the itch. You can also try lightly tapping the area with a clean tissue or cotton round.
Day 5-7: Peeling and flaking
During this stage, your eyebrows will begin to flake and scab. This is just your skin naturally shedding damaged cells.
Resist the urge to pick, peel, or rub the area. Allow the scabs to fall off on their own. Picking at them could cause scarring and loss of pigment.
The settling and regeneration phase: Days 7-30
After the peeling, you’ll enter a phase where the color seems to fade and then slowly returns as your skin heals.
Days 7-10: Post-peeling clarity
Once the scabs fall off, you might notice that the color underneath is lighter and less defined than you expected. This is because a new layer of skin is forming over the pigment.
Don’t worry; the color will gradually return as the skin regenerates itself.
Days 10-30: Color returns and skin heals
Over the next few weeks, the color will become more vibrant and even. The final color should be visible around week six to eight.
Continue to follow your aftercare instructions during this time. It’s especially important to protect your brows from sun exposure and excessive moisture.
What can affect healing and what are the potential complications?
Your skin type, age, and general health can all affect how well and how quickly you heal after microblading.
For example, if you have oily skin, the pigment may fade faster. If you have dry skin, you may retain the pigment better. Older people may heal more slowly. Certain medical conditions and medications can also affect healing times.
Although rare, infections and allergic reactions can occur. If you see excessive redness, swelling, or pus, contact your microblading artist immediately.
Sometimes, people experience hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). Often, your artist can address these issues during your touch-up appointment.
Touch-up appointments and long-term care
If you want the best results from your microblading, touch-up appointments are a must. You’ll typically schedule your first touch-up 4 to 6 weeks after your initial microblading session. This allows your technician to correct any fading or unevenness and make any adjustments you want.
After that, most people schedule annual touch-ups to maintain the shape and color of their microbladed eyebrows. How often you need these touch-ups will depend on your skin type and lifestyle.
To make your microblading last, protect your eyebrows from the sun, as sunlight can fade the pigment. You should also avoid harsh skincare products like exfoliants and retinoids on the treated area, as these can also cause fading.
In Conclusion
Healing after a microblading session takes time, patience, and consistency. Trust the process, and be sure to follow your artist’s aftercare instructions carefully.
Keep in mind that everyone heals differently, so your results and experience will be unique to you. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your microblading artist.
With the right care and attention, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting results from your microblading procedure.