Keep the area clean and dry: Avoid getting your microbladed brows wet, especially during the initial healing period.

Microblading is a way to make your eyebrows look better. It’s sometimes referred to as the “feather touch” or “micro-stroking” technique by some peoples.

During microblading, a trained technician carefully works on your microbladed brows using a special tool. This tool makes tiny cuts in your eyebrow skin and inserts pigment into these cuts, often involving hundreds of small strokes.

It’s important to know that the training for microblading technicians and the rules can be different depending on where you are. Some places require special licenses.

The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals says that microblading is a type of tattooing. That’s because it puts color on your skin in a way that lasts for a while.

People get microblading to make their eyebrows look better with a natural color and texture. It’s a popular choice for those who want to enhance their brows.

How to Care for Your Microbladed Brows

Before Your Microblading Procedure

• No Alcohol 24 Hours Before:

This means you should avoid drinking things like coffee, tea, or alcohol the day before your procedure. These drinks can make your skin more sensitive, and you want your skin to be as comfortable as possible during the process.

• No Aspirin or Ibuprofen 7 Days Before:

If you take medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen when you have a headache or pain, try not to take them for a whole week leading up to your appointment. These medicines can make your blood a bit thinner, and it’s better if your blood isn’t too thin when you’re getting your eyebrows done.

• Stop Blood Thinners (2 Weeks Ahead):

Some people take medicines like Coumadin or Warfarin, and these also make your blood thinner. To avoid any extra bleeding during your procedure, you should stop taking these medicines at least two weeks before your appointment. This gives your blood a chance to get back to its regular thickness.

• Get a Good Night’s Sleep:

Before the appointment, ensure you get a night’s rest. This means having a full and restful night of sleep. When you’re well rested, you’re likely to feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.

• Arrive with Clean, No Makeup Skin:

When you come in for your appointment, make sure your face is all clean, and you don’t have any makeup on it. This is important because it makes it easier for the person doing your eyebrows to work on them. Clean skin helps the process go smoothly, and it gives you the best results.

After Your Microblading Procedure

To reduce scabbing, gently use a clean cotton ball with distilled water to pat the microbladed area a few times every hour throughout the day.

For the first seven days:

• The first question many people have after microblading is when can I wash my eyebrows after microblading?  Wash the microbladed area two times each day and then apply the microblading aftercare ointment.
• In the morning and at night, use your clean fingertips with a mild antibacterial soap, such as Cetaphil, to softly cleanse your eyebrows for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid using cleansers with exfoliants or acids (like glycolic, lactic, or AHA).
• The cleansing doesn’t need to be harsh; just gently rub the microbladed area.
• When rinsing, make sure to remove all traces of soap.
• Dry the entire eyebrow area thoroughly by gently blotting it with a clean tissue.
• Apply a small amount of the microblading aftercare ointment with a clean finger to the dry microbladed area. Don’t use the ointment if the area is still wet.
• Use a modest amount of ointment; it should be about the size of half a grain of rice for each eyebrow.
• Apply the microblading aftercare ointment twice a day after washing to allow the skin to breathe and follow its natural healing process.

Days 8-14 after Microblading:

During this time, you do not need to use the special ointment anymore. Just make sure to gently wash your microbladed brows every morning and night.

• Do not touch your microbladed brows except when washing or applying the aftercare ointment.
• Avoid scratching, picking, or peeling the area, as it can lead to scarring or color loss.
• Do not use makeup, moisturizer, lotion, or sunscreen on your eyebrows.
• Stay out of the sun, tanning beds, or any UV exposure.
• Skip any skin treatments like laser or chemical peels.
• Avoid intense exercise and activities that make you sweat a lot.
• Do not take long, hot baths or showers, and stay away from Jacuzzis, saunas, and swimming pools.
• Do not use creams with retinol or glycolic acid on your face or neck.
• Try not to do heavy cleaning that stirs up dust and debris.
• Limit your alcohol intake, as it can slow down the healing process.
• Be cautious in situations with strong wind, like driving with the windows down, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, or boats.After

14 days (about 2 weeks) 

After 14 days (about 2 weeks), you can resume your normal activities, but it is important to continue caring for your eyebrows after microblading. Avoid laser treatments, chemical peels, and any creams with retinol or glycolic acid, as these can damage the microblading and cause the pigment to fade. You should only consider these treatments after your microblading touch-up, and your lips are fully healed.

Long-Term Microblading Care

• Use Sunscreen:

When you are heading outdoors, especially on sunny days, it is a smart move to put some sunscreen on your eyebrows. Just like you protect your skin from the sun, your eyebrows need some protection too. Use sunscreen with a high SPF to shield them from harmful UV rays.

• Be Gentle:

After microblading your eyebrows are sensitive, so be gentle with them. Avoid using harsh chemicals or strong exfoliants near your brows. These can irritate the skin and might affect the color. So, when you are using skincare products, be careful around your eyebrow area.

• Keep Up with Touchups:

To maintain the impressive results of your microblading, it is essential to get regular touchup treatments. Over time, the color can naturally fade a bit, and touch-ups help keep your eyebrows looking their best. Your technician will recommend how often you should have these touch-ups, so make sure to follow their advice. It is a key part of maintenance to keep your eyebrows in top shape.

Additional Tips

• If you experience any redness, swelling, or discomfort after your procedure, apply a cool compress to your eyebrows.
• If you have any concerns about your eyebrows after microblading, do not hesitate to contact your practitioner.
• When showering, keep your face away from the shower head.
• Do not soak the treated area in the bath, pool, or hot tub. Refrain from swimming in salt water or a chlorinated pool until fully healed (30 days). No saunas or hot yoga for 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks).
• When exercising, wear a sweatband to avoid sweat on the brow area. No exercise for 7 – 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks).
• Do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight. After healing (30 days), use sunscreen to avoid fading from the sun. Sun exposure might cause the color pigment to fade away more quickly.
• Itching and flaking may appear during the first seven days following your microblading procedure. Do not pick at the brows. The flakes must fall off on their own or you will risk removing the color and scarring.
• Avoid touching your brows and be mindful of sleeping on your back until your brows have healed.
• No makeup should be applied directly on the brows during the healing process.
• If your eyebrows get wet during the healing process, pat them dry with a towel, DO NOT RUB.
• If you are having an MRI scan, please inform your doctor that you have had microblading/semi-permanent makeup done.
• If you are planning a chemical peel, or any other medical procedure, please inform your therapist of the procedure you have had. This type of procedure should only be done once the healing process from microblading is complete.
• If you are due to give blood after the procedure, please inform your nurse about the microblading treatment you have had as this might alter the results.

Cost of a Microblading Procedure

The cost of a microblading procedure can vary, but on average, it was around $600 in 2021. However, the actual cost might be higher or lower depending on where you live and the rates of the technician. Some highly sought-after estheticians or artists may charge more due to their popularity and high demand.

Sometimes people ask, do you tip for microblading?  We would respond simply by saying, do you tip your server when you go out to eat?

The total cost typically covers two visits. The first visit is when the initial microblading procedure is done. The second visit, which usually happens about 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) later, is for a touchup. By this time, the healing process should be complete, and any areas where the pigment did not take well can be corrected.

Final words 

Properly caring for your microbladed brows is vital to ensure they stay in their best shape. The steps are straightforward: guard your brows from the sun and apply sunscreen when outside to protect the color, handle them gently, avoid harsh chemicals, and make sure to get regular touchup treatments. These touchups keep the color vibrant and the shape exactly right. By following these measures, you can maintain your stunning eyebrows for a long time after microblading.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular sunscreen after microblading or do I need a special product?

You can use regular sunscreen, but it is an innovative idea to choose one with a high SPF level. This helps protect your brows from fading due to sun exposure.

        2. Is it okay to get microblading if I have overly sensitive skin?

Microblading can be suitable for most skin types, but it is essential to consult with a trained technician who can assess your skin and provide guidance on whether it is a good option for you.

        3. How long do the results of microblading typically last, and how often do I need touch-up treatments?

The longevity of microblading results can vary, but touch-up treatments are usually recommended every 1-2 years to maintain the color and shape.

        4. Can I go swimming or take hot baths once after microblading and my eyebrows are fully healed?

It is best to avoid prolonged exposure to water, like swimming, hot baths, or saunas, as it can affect the longevity of your microblading. Consult with your technician for specific guidelines.

        5. Is there any specific aftercare product or ointment I should use after I’ve had microblading?

Your technician may recommend a specific aftercare product, but in general, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals and use a mild, gentle cleanser and a high-quality, unscented moisturizer to keep your brows looking their best.

        6. When can I wash my eyebrows after microblading?

Wash the microbladed area two times each day and then apply the microblading aftercare ointment for the first seven days.

References

• Marwah, M. K., Kerure, A. S., & Marwah, G. S. Microblading and the science behind it. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 12(1), 6.
• Gandelman, M., & Epstein, J. S. Hair transplantation to the eyebrow, eyelashes, and other parts of the body. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics, 12(2), 253-261.

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