Successful microblading is a joint effort. Once the PMU artist has done their magic and you’ve left the PMU clinic, it’s your turn to contribute to the creation of your fabulous new brows by following the rules of microblading aftercare.
Towards the end of your microblading appointment, your artist will guide you through this process. But in case you’re curious about what to expect, we give you a detailed day-by-day guide through microblading aftercare.
The healing period takes from 4 to 6 weeks depending on your age and overall system, but your aftercare routine only lasts until the scabbing stage is over – from 7 to 14 days. Following the rules as closely as possible is necessary for the results to look crisp and for the skin to heal properly.
Everyone’s skin is different, so your artist might prescribe a customized aftercare routine which may be slightly different than the one described below. Make sure you follow this routine regularly.
Generally, clients with dry skin are directed towards the so-called wet healing which implies using an ointment after each wash, while aftercare for oily skin usually excludes the ointment.
In the first 24 hours after the treatment, your brows will be sensitive. Redness and some swellings are expected, and the strokes will probably look darker than you want them to. Don’t panic – the color will get lighter in the next few days as some of the excess pigment is shaded.
Aftercare in the first 24 hours comes down to cleaning the area very gently by patting it with a clean tissue, cotton pad, or gentle cloth. You can wet it slightly with water, just make sure everything that comes in contact with your skin is sterile so as to avoid infections. That means no makeup or skincare products.
The point of regular cleaning is to prevent the build-up of blood and lymph in the area. You may also notice traces of pigment on the tissue – this is normal and won’t affect the opacity of your brows.
The swelling should have subsided by day 2, but there may still be some redness and sensitivity which will go away by day 4. The color may look a bit darker than it did on day 1, but that’s all part of the skin’s regeneration process.
At this point, you should start cleaning the area 2 times a day with distilled water.
Your artist may also recommend applying a thin layer of aftercare ointment after every clean. The purpose of the ointment is not only to speed up healing, but also to create a thin barrier which will stop dirt and bacteria from coming in contact with your skin.
After the first 48 hours have passed, you can start wearing makeup on other parts of the face, but the brow area should stay makeup-free for at least 2 weeks.
The scabbing stage has begun. The golden rule here is not to pick at the scabs no matter how itchy they get, as you can remove the pigments and create patches which can be very difficult to fix.
Somewhere around day 7, the scabs will start flaking off. The strokes underneath may appear too light and patchy, but this is a normal part of the process. Once the skin has healed, the strokes will emerge.
The skin beneath the scab may also appear lighter than usual – this phenomenon is called milky skin. The new skin is always lighter than older skin, but it should blend right in after a few days.
Keep using the aftercare ointment as prescribed until day 10 has expired. The color should be just right at this point.
At this point, you can relax a bit and bring back some of your regular skincare routine. You can also start wearing makeup in the treated area again.
Here are some further tips for maintaining crisp results: