Microblading is a popular form of permanent makeup that fills in your eyebrows in order to make them look fuller and more defined.
It is performed by a qualified technician, who uses a special kind of tool that makes little cuts in the skin around your eyebrows.
This tool has several little needles, and these insert pigments into the skin in order to create fine hair strokes that mimic natural eyebrow hair.
If you have some balding areas around your eyebrows, leaving you with a few gaps, then microblading may be a good option for you. It is a great alternative to tinting and applying makeup every morning.
However, as microblading involves cutting into the skin, it is vital that you understand the healing process. This article will be guiding you through what to expect after your microblading appointment.
In this article you will learn:
- The day-by-day microblading healing process.
- How your brows will get darker and lighter during the healing process.
- What to do if your brows scab or flake.
- The do's and dont's while your brows heal.
Table of Contents - Click To
- The Microblading Healing Process Explained
- First Touch-Up
- Healing After Touch-Up
- Microblading Aftercare
- The First 14 Days After You Are Healed
- After 14 Days – Freedom
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to recover from microblading?
- How do I know if my microblading is healing properly?
- Can I wash my eyebrows after 7 days of microblading?
- Can I shower 3 days after microblading?
- What does microblading look like first week?
- What should microblading look like after 2 weeks?
- What helps microblading heal faster?
- What does day 3 of microblading look like?
- What should microblading look like after 3 weeks?
The Microblading Healing Process Explained
Source: BeautybyB
After your first microblading appointment, it’s perfectly normal for your new eyebrows will vary in appearance. The entire healing process will take around 25 to 30 days, as your skin needs to heal from the little cuts.
However, how long this process takes will depend on a few factors, such as your skin type, age, and overall health. In general, microblading lasts around 18 to 30 months, but you may need some touch-ups along the way.
Day 1 to 3: First Look And Sensations
The first few days after your session is when you’ll experience the biggest changes. Your eyebrows are going to look extremely dark, much darker than you first expected, as the pigment will be at its darkest, and will continue to darken throughout the next few days.
You may feel some pain and tenderness in your brow area,and you may notice some swelling and redness. Occasionally, there may be some slight bleeding. This is merely a reaction to the microblading treatment, as there have been little cuts made to your brows.
Occasionally, you may experience some oozing of liquid around the area. This is simply your body’s inflammatory response and will clear up within a few days.
Once you reach day 2 and 3, these feelings should begin to subside.
Days 3 to 5: The Darkness Deepens
Once you reach day 3, the tenderness and discomfort will begin to subside as the skin heals, but your eyebrows will continue to darken and appear thicker.
They may still look too bold for your liking, but it is important to remember that this will begin to fade significantly in the coming days.
Once day 5 comes along, you’ll notice some scabbing along your eyebrows. They may itch and begin to flake, but this is a good sign as it means your skin is healing.
Days 5 to 8: Flaking, Peeling, Color
From days 5 to 8, you’ll notice a lot of flaking and peeling. This is normal, as the top layer of skin needs to be shed in order for your new, beautiful brows to shine through.
There’ll also be some scabbing, and they may begin to feel extremelty itchy, but you must resist the temptation to scratch them and peel off the scabs, as this could interfere with the final result.
If you scratch or pick at them, you also run the risk of opening the wound, which makes you susceptible to catching an infection. As the flaking continues, the intense color will eventually fade.
Days 8 to 10: Where Are My Brows?
During this stage, your scabs may have covered your brows entirely, and you may notice the color fade significantly.
However, this is completely normal, as, beneath the wound, the ink is bonding to the lower level of the epidermis, and it will come through once the wound heals.
Days 10 to 14: They’re Back
In these next few days, your wounds will heal, and a new layer of skin will appear. You will now be able to notice your new brows, and tiny hair strokes, and your eyebrows will begin to look at lot more natural.
Days 14 to 21: Brows Are Looking Good
This stage marks your third week since your initial microblading session. By the end of this week, it will be very hard to tell the difference between the real hairs, and the tattooed hairs.
The color will have developed into the intended shade that matches your natural eyebrows, and the brush strokes will have blended nicely with your natural eyebrow hairs.
Weeks 4 to 6: The Finish Line
Once your first month has passed, your eyebrows will have recovered almost completely! Any pain or discomfort you felt will have vanished, and there will be no more flaking or scabbing.
Your new, wonderful eyebrows will look, soft, natural, and full!
The final part of the healing cycle can take place anywhere from around 4 to 6 weeks, so don’t feel frustrated if your healing is taking slightly longer than you anticipated – everyone has different skin types, and there are several factors that come into play when it comes to how long it will take for your brows to be completely healed.
First Touch-Up
The first touch-up can only occur once your eyebrows have healed completely. It usually occurs from the 6-week mark to the 8-week mark.
During this follow up appointment, your technician will check all areas of your eyebrows to check that you have healed accordingly.
They will also be able to touch-up on any areas that may have faded or re-shape any areas that need it.
It is also a good chance to ask them any questions about the procedure or aftercare.
Healing After Touch-Up
Microblading does fade as more time passes, so you will need to go for touch-ups every so often. This ensures that they will be looking full and defined for as long as possible.
Depending on how the pigment holds onto your skin, more frequent touch ups are recommended every 12 to 18 months.
You can expect a similar application and healing process to your initial appointment, but there is likely to be a much shorter healing time when it comes to touch-ups.
Microblading Aftercare
Being aware of the appropriate aftercare for your new and improved brows is crucial, especially during the healing process. This will ensure that your brows are headed in the right direction.
Cleaning
After your initial microblading appointment, your technician will give you strict instructions on how you should clean the area.
This step is very important, as the cuts are fresh and this is the stage where you are most susceptible to catching an infection.
Your first clean should take place around 2 hours after your initial appointment. Use water at room temperature, along with a mild, antibacterial soup and a cotton pad to gently clean your eyebrows.
Once clean, gently pat the area dry with a soft cloth. You must not scrub at your brows, or apply too much pressure during your first clean.
Lastly, it is vital that you clean your hands thoroughly before washing your brows in order to prevent infection.
Keep Them Hydrated
Just like you would for regular tattoos, it is important to keep your eyebrows moisturized and hydrated throughout the healing process.
Your technician will have given you a specific tattoo ointment or balm in order to soothe the area, reduce any redness and swelling, and ease discomfort.
On another note, if you have oily or combination skin, it is vital that you communicate this with your eyebrow stylist, as there may be a slight modification in the aftercare requirements.
You may also need touch-ups more frequently, as opposed to those with drier skin.
The First 14 Days After You Are Healed
Once your brows have healed, for the first two weeks you should avoid certain activities and certain products.
You should refrain from activities that will generate sweat, such as intense exercise, saunas, and hot yoga. If there is too much moisture on your skin, it can make you susceptible to catching bacterial, or fungal infections.
You should also be careful when washing your hair or face, as certain products can irritate the area, and lead to infection. If possible, try and avoid shampoos and conditioners from coming into contact with the microbladed area.
If any of your skincare products or makeup cosmetics contain glycolic acid or retinol, then refrain from using them.
To avoid bacteria or harmful particles from coming into contact with your brows, sleep on a freshly clean pillowcase the first night after your first microblading session.
After 14 Days – Freedom
The final step is here! Once the above 14 days have passed, and you haven’t encountered any issues, you can resume all of your regular activities.
However, you should still avoid using products that contain retinol and glycolic acid, as they could irritate the area. You should also avoid harsh exfoliation, in order to prevent your brows from fading too quickly.
Final Thoughts
Having your eyebrows microbladed is a wonderful procedure that will give you fuller, thicker, and more defined brows.
It is a great treatment to have if you’ve experienced bald, and thinning patches on your natural brows, as little brush strokes of pigment, are inserted into your brow area, in order to provide you with the shape, and thickness you like.
The healing process can feel extensive, however, due to the fact that you’ll need to wait for your brows to scab over, flake, and then heal. Throughout this time you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and redness in the area.
You’ll also need to clean them accordingly, avoid any activities that lead to sweating, and be extra cautious about what products you are using in the shower, and in your makeup and skincare. It is vital that you follow aftercare instructions given to you by your microblading artist.
While the healing process can seem intense, the result of fuller, thicker eyebrows that will last you up to a year is totally worth it. We hope this article has helped you understand the healing process of microblading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from microblading?
The recovery time for microblading can vary between individuals. Generally, it takes around 7-14 days for the initial healing process to complete. However, it can take up to 6 weeks for the skin to fully heal and for the color to settle.
How do I know if my microblading is healing properly?
If your microblading is healing properly, you should experience minimal swelling, redness, and discomfort. The pigment should also appear even and not patchy. Scabbing and flaking are normal during the healing process, but they should not be excessive.
Can I wash my eyebrows after 7 days of microblading?
Yes, you can wash your eyebrows after 7 days of microblading. However, it is important to be gentle and avoid getting the area too wet. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid rubbing or scratching the area.
Can I shower 3 days after microblading?
It is recommended to avoid getting the area too wet for the first 7 days after microblading. This includes avoiding showers, swimming, and sweating excessively.
What does microblading look like first week?
During the first week of microblading, the eyebrows may appear darker and more defined than the desired final result. The area may also be slightly swollen and red.
What should microblading look like after 2 weeks?
After 2 weeks, the color of the pigment should start to fade slightly and the area should appear less swollen. Scabbing and flaking may also occur during this time.
What helps microblading heal faster?
To help microblading heal faster, it is important to avoid picking or scratching the area, avoid excessive sweating, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keeping the area moisturized with a healing ointment can also help.
What does day 3 of microblading look like?
On day 3 of microblading, the area may start to feel itchy and scabbing may begin to form. The color of the pigment may also appear darker than the desired final result.
What should microblading look like after 3 weeks?
After 3 weeks, the color of the pigment should continue to fade slightly and the area should appear less swollen. Scabbing and flaking should have subsided by this point.
Kaija has been in the beauty industry for over ten years, with certification in Microblading. She has also been certified to do permanent makeup and brow lamination for five years.
She recently ventured out and got certified in lash extensions, lifts, and tints. Kaija strives to make her clients feel beautiful and enjoys sharing her beauty tips and tricks with those wanting to learn the ins and outs of the ever-changing beauty industry.