Aftercare: How to Care for your New Microblading/Semi-Permanent Tattoo
It is important to note that each individual’s skin responds differently to the microblading treatment, so this guide is provided for informational purposes only.
Congratulations on your new 3D eyebrows! Your next step is to sit back, relax and do nothing! You read that right. Experience has shown us that the best results are achieved using the “do nothing” approach. We do recommend gently washing the treated area 2-3 times daily using lukewarm water and a disposable paper towel. After washing, pat it dry and stay out of the sun during the healing process. Also, do NOT apply any cosmetics to the treated area for a minimum of 10-14 days. The main objective is to let the treated area breathe and heal naturally. There is a chance that your skin might tighten up after a few days. If so, you can apply small amounts of plain, fragrance-free moisturizer. However, we strongly advise that if you do need to use moisturizer, do so sparingly.
What to Expect Following the Microblading Procedure
- Immediately after treatment, the microbladed area may feel a bit like sunburn, but the discomfort should be minimal. The color of your eyebrows will appear darker, bolder and have sharper definition. This can last up to a week while the initial healing (post-treatment) takes place.
- While the treated area is healing, there should be a minimal amount of skin dryness, scabbing and flaking. If you experience any of these, DO NOT itch or pick at the dry skin, just let it come off by itself.
- After the initial treatment, it will take about 6-8 weeks to complete the healing process. During this timeframe, your 3D eyebrows will soften and lighten, and once this time period has passed, the true color of your eyebrows will become evident. If after this time you are not fully satisfied with the color, another treatment can be scheduled to make adjustments.
What NOT TO DO After the Microblading Treatment
After the procedure, AVOID the following actions and activities:
- Applying any type of soap, body wash, shampoo or other cleanser for the first five days following the procedure. Other than that, you can (and should!) shower and bathe as normal.
- Picking or scratching at the flaky or dry skin. Let this skin fall off naturally as picking can cause the skin to scar and/or lead to premature loss of pigment. Important Note: Once the flakes have fallen off on their own, a shiny layer of healed skin will take its place. At this point, it may appear as if the color in your new 3D eyebrows has completely disappeared. Don’t worry!! As your skin regenerates, the color will begin to reappear slowly and take on a lighter shade. This will typically occur over the next couple weeks.
- Applying makeup to the treated area for two weeks following the procedure. Applying any kind of cosmetics can hinder the healing process.
- Applying Vaseline, Neosporin and other types of petroleum-based products during the healing period.
- Bleaching, tinting or dying the treated area for 4 weeks following the procedure.
- Applying anti-acne and skin-lightening products during the healing period.
- Applying anti-aging or facial products that contain Alpha Hydroxyls, Retin-A, Glycolic or Lactic acids.
- Working out and/or sweating for three days prior and one week following the microblading treatment.
- Threading, waxing or using hair removal products during the healing period.
- Swimming in pools, hot tubs/Jacuzzis or other bodies of water for two weeks following the procedure.
- Soaking your face underwater in a bathtub or spraying water directly from the shower to the treated area for two weeks following the procedure.
What to Do After the 6-8 Week Healing Period
Here are some tips for maintaining the success of the procedure after the healing period is complete:
- Limit exposure to the sun – too much exposure can cause the pigment to become faded or discolored. After the healing period is complete, you may apply sunscreen to the treated area. And when possible, wear a hat and sunglasses for added protection.
- If you go swimming and the microbladed area comes in contact with chlorine, rinse and dry the treated area thoroughly.
- Continue to avoid Glycolic acid and other anti-aging products as sustained use can cause the pigment to lighten.
- If you are planning to have laser hair removal or laser resurfacing treatment after the healing period, please let the technician know ahead of time, and use your best judgment in deciding whether to move forward with this procedure. Laser procedures have been known to lighten, darken or otherwise discolor the treated area.
After the treated area has healed completely, any adjustments can be made (if necessary) at your follow up visit, which should be no earlier than 6-8 weeks after the initial treatment.