Author: expert Ella Pill
@ella_permanentmakeup
21 years in the beauty industry. An expert in permanent makeup for Eyebrows, Lips, and Eyeliner.
Microblading is more than just a beauty treatment – it’s a semi-permanent tattooing technique that creates natural, well-defined brows by depositing pigment under the skin with fine strokes. While the procedure itself is quick, the healing process requires careful attention. Many clients underestimate that up to 70% of the final result depends not only on the artist’s skill but also on how well aftercare instructions are followed.
Brows that are cared for properly will heal evenly, retain pigment longer, and look fresh for months. On the other hand, neglecting aftercare can lead to fading, patchiness, or even infection. Let’s break down the most important steps and common questions about caring for your brows after microblading.
For the first 10–12 days, you should avoid getting your brows wet. This doesn’t just mean avoiding swimming or washing your face directly – even indirect water exposure, such as steam from a shower, can affect pigment retention.
Instead of washing your brows with soap or cleanser, use a damp cotton pad to gently cleanse the area in light, circular motions. This keeps the skin clean without disturbing the pigment.
After the scabs fall off and the skin closes (usually after two weeks), you can slowly return to your regular cleansing routine. However, always use gentle motions and avoid harsh scrubbing around the brows.
💡 Expert tip: Many artists recommend switching to lukewarm, not hot water, even after the initial healing, as hot water can dry out skin and shorten pigment life.
The first week is the most sensitive. During this period, it’s crucial to avoid water, lotion, soap, and makeup on the brow area. These products can interfere with pigment absorption and increase the risk of irritation or infection.
When washing your face:
💡 Expert tip: Even after the first week, avoid saunas, swimming pools, and tanning beds until your brows are fully healed (about 3–4 weeks).
After your treatment, your artist will usually provide an aftercare balm or recommend a specific ointment. Some prefer healing balms with antioxidants, while others suggest plain Vaseline or Aquaphor.
Key guidelines:
💡 Expert tip: Think of ointment as a “protective shield” for your brows. Less is more: the goal is to keep them comfortable and protected, not greasy.
The healing process is divided into stages:
On average, complete recovery takes 6–8 weeks, but age, skin type, and lifestyle habits (such as smoking or tanning) can speed up or slow down the process.
💡 Expert tip: Don’t judge your final results until at least 4–6 weeks post-procedure. Early patchiness usually evens out after healing.
Hands carry bacteria, so unnecessary touching should be avoided at all costs. For the first 4–6 weeks, the less you touch, the better.
You may need to apply ointment or gently pat the area – always with clean, freshly washed hands or a cotton swab. After your touch-up session, healing is quicker, usually about 7 days.
💡 Expert tip: If you feel the urge to scratch, gently press a clean tissue against the brows instead of using your nails.
Microblading is semi-permanent, meaning pigment will fade naturally over time. However, several factors can cause faster fading:
💡 Expert tip: To prolong results, always wear sunscreen (SPF 30–50) on brows once healed. Even in winter, UV rays affect pigment retention.
Microblading is not permanent. On average, brows require a touch-up every 12–18 months to maintain their shape and color.
However, the procedure can only be repeated about three full times before the skin may become oversaturated and stop holding pigment effectively. At this stage, many clients switch to techniques like powder brows or ombré shading, which are gentler on the skin.
💡 Expert tip: If you want to maintain brows long term, alternate between touch-ups and lighter maintenance techniques.
Cleansing is still important, but it needs to be gentle. From day 2 to day 10:
💡 Expert tip: Always wash the lower part of your face separately to prevent splashes from reaching your brows.
Your sleeping position plays a huge role in healing. Rubbing your brows against a pillow can remove scabs prematurely, leading to patchy results.
For at least 7 days:
💡 Expert tip: If you wake up on your side, don’t panic. Just make sure to check brows in the morning and gently apply ointment if the area feels dry.
Caring for your brows after microblading is as important as the procedure itself. The difference between crisp, long-lasting brows and faded, patchy ones often comes down to aftercare discipline. By protecting your brows from water, sun, makeup, and irritation during the healing phase, you give the pigment the best chance to settle evenly.
Follow your artist’s instructions closely, keep your skincare routine gentle, and protect your brows from harsh environments. With the right care, microblading can give you beautifully defined brows that enhance your features for well over a year.