After Care Instructions
Microblading After Care
Following your aftercare instructions carefully is the single most important thing you can do to protect your investment and achieve beautiful, long-lasting results. Please read this guide thoroughly and refer back to it throughout your healing process.
These instructions are for microblading (hair-stroke) procedures. If you had solid or powder brows, please see the Eyebrow Solid After Care page instead.
First 24 Hours
Immediately After Your Appointment
Gently blot the brow area with a clean cotton pad every 30–60 minutes for the first 2–3 hours to absorb any lymph fluid. Use a light dabbing motion — never rub.
After blotting, apply a very thin layer of the aftercare ointment provided. Use just enough to barely coat the surface — a thick layer traps moisture and can pull pigment out during healing.
Avoid all water on the brows for the rest of the day. When washing your face, work carefully around the brow area using a damp cloth.
Avoid touching your brows unnecessarily. Always wash your hands thoroughly before any contact with the treated area.
Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and anything that causes heavy sweating for at least 10 days. Sweat is moisture — and moisture is the enemy of fresh microblading.
Healing Guidelines
Do's & Don'ts
Do
- Keep the brows completely dry for the first 10 days — no water, sweat, or steam.
- Gently blot any lymph fluid with a clean cotton pad every 30–60 minutes on day one.
- Apply the provided aftercare ointment in an extremely thin layer once or twice daily — less is more.
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase; try to sleep on your back to avoid rubbing the brows.
- Let all scabbing and flaking shed completely on its own.
- Keep hair away from the brow area during healing.
- Once fully healed (4–6 weeks), apply SPF 30+ over the brows every day to protect the pigment.
- Attend your touch-up appointment 6–8 weeks after your initial session.
Don't
- Do NOT get the brows wet — no washing, rain, sweating, swimming, or steam for 10 days.
- Do NOT pick, scratch, rub, or peel any scabs or flaking skin — this pulls out pigment.
- Do NOT apply makeup, tinted brow products, or foundation over the healing area.
- Do NOT use skincare with retinol, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, or exfoliants near the brows.
- Do NOT expose the area to direct sunlight, tanning beds, or UV light during healing.
- Do NOT apply too much ointment — a thick layer traps moisture and can cause pigment loss.
- Do NOT have facials, chemical peels, laser, or microdermabrasion over the brows while healing.
- Do NOT submerge in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the ocean until fully healed.
What to Expect
Healing Timeline
Every client heals differently, but here's a general guide to what you can expect at each stage.
Dark & Defined
The hair strokes appear very crisp, dark, and bold — much more intense than the final healed result. Mild redness around the brows is normal. Some clear lymph fluid may weep from the skin.
Itching & Tightening
The skin begins to tighten and feel itchy as it heals. This is a good sign. Resist the urge to touch or scratch. Very fine scabbing may begin to form over the strokes.
Scabbing & Flaking
Thin, hair-like scabs form over each stroke and begin to flake away. The color underneath will look very light and patchy. Do NOT pick — let every flake fall off on its own.
Ghost Brow Stage
After the scabs shed, the strokes may look extremely faint, blurry, or almost invisible. This is the "ghost brow" stage — completely normal. The pigment is still there, sitting deeper in the skin.
Strokes Resurface
The hair strokes gradually reappear as the skin heals from within. Color begins to return, though it may still look uneven or softer than expected at this stage.
Color Settles
Pigment continues to settle into its true, healed shade. The strokes look more defined and natural. Any gaps or light spots will be addressed at your touch-up.
Touch-Up Appointment
Your follow-up session is scheduled now that healing is complete. This is when we refine the shape, fill any gaps, and perfect the color for your final result.
The Ghost Brow Stage — Don't Worry
Between days 7–10, your microblading may look almost completely gone after the scabs shed. This is one of the most common reasons clients panic — but it is entirely normal. The pigment is still present, sitting deeper in the dermis. As the skin continues to heal over the next 2–3 weeks, the strokes will gradually resurface and the color will return. Please do not judge your results during this stage, and do not book a correction appointment until at least 6 weeks have passed.
Know the Difference
Microblading vs. Powder Brows
Not sure which procedure you had? Here's a quick comparison to help you confirm you're following the right aftercare guide.
Maintaining Your Results
Long-Term Care Tips
SPF every single day
UV exposure is the fastest way to fade microblading. Apply SPF 30+ over your brows daily, even on cloudy days.
Avoid retinol near the brows
Retinol and exfoliating acids speed up cell turnover and will cause your pigment to fade significantly faster.
Book a color refresh
Most clients benefit from a touch-up every 12–18 months to keep strokes crisp and color vibrant.
Keep skin hydrated
Well-moisturized skin holds pigment better. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer on the brow area once healed.
Questions About Your Healing?
Donna is always happy to answer questions about your aftercare or healing process. Don't hesitate to reach out.