Did Your Microblading Get Wet? - Rachael Bebe

Microblading is one of those cosmetic procedures that can truly transform your look by giving you fuller, more defined eyebrows. But what happens if your microblading gets wet? 

The truth is, water exposure during the healing process can have significant effects on the outcome. Whether it’s fading the pigment, causing scabbing, or leading to infection, moisture is one of the main concerns for anyone who has undergone the procedure — and seeking a professional wet microblading recovery service can help restore and protect your results.

As someone who has been in the cosmetic tattooing industry for over 21 years, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial aftercare is. The better you take care of your brows post-procedure, the more stunning and long-lasting the results will be.

What Happens If Your Microblading Gets Wet?

Microblading, as beautiful as it is, requires care to maintain its stunning results. If your microblading gets wet during the healing process, it can interfere with the pigment’s ability to bond with your skin, leading to potential complications. Here’s what could happen:

1. Fading of the Pigment: Water exposure can loosen and dilute the pigment, causing it to fade faster. This is especially true during the first 7-14 days when the pigment is still settling into your skin. If you frequently get your brows wet, you may notice uneven fading, resulting in patchy areas that may need to be touched up.
2. Increased Risk of Infection: After the procedure, your skin is essentially an open wound. Introducing water, particularly from unclean sources, can introduce bacteria. If the area gets infected, it can not only affect the final result but could also lead to scarring or other long-term skin issues.
3. Excessive Scabbing: Too much moisture can lead to thicker scabs, which could be uncomfortable and, if picked off prematurely, might cause pigment loss. Scabbing is part of the healing process, but too much water can interfere with how the scabs form and fall off.
4. Prolonged Healing Process: If the treated area is regularly exposed to moisture, the healing time could be prolonged. This means you’ll be waiting longer to see the final, healed result, which can be frustrating if you’ve been looking forward to having perfectly shaped brows.

To sum it up, getting your microblading wet can result in fading, patchiness, longer healing, and even infection, which is why it’s crucial to follow aftercare instructions carefully. 

Keeping your brows dry during the healing phase ensures that your investment in your brows lasts and that you get the perfect, long-lasting results you were hoping for.

Understanding Microblading and Its Healing Process

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent procedure that uses a small hand-held tool to create hair-like strokes on the brow area, depositing pigment into the skin. The goal is to enhance your natural brows by giving them a fuller, more defined look. 

It’s different from traditional tattoos because the pigment is applied to the upper layers of the skin and not the deeper dermal layers. This means microblading doesn’t last forever, but with proper care, it can stay beautiful for up to 1-3 years.

The lasting power of microblading depends on several factors:

• Skin type: Oily skin types tend to see faster fading because the oil can push out pigment.
• Lifestyle choices: Things like frequent sweating, sun exposure, and even swimming can cause your brows to fade prematurely.
• Aftercare: How well you follow your aftercare instructions plays a big part in how long your microblading lasts.

The Healing Journey: What to Expect

The healing journey after microblading can take up to 4-6 weeks, and it’s crucial to follow your aftercare instructions to ensure your brows heal beautifully. During this time, you’ll notice your brows going through a few different phases. Here’s what to expect:

1. Days 1-3: Initial Appearance: Right after the procedure, your brows will appear much darker and thicker than they will be after they’ve healed. This can be a bit shocking for some, but rest assured, the color will lighten as the skin heals. The area may be a little red and swollen, which is normal and should subside in a day or two.
2. Days 3-14: Scabbing and Flaking: Around day 3, you’ll start noticing scabs or flakes forming. This is the skin healing and shedding dead skin cells along with a bit of pigment. It might get itchy, and this is completely normal, but don’t scratch or pick! Scratching can pull off the pigment and result in patchy brows or even scars. Just let your skin naturally shed.
3. Weeks 2-4: Lightening and Patchiness: As the scabs fall off, your brows might look a bit lighter or patchy. Don’t be discouraged! This is just part of the healing process, and your brows will gradually darken as the pigment settles.
4. Final Result (30 Days): By the end of the 4-6 weeks, your brows will settle into their final shape and color. A touch-up appointment is usually scheduled 4 to 8 weeks later to refine the shape, fill in any areas that may have faded, and perfect the pigment.

Can Microblading Get Wet? The “Wet” vs. “Dry” Healing Debate

When it comes to microblading aftercare, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether or not the microblading can get wet during the healing phase. There’s a bit of a debate in the industry about this, with different artists recommending different approaches.

The Dry Healing Approach

One popular method is dry healing, where you keep your brows completely dry for the first 7 to 14 days. This means avoiding all contact with water, even when washing your face. 

The theory behind dry healing is that by keeping the brows dry, the skin will naturally heal without interference, much like how a small paper cut heals.

However, dry healing isn’t for everyone, and some people find it difficult to avoid getting their brows wet. It’s essential to follow the instructions of your microblading artist, as they are trained to know what works best for their technique and pigment.

The Wet Healing Approach

Alternatively, some artists—especially those with medical backgrounds—suggest a wet healing method, where you start gently cleaning the brow area as early as Day 1 or 2. This is to prevent infection, excessive scabbing, and to help with overall healing. 

The main point of wet healing is to keep the area clean by gently washing it with a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap and lukewarm sterile water.

While both methods have their merits, water exposure is generally discouraged in the first 7 to 14 days because it can disrupt the healing process. If you follow the wet healing method, make sure you avoid soaking your brows, and be careful not to rub or scrub the area.

Why Water Is a Concern (The “Bad Wet”)

Even though water is essential for life, it can wreak havoc on your microblading if you’re not careful. Here’s why:

1. Loosens the Pigment: The pigment used in microblading sits on the surface of your skin. If exposed to too much water, especially during the first 7-14 days, it can loosen and cause fading or uneven healing.
2. Increased Infection Risk: If water gets into the microbladed cuts before the skin has fully healed, it can introduce bacteria, leading to infections.
3. Prolonged Healing: Water can slow down the skin’s natural healing process, causing extra scabbing or irritation.
4. Excessive Scabbing: Too much moisture can also cause more scabbing, and when scabs are picked off too early, they can pull pigment out of the skin, leaving you with patchy brows.

What to Avoid After Microblading: Key Mistakes to Steer Clear Of

Aftercare is critical, especially in the first 1-2 weeks. Here’s a breakdown of what to avoid to ensure proper healing:

1. Avoid Getting Your Microblading Wet

This is the most common mistake that I see with my clients. They underestimate how much moisture their brows can handle in the early healing phase. If your brows get wet accidentally, here’s what you should do:

• Pat them dry immediately with a clean tissue or towel to avoid water sitting on the area.
• Avoid direct water exposure from the shower or swimming pool.
• Stay away from steam from hot tubs, jacuzzis, or saunas.

2. Sweat and Exercise: Why It’s a No-Go

During the first 7-10 days, it’s essential to avoid any activity that causes excessive sweating. This includes intense workouts or activities like running or cycling. Sweat can push the pigment out of your skin and lead to irritation. 

You can still enjoy light exercise, but I recommend avoiding anything that gets you really hot and sweaty. If you do have to exercise, wear a sweatband to help keep sweat away from your brows.

3. Products: Skincare and Makeup

It’s so tempting to slap on makeup or your regular skincare routine right after getting your brows done, but certain products can interfere with healing. Here’s what to avoid:

• No makeup directly on your brows for at least 7-10 days.
• Avoid acid-based skincare like glycolic or lactic acids, retinoids, or exfoliants.
• No oil-based products on your brows, as oils can cause the pigment to fade faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Microblading Healing

After undergoing microblading, it’s crucial to follow the aftercare instructions diligently to avoid ruining your investment. While many of us think we can just carry on with our regular routines, the truth is, small mistakes during the healing period can have a big impact. 

Whether it’s getting your brows wet, using the wrong products, or picking at scabs, these seemingly minor actions can affect the quality of your final result. Here’s a list of common mistakes you’ll want to avoid and their impacts:

Mistakes and Their Impacts

Mistake	Impact on Microblading
Getting brows wet in the first 7-14 days	Can cause pigment to fade, leading to patchy or lighter results and may prolong the healing process.
Picking or scratching scabs	This can remove pigment, cause scarring, and leave uneven, patchy brows.
Using makeup on the brows too soon	Makeup can clog the pores, affecting healing and causing pigment to fade prematurely.
Excessive sweating or intense exercise	Sweat can push out the pigment, resulting in faded or patchy brows. It can also irritate the healing skin.
Exposing brows to direct sunlight	UV rays can fade the pigment and damage the skin, leading to premature fading of your brows.

Why These Mistakes Matter

I’ve seen clients who’ve made one or more of these mistakes, and unfortunately, the results aren’t always ideal. 

It’s easy to think that a little bit of water or scratching won’t hurt, but the consequences can last for months. The healing process is vital for achieving the best results, and these little mistakes can undo all the good work.

How to Safely Clean Your Microblading Area

If you’re following the wet healing method, it’s still important to keep your brows clean, but you must do so with care. Here’s how you can clean your microblading area:

1. Use a Mild Soap: Stick to a fragrance-free, mild soap like baby shampoo or Cetaphil.
2. Wash with Lukewarm Water: Rinse your brows gently with lukewarm, sterile water.
3. Pat, Don’t Rub: After cleaning, pat dry with a clean towel. Do not rub or scrub the area.

Sweat and Exercise: Keep Your Microblading Safe from Moisture

After the procedure, it’s tempting to dive back into your usual workout routine, but your brows need time to settle. During the first 7 to 10 days, sweat can damage the healing pigment. Here are some tips for those who can’t resist their fitness routine:

• Stick to light activities, like walking or gentle yoga.
• If you must sweat, use a sweatband to protect your brows.

Sun Exposure: The Silent Fader

We love our Australian sun, but it’s a major enemy to your microblading results. I’ve seen too many clients with beautifully shaped brows only to see them fade prematurely due to sun exposure. Here’s what you can do:

• Avoid direct sun exposure for the first 7 to 14 days.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses to shield your brows.
• After the healing process, apply SPF 30 or higher on your brows when outdoors.

Caring for your new brows after microblading may seem like a lot of work, but trust me—it’s worth it. By following the proper aftercare, you’ll ensure your brows heal perfectly and last for months. So, keep them dry, clean, and protected, and enjoy the results for a long time.