Microblading: Aftercare For Your Eyebrows - Healthline

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HealthlineSubscribeMicroblading: Aftercare and Safety Tips

Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — Written by Kathryn Watson — Updated on April 17, 2023

How long it lasts
What to know
Preparation
Procedure
Skin care routine
Outcome and costs
Complications
Takeaway

Eyebrow care after microblading typically includes following practices to keep the area clean and dry. You may need to avoid getting your face wet in the shower or activities that cause sweating.

Microblading your eyebrows involves a procedure that claims to improve the appearance of your eyebrows. Sometimes it’s also called “feather touch” or “micro-stroking.”

Microblading is performed by a trained technician, though the level and type of training varies by state. In addition to training, many states also require special licensing.

The trained technician carefully draws in brows using a special tool. The procedure, which uses a special tool to draw in the brows, essentially cuts into the skin of your eyebrows and implants pigment into the cuts. It involves hundreds of tiny strokes.

According to the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, microblading is a tattoo process, since it involves placing color or pigment on the skin in a semi-permanent way.

The end goal for most people is enhanced texture and color that looks natural.

How long does microblading last?

Microblading results can last anywhere between 18 and 30 months.

How long the procedure lasts depends on your skin type and preferences. Some skin takes to the pigment better, which is why the length in between procedures varies so widely.

The pigments used in microblading fades over time. Touch-ups can help with maintenance, though you may choose to wait until the pigment has almost completely faded and opt for the procedure all over again. This is a more expensive option than regular touch-ups where color is filled in as it fades.

What to be aware of

The tool used for the microblading procedure should always be a one-time use, disposable instrument. If you don’t see your microblading technician open a new one when it’s time for your appointment, ask for a new tool or leave your appointment.

While microblading is generally considered to be as safe as other forms of tattooing, there’s little medical research or clinical studies to back this up. It’s important to feel comfortable with the technician and in the space.

In addition to ensuring safe and responsible practices, you should also be aware of how your particular skin type might respond to microblading.

For example, a lot of microblading professionals believe people with dry skin will experience more satisfactory results than those with oily skin.

Also, some skin care products may impact the results or the length of time the procedure lasts.

If you choose to microblade your eyebrows, you may want to stop using the following in your skin care routine:

retinol
acids
fragrance
mechanical exfoliation
chemical peels
microdermabrasion

Preparation

The first and most important thing you can do to prevent a microblading infection is to research your technician. Not every state requires technicians to have a license.

If they aren’t licensed, request to see their occupational license or inspection from the health department. The presence of either of these accreditations indicates you’re being treated by a legitimate provider.

Procedure

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Illustration by Brittany England

Microblading involves the use of needles attached to a tool that creates lines resembling eyebrow hairs. During the procedure, pigment is manually (through the tool) placed on the dermis, the inner layer of skin.

In a way, it’s like getting a tattoo, but it’s not permanent.

Some people say it feels like eyebrow threading — a little uncomfortable but not painful.

The procedure typically takes about an hour, though it depends on both the individual’s eyebrows and the technician.

Skin care after microblading

Aftercare for the skin where microblading took place is similar to tattoo care, if a bit more intensive.

The pigment immediately following the procedure will appear quite dark, and the skin underneath it will be red. After all, needles are used to cut into the skin, so it’s typical to experience some redness and sensitivity immediately following.

About 2 hours after microblading, you should run a cotton swab dipped in sterilized water over the area. This will get rid of any excess dye on your brows. It will also keep the area sterile.

It takes anywhere from 7 to 14 days for the skin to begin to appear healed and for the pigment to fade to its intended shade.

Follow these steps to take care of your skin after microblading:

Avoid getting the area wet for at least 7 days. This includes keeping your face dry during a shower.
Don’t wear makeup for at least a week. This is because the pigments are still settling into the shallow cuts in your skin caused by the blading.
Don’t pick at scabs, tug, or itch the eyebrow area.
Avoid saunas, swimming, and excessive sweating until the area is completely healed and you have a follow-up appointment.
Keep your hair away from your brow line.
Apply any medicated cream or healing balm provided by your technician as directed.

After your skin is fully healed, you’ll want to protect your microblading investment by taking care of your skin. Applying a sunscreen to the microbladed area may help prevent fading.

Outcome and costs

The cost of a microblading procedure varies. The average cost in 2021 was $600.

Depending on your location and the technician’s rates, however, it may cost more or less. In-demand aestheticians or artists, as they’re sometimes referred to, may charge more based on demand and popularity.

The total cost includes two visits. The first is when the actual procedure takes place. A second visit, usually about 6 weeks after the initial visit, is for a touch-up. At this time, barring complications, the healing period will be complete and any areas where the skin didn’t take pigment may be corrected.

Potential complications

Infections of the skin due to irritation or allergic reaction from the pigment is a possible complication.

It’s common to have some pain and discomfort during the procedure, and you might feel a slight residual stinging afterward.

It’s not common to have severe pain in the affected area once you leave your technician’s office. You should pay careful attention to the microbladed area to see if it becomes puffy or raised. Any yellow-tinged discharge or excessive redness could be a sign of an infection.

If the area swells, continues to scab after 2 weeks, or begins leaking pus, you should go to the doctor immediately. An infection in the eyebrow area is especially concerning if it reaches your bloodstream, because the area is so close to your eyes and brain. You will need prompt treatment with antibiotics if you get an infection from microblading.

You should avoid microblading altogether if you:

are pregnant
are prone to keloids
have had an organ transplant

You should also be cautious if you have a compromised liver or a viral condition, such as hepatitis.

Takeaway

Microblading is when a trained technician draws in eyebrows to give them a fuller or darker appearance using a special tool. The procedure uses this tool to cut into the skin in the area of your eyebrows and implant pigment into the cuts.

Costs vary, and as with almost all procedures, there are possible complications.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

de Groot AC. (2013). Side-effects of henna and semi-permanent ‘black henna’ tattoos: A full review.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cod.12074/full
Fact sheet: Microblading. (n.d.).https://www.spcp.org/information-for-technicians/spcp-guidelines/microblading-fact-sheet/
Marwah MK, et al. (2021). Microblading and the science behind it.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7982014/
McIlwee BE, et al. (2018). Treatment of cosmetic tattoos: A review and case analysis.https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/Abstract/2018/12000/Treatment_of_Cosmetic_Tattoos__A_Review_and_Case.11.aspx
Tattoos & permanent makeup: Fact sheet. (2020).https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/tattoos-permanent-makeup-fact-sheet
Tierney E, et al. (2020). Koebernization secondary to microblading.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.13695
Vassileva S, et al. (2007). Medical applications of tattooing.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0738081X07001071

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Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — Written by Kathryn Watson — Updated on April 17, 2023

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