Tips To Help Your Microbladed Brows Go The Distance

Of course, not everyone wins the genetic lottery with eyebrows like Cara Delevingne or Arizona Muse. For some, there's the need to trim, fill in, and reshape their eyebrows regularly to keep them tapered and tidy. However, not everyone has the time or the steady hand to nail the job every day, which is why some choose to microblade their brows.

Microblading, as per Microblading LA, is the application of pigment in tiny, precise strokes that mimic natural hair to the epidermis to make your brows look darker. These hair-like strokes can blend perfectly with real eyebrows to create a more natural look than tattooed or drawn eyebrows. Although microbladed eyebrows are supposed to be semi-permanent, they can fade over time. Luckily, extra efforts in aftercare, like steering clear of exfoliants, can go a long way in holding the pigment and keeping the brows in mint condition for longer. Here are more tips to help you get extra mileage out of your microbladed brows.  

After the procedure, your microblader will advise you to keep the microbladed area dry for at least a week or until all the scabs flake off from your brow. You'll have to be extra careful to avoid water splashing onto your brows when you shower. To make it easier, dermatologist Dr. Rachael Cayce via TZR suggests covering your brows with Aquaphor to form a water-resistant barrier or pasting sheets of plastic wrap over your brows before showering. When taking a bath or showering, try your best to keep your head away from the water.

You should also avoid the sun and tanning completely. Following microblading, flakes, itches, and swelling are typical. However, you should avoid picking or scratching as this might drag off scabs and leave scarring. You need to keep your hands off your face and let the scabs fall on their own. You may need to refrain from exercising until the scabs come off since side effects might worsen, and your microbladed brows might fade quicker if they're consistently drenched in sweat, per Brow Industry. 

It's best to wait at least a week and a half after microblading, or until your microblader confirms that it is safe, to apply makeup around your eyebrows. If you use makeup, you'll need to remove it with makeup remover, which might irritate or fade your fresh microblading.

To prevent pigment loss, you might also need to discontinue using exfoliants or any skincare product with AHA's or BHA's around brows for a couple of months or at least until the eyebrow expert gives you the all-clear (via Gameela Skin). You might also have to stop using retinol and Accutane, an acne-treating medication, for up to a year, per Brow Ink Microblading. In fact, most microbladers will advise you to stop using Vitamin A derivatives and certain blood pressure medications one month before the appointment because they can delay healing. If possible, try to book your appointment at least a month in advance so you know what you're signing up for and have time to prepare.

On day one following the procedure, you can clean your brows with a dry cotton pad every few hours to remove excess sebum or sweat. For about 2 to 10 days following the procedure, wash your eyebrows with an antibacterial, acid-free cleanser twice a day. Then, between 3 to 10 days after, follow with a microblader-approved moisturizer. Usually, you can start using sunscreen the first week after microblading, as per The Brows Academy, but make sure the product is pre-approved by your technician. If you have oily skin, use blotting paper on your brows to remove excess oil and help them heal faster, per Nicole Mansur Artistry. 

As for maintenance, microbladed eyebrows can last up to 30 months. However, touch-ups are needed once or twice a year, as per Healthline. If you skip scheduled touch-ups, the pigment on your microbladed area will gradually fade and you'll have to go through the microblading process all over again.

A microblading touch-up is a process where a microblade technician simply adds color to the faded parts of your eyebrows to make them look darker and richer again. Because the technician will only fill in the parts of the brows that need coloring, the microblading touch-up appointment is usually shorter and less expensive than a full-on microblading treatment. The downtime required for microblading touch-up is thus shorter and less meticulous than the original treatment.   

When it comes to microblading, every person may have a different healing process. The aftercare tips for someone with dry skin might differ from those meant for oily skin. Depending on your skin type, your microblade expert might prescribe you creams that help facilitate your healing process. Therefore, it's important to follow your technician's aftercare instructions to a tee to achieve optimal results.