Here's what to do…
Keep brows clean and dry
“Avoid water for the first seven days to keep the area dry. Avoid washing your face directly over the brows and refrain from swimming pools. Also, avoid activities that cause excessive sweating during the initial healing phase,” says Suman. “If the brows do get wet, do not rub, just pat dry the area with a towel,” advises Jaimineey
Avoid sun exposure and all heat treatments
“This includes saunas, steam and sunbeds during the healing process,” says Jaimineey.
Keep your brows out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks," says Suman, and “after healing, use sunscreen on your eyebrows to prevent fading and the pigment to discolour,” she adds.
Do not touch, scratch or pick your brows
"Do not touch or scratch your brows during the healing process and avoid picking to prevent scabbing and potential infection," warns Suman. “If your brows do feel tight or itchy, just tap or pat them to relieve the itchy sensation,” says Jaimineey.
Avoid using makeup or skincare products on the brows
“You can gently cleanse using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser on surrounding areas, but avoid the brow area,” says Suman. Likewise, skip heavy moisturisers. “Stay away from thick creams or oils on the brow area,” she adds. As for makeup, “do not apply makeup directly on or around the brows for at least two weeks, as this can interfere with the healing process,” Suman says.
Refrain from any medical beauty treatments
"Don't schedule in any laser and chemical peels during the healing process," says Jaimineey. Suman also recommends avoiding facials for at least four to six weeks, post-procedure.
Limit Expression
“Try to minimise facial movements in the first few days to avoid irritation,” recommends Suman.
Change your pillow regularly
“The same goes for your eye mask. Make sure you have a clean set for the first week,” says Suman
Be alert for any signs of infection
“Watch out for excessive redness, swelling, or pus. If any unusual symptoms occur, contact your technician or a healthcare professional,” advises Suman.
How painful is microblading?
According to our contributor, Jade Moscrop, who tried the treatment to report back, “the actual process was uncomfortable, but not painful. If you've had a tattoo (I've got a few), the pain is way less than that of a tattoo. If you haven't been inked, for me it felt no worse than a light scratch. The only off-putting thing, if I'm honest, is the sound. You can hear the blade as it moves across your skin. But, a little less than two hours later and I was all done. The skin felt a little tender but there was no discomfort to write home about. Unlike tattoos, I didn't have any kind of stinging afterwards.”
How have microblading techniques improved over the years?
“Microblading techniques have evolved significantly over the years, leading to improved results, safety, and client satisfaction,” notes Suman.
This includes…
- “Development of high-quality handheld tools with finer needles allows for more precise and intricate strokes, resulting in a more natural appearance,” says Suman.
- Digital machines. “Some artists now use digital tattoo machines that provide better control and consistency in pigment application,” Suman says.
- Pigment formulation. “Modern pigments are often made from better quality ingredients, offering a wider range of colours that last longer and fade more naturally,” notes Suman.
- Allergy testing. “Enhanced formulations have led to fewer allergic reactions, with many artists recommending patch tests prior to treatment,” Suman explains.
- Hybrid techniques: "Combining microblading with shading (sometimes called microshading or ombré brows) caters to various client preferences and skin types, allowing for customisation in results," says Suman. Meanwhile, "nanoblading and micro feathered brows focus on creating a softer and more natural look," says Jaimineey.
- The rise in certified training programs: “This has led to better-informed technicians who understand skin anatomy, pigment selection, and proper application techniques,” Suman says.
- The growth of social media platforms: “This has enabled artists to showcase their work and gain feedback, pushing them to continually refine their skills and techniques,” says Suman.
How does microblading fade and how long does it take to disappear?
According to Jade, in the first few weeks after the treatment, “they were a little heavy at first, but after a few weeks, the colour settled down and even without the top-up, were absolutely perfect. There was some flaking, but it wasn't very noticeable.”
