Microblading is becoming an increasingly popular permanent makeup procedure but, before jumping into it, it’s worth knowing the implications. Whether you already had your eyebrows done or are simply considering it, you might have a lot of questions popping up. How long does microblading take to heal? Is it normal that the color fades after a couple of days? What should you avoid doing?
Let’s find the answer to all these questions!
What is microblading?
To better understand the healing process, let’s first go over what microblading is exactly.
Microblading is a form of permanent makeup or cosmetic tattooing, often meant to make your eyebrows fuller, thicker, or reshaped. It is especially used when you have lost eyebrow hairs due to overplucking, chemotherapy, injury, psoriasis or other.
The procedure involves a special microblading tool making tiny cuts in the skin. Then, by inserting pigments into the cuts, the microblading artist recreates the appearance of eyebrow hairs, for a very natural look.
Since microblading involves tiny cuts in the skin, it’s important to understand the healing process. So, what is the healing timeline and what should you avoid doing during that time? Let’s find out!
Healing process timeline
Day 1-3:
For the first couple of days, your eyebrows look very bold and dark, maybe even too much. However, there is no need to panic! The color will be lighter later in the healing process and the redness you might see around the zone will subside in a couple of more days.
In addition, because of the tiny cuts done during the microblading process, your eyebrows may feel tender.
During that time, avoid touching your eyebrows with your hands or rubbing them in the shower.
Day 4-7:
As your skin slowly heals, your brows will begin to scab. You might experience some itchiness but, here again, you must not scratch your eyebrows as you risk reopening the wounds and rubbing off some of the pigments, resulting in patchy brows.
You can expect more scabbing, flaking, and peeling between the 4th and 7th or 8th day. As your brows continue to flake, the color will lighten.
Week 2:
After the first week, the flaking will gradually stop and the color might seem too light. This is because the pigments in the top skin layer have not yet darkened to the target color. You may also experience some patchiness but the hard part is almost over. The tiny cuts from the strokes should be closed by now but keep caring for your eyebrows by avoiding scratching or rubbing them.
Week 3:
Now that your skin has had time to heal, the color of your eyebrows should look more even and natural. The color should also be darker, creating more defined and fuller eyebrows.
Week 4:
After the past 3 weeks, your skin will be completely healed. The redness is fully gone and so is any pain or discomfort. Your eyebrows are fully healed and the color looks perfect.
After 1 month, you will go to the touch up appointment, allowing the artist to check on how your skin has healed and fix any areas that might still lack pigment.
And that’s it! The healing process is complete and your eyebrows look wonderful!
How long until microblading fades completely?
As Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup procedure, the pigments used in microblading fades over time. Results can last anywhere between 18 and 30 months, the exact duration depending on your skin type and pigment used as well.
With each year, the strokes will look lighter and lighter so it’s important to keep up with microblading regularly. Touch-ups help maintain a darker color but some people choose to wait until the microblading has almost completely disappeared before re-doing the procedure all over again. This is usually a more expensive option than regular touch-ups where color is filled in as it fades.
Many professionals such as Perfecting Touch offer discounted appointments after the first procedure so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money every time.
Potential complications
Complications due to microblading are rare but can occur. You should contact your microblading artist and a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Infections of the skin
- Allergic reaction
- Severe pain in the affected area
- Swelling and scabs after 2 weeks
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.
Conclusion
Overall, the microblading healing process is nothing to be afraid of. With only a few basic things to remember, your eyebrows will look amazing before you know it! Avoid scratching your eyebrows, wait a month after your first appointment and you should be all set! Plus, your microblading artist will be available for free touch ups should you need anything more!