Microblading Healing Process:
What’s Normal and What Isn’t
Understanding the healing journey after microblading can help set your mind at ease and ensure the best results. Light scabbing is a completely normal part of the healing process, as it’s your skin’s natural response while it repairs itself and locks in the pigment. However, heavy scabbing is not normal and may signal an issue that needs attention, as it can lead to patchy results or compromise the final look of your brows. The healing process can come with its share of ups and downs, so I’ve created this guide to help you navigate with confidence. Learn what to expect, signs to watch for, and tips for maintaining beautiful, long-lasting results below.
Scabbing can be part of the normal healing process after you get your brows microbladed. What can freak people out is the fact that when a scab comes off it looks like it takes pigment away with it. This process leaves a "patchy" appearance to the brows.
Microblading requires me (and other artists) to make a small cut into the skin to the level of the dermal epi-dermal junction. This is the perfect place to set the pigment for lasting results,but also not deep enough to cause scarring or a permanent tattoo.
It is ok as long as the scabs come off NATURALLY and on their own. While the scabbing process is normal, your scabs may take some of your pigment with them as they fall off. This is the main reason that you shouldn't pick your scabs. Picking your scabs may result in a loss of pigment that may need to be re-applied. If you have a tendency to "pick" scabs or wounds, then you need to disclose this information to your stylist because they may change your healing process.
The entire scabbing process should only last about 5-7 days.
It usually doesn't start until around day 4 and continues till around day 12.
Absolutely not! Under no circumstances should you be picking or pulling at your scabs.
If you pick off your scabs then you may pull out the pigment along with the scab and then you will run the risk of losing all of the hard work you went through with your first visit. You MUST let your scabs fall off naturally (no matter how gross it may look or feel!).
If you have an issue with picking scabs/skin/etc. then please let your stylist know prior to your appointment.
Scabbing with dry healing vs ointment healing:
Scabbing using the dry healing method tends to be more noticeable and slightly worse than ointment healing.
My opinion is that dry healing results in a more crisp and beautiful result, but it also requires more patience during the healing process.
Ointment healing usually has less scabbing but your brows may not look quite as crisp.
Your brows WILL look patchy throughout the healing process.
And this is NORMAL. If your brows look patchy and abnormal or uneven after day 12-14 then that is abnormal.
It's not uncommon for your brows to fade slightly prior to your touch up (this is normal).
On average most people retain about 85% of their brows after their first appointment as long as they follow all of the aftercare instructions.
People who pick their scabs off prematurely may only have a 40-50% retention (which means you may need to start back over).
If your brows didn't "stick" or stay on after the entire healing process then your artist may not have gone deep enough to hit that sweet spot in the dermal epidermal junction.
This is assuming that you followed the aftercare instructions to the "T".
If your brows didn't stick after the initial visit then they will need to be re-applied during your touch up visit.
While some scabbing is normal you should not be experiencing heavy scabbing.
If you find that your brows are red and inflamed after day 5 with heavy scabbing then you may be developing an infection.
Infections may also reduce your pigment retention and they need to be treated quickly.
Normal scabbing should be light and flaky.
If your scabbing is heavy, red, inflamed or expresses a discolored pus then these are signs of an early infection.
If you develop this symptoms make sure to call your stylist immediately!
Remember that as long as you follow your aftercare instructions and avoid picking your scabs off your healing should be PERFECT.
Just make sure that you trust the process and you trust your stylist.
Make sure that you use your intuition during the healing process.
If something feels "off" or doesn't feel "right" then please reach out to your stylist for further direction.
It's really easy to snap a picture and send it to them for further evaluation.
It's worth the small time and effort to ensure that you have perfect brows.
Microblading Aftercare Instructions: Read Carefully
Daily Care Routine
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Morning and Night Cleansing: Gently rinse your brows with water. Splash lightly—avoid any rubbing.
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Drying: Use a clean paper towel to pat your brows dry. Be gentle.
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Applying Ointment: Once dry, apply a very small amount of the provided ointment (the size of a grain of rice for both brows). This can be done 2-3 times a day using clean fingers. The ointment should add a touch of moisture; if your brows look greasy, you’ve used too much.
Important Guidelines
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Avoid Wetting Beyond Rinsing: Except for the specified rinsing, do not let your brows get wet. Wash your face carefully to keep water away from the treated area.
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No Rubbing or Picking: During the initial recovery phase, your brows may feel ticklish. Do not touch or rub them, as this can cause infection. Peeling is natural in the second phase; avoid picking at dry skin, which can lead to uneven healing.
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Keep Hair and Makeup Away: Ensure your hair stays off your brows and avoid makeup on or near the area for at least 7 days. Be cautious with applying foundation.
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Use Only Recommended Ointments: Apply the provided aftercare ointment daily for 7 days, preferably in the evening before bed. Some clients may need to apply it twice daily. Jojoba or coconut oil can be substituted if necessary. Avoid petroleum jelly or Vaseline, as they may cause adverse reactions.
Activities and Products to Avoid for 10 Days
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No Water Exposure: Do not let water stream directly onto your brows; avoid showers hitting the brow area. Use a washcloth or cleansing wipes to clean your face carefully.
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No Sweating or Sports
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No Swimming
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No Hot Environments: Avoid saunas, hot baths, and Jacuzzis.
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No Sun Exposure or Tanning
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No Laser or Chemical Treatments: This includes Retin-A or Glycolic Acid products.
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No Picking or Peeling: This can cause scarring or pigment loss.
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No Heavy Cleaning Tasks: Steer clear of environments with airborne debris.
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Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These can slow down the healing process.
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No Open-Air Vehicle Rides: This includes convertibles, boats, bicycles, or motorcycles.
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Minimal Touching: Only touch your brows when applying the post-care ointment with a cotton swab.
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No Cleansers or Facial Products on Brows
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Do Not Use Other Ointments or Creams: This includes antibiotic creams or vitamin-based products, as they can interfere with pigment retention.
General Healing Information
The complete healing process can take up to 4 weeks, influenced by your body’s regeneration, age, immune system, and lifestyle. You may experience dryness or flakiness; do not rub or pick at these areas, as this can disrupt the natural healing and cause patchiness. If your brows get wet during recovery, gently dry them with a lint-free tissue.
Note: Post-healing, your brows may appear lighter than the original pigment. Touch-ups after one month are common to perfect the results and fill any areas that may have lost pigment due to natural skin regeneration.
Following these aftercare steps diligently will help ensure that your new brows heal beautifully and maintain their color and shape.
STUDIO LOCATION
11288 Ventura Blvd Suite G
Studio City, CA 91604
By Appointment Only