What the science says about eyebrow tattoo aftercare instructions for microblading and semi-permanent brows – everything you need to know to about the healing process to achieve the best possible results, including the dry healing vs wet healing methods.
Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare Instructions Differ Between Salons
If you’ve ever had your brows microbladed in more than one salon or compared notes with a friend, then you’ll know that the recommendations for healing management is not consistent.
Having carried out my own research I don’t follow her recommendations – and I get amazing results every time.
I started getting microblading several years ago, and now consider it part of my self-care routine! I’ve used two different salons personally, and the advice I received was different at each – which is what prompted me to do the research for this post.
I trust my technician implicitly when it comes to giving me beautiful brows – I’ve stuck with her for several years now and have no plans to go elsewhere. But I am aware that the advice she gives regarding healing is not fully up to date, and because I don’t want to offend her, I’ve not said anything.
But, having carried out my own research I don’t follow her recommendations – and I get amazing results every time.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the different methods you can use for healing your brows after a semi permanent makeup procedure – and the best one according to science (and my personal recommendation).
Microblading Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare – Three Ways
The confusion and lack of consistency in recommendations is around wound management and aftercare. There are three common methods, any which you may be advised to follow depending upon your technician and when and where they trained.
Here’s what each one entails, and which is best according to research…
What is the Dry Healing Method For Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare?
If your technician trained a while ago, this is the method they’ll probably be familiar with and most likely to recommend.
There’s a misconception that wet healing refers to washing the tattoo, but that’s not the case.‘Wet’ actually means the application of a product which is used to support the healing process; thus dry healing means the absence of any product.
Dry healing is old school and if your technician trained a while ago, this is the method they’ll probably be familiar with and likely recommend.
Here’s how the dry healing method works:
Following your procedure, with a light touch, gently blot your brows with a clean tissue roughly every hour for the first day. This is to remove excess lymph fluids, which are produced and released when skin is broken.
Lymph fluid serves an important function: cleaning the wound, protecting it from bacteria, and helping to form a scab.
However, too much of this fluid will create undesirable thick scabs. If the scab forms too thickly, there’s an increased likelihood it may adhere to the pigment, pulling it away from the brow when it falls off.
Therefore, while the lymph fluid itself is a natural and important step in the healing process, for the best results, it’s necessary to prevent it from pooling.
After several hours, the fluid will stop being released, and what’s left on your brow will form into a thin scab.
As we’ve established already, dry healing means you will not be applying any product – however you will still wash the treated area daily with baby shampoo or a gentle soap and lukewarm water and a cotton pad. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Understanding the difference between them is crucial.
Here’s why this step is important:
Dry healing (without washing) is not consistent with the physiology of skin and how it heals. It is biologically not correct for skin to heal. The label of ‘dry healing’ implies a misunderstanding about wound healing itself.
Dr. Lisa Kellett, Celebrity Dermatologist
As ever, I wanted to verify this with studies you can look at yourself, and after a lot of scouring the net, I uncovered a National Library of Medicine article1 which details the importance of keeping wounds clean during the healing process.
What is the Wet Healing Method For Microblading Aftercare?
Wet healing can be done two ways, but understanding the difference between them is crucial, since one is strongly discouraged.
Wet Healing the Right Way
This method follows the same initial steps as dry healing. But then, instead of carefully avoiding water at all costs, you’re instructed to carefully wash your brows two or three times each day, before applying a think layer of aftercare cream provided to you by your technician.
Clean your brows with water and baby shampoo or a gentle soap, or you may be given something particular to use in an aftercare kit.
Wet Healing the Wrong Way
Remember the misconception I mentioned? Well, the ‘wet’ in this method refers only to the product used – and not cleaning your brows.
If your technician recommends this method, alarm bells should ring.
This method involves minimal effort: you should do nothing, except ensure your brows do not come into contact with water or any other fluid, including perspiration, until they are fully healed.
According to this method you must not swim or have any heavy workouts, and showers or baths should be performed very carefully, or even avoided entirely for up to a week after your tattoo procedure.
It’s a (terrible) combination of the misconception of dry healing, and the proper meaning of wet healing: where product is repeatedly applied – but the procedure area is never cleaned between applications.
So, even if you stick to using only the product recommended which is designed to support healing, you are still at greater risk of complications including heavy scabbing and infection.
Why?
Wounds need to breathe2. And caking product on day after day without ever washing away what was previously applied will ultimately prevent this vital step in healing – and potentially create the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
In other words, if your technician advises wet healing (using product) minus washing the area regularly – alarm bells should ring and you should not proceed with their recommendation.
Dry Healing vs Wet Healing (With Cleaning) – Which is the Best Method to Support Healing?
We know now that the second wet healing method is a terrible idea. But what about dry healing vs the proper wet healing method, which also involves regularly washing the tattooed area?
Based on my own personal experience, wet healing is the way to go. (Did I mention this applies only when it includes cleaning away product in between reapplication?)
It’s easy to appreciate why wet healing done the proper way is, without doubt, the optimum aftercare method.
In the end, anecdotal experience is not really all that valuable. So why should you choose wet healing over dry? Let’s take a look…
Optimum Microblading Aftercare 2022
According to research, all open wounds will eventually heal, if properly cared for. What this means in practice is:
- Wounds require adequate blood flow3.
- Exposed tissues must not be allowed to ‘dry and die’.
- Wounds kept moist heal faster and with less scarring than wounds that are allowed to dry out4.
- Infection should be prevented.
Naturally, cosmetic tattooing does not result in a deep, open wound, and therefore while using product is not mandatory, it remains desirable.
With all of the above in mind, it’s easy to appreciate why keeping your brows clean and applying product designed to support healing is, without doubt, the optimum aftercare method.
More Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
In addition to properly caring for your brows, there are certain activities you should avoid until they are healed. These include:
- Excessive sweating;
- Swimming;
- Hot tubs, or taking a hot bath or sauna;
- Hot showers and steam rooms;
- Direct sun exposure or salon tanning;
- Exposure to UV/UVA as they may cause premature fading of your brows;
- Chemical treatments or peelings, or laser procedures, and/or any creams containing glycolic acid or retin-A around the eyebrow area;
- If you have naturally oily skin, you can blot your brows between cleans to improve the final result of your microblading;
- Once brows are healed use a high factor sunscreen to prevent premature fading.
Also try to refrain from touching and picking the scabs on your brows – you’ll obtain the best result if you allow them to heal and fall off naturally.
As skin regenerates, the shade deepens.
For what it’s worth, following my research I’ve been way less cautious with the above list after microblading, and have suffered no ill effects. I’ve showered as normal and been to the gym without any issues, however this is not a recommendation, and something you need to make your own informed choice about.
What to Expect After Your Initial Procedure
The complete healing process should take around 4 – 6 weeks.
Immediately after the procedure and for the next couple of days, pigment will appear very strong and unnatural; don’t worry, this is just one phase of the healing process.
This is normal!
After a few days your brows will begin to scab, and during this time you may (are likely to) experience itching. Try not to give in to the temptation of scratching or peeling!
As the scabs on your brow start to lift, they’ll look like flakes of dry skin or dandruff. You’ll also notice a patchy appearance to your brows, with the new skin underneath looking much lighter. Again, don’t panic – this is not loss of colour!
As skin regenerates, the shade deepens again to its true color and a more natural finish.
Depending on your age and skin type which can affect how the skin heals, following your initial session you may have some loss of pigment where the colour doesn’t properly ‘take’, leaving you with some patchiness. This is normal, but can be improved by following the proper care guidelines and refraining from picking!
Nevertheless, any necessary adjustments are what touch ups are for, and any remaining patchiness after your brows have fully healed will be filled in during your second appointment.
Enjoy your new brows!
Eyebrow Tattoo FAQ
Here are a few more popular questions about microblading aftercare…
1. How should I prepare for a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo?
Microblading instructions are in part for your comfort and safety, and also to ensure the best possible results once your brows have healed. Failing to follow pre-care guidelines can lead to increased skin sensitivity and excessive bleeding, and ultimately poor results.
Follow these micro blading eyebrow tattoo pre-care guidelines leading up to the day of the procedure:
- No treatments for four weeks prior to your appointment, including facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, chemical peels and laser treatments.
- No cosmetic injections on the forehead for two weeks prior to your treatment.
- Skin should be free of blemishes, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Current recommendations are to stop taking Accutane medication for six months prior to any cosmetic tattoo as it can interfere with proper healing5, leading to delays and scarring. Note this is being challenged and may not be required, so consult your GP for clarification.
- Avoid supplements containing evening primrose oil, ginger, fish oil, glucosamine, and vitamin C for one week prior, as they can thin the blood and prevent proper implantation of the pigment.
- Discontinue blood thinning medications for 72 hours before your appointment, if safe to do so (check with your GP).
- Stop using anti-aging products for 30 days prior to treatment to prevent patchy healing of your tattoo. You may resume six weeks following your top-up procedure.
- Avoid tanning naturally or artificially for two weeks prior or your brows may heal poorly.
- Don’t work out on the day of your appointment since exercise increases blood flow and can cause increased bleeding during the procedure.
- Don’t tweeze, thread, wax, etc for one week prior to microblading. Doing so increases sensitivity, which increases bleeding.
- Do not consume caffeine or alcohol for 24 hours prior to your procedure for the same reason.
- Note that you will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.
2. When can I wash my eyebrows after microblading?
For the first day, blot your brows with a clean cotton swab every few hours. You can then wash them with warm water and baby shampoo or gentle soap in the evening. For each subsequent day you can wash them morning and evening.
3. Can I use vaseline on my eyebrow tattoo during healing?
It’s not recommended to use vaseline on your eyebrow tattoo during the healing process, since it can prevent oxygen from reaching the wound. Oxygen is vital for wounds to heal6, so while keeping the area moist (see above) is beneficial, it’s critical to use the correct product.
Your technician will likely provide you with a product which supports healing, and this is the only one you should apply to your healing eyebrow area.
4. How to keep microblading from fading?
Use a good sunscreen to protect your eyebrows and prevent the sun from bleaching their beautiful colour!
If you experience any concerns after your procedure, consult your GP immediately as it may indicate an infection or allergic reaction.
Sources
- Lalonde D, Joukhadar N, Janis J. Simple Effective Ways to Care for Skin Wounds and Incisions. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019 Oct 29;7(10):e2471. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002471. Erratum in: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Feb 24;8(2):e2727. Erratum in: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021 May 13;9(5):e3643. PMID: 31772896; PMCID: PMC6846309.
- Sood A, Granick MS, Tomaselli NL. Wound Dressings and Comparative Effectiveness Data. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2014 Aug 1;3(8):511-529. doi: 10.1089/wound.2012.0401. PMID: 25126472; PMCID: PMC4121107
- Lalonde D, Joukhadar N, Janis J. Simple Effective Ways to Care for Skin Wounds and Incisions. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019 Oct 29;7(10):e2471. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002471. Erratum in: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Feb 24;8(2):e2727. Erratum in: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021 May 13;9(5):e3643. PMID: 31772896; PMCID: PMC6846309
- WINTER GD. Formation of the scab and the rate of epithelization of superficial wounds in the skin of the young domestic pig. Nature. 1962 Jan 20;193:293-4. doi: 10.1038/193293a0. PMID: 14007593.
- Ungarelli LF, Hetem CM, Farina Junior JA. Is It Safe to Operate on Patients Taking Isotretinoin? Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2016 Feb;40(1):139-48. doi: 10.1007/s00266-015-0588-3. Epub 2015 Dec 18. PMID: 26686845
- Castilla DM, Liu ZJ, Velazquez OC. Oxygen: Implications for Wound Healing. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2012 Dec;1(6):225-230. doi: 10.1089/wound.2011.0319. PMID: 24527310; PMCID: PMC3625368