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The Best Aftercare Instructions for New Cosmetic Eyebrow Tattoos

When you reach a certain age, your eyebrows start to disappear.  I know it, you know it.  Anyone over age 50 is familiar with this frustration.  Many women jump on the bandwagon and get their eyebrows tattooed or microbladed.  I have considered having permanent eyebrows but haven’t taken the deep dive and had it done yet.  Before I jump in, I did some research.  Now you have a jump start and an idea of what to expect.  Here’s everything you need to know about microblading aftercare instructions for your new eyebrow tattoos!

The Healing Process

The first thing you’ll want to note here is that the healing process is not immediate.  It can take up to four weeks to see the final healed results.  Depending on how well your healing process goes, you can have your brows refined in a touch-up procedure (or touch-ups).

Many factors will affect your healing process after the initial procedure.  Every skin type is different, after all.  Do you have dry skin?  Oily skin?  How about your sweat factor (how much you sweat) and your skincare products.  Finally, if and how you follow your aftercare instructions will affect how your new brows heal.

Of course, you’ll get the best results if you have proper healing, so I can see why it is essential to follow the instructions provided in your aftercare kit.  In addition, all cosmetic tattoo procedures come with a hefty price tag, so you’ll want the best possible results. 

DISCLAIMER:  I am not a licensed esthetician, a doctor, a tattoo artist, or anything other than a Hip Grandma who is curious about brow tattoos and microblading.  Please check with your physician before undergoing this procedure.

Also, note that medical treatments such as botox, chemical treatments, or laser treatments to the face can affect the pigment used in microblading or eyebrow tattoos.  Please discuss this with your physician before you undergo any of these procedures.

When Your New Brows Look Different Than You Expected!

In my research, I discovered that it’s common to have a minor panic after your initial session.  Here are the most commonly reported concerns:

• 1 – My new brows are too dark and too thick.  I didn’t want giant caterpillars!
• 2 – Holy scabbing and peeling, Batman.  This is scary!
• 3 – My eyebrow tattoos have disappeared!

The important thing is not to panic.  On the day of your cosmetic eyebrow tattoo procedure and for the first few days, your brows may look thicker and scarier than you expected.  Repeat after me, “It’s okay!” 

There are several reasons this happens.  Your lymph nodes will retain excess lymph fluid while healing.  All that extra fluid will cause swelling, making your new brows feel thicker and puffier than you had anticipated.

Of course, now that extra lymph fluid will need to drain.  The tattoed area will ooze some clear fluid while it drains.  You do not want scabs to form, so most cosmetic tattooists will have you pat your new brows gently with clean tissue until the fluid stops leaking.  Keeping the treated area clean and dry will help the healing process.

Finally, it is also entirely normal for some of the lighter tattoo strokes to vanish under the new skin forming in your eyebrow area.  Don’t worry – those strokes will reappear within a couple of weeks as your brows continue to heal.

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Now that you know a bit about what to expect immediately following your initial procedure, let’s talk about proper care and how to get to the final desired result!

First 24 Hours

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol for the entire first day of treatment and 24 hours after your procedure.  Avoiding these everyday habits is a great way to begin the initial healing period.

Day 1

• On the day of the procedure, use a clean, dry tissue to blot the affected area of the eyebrows area every 15-30 minutes until you head for bed that night.
• Some tattooists will provide you with an aftercare cream.  You can gently apply this to your brows a couple of times throughout the day.  Use a cotton swab for this.  If you get too much on and it looks greasy or thick, gently pat some of the excess product off with a cotton pad.  Always use a light touch when doing anything in the procedure area, especially in the first week.

Days 1-5

• Do not use skincare products or makeup on or around your new brows.
• Do not work out or participate in activities that cause you to sweat.

Days 1-14

• Do not wash your new brow tattoos.  Of course, you may shower, and they may get damp, but do not wash them, scrub them, or rub them dry.  Gently pat them dry.
• Since we’re talking about showering, be sure not to take a scalding shower.  Warm is fine, but you don’t want to take super-hot showers.  That will open your pores, and the new tattoo pigment drains out.
• One more note about the shower.  Don’t blast your brows with high-pressure water from the shower head!  Keep your eyebrows out of the direct shower stream as much as possible.
• Of course, hot tubs and steam rooms are out for a couple of weeks since they will likely get your temperature up, open your pores, and cause heavy sweating.
• Avoid skin care products that contain the following products:  AHA, retinol, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.
• Treat yourself to a clean, new pillowcase at night.  Also, do your best to sleep on your back rather than your side or tummy.
• Do your best not to touch your new brows.  There will be light scabbing and peeling, but you don’t want to pick at them.  Let them fall off on their own.

After day 14

• Begin washing the tattooed area gently with warm or lukewarm water (not hot).  You can use cotton squares or pads to blot them dry.
• Book your touch-up session if needed.

Of course, any licensed esthetician will be available and open to your questions before, during, and after your procedure.  And I am no expert!  So be sure to follow the individual instructions provided to you on the day of your procedure throughout your healing process.

Eyebrow Microblading Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my eyebrows after 7 days of microblading?

Yes – you can wash them gently seven days after your microblading procedure and they have had some time to heal.  Use gentle antibacterial soap or a gentle cleanser meant for the face.  Use a very light touch and clean fingertips whenever you are handling your eyebrows.

How long does microblading last?

Microblading can last anywhere from 18 to 30 months.  You may need to have touch ups a couple of times per year.  You can make your follow-up appointment at the original time of your microblading treatment.  Ask your microblading artist what she recommends.

What is the downside of microblading?

Microblading is an expensive procedure and requires maintenance.  Microbladed eyebrows require the occasional touch up.  Also, some clients experience an allergic reaction to the numbing cream or the ink.

How painful is microblading?

The whole process is not as painful as standard cosmetic tattoos because your artist will use a numbing cream.  The short answer is that you will feel some discomfort.  The pain level will depend greatly on your personal level of pain tolerance.  The microblading healing process is not painful but requires attention to proper aftercare.

How soon after microblading can I wear sunscreen?

You can begin to wear sunscreen 7-10 days after your microblading appointment.  The best way to protect your new eyebrows from fading is to wear sunscreen over the microbladed area.  Of course, wearing sunscreen is always a good idea for your entire face to protect yourself and your brows from damage from sun exposure.

Wrapping It All Up

As women, we know that eyebrows are one of our most important facial features.  When we walk out the door daily, we want to feel confident and secure in our appearance.  A well-manicured set of eyebrows can do wonders to make a girl feel great!  You will also save valuable time and energy each day by not adding extra makeup!

If you’re considering a cosmetic tattooing procedure, be sure and do your homework—research salons in your area that offer this service and ask for referrals.  Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for ideas of who they have used or with whom they had a great experience.  Go in and meet with your esthetician.  Be sure you inquire about their license and training.  You don’t want just any jo-schmo tattooing your face. 

If you’ve had this procedure done, please share in the comments!  I’d love to hear all about it.  Do you love your results?  Would you do it again?

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