A Complete Guide To The Microblading Healing Process
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Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup technique that can improve your brows’ shape, size, and proportion.
While the microblading healing process can be painful or uncomfortable, having brows on fleek 24/7 can be worth it.
Before you go through the procedure, it’s good to take some time to understand the healing process of microbladed eyebrows.
This is so you’ll know what to expect when it comes to aftercare, which can lead to a faster and more effective healing process.
Keep on reading for a complete guide to the eyebrow microblading healing process.
Table of Contents
What Are the Stages of Microblading Healing Process?
The process of microblading involves using a single blade with a row of fine needles. They create tiny cuts on your skin and deposit semi-permanent pigment to create hair-like strokes.
Compared to eyebrow techniques like henna tints, microbladed eyebrows can last up to three years. You no longer need to use different products to style your eyebrows daily.
For up to three years, you can wake up with thicker, fuller, and feathery brows.
Before that, you’ll have to deal with the microblading healing process. The timeline can vary depending on age, skin type, and overall health.
Generally, your skin can take about 25 to 30 days to repair. It will take six to eight weeks for your skin to heal completely. However, most uncomfortable side effects may already disappear around the one-month mark.
Here is an overview of the microblading healing stages as per our skin’s healing process:
- Stage 1 — Homeostasis: Immediately after microblading, your skin will go into emergency repair mode — specifically triggering blood clotting. The skin will create a dam to block further drainage, which may appear as scabs and flakes.
- Stage 2 — Inflammation: After 24 to 48 hours, white blood cells destroy bacteria and clear out debris. This paves the way for new tissue growth. At the end of week 1, there is an increase in growth factors and proteins. This attracts immune cells, which are essential for wound healing or repair.
- Stage 3 — Proliferation: This stage of the microblading healing process may last for 25 to 30 days. The skin continues to create new tissue to fill up and cover the micro-wounds.
- Stage 4 — Maturation: In this last stage, new skin tissue becomes stronger and more flexible. Collagen fibers start to reorganize, and this helps restore skin integrity. As the skin completely heals, your microbladed eyebrows will look softer, fuller, and more natural.
Microblading Healing Timeline
Now that you know the healing stages of microblading when considering our skin’s natural healing process, you might be wondering when exactly each stage occurs.
Just to be sure, here’s an overview of the microblading process timeline.
The microblading healing process won’t be the same for everyone. However, this day-to-day breakdown will give you a better idea of what to expect in the days and weeks after your microblading session.
Day 1 to 2
In the first 48 hours, your microbladed eyebrows will look very dark and bold. No need to worry as the pigment will eventually lighten by 30 to 40%.
Since the microblade creates tiny cuts or micro-wounds on your skin, your body will trigger an inflammatory response. This is one of the stages of microblading healing.
As such, you might experience the following side effects:
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Warmth
- Swelling
- Puffiness
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Oozing
These side effects may cause pain or discomfort, and bleeding may also cause panic.
However, these are signs that your skin is starting to heal itself. Just make sure to practice proper aftercare to avoid infections and other complications.
Day 3 to 4
You’ll notice that the redness, swelling, and other microblading side effects will slowly start to subside. The pigment on your eyebrows will also look lighter.
At this point, your microbladed eyebrows will start to scab and flake. This can be very itchy. Do your best to resist the urge to scratch or pick off the scabs.
Otherwise, you may interrupt the microblading healing process and cause complications.
Day 5 to 7
The micro-wounds on your eyebrows will continue to scab and flake. At this stage of the microblading healing process, the body prepares to make way for new skin. Avoid touching the area to allow the skin to heal naturally.
Your microbladed eyebrows will look lighter, softer, and more natural.
Day 8 to 10
In the second week, your microbladed eyebrows may be completely scabbed. This may cause the pigment to disappear seemingly. Underneath, though, the pigment is bonding to your epidermis.
Day 10 to 14
A new layer of skin will start to emerge. As this happens, the pigment on your microbladed eyebrows will also reappear. Hair strokes appear finer and more detailed.
Day 14 to 21
In the third week of the microblading healing process, the pigment blends seamlessly with your natural hairs. The microbladed eyebrows look fuller and more defined.
Week 4 to 6
During this stage of the microblading healing process, the side effects may have subsided entirely. There is no more pain or discomfort as the skin has almost completely recovered.
Your microbladed eyebrows look soft and feathery.
Week 7 to 8
At this point, your skin has made a complete recovery. Your microbladed brows will look fuller and thicker but also more natural.
This will be the ideal time to schedule a follow-up session with your microblading specialist. You can touch up patchy areas, reshape, or color-correct if necessary.
This may cause micro wounds, but the healing process won’t be as long or intense.
12 to 30 Months After Initial Microblading
You may need yearly touch-ups to maintain the appearance of your microbladed eyebrows. This will depend on the quality and consistency of your aftercare routine.
How To Make Microbladed Eyebrows Heal Faster
As you go through the microblading healing process, here are some tips that will allow you to get the best results. Proper aftercare of your microbladed eyebrows can also make them last longer, which means fewer touch-ups.
- If you’re following the dry healing method, avoid getting the area wet, especially during the first week post-microblading. If you want to wash your face, use a damp washcloth and pat dry after cleaning. Avoid heavy workouts and other activities that make you sweat profusely.
- If you’re following the wet healing method, wash the tattooed area with purified water/saline solution every three hours on the first day, then apply the aftercare ointment after washing. Then on days 2 to 7, wash every morning and evening.
- Avoid touching your face. Bacteria, debris, and other contaminants from your hands may transfer to your face and cause the micro-wounds to become infected.
- Clean the micro-wounds properly and regularly. Use warm sterilized water or a saline solution and cotton swabs to avoid contaminating the area. Also, make sure to wash your hands beforehand.
- Apply ointment or balm religiously and liberally. Studies show that keeping the micro-wounds hydrated and moist can help speed up the healing process. This can also help reduce itchiness, redness, and swelling.
- Avoid using skincare products with active ingredients like exfoliants, astringents, retinol, acids, etc. for the next two weeks while your skin is healing. You should also avoid wearing makeup, especially eyebrow products.
- Avoid any skin treatments for the next six weeks. This includes waxing, threading, steam facials, saunas, chemical peels, lasers, LED light exposure, radiofrequency, and IPLs.
- Avoid sun exposure, as the UV rays can cause microblading pigment to degrade or change colors. You may need more touch-ups and sooner than what is normally expected.
- If you experience allergic or adverse reactions, seek medical attention immediately. Microblading issues may not only prolong the healing process, but they can also put you at risk of more serious health issues.
How To Make Microbladed Eyebrows Last Longer
Just like how the microblading healing process will depend on each individual, the longevity of microbladed eyebrows will also depend on your aftercare routine.
Here are some tips to help your microbladed eyebrows last longer:
Apply Aftercare Ointment
Before getting skin treatments with chemicals or lasers, apply the aftercare ointment provided by your artist to your microbladed eyebrows. This helps with the healing process, keeps the treated area moisturized, and minimizes the risk of infection.
Wear Sunscreen and Sunglasses
When out in the sun, wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and use protective gear such as sunglasses, umbrellas, and hats. This helps protect your microbladed eyebrows from harsh UV rays.
Avoid Saltwater and Chlorine
You can still have fun in the sun. However, if you plan to go swimming, note that saltwater and chlorinated water may cause microblading pigments to fade faster.
You can also use the aftercare ointment to prevent contact with your microbladed eyebrows.
Reduce Sebum Production
Oil can also cause microblading pigment to degrade. If you have oily skin, use skincare products that can help reduce excess sebum.
Choose an Experienced Microblading Specialist
Microblading is a relatively new procedure; not everyone may have adequate experience and training.
To get quality and long-lasting microbladed eyebrows, make sure that you go to a highly qualified microblading specialist.
They will know standard procedures for sterilization, sanitation, and aftercare for a smooth microblading healing process.
Understanding the Healing Process of Microblading
As a semi-permanent makeup procedure, microblading requires meticulous aftercare.
While most of us would love to wake up with perfectly shaped, feathery brows, you will first have to deal with the microblading healing process, which can be tedious and painful.
Aftercare not only helps hasten your recovery but also reduces your risk of potential complications such as contamination and infections.
For the best results, keep in mind all the tips and recommendations we’ve included in this complete guide to the microblading healing process!
With our day-to-day breakdown, you’re now better positioned to decide whether microbladed eyebrows are worth your while.
Still Not Sure About Microblading?
Here are alternatives to consider!
- Eyebrow Tinting Vs. Microblading: Which Is Right For You?
- What Is Nanoblading? How Is It Different From Microblading?
- Brow Lamination Vs. Microblading: Which Is Best?