Microblading

Getting ready for your microblading appointment is just as important as the treatment itself. Follow these steps for the best possible results:

• Pause retinol & vitamin A — stop using any products containing retinol or vitamin A at least 4 weeks before your appointment, as these thin the skin and affect pigment retention
• Skip blood thinners — avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, aspirin, and fish oil for at least 24 hours before your appointment to minimize bleeding and ensure better pigment absorption
• Stop tweezing and waxing — let your natural brow hair grow in for at least 1 week prior so your artist can see your full brow shape
• No tanning — avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 3 days before your appointment
• Hold off on facial treatments — avoid chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments for at least 2 weeks beforehand
• Botox & fillers — if you've had injectables in or near the brow area, wait at least 2 weeks before your appointment
• Cold sore prone? — if you have a history of cold sores, please contact your doctor before your appointment to get a prescription antiviral medication (such as Valtrex) to take before and after your treatment. Any trauma to the skin, including microblading, can trigger an outbreak
• Arrive as you are — come with your brows in their natural state so your artist can map and design your perfect shape

Your brows will go through several stages of healing over the next 4–6 weeks — this is completely normal. They will appear very dark and bold at first, then soften, flake, and may even look lighter than expected. Don't panic — the true color and definition reveal themselves once healing is complete.

The First 24 Hours

• Gently blot the brow area with a clean tissue every couple of hours to absorb any excess lymph fluid — this helps prevent heavy scabbing
• Keep brows completely dry and avoid touching them

Days 1–14: Daily Care Routine

• Cleanse twice daily — using clean fingertips and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser (like Cetaphil), softly cleanse the brow area for 10–15 seconds morning and night. Always pat dry with a clean tissue — never rub
• Moisturize lightly — apply a rice-grain sized amount of your provided aftercare ointment (such as Aquaphor) with a clean cotton swab after each wash. Less is more — brows should never look greasy or shiny, as too much product suffocates the skin and delays healing. Never apply ointment to wet brows
• Let it flake naturally — itching and flaking are completely normal in the first week. Do not pick, scratch, or peel — this can pull pigment and cause patchy results or scarring

What To Avoid (First 14 Days)

• Water directly on brows — avoid getting brows wet outside of your gentle twice-daily cleanse. In the shower, keep your face away from the direct stream
• Makeup on the brows — no brow products, powders, or makeup directly on the treated area until fully healed
• Sweating — avoid intense workouts, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for 7–10 days. Sweat pushes pigment out of the skin and increases the risk of uneven healing
• Sun exposure — keep brows out of direct sunlight. Do not apply sunscreen directly on the brows until fully healed — wear a hat instead
• Skincare actives on the brows — avoid AHAs, BHAs, glycolic acid, retinoids, and exfoliants on or near the brow area

Long-Term Care

• Once healed, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily to protect your brows from fading
• Avoid chemical peels, laser treatments, and exfoliating acids directly on the brow area
• Schedule your touch-up at 6–8 weeks — this appointment is essential for perfecting your results
• Depending on your skin type and lifestyle, a yearly refresh is recommended to maintain color and shape

✨ Pro tip: Oily skin types may experience slightly faster fading — talk to us at your appointment about the best long-term maintenance plan for your skin.