Half of your microblading result depends on what happens in the chair. The other half depends on what happens during the four weeks of healing that follow.
We’ve seen flawlessly executed microblading sessions ruined by poor aftercare — and we’ve seen modest first-session results transformed into beautiful brows because the client followed every aftercare instruction precisely.
This guide is the aftercare protocol we give every microblading client at Olivia Yu PMU in Knightsbridge. It covers exactly what to do each day from the moment you leave the studio to the day of your touch-up appointment six to eight weeks later. It also covers what NOT to do — because most aftercare failures come from things clients did unintentionally rather than things they failed to do.
If you’ve just had microblading or you’re preparing for an upcoming appointment, save this guide and follow it carefully.
Why Aftercare Matters So Much
Microblading creates micro-cuts in your skin. Those cuts heal as small lines of pigmented tissue — but only if the healing process goes correctly.
During the first 14 days, your skin is essentially an open wound. Anything that introduces bacteria, lifts scabs prematurely, or disrupts the healing process can cause pigment loss (patchy results that require extensive correction), infection (rare but serious, can cause scarring), colour distortion (pigment shifting toward grey, blue, or red), uneven healing (some strokes retaining beautifully, others fading), or permanent scarring (when wounds heal poorly).
Conversely, perfect aftercare gives you the best possible result from the work that was done.
For context on the full microblading process and how aftercare fits in, see our microblading step-by-step guide.
The Two Aftercare Methods — Dry Healing vs. Wet Healing
There are two main aftercare protocols. Your artist will recommend one based on your skin type, the technique used, and their professional preference. Follow whichever method your artist recommends — they’re both valid when done correctly, but mixing them produces poor results.
Dry Healing
The brow area is kept completely dry for 7–10 days. No water, no cleansing products, no moisturisers, no balms. Any seepage is gently blotted with sterile gauze.
Best for oily skin, sensitive skin, and clients prone to scabbing.
Wet Healing (or Damp Healing)
The brow area is cleansed twice daily with sterile water or a recommended saline solution, then patted dry. A thin layer of recommended aftercare balm is applied 2–3 times per day.
Best for normal-to-dry skin, and clients with environments (gyms, hot climates) where keeping the area dry isn’t realistic.
For nano brows aftercare, the principles are very similar — see our nano brows tutorial for technique-specific differences.
The Day-by-Day Aftercare Protocol
This protocol assumes the wet healing method, which is what we use as the default at our studio. If your artist has prescribed dry healing, adjust accordingly.
Day 1 — The Day of Your Appointment
What to expect: Brows look dark, defined, and slightly swollen. There may be very minor pinpoint seepage of lymph fluid and pigment for the first few hours.
What to do: Gently blot the brow area with sterile gauze every 30–60 minutes for the first 4 hours to remove lymph buildup. Avoid touching the brows unnecessarily. Sleep on your back if possible (avoid pressing brows into the pillow). Take any prescribed pain relief if needed (avoid aspirin and ibuprofen — paracetamol is fine).
What to avoid: Getting the brows wet. Applying any makeup, skincare, or balm. Exercising or sweating. Alcohol (it thins blood and increases swelling).
Days 2–3
What to expect: Brows still look dark and defined. Slight tightness around the brow area. Possible mild itching as skin begins to heal.
What to do: Gently cleanse the brow area twice daily (morning and evening) with sterile water or the saline solution your artist provided. Use a clean cotton pad, gently dab, do not rub. Pat completely dry with sterile gauze. Apply a thin layer (and we mean thin — barely visible) of the aftercare balm provided by your artist. Continue blotting any lymph buildup throughout the day.
What to avoid: Submerging in water (no baths, swimming, saunas, steam rooms). Showering with the brow area directly under the water stream — turn your back to the spray. Sweating heavily. Touching brows with unwashed hands. Sleeping face-down.
Days 4–7 — The Scabbing Phase
What to expect: Scabbing forms over the strokes. Brows look crusty, dark, and possibly patchy. Itching may intensify. This phase looks worse than it is — trust the process.
What to do: Continue gentle cleansing and balm application twice daily. Let scabs flake off naturally. Resist the urge to pick, scratch, rub, or peel scabs.
What to avoid: Picking scabs at all costs. This is the single most damaging thing you can do. Premature scab removal lifts pigment out of the skin and creates patchy, uneven healing. Picking can also cause scarring. Also avoid sweating heavily, skincare actives anywhere near the brow area, and sunlight directly on the brows.
Days 8–14 — The Ghosting Phase
What to expect: Scabs have mostly flaked off. The remaining skin underneath looks very pale, patchy, or like the brows have “disappeared.” This is normal. The pigment is still there, deeper in the skin; it just hasn’t fully resurfaced yet.
What to do: Continue gentle cleansing once or twice daily. Discontinue balm if your artist instructs (some protocols stop balm at day 7). Begin to resume normal skincare on areas away from the brows. Stay patient — colour will return.
What to avoid: Panicking about the faded appearance (it’s normal). Applying makeup to the brow area. Direct sun exposure on brows. Aggressive exfoliation anywhere near the brows.
Days 15–30 — Colour Return
What to expect: Colour gradually returns as pigment resurfaces. By day 30, you’ll see roughly 90% of your final colour. Some unevenness is normal and will be addressed at the touch-up.
What to do: Resume normal cleansing and skincare on the rest of your face. Begin applying SPF daily over the brow area (very important for longevity). Note any areas that healed less evenly to discuss at your touch-up.
What to avoid: Retinoids, AHAs, vitamin C, or any exfoliating actives directly over the brows. Brow tinting, waxing, or threading until after touch-up. Picking at any final residual flakes.
Weeks 6–8 — Touch-Up Appointment
What to expect: Your artist assesses how the pigment retained, fills any sparse areas, refines the shape, and adjusts colour if needed.
What to do: Attend your scheduled touch-up appointment (it’s not optional). Communicate honestly about what you like and what you’d like adjusted. Restart the full aftercare protocol after the touch-up.
After the touch-up, your microblading is considered “set” and you can expect 12–24 months of beautiful brows with normal care.
Long-Term Aftercare (Beyond Week 6)
Once healing is complete and the touch-up is done, ongoing care is much simpler — but it determines how long your microblading lasts:
Daily SPF. UV exposure is the single biggest fader of PMU. SPF 30+ over the brow area, every day, year-round.
Avoid skincare actives over the brows. Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids accelerate fading. Apply these around the brows, not over them.
Limit chlorine and saltwater exposure. Pool and ocean swimming gradually fades pigment.
Avoid heavy sweating directly on the brows. Wipe sweat away rather than letting it sit.
Be careful with facials and microneedling. Always inform the practitioner about your PMU and avoid the brow area.
Book annual refresh appointments. A small touch-up every 12–18 months maintains the result.
Signs Something Is Wrong During Healing
Most healing concerns are normal. But contact your artist immediately if you experience pus-like discharge (clear lymph is normal; yellow/green discharge is not), increasing redness, swelling, or warmth after day 3, severe pain (mild discomfort is normal; severe pain is not), fever or systemic symptoms, or spreading redness beyond the brow area.
These are rare but indicate possible infection and need professional attention.
Aftercare Mistakes That Cause Poor Results
The most common aftercare failures we see:
– Picking scabs — the number one cause of patchy results
– Getting the brows wet too soon — lifts pigment before it sets
– Using the wrong balm — petroleum-based or unsuitable products can disrupt healing
– Applying too much balm — suffocates the skin and traps bacteria
– Sleeping face-down — abrades the brow area against the pillow
– Sweating heavily during the first week — combines moisture with bacteria
– Sun exposure — fades pigment significantly during initial healing
– Skipping the touch-up — leaves the result incomplete
Most of these come down to one principle: respect the healing process for the full 30 days.
For context on how all of this fits into the broader PMU journey, see our complete guide to permanent makeup.
## Common Questions About Microblading Aftercare
Can I shower normally? Yes, but keep the brows out of the direct water stream. Turn your back to the showerhead and avoid letting water cascade over your brows for the first 7–10 days.
Can I wash my face? Yes, around the brow area. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid the brows themselves for the first 7–10 days, then resume normal cleansing gradually.
When can I wear makeup again? Around the brow area: day 7. Directly on the brows: after week 4. Never apply makeup over scabbing brows.
When can I exercise again? Light walking from day 4. Moderate exercise from day 7. Heavy sweating exercise from day 14.
Can I sleep on my side? Yes, but try to avoid pressing the brow area into the pillow. A silk pillowcase helps reduce friction.
What if I notice patchy areas after healing? This is what the touch-up appointment is for. Take photos, note specific concerns, and discuss them with your artist at the touch-up.
Can I drink alcohol during healing? Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before and after your appointment. Beyond that, moderate consumption is fine but excessive alcohol can affect healing.
Your Aftercare Kit
A proper aftercare kit (provided by reputable artists) includes sterile saline solution or recommended cleanser, recommended aftercare balm, sterile gauze or cotton pads, written aftercare instructions, and emergency contact information for your artist.
If your artist doesn’t provide an aftercare kit and instructions, that’s a red flag. See our guide to choosing the best PMU artist in London.
Aftercare for Nano Brows, Lip Blush, and Other PMU
The principles in this guide apply to most PMU procedures with minor variations. Nano brows have a nearly identical aftercare protocol — see our nano brows tutorial for any technique-specific notes. Lip blush has a different protocol — see our lip blush aftercare guide. Permanent eyeliner has specific eye-area precautions that apply.
If you’re unsure which protocol applies to your specific treatment, your artist’s instructions take precedence over anything in a general guide.
Ready to Book Your PMU Consultation?
Beautiful microblading is the product of skilled work in the chair and committed aftercare at home. At our Knightsbridge studio, every microblading client receives a complete aftercare kit, detailed written instructions, and ongoing support throughout healing.
If you’d like to discuss microblading — or nano brows, if your skin type makes that a better fit — book a no-pressure consultation with Olivia.
[Book Your Consultation →]
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Internal Links From This Post:
– Pillar page: Complete Guide to Permanent Makeup in London
– Post #1: Microblading Step-by-Step
– Post #2: Nano Brows Tutorial
– Post #4: Microblading vs Nano Brows
– Post #5: Eyebrow Mapping
– Post #7: Microblading Correction
– Post #9: Lip Blush Aftercare
– Post #12: Best Microblading Artist in London
– Consultation booking page (primary CTA)