5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner About Microblading Eyebrows

Microblading is a semi-permanent beauty technique that creates perfectly shaped, natural-looking eyebrows. It has become a salvation for anyone with sparse, thin, or asymmetrical brows. I was thrilled with the initial results, but after the experience, I realized there were a few things I should have known sooner.

Here are 5 things I wish I knew sooner about microblading eyebrows, to help you prepare optimally for your own brow journey.

1. The Initial Result Will Be Very DARK and Then It Will FADE

I was mentally prepared for slight swelling, but I underestimated how dark my eyebrows would look immediately after the procedure. They appeared very large and dark, completely different from the natural look I wanted. About a week later, as the scabbing started, they turned into the opposite state: too light, sometimes foggy or slightly grayish.

What you need to know: The healing process takes time (about 4-6 weeks).

• Phase 1 (Day 1-7): Brows are dark and may be slightly red.

• Phase 2 (Day 7-14): Scabbing occurs, brows lighten and look patchy/flaky.

• Phase 3 (After 2-4 weeks): The color begins to return, looking natural and settled.

Do not panic during this "ghosting phase." Your brows will only be truly complete after your first touch-up, typically scheduled 6-8 weeks after the initial session.

2. Pre-Care is MORE Important Than I Thought

I knew I had to avoid certain things, but I wish I had been more strict.

Crucial things to avoid:

• Coffee and Alcohol (48 hours prior): These are natural blood thinners, which can increase bleeding/lymph fluid during the procedure, affecting pigment retention.

• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E, Fish Oil (at least 48 hours prior): Also blood thinners.

• Retinol/Vitamin A products (at least 1-2 weeks prior): They thin the skin, making it more sensitive and prone to damage/bleeding.

Note: The less bleeding your brows have, the better and crisper the final color and stroke retention will be.

3. After-Care Means MAXIMUM Dryness

I received the instructions, but I didn't fully grasp the severity of keeping the brow area COMPLETELY DRY. Any moisture (sweat, hot steam, water) can dilute the pigment, causing the strokes to blur, spread, or the scabs to come off prematurely, resulting in color loss.

Advice:

• Showering: Take quick, careful showers and avoid direct water or hot steam contact with the brows for the first 7-10 days.

• Exercise/Sweating: Absolutely avoid intense workouts or any activities that cause heavy sweating for 7-10 days.

• Ointment: Only apply a very thin layer of the after-care cream (provided by the artist) exactly as instructed.

• Do not pick/peel scabs: Let the skin exfoliate naturally, or you will pull the pigment out with the scab.

4. Skin Type Heavily Affects Longevity and Results

I have combination-to-oily skin, and I wish I knew that oily skin causes the pigment to fade faster and the strokes tend to blur and lose their crispness sooner than on dry/normal skin.

For oily skin:

• Results might only last 12-18 months instead of 18-30 months.

• You should consider Combo Brows (microblading and shading combined) or Powder Brows for better color retention and less blurring of the strokes.

• Touch-ups might be needed sooner.

5. Choosing the Right Artist is More Important Than The Price

This is an investment in your face, and the difference between a highly skilled artist and a novice is immense. I didn't research the artist's reputation and portfolio thoroughly enough.

How to choose wisely:

• Portfolio: Look at healed photos, not just "freshly done" pictures. Healed photos show you the true color and crispness of the strokes after the skin has recovered.

• Hygiene & Licensing: Ensure they work in a clean environment and are licensed.

• Consultation: Do they take the time to map your face carefully, explain color theory, and offer advice based on your specific skin type?

Microblading is a wonderful experience when you are properly prepared. I hope these 5 points help you avoid the confusion I went through and feel more confident with your new brows!