When Can I Swim After Microblading?

Avoid swimming for at least 2 weeks. Then carry on as normal.

Why You Should Avoid At Least 2 Weeks?

1. Focus on Initial Healing

The first, two weeks post-microblading are crucial for:

Wound healing as skin cells regenerate around pigment strokes.
Pigment to settle fully within skin layers and scabs to fall off.

During this time, brows are:

More prone to bacteria from water sources like pools and lakes.
Highly susceptible to chemicals that can disrupt healing and fade pigment.
Likely still scabbing or peeling, which swimming or exposure to water can worsen.

2. Avoid Water at All Costs

Don’t go swimming – in pools, lakes, oceans or even bathtubs.
Skip showers in favor of gentle cleansing with moistened cotton pads or microblading wipes.
Pat brows dry with a clean tissue versus rubbing with a towel.
For extra protection, apply an occlusive ointment or aquaphor before and after washing face.
Cover brows with a hydrocolloid bandage for water-tight protection if needed.

3. Wait for Brows to Fully Heal

Only resume normal water exposure once:

All redness, swelling and discharge around brows has subsided.
Peeling and flaking of pigment strokes has completely ceased.
Color has settled fully within skin and appears even/uniform.

As an indicator, most swelling and peeling resolves within 7-14 days.

But wait longest – up to 2 full weeks – if healing is slower to minimize risk.

Monitor Your Brows’ Progress

1. Pay Attention to Peeling

The rate of peeling reveals how fast your brows are healing.

When peeling has fully resolved:

Any microblading-related redness/swelling has subsided.
Pigment has bonded fully to skin layers and won’t lift easily.

If peeling continues past 14 days: Wait another 1-2 weeks post-peeling to swim for extra precaution.

2. Reduce Redness and Swelling

Note the level of:

Redness/irritation around and between brows
Swelling that makes brows appear puffier than usual.

Once both have diminished by 50% or more:

Your skin has healed sufficiently to minimize bacteria risks.
Pigment has settled enough to withstand water exposure.

3. Monitor Discharge

A small amount of clear or whitish discharge 1-2 weeks post-procedure is normal.

But yellow/green fluid indicates infection: Put off swimming and consult your microblading artist immediately.

4. In Summary

Combine the following to gauge healing progress:

Rate of peeling slowing and nearing completion.
Level of redness and swelling significantly diminishing.
Lack of unusual discharge from brow area.

Together these signs point to:

Wound healing nearing completion.
Pigment adequately bonded within skin layers.
Residual fragility of freshly microbladed skin subsiding.

At this stage – typically 2 weeks post-procedure – it’s generally safe to resume water exposure slowly.

Plan For Future Touch-Ups

1. Schedule After Initial Healing:

Ideally, wait to swim until after your first touch-up , which is typically:

4-6 weeks post-microblading once brows are fully healed.

This gives pigment time to integrate fully before water exposure.

At your touch-up, your artist can:

Address any fading caused by accidental water exposure.
Reshape brows as needed to accommodate any post-swim changes.

2. Earlier If Needed

If brows fade noticeably from swimming sooner:

Schedule your touch-up 1-2 weeks earlier to restore pigment.
This helps balance out any unevenness caused by early water exposure.

But confirm with your artist that brows appear:

Fully healed from the inside out.
With pigment fully scattered and bonded to the skin.

Otherwise, wait until full healing to minimize infection risk.

The key is coordinating your:

Swimming plans – including type, frequency and duration of exposure.
Healing progress – based on reduced redness, peeling and swelling.
Touch-up needs – whether earlier or on the typical 4-6 week schedule.

With your microblading technician to optimize results post-swimming.

In summary, scheduling your initial touch-up after resuming water activities:

Allows fading to stabilize first before more pigment is implanted.
Gives your artist a baseline for any reshape or color adjustments needed.
But earlier touch-ups may be required if color loss is already concerning.

Ease Into Water Gentle

1. Limit Pool Time Initially

For first 1-2 weeks post-swimming abstinence:

Limit pool exposure to just 10-15 minutes.
This reduces chemical/bacteria exposure while gauging impact on brows.

Increase time in 5-10 minute increments each following week as long as:

No increase in redness, sensitivity or color loss is noticed.
Brows continue healing well with no signs of infection.

2. Favor Freshwater

Bacteria levels tend to be lower in:

Lakes, rivers, ponds versus chlorinated pools.
This means slightly less risk of infection for freshly done brows.

But avoid muddy waters which harbor more contaminants.

3. Apply Sunscreen

Use a broad spectrum SPF 30+ on brows any time spent outside.
Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming.
Consider a swim shirt/rash guard with built-in UV protection for extra coverage.

Overall, by starting slow with water exposure post-microblading:

You reduce the initial “shock” to freshly healed brows from chemicals and contaminants.
Any negative impact is minimized by limiting initial exposure times.
You can carefully gauge your brows’ tolerance over time before increasing activity levels.

The key is listening to your brows and healing progress:

Starting with gentler, lower-risk forms of water exposure.
Limiting time exposed at the beginning.
Gradually extending exposure times and types as healing continues.

In summary, the key to successfully resuming water exposure after microblading is to:

Wait at least 2 weeks to allow brows to fully heal from within.
Track signs of healing progress like reduced peeling, redness and swelling.
Schedule an initial touch-up after resuming swimming to address any color changes.
Start slowly by limiting time in chlorinated pools and favoring fresh water.
Apply ample SPF and protection while eyebrows are still healing.

By following these guidelines and gradually increasing water exposure and activity levels over
time, you minimize risks to freshly microbladed brows while optimizing longevity of results.

FAQs

1. Can I use coconut oil after swimming post-microblading?

Yes! Coconut oil can help replenish moisture and lipids in skin after swimming. Apply a thin layer to brows and surrounding skin after every swim during the healing process.

2. How much time should I wait before using a hot tub?

Wait at least 4 weeks before using a hot tub to minimize bacteria and chemical exposure while brows are still healing. High temperatures in hot tubs can also dilute pigment and reduce longevity.

3. Will seawater damage microbladed brows?

Yes, seawater can damage freshly microbladed brows due to its high salt content. Salt draws moisture from skin, causing color to lift prematurely. Best to avoid oceans, pools with salt systems for 4-6 weeks to allow brows time to fully heal and integrate ink.

4. How long should I avoid facial before swimming?

Avoid facials for at least 2 weeks after microblading to reduce risk of infection and irritation. The extractions and exfoliation involved in a facial can disrupt healing pigment strokes and cause color loss.

5. Can I use a neti pot after microblading brows?

Best to avoid using a neti pot for 4-6 weeks post-microblading. The saltwater solution can irritate open wounds and lifting brows while ink is still healing and integrating.