For optimal results, most microblading experts recommend avoiding all tanning – whether from sun exposure or tanning bed use – for at least 4 to 6 full weeks after your microblading procedure. During this critical healing period, fresh pigment is still bonding, migrating and stabilizing in your skin.
UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds can have negative impacts like accelerating premature fading of pigment, darkening freshly deposited ink in an unnatural way, causing pigment to blur and migrate abnormally in healing skin and increasing risks of hyperpigmentation, raised scarring and infections.
The absolute safest time frame to resume any tanning activities after microblading is once your brows have fully healed – around 4 to 6 weeks post-procedure. This allows enough time for pigment to completely bond, ink to stabilize and all skin wounds to fully close.
You’ll also want to wait another 2 to 4 weeks after any touch-up appointment before tanning to allow those areas to heal. And until brows appear “healed in” with no scabbing, flaking or bruising remain, it’s best to avoid all UV exposure.
In this guide, we’ll cover the potential risks of tanning too soon after microblading, when tanning becomes safest, how to protect brows while tanning and tips to maintain your results over the long term.
The key takeaway is patience. Give fresh pigment a full month to stabilize and heal properly before exposing brows to UV rays. By waiting until brows are 100% healed, you’ll set yourself up for the best longevity and natural fading of your enhanced brow shape over time.
When Tanning Is Safe After Microblading?
The absolute safest timeframe for tanning or sun exposure after microblading is:
- Wait at least 4-6 full weeks after the procedure. This allows enough time for pigment to fully bond, stabilizing it and reducing risks of UV-induced damage like premature fading or darkening.
- After the touch-up appointment. If you have a touch-up scheduled 2-4 weeks post-procedure, wait another 2-4 weeks following that for the affected areas to fully heal before tanning.
- Once all scabbing, flaking and bruising has resolved. Even if it’s been 4-6 weeks, wait until brows appear perfectly “healed in” with no signs of active healing before exposing them to UV rays.
- When pigment is stable and brows are fully healed. The absolute safest time for tanning or sun exposure is once your brows have made it through the entire 4-6 week post-procedure healing period with zero remaining signs of scabbing, flaking, redness or irritation.
- Always protect brows with SPF. Even after waiting the full 4-6 weeks – or longer – always apply sunscreen specifically designed for eyebrows with SPF 30 or higher before any UV exposure.
In summary, for ultra-cautious clients, consider waiting at least 6 full weeks after your microblading procedure and any touch-up appointment before resuming tanning or UV activities. Apply dedicated brow sunscreen daily once you do begin regular sun exposure to protect pigment and prolong results. Patience during healing is key.
Risks Of Tanning Too Early
Here are the potential risks of tanning too early – before brows have fully healed – after microblading:
- Premature fading. The most common risk is accelerating fade of pigment that has not yet fully bonded into the skin. Unstable ink is more vulnerable to UV damage from tanning beds and sunlight that breaks down pigment cells.
- Unnatural darkening. Freshly deposited brow pigment that encounters UV rays too soon may undergo accelerated darkening that is often irreversible. This can result in brows that are permanently a few shades darker than desired.
- Pigment migration. UVA rays from both the sun and tanning beds can trigger movement and blurring of pigment still migrating and settling within healing skin. This can distort brow shape and soften defined strokes.
- Hyperpigmentation and scarring. Overexposure to UV rays while skin is still healing from microblading wounds raises risks of scarring, hyperpigmentation (brow dark spots), and uneven color caused by uneven UV damage to skin at different healing stages.
- Increased risk of infection. Unlike the sun, tanning beds use UV light instead of actual tanning. This means brows may not dry out sufficiently after salon use in their healing stage, raising risk of infection from trapped moisture in open skin wounds.
- Loss of dimension. Healing brows still require time to oxidize and develop the intended depth and dimension after microblading. Premature UV exposure can prevent this and result in relatively flat, one-dimensional ink.
- Poorer results longevity. Any UV-induced changes to pigment like darkening, mobility and fade that occurs before brows have fully healed lengths the time between future touch-ups needed to restore shape and color.
In summary, tanning – particularly in the first 1-4 weeks post-procedure – poses real risks to fresh microbladed brows still undergoing the healing process. By avoiding all UV exposure for the full 4-6 week window that full healing requires, clients ensure pigment stabilizes properly, fully bonds and achieves the best possible results and longevity. So patience truly pays off.
How To Protect My Microbladed Eyebrows From Tanning?
Here are ways to protect microbladed eyebrows from UV damage while tanning:
- Wait at least 4-6 weeks before tanning – This is the safest option to allow full healing and pigment stabilization before any UV exposure.
- Apply thick brow cream or balm with SPF 30+ – Look for a specialized brow sunscreen product which is thicker and sticks better to eyebrow hairs. Reapply often.
- Wear large, UV-blocking sunglasses – The shields should extend below the brow bone to fully cover eyebrows and block out UVA/UVB rays.
- Only tan minimally at first – Start with short, conservative initial tanning sessions and increase gradually after monitoring brows for any potential issues.
- Reapply sunscreen multiple times – Brow sunscreen needs reapplying every 1-2 hours and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. UV damage is cumulative.
- Avoid tanning beds – The UV light in tanning beds can still damage brows and increase infection risk. Stick with gradual, controlled sun exposure.
- Limit UV exposure long-term – Even after initial healing, aim to tan sparingly going forward and rely on touch-ups to maintain results between exposure “sessions.”
- Stay hydrated while tanning – Drinking plenty of water both during and after tanning helps skin heal from any minimal UV damage and moisturizes brows to guard pigment.
In summary, the most effective sunlight protection is delaying any tanning until brows are fully healed at 4-6 weeks post-procedure. Once you do begin exposing brows gradually, consistently apply a specialized thick brow sunscreen with SPF 30+, wear UV-blocking sunglasses, limit initial duration and reapply sunscreen frequently. Overall, moderation with both initial and long-term UV exposure will optimize how long your microbladed brows last.
What To Do If I Tan After Microblading?
Here are the steps to take if you tan or are exposed to sunlight before your microbladed eyebrows have fully healed:
- Stop tanning immediately – Avoid any further UV exposure until brows have completely healed, usually 4-6 weeks post-procedure.
- Pat brows dry – Gently pat brows dry with a soft cloth to remove any excess moisture from sweating during tanning. Avoid rubbing.
- Avoid washing brows – Resist the urge to scrub or wash brows, as this can worsen any pigment loss that may have occurred from premature UV exposure.
- Avoid applying products – Skip all lotions, creams and makeup on brows for at least 7 days to allow the skin to breathe and heal.
- Monitor closely for issues – Check brows frequently for signs of excessive fading, darkening, blurring or migrate of pigment that was not present prior to tanning.
- Seek touch-up sooner – If you notice significant changes to your brows from premature UV exposure, contact your technician about scheduling a touch-up 2-4 weeks earlier than planned to restore shape and pigment.
- Use sunscreen religiously – Once brows have fully healed, always apply a dedicated thick brow sunscreen with SPF 30+ before any future sun exposure to minimize long-term UV damage.
In summary, the best remedy for accidentally tanning too soon after microblading is simply avoiding any further UV exposure until brows have fully recovered, usually within 4-6 weeks. Gently pat brows dry and resist manipulating them. Monitor closely for potential issues that may warrant an earlier-than-scheduled touch-up. And most importantly, be diligent about applying a thick brow sunscreen any time brows may be exposed to the sun moving forward.
For the best results and longevity, most experts recommend avoiding all tanning and UV exposure for at least 4-6 full weeks after your microblading procedure to allow fresh pigment time to fully heal, bond and stabilize.
Waiting this full healing period drastically reduces risks like premature fading, unnatural darkening, pigment migration and infection that can occur when brows are exposed to UV rays too soon.
The absolute safest time to resume any tanning activities is once your microbladed brows appear fully “healed in” with no scabbing, flaking or bruising remaining – typically 4-6 weeks post-procedure and after any touch-up.
So be patient and protect your investment by avoiding UV exposure until healing is 100% complete. Then apply a thick brow sunscreen with SPF 30+ and limit initial duration whenever UV-exposing yourself moving forward to extend the lifespan of your semi-permanent brows between needed touch-ups.
FAQs
1. How long should I wait to tan after microblading?
Most experts recommend waiting at least 4-6 full weeks to allow fresh pigment proper time to fully heal and stabilize before any UV exposure.
2. What happens if I tan too soon after microblading?
Premature tanning can cause issues like accelerated fading, unwanted darkening, pigment migration and even scarring. It’s best avoided until brows are fully healed.
3. Is the touch-up appointment included?
Yes, most reputable microblading technicians include one free touch-up appointment 2-4 weeks after the initial procedure to refine shape and pigment.
4. How can I protect my microbladed brows while tanning?
The best protection is waiting until brows are fully healed at 4-6 weeks. Once you do tan, regularly apply a thick brow sunscreen with SPF 30+ and wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
5. How often should I reapply brow sunscreen while tanning?
Reapply brow sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide every 1-2 hours while exposed to the sun, and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.