Microblading your eyebrows is a permanent, semi-permanent cosmetic enhancement procedure that involves strategically implanting pigment into the skin. The results can give you full, arched eyebrows without the need for daily makeup application. However, once you get your brows microbladed, there are certain aftercare precautions you must follow to allow your brows to properly heal and settle.
Avoiding waxing and other removal methods right after microblading is essential to protect the integrity of the pigment and achieve the best outcomes. Prematurely removing hair can disrupt the healing process, damage freshly tattooed skin, and dislodge the pigment. With proper aftercare and healing time, you’ll enjoy natural-looking microbladed brows for up to a couple of years.
When Can I Wax My Eyebrows After Microblading?
Most experts recommend waiting at least 4 to 6 weeks after your microblading procedure before waxing or applying any other hair removal methods to your brows. During this initial healing period, the pigment settles into your skin and your dermal layer repairs itself. Premature removal of hair through waxing risks dislodging the pigment before it has properly bonded, leading to patchiness, fading, uneven pigment spread, and skin damage that could impact the longevity of your results.
Once your brows have fully healed around 6 weeks post-procedure, you can resume waxing as normal. However, be gentle the first few times and avoid extra tight pulls or wax that is applied too hot, as your skin will likely still be more sensitive for a few weeks. Over time, as your skin readapts to waxing, you can resume your regular waxing routine. But always wait at least 4-6 weeks after any microblading touch-up procedures before waxing again to allow the pigment to settle.
Potential Risks of Early Waxing
Waxing too soon after your microblading procedure can pose several risks that impact your results:
1. Skin damage
The primary risk is causing damage to your freshly microbladed skin. During the first 4 to 6 weeks, the skin around your brows is still delicate and healing. Subjecting it to the tugging and tearing of waxing during this time can irritate the skin and disrupt the healing process.
2. Pigment loss
Immediately after the procedure, the pigment has not had time to fully bond to your dermal layer. Early waxing can dislodge pigment that has not settled firmly into place yet, leading to patchiness, gaps and faded results over time.
3. Infection
Any breaks in the skin from waxing raise your risk of bacterial infection, and this risk is compounded while your skin is still vulnerable due to the microblading trauma. Avoiding waxing for at least a month while your skin heals lowers your chances of complications.
4. Scarring
If waxing damages your skin while it’s still in the midst of healing from the microblading, it increases your odds of permanent scarring. The pigment may also not integrate as smoothly into scarred tissue.
5. Delayed healing
By irritating your skin through early waxing, you risk prolonging the healing time for your microbladed brows. Allowing 4-6 weeks of healing without disruption helps minimize your downtime.
In summary, to reduce risks and complications while giving your brows the best chance of settling smoothly and retaining pigment, it’s wise to avoid any hair removal for at least a month after your procedure. Once you receive the green light from your technician, ease back into waxing slowly and carefully.
Tips for Maintaining Your Microbladed Eyebrows
1. Stay gentle when waxing
Once your brows have fully healed at around 6 weeks post-procedure, you can resume waxing. But be gentle the first few times as your skin will still be sensitive. Avoid extra tight pulls and very hot wax. Opt for a less aggressive wax type like sugar or strips instead of hard wax. Over time, as your skin readapts, you can apply wax more normally.
2. Exfoliate weekly
Exfoliating your brows weekly with a gentle scrub can help keep your pigmented skin fresh and clear of dead skin cells that can dull the color. Avoid harsh scrubs for the first month. Opt for a soft scrub with particles no larger than grains of sugar.
3. Moisturize daily
Keep your microbladed area hydrated with a fragrance-free moisturizer. This will help your brows maintain a supple,healthy appearance and may reduce future itching or flaking. Apply moisturizer morning and night, both during and after the full healing period.
4. Avoid sun exposure
The UV rays in sunlight can fade your microbladed brows more quickly. During and after healing, aim to minimize direct sun exposure on your brows without sunscreen. When you must be in the sun, apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen specifically formulated for the face. Reapply every 2 hours.
5. Consider a tint
Brow tinting after microblading can enhance the color payoff and create a seamless blend of hair and pigment. However, wait at least 4 weeks for your brows to fully heal first. Look for vegetable-based tints that contain less chemicals, and ask your artist to apply the tint gently. Do a patch test beforehand to check for any irritation.
6. Get touch-ups as needed
Over time, the pigment in your microbladed brows will fade. Generally, you’ll need touch-up appointments every 1 to 3 years to revive the color and shape. During these sessions, your artist will add more pigment to fill in any gaps. Stick to the same aftercare routine after touch-ups to allow the pigment to properly settle again.
Microblading is a great way to achieve fuller, more defined eyebrows. However, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions carefully to prevent complications. One of the most important things to avoid after microblading is waxing your eyebrows. Waxing can damage the delicate skin that has been tattooed, and it can also dislodge the pigment. This can lead to uneven results, discoloration, and even scarring.
The general rule of thumb is to wait at least one month before waxing your eyebrows after microblading. This will give the skin enough time to heal and the pigment to set. However, it is important to follow your specific artist’s instructions. Some artists may recommend waiting longer, especially if you have a history of skin problems.
FAQs
1. Can I thread my eyebrows after microblading?
Wait 4-6 weeks after microblading before threading.
2. How long do I avoid alcohol after microblading?
Avoid alcohol for 1-2 days.
3. When can I use Retin-A after microblading?
Wait at least 4 weeks after microblading before using Retin-A.
4. Can I dye my hair after microblading?
You can dye your hair right after microblading.
5. How long do I keep saran wrap on after microblading?
Keep saran wrap on for 4-6 hours after the procedure.
6. How long do I have to wait after microblading before I can wax my eyebrows?
The general rule of thumb is to wait at least one month before waxing your eyebrows after microblading. This will give the skin enough time to heal and the pigment to set. However, it is important to follow your specific artist’s instructions. Some artists may recommend waiting longer, especially if you have a history of skin problems.
7. What are the risks of waxing my eyebrows after microblading too soon?
If you wax your eyebrows too soon after microblading, you could damage the delicate skin that has been tattooed. This could lead to uneven results, discoloration, and even scarring.
8. What should I do if I accidentally waxed my eyebrows too soon after microblading?
If you accidentally waxed your eyebrows too soon after microblading, the best thing to do is to contact your microblading artist. They may be able to offer some advice on how to minimize the damage.
9. What are the signs that my microbladed eyebrows are healed?
Your microbladed eyebrows will be considered healed when the scabs have fallen off and the skin has returned to its normal color. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks.