What Not to Do Before & After Microblading — The Complete Guide

Proper preparation before your treatment — and the right aftercare — directly affect the quality of your results and how long they last.

Before Your Appointment — What to Avoid (1 week before)

• ❌ Alcohol — thins blood and reduces pigment absorption
• ❌ Aspirin and ibuprofen — same effect
• ❌ Coffee on the day of treatment
• ❌ Peeling or masks on the brow area — at least one week before
• ❌ Prolonged sun exposure
• ❌ Botox near the brows — at least 3 weeks before

Before Your Appointment — What to Do

• ✅ Drink plenty of water — hydrated skin absorbs pigment better
• ✅ Get a good night's sleep
• ✅ Eat before your appointment
• ✅ Bring inspiration photos

After Treatment — First Two Weeks

• ❌ Water directly on brows
• ❌ Pool, sea or jacuzzi
• ❌ Intense exercise + sweating
• ❌ Direct sun on brows
• ❌ Scratching or picking scabs — let them fall off naturally
• ❌ Creams and oils on the brow area
• ✅ Apply healing balm once daily
• ✅ Come back for touch-up at 5 weeks

Full Preparation — The Week Before

The week before your appointment is critical for the final result. Here's everything you need to know to arrive in the best possible condition.

What to Avoid

• ❌ Botox near the brow area — at least 3 weeks before your appointment
• ❌ Acid-based facial cleansers (AHA/BHA) — make the skin more sensitive
• ❌ Waxing and threading the brows — at least 2 weeks before
• ❌ Intense sun exposure — sunburned skin doesn't absorb pigment well
• ❌ Laser treatments on the brow area — at least 4 weeks before

What to Do

• ✅ Take a photo of your current brows — helps visualise the starting point
• ✅ Think about the shape you want and bring inspiration photos
• ✅ Eat a proper meal on the day of your appointment
• ✅ Stay hydrated — well-moisturised skin absorbs pigment better

Day of Treatment — Practical Logistics

Your appointment day is an experience in itself. Here's everything you need to know to arrive comfortable and prepared:

• ✅ Wear comfortable clothing you can sit in for 2–3 hours
• ✅ Makeup is not required — if you wear it, expect the brow area to be cleaned
• ✅ Bring water and a light snack if needed
• ✅ Block off 3 hours in your schedule (treatment + rest time)

Critical 2-Week Aftercare

The first two weeks after treatment are the most important period for pigment retention. What you do — and don't do — during this time directly impacts how long your results will last.

Week 1

• ❌ No water directly on brows — even in the shower, shield with your finger
• ❌ No makeup on brows — the pigment is still "settling" into the skin
• ❌ No intense exercise — sweat damages pigment adhesion
• ✅ Apply the healing balm (provided) once daily in a thin layer
• ✅ Avoid touching the brows unnecessarily

Week 2

• ⚠️ Light flaking of the brows — completely normal, do NOT scratch!
• ⚠️ Pigment will appear lighter than expected — this is a natural stage of healing
• ✅ You can gradually return to light activities
• ❌ Still avoid direct water on the brows

Healing Cycle — Months 1 to 6

Microblading healing follows a predictable arc that can catch clients off guard. Here's the full timeline so you know exactly what to expect:

• 📅 Days 1–3: Brows appear very dark — the effect can seem overdone, this is completely normal
• 📅 Days 4–7: Flaking begins — do not scratch!
• 📅 Week 2: Brows appear to "disappear" — pigment looks very faded
• 📅 Weeks 3–4: Colour gradually returns — brows come back to life
• 📅 Weeks 5–6: Final result visible — time for your touch-up!
• 📅 Months 2–6: Pigment fully stabilises — your result is built to last