Brow Aftercare
Just Had Your Brows Done?
Whether you’ve had microblading, combination, ombré, powder or hyperrealism brows, the first few days can bring lots of questions. Your brows may look darker or bolder than expected and, as healing begins, you may notice changes in colour and texture.
This Brow Aftercare guide will take you through what to expect, how to look after your brows during healing and which changes are a normal part of the PMU recovery process.
The First Day: Clean, Don’t Moisturise
Immediately after permanent makeup, the skin is healing and you may notice a small amount of lymphatic fluid on the treated area. This needs to be gently removed during the first day to help prevent a heavier build-up of crusting or scabbing.
Starting around one hour after your treatment, wash your brows every couple of hours until bedtime.
Always begin with clean hands. Use cooled boiled water or saline with a small amount of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Using clean fingertips, gently massage the brows in small circular motions, working against the direction of the natural brow hair. Rinse carefully and allow the area to air dry.
At this stage, do not apply aftercare ointment unless your PMU artist has specifically instructed you to do so. Think of freshly treated PMU like a superficial wound: initially, the priority is keeping the area clean.
From Day Two
From the following day, continue gently washing your brows morning and evening using the same method.
Continue this routine until you begin to see flaking forming.
Once Your Brows Start to Flake
Once visible flakes begin to form, stop washing the brows and move onto the moisturising stage.
Apply a very small, approximately rice-grain-sized amount of your recommended aftercare ointment using a clean cotton bud. Dab it gently onto the area without rubbing or disturbing the flakes.
Do not pick, scratch or pull away any flaking skin. Allow it to come away naturally.
Continue moisturising morning and evening until the flaking has finished. Brow flaking commonly settles within approximately 7–14 days, although everyone’s healing process is different.
During Healing
Avoid exercise and excessive sweating for the period recommended by your PMU artist. Avoid swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, hot steamy baths and sunbeds while the area is healing.
Do not apply makeup directly over the treated area while it is still healing, and try to sleep on your back where possible to minimise rubbing or disturbing the brows.
Your brows can look darker initially, then begin to flake and appear patchy or much lighter. Don’t panic — the colour continues to change as the skin heals and settles.
Protecting Your Brows During Healing
Freshly treated brows need a little extra care while the skin heals. Two of the trickiest everyday things are showering and sleeping without accidentally soaking, rubbing or putting pressure on them.
Our guides show you how to protect your healing brows when washing your hair, showering and sleeping, so you can get on with everyday life while giving your PMU the best environment to heal.
