Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique that involves using a handheld tool with ultra fine needles to deposit pigment into the upper layers of the skin. This creates the look of individual eyebrow hairs to create a natural, fuller looking brow. One of the most important aftercare steps for microblading is keeping the treated area dry for up to 10 days after the initial procedure.
What is microblading?
Microblading, also known as eyebrow embroidery, is a cosmetic tattooing technique for enhancing the look of the eyebrows. Unlike standard tattoos that use a tattoo gun, microblading uses a handheld tool with several tiny needles to implant pigment into the skin. The needles deposit color into the epidermis, creating thin hair-like strokes that mimic natural brow hairs. Microblading typically lasts between 1-3 years before fading, depending on your skin type and aftercare routine.
Microblading gained popularity in the early 2010s as a means to create fuller, natural looking brows with hair-like strokes. It offers an alternative to traditional eyebrow tattoos that can appear blocky and unnatural. The semi-permanent results also eliminate the need for daily brow filling and shaping with makeup products. Microblading is done by licensed estheticians or technicians trained in the technique.
Why can’t microblading get wet?
After microblading is performed, it is crucial to keep the treated area completely dry while it heals. This typically means avoiding water exposure on the brows for 7-10 days post-procedure. Getting the microblading wet prematurely can negatively impact results in a few key ways:
- It can cause scabbing and scarring – When fresh microblading wounds get soaked in water, this can soften and lift off scabs before the skin underneath has fully closed. Scabs form a protective barrier while new skin regenerates. Premature scab loss increases risks of scarring and poor pigment retention in the brows.
- It raises infection risks – Microblading causes hundreds of tiny punctures in the skin’s protective barrier. When fresh wounds get exposed to water, contaminants can enter and raise the risk of bacteria, viruses or fungi getting into the puncture sites. Infections can prevent proper healing.
- Pigment loss can occur – Microblading deposits color pigments just under the top layer of skin. When new microblading gets submerged, pigments can leach out and spread beneath the skin surface. This causes faded, blurred results.
- Healing time is lengthened – Wetness causes the skin to macerate, which is over-softening that destroys healthy tissues. Maceration around microblading can delay healing timelines by up to several weeks.
- Color can change – If microblading scabs are softened by moisture, the pigment can leach out when scabs shed. This alters color retention and brow appearance once healed.
In short, wetness compromises microblading results by impacting pigment retention, skin healing and increases risks of complications. This is why professional aftercare instructions strictly state to keep microblading completely dry while healing.
How long after microblading can you get it wet?
The duration that microblading must stay dry varies slightly based on individual factors, but the average timeframe is:
- Days 1-7: Keep the microblading area completely dry. No water/liquid exposure.
- Days 7-10: Let water lightly graze over the brows but do not saturate, soak or scrub.
- Day 10+: Brows can get fully wet and return to normal hygiene routines.
The first week post-microblading requires the strictest water avoidance as the brows will be healing from the base layer up. Around days 7-10, the epidermis will have closed so light water contact is okay. But saturation or pressure can still impact quality. After 10 days, the skin has regenerated enough that the area can get normally wet without issue.
How to keep microblading dry when showering
Showering requires extra care when working around fresh microblading in the first 7-10 days. Here are tips for keeping brows dry if you must shower during the healing period:
- Cover brow area tightly with plastic wrap and tape. Make sure wrap extends past hairline to prevent runoff.
- Use a shower cap over the plastic wrap for extra water protection.
- Face away from shower stream as added precaution.
- Use a washcloth to gently cleanse skin, avoiding brows. Do not submerge face.
- Pat dry the surrounding area, never rub the covered brows.
- Remove plastic wrap carefully without touching brows.
- Use dry gauze or tissue to gently blot brows dry if needed.
Ideally, bed baths or sink washes are safest for the first week post-microblading. If showering, be vigilant about shielding, drying and avoiding pressure on the brows.
Is sweating bad for microblading? How long to avoid?
Sweat can also negatively impact microblading healing, so sweating should be minimized where possible in the first 7-10 days. The salt, bacteria and liquid in sweat can cause similar issues as getting the area wet prematurely. Avoid:
- Exercising for 7-10 days to prevent heavy sweating.
- Activities in heat and humidity.
- Saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms for 2 weeks.
- Wrapping head in plastic during workouts to prevent sweat leaking near brows.
- Using headbands as these can trap sweat on brows.
If light sweat does accumulate near the brows in the first week, gently dab – never rub – the area with gauze or tissue to dry. Continue avoiding submerging in water or direct saturation near the brows.
What happens if microblading gets wet – can you fix it?
If microblading does accidentally get soaked or saturated within the first 1-2 weeks, take these steps:
- Gently dab away excess water with clean gauze or tissue.
- Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the area further.
- Apply a thin layer of microblading aftercare ointment.
- Monitor closely for signs of complications like infection, poor scabbing, color changes.
- Contact your technician if you notice any concerning issues arising.
- Continue avoiding water exposure until healed.
There are also steps that can be taken if water exposure causes complications:
- Infection – Seek medical treatment with antibiotic ointments or medications.
- Scarring – Scars may fade over time. Dermal fillers, microneedling or tattooing can correct indentations.
- Pigment loss – Schedule a touch-up appointment 6-8 weeks out to reinforce color.
- Delayed healing – Be patient and continue proper aftercare steps until brows fully close.
While an accidental drenching can negatively impact microblading, the damage is often temporary or fixable. But it’s still crucial to keep the brows as dry as possible in the first 7-10 days for best results.
Can you wash your face after microblading?
It’s recommended to avoid washing the face entirely for at least 3 days after microblading, as water running over the brows can cause issues. After the first 3 days, very gentle face washing may be okay if precautions are taken:
- Use oil-free, pH neutral cleanser to avoid soap irritation.
- Lightly splash water on cheeks only, tilting head back to avoid brows.
- Pat skin dry with clean towel, never rub the brow area.
- Cleanse brows separately using damp cotton pads, rarely directly wetting.
- Skip exfoliating or facial products aside from gentle cleanser.
Cleansing the face should be minimized for up to 10 days. When washing is necessary, care should be taken to avoid saturating or scrubbing the healing brows. Lightly grazing water and patting dry is safest.
Can I wash my hair after microblading?
Hair washing introduces similar risks of getting microblading wet prematurely. It is best to avoid washing hair for at least 3 days after the procedure. After 3 days, hair may be washed gently by:
- Tilting head back in the sink to avoid water running on brows.
- Using a removable shower head to direct water only on hair, not face.
- Facing away from shower stream.
- Using dry shampoo instead of actual shampooing.
- Blotting brows dry immediately if any water contacts the area.
- No hair products besides shampoo should touch brows area.
The safest approach is still to keep hair washing to a minimum for 7-10 days and take steps to keep water away from the brows. Hair can be styled minimally using dry products if needed.
Can you go swimming after microblading?
Swimming should be completely avoided for 2-3 weeks after microblading to prevent contamination and pigment loss. Chlorine and bromine in pools can be especially irritating and drying to fresh microblading wounds. Bodies of fresh water also carry bacteria risks. After 3 weeks, swimming may be okay if goggles or other eye protection can shield the brows from direct water contact.
Can I wear sunscreen on microbladed brows?
Sunscreen should not be applied to the microblading area until brows are fully healed after 4 weeks. Chemical UV filters can be irritating to fresh wounds. The mineral filters in physical sunscreens can also disrupt the proper color binding process.
If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply sunscreen carefully around the brows and use a hat or visor to shade the brow area instead. Microneedling and tattooing intentionally inflict controlled skin damage, so sun protection is very important both during and after healing.
Can you work out with microblading?
Working out should be avoided completely for 10-14 days after microblading to prevent sweat interfering with healing. Low impact exercise may be okay after 2 weeks if:
- Sweat is kept away from brows by using headbands, sweatbands or plastic wrap.
- No weights or equipment touch the brow area.
- No swimming, saunas, steam rooms or hot yoga.
- Brows are cleaned gently by dabbing only, no rubbing.
High intensity exercise that induces heavy sweating should wait a full month post-procedure as sweat carries bacteria and pigments. Light, low movement exercise is safest after the first 2 weeks.
Can I go in hot tubs or saunas after microblading?
Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and any hot, humid environments are off limits for a full month after microblading. The heat opens pores which can allow sweat, bacteria and pigment to enter the fresh microblading wounds. The humidity also softens protective scabs before the new skin underneath has healed.
What activities should you avoid after microblading?
To allow microblading results to heal optimally, avoid these higher risk activities for at least 2 weeks, most for 4 weeks:
- Swimming or any water submersion
- Hot tubs and saunas
- Activities causing heavy sweating like workouts
- Sun tanning or sun burns
- Facials, chemical peels, botox or skin treatments
- Sleeping on brow area
- Dirt or debris contacts on brows
Stick to clean, dry, calm environments and activities while brows heal. Follow all aftercare instructions closely including avoiding water exposure on the treated area.
Can you shower after microblading touch up?
The same aftercare applies after microblading touch up appointments. Because the skin is being damaged again with more pigment deposited, it requires another 7-10 days of keeping the area dry as it re-heals.
Follow all the same precautions to avoid water contact for 1-2 weeks. Use plastic wrap, shower caps and gentle hair washing until brows have closed again. Touch ups often heal faster but still demand dryness while regenerating tissue.
Conclusion
Microblading requires keeping the treated brow area dry for 7-10 days during the crucial healing phase. Water exposure can lead to poor pigment retention, scarring, infection and other issues that damage results. Carefully shielding brows from showering, face washing, sweat, swimming and humidity is essential.
With proper aftercare avoiding wetness on fresh microblading, beautiful semi-permanent brows can be achieved. Be diligent about protecting the brows from all moisture until the skin has fully regenerated at least 10 days post-procedure. Avoiding water is inconvenient temporarily but gives long-lasting microblading results.
