Scabbing
Microblading Scabbing: Everything You Need To Know
After getting a microblading procedure, you will go through a scabbing stage during the healing process. The results are not immediate and your brows have to go through stages before the final result shows after 4 to 6 weeks.
Read on to help prepare yourself for this uncomfortable yet temporary phase.
What's inside (Click on the link to go to a specific step):
- What Is Microblading Scabbing and Why Does It Happen?
- How Long Does the Scabbing Process Last?
- What Does Microblading Scabbing Look Like Day by Day?
- When Should I Be Worried?
- How Do I Know if My Brows Are Infected?
- Can I Prevent Microblading Scabbing?
- How Do I Treat My Eyebrows During the Microblading Scabbing Process?
- What If I Accidentally Scratch Microblading Scabs?
- What Will My Brows Look Like After the Scabbing Process is Finished?
- Microblading Scabbing – Main Takeaways
What Is Microblading Scabbing and Why Does It Happen?
During a microblading procedure, thin incisions on the brows are done to deposit the pigments. These cuts only reach up to the second layer of the skin - papillary dermis. Despite the incisions not being deep, the skin takes time to heal and goes through a scabbing stage.
This stage is a typical phase in the healing process. During this step, the treated area can become itchy and clients can find it annoying since they are not allowed to scratch the area. In a few days, the scabs will start to fall off and a little pigment will inevitably go with it.
How Long Does the Scabbing Process Last?
Approximately 3-4 days after the initial procedure, scabs will start to show. This stage lasts around 7 days and will end by Day 12.
Among the stages of the healing process, scabbing is the least attractive phase which is why the timing of microblading should be planned carefully. Make sure you don't have to attend any important events while your brows are flaking. Additionally, wearing makeup is not allowed especially during the beginning part of the healing journey.
It is recommended to schedule your microblading at least a month prior to important events. For even better results, book your appointment 2-3 months in advance so you have time to get your mandatory touch up after the healing process.
What Does Microblading Scabbing Look Like Day by Day?
Read on to find out the general timeline of scabbing after a microblading procedure. Healing is unique for everyone so some clients may experience some deviations to what is written below.
Days 1 to 3
In the first few days, the brows will look too dark and swollen. There can also be redness around the treated area. No need to worry because the color will fade in the coming days.
Day 3 or 4
This is when the scabbing process begins to show. You might feel that the treated area is becoming itchy.
Day 5
At this stage, the scabs are falling off and the eyebrows start to look patchy. You might notice that some parts are lighter than the others.
Days 6 to 8
Your brows will continue to flake and more patches will be apparent. The color underneath might look too light for now.
Day 9
Similar to the previous phase, the pigment seems to be fading and the scabs should have all fallen off by now.
Days 10 to 12
This is the end of the scabbing stage and your eyebrows may seem to have disappeared. Don't worry, this is part of the process.
Days 12 to 28
The pigment has been absorbed into your skin and the treatment is starting to take shape.
Days 28 to 42
At this stage, you are at the end of the healing stage and your brows are close to their final result. This is the time when you should get your mandatory touch up session to fix any imperfections or gaps in your brows.
When Should I Be Worried?
Scabbing is normal during the microblading healing process when it is just light, but once you notice heavy scabbing, that is a cause for concern.
Heaving scabbing could be caused by poor technique done by the artist (if the cuts are too deep). The risk of infection also increases which can be followed by inflammation and redness.
Fortunately, infections are extremely rare. But in case you are concerned by the amount of scabbing, talk to your aesthetician. They can help you on what to do.
It's important that you talk to an expert before you do anything to your brows during the healing process!
How Do I Know if My Brows Are Infected?
An infection in the brow area can look like heavy scabbing that is followed by inflammation and redness after Day 5. Pus may also be present if the area is infected.
If you notice these symptoms in your treated area, talk to your artist immediately.
Can I Prevent Microblading Scabbing?
Scabbing is a normal part of the microblading healing process and unfortunately it cannot be prevented. Although following the aftercare instructions of your artist can help minimize scabbing.
This stage of the microblading healing process will really test your patience. There are also strict rules to follow to ensure the success of your treatment. The most important rule to follow is to avoid picking or touching the scabs that form in the treated area. Do not scratch or peel off the scabs! If you do, the pigment can come off with the scabs and you risk ruining your procedure.
The damage done can't be fixed until after the healing process is over which means you will have to manage having patchy eyebrows for around 2 months. Other than gaps in your brows, picking the scabs can cause scar tissue as well. These scars cannot be fixed by a microblading treatment.
If clients have the habit of picking scars or scabs, they are advised to tell their artists beforehand. This can help your artist adjust your aftercare routine, if necessary.
How Do I Treat My Eyebrows During the Microblading Scabbing Process?
In general, there are 2 ways to treat your brows during the scabbing stage:
One form is called dry healing. If your artist recommends this, they will let your brows recover naturally without the use of any ointments.
The other type of healing will have the client apply an ointment to their brows after gently washing the area. This is called ointment healing or wet healing. Using this aftercare treatment can help reduce scabbing and soothe the itchiness and irritation that comes with it.
The choice of which healing treatment to follow will be up to your microblading artist. They will know which is better for you depending on your skin type. More often than not, those who might have a hard time resisting the urge to peel or pick the scabs will be recommended to follow wet healing.
Regardless of the type of healing recommended by your artist, it is important to wash your brows regularly with a bit of soap and water and pat dry them with a clean cotton pad afterwards.
As mentioned earlier, wearing of makeup during the healing process is strictly prohibited. Only apply cosmetic products or ointments that your artist recommends. Following this rule can help keep your brows clean and support the healing of the treatment area.
What If I Accidentally Scratch Microblading Scabs?
Scratching the brows and peeling off the scabs by accident can risk having the pigment come off with the scabs.
In case you are worried about having ruined your brows, contact your artist immediately. Take a photo and send it to them so they can assess the situation and the damage, if any. Any imperfections should be fixed during the mandatory touch up session at the end of the healing process– around 6-8 weeks after the initial procedure.
What Will My Brows Look Like After the Scabbing Process is Finished?
In most cases, scabbing and the natural flaking of these scabs can leave the brows with some patchy areas. After the scabbing stage, the brows might look as if they have disappeared but it is a normal part of the healing process. After a few days, the pigment will start to appear and any gaps left at the end of healing can be fixed during the first touch up appointment.
Main Takeaways
Scabbing is likely to occur a few days after your initial microblading procedure. It is a completely normal part of the healing process but it can test your patience.
Knowing what to expect during this stage of the healing journey can help you prepare yourself and make better choices on how to take care of the treated area. This can help make your recovery a smoother experience but it will require a lot of discipline. Once you see how your brows will look at the end of the healing process, you will know it was worth it to go through all the trouble in the scabbing stage.