When it comes to in-clinic treatments we all know that there is always aftercare advice to follow, but let’s be honest, we can slip up at times. We aren’t perfect and sometimes a hot shower after trudging through the city post-appointment is inviting, am I right? Well, as tempting as it feels to toss away your aftercare leaflet, how well you look after your treated area when you leave your appointment is directly linked to how long your treatment lasts and, for skin-specific treatments, how quickly you heal.
Summer’s an especially tough time to get in-clinic treatments as there are a lot of potential hazards to avoid; with sweaty weather, sun exposure and potential pool dips all at play. Microblading is a treatment that aftercare is intrinsically linked to outcome so we spoke to expert Karen Betts, to reveal her top tips for maintaining perfect brows post-appointment, the worst thing you can do to freshly-microbladed brows and how to avoid aftercare regrets.
Microblading aftercare expert tips
During the microblading healing process
"Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results from microblading," says Betts. The 7–10 days after treatment are the delicate 'healing phase', so here's her tips for getting through that initial phase...
- Keep the area clean and dry: Avoid excessive water, steam, and sweating, especially in the first few days.
- Apply the provided aftercare balm sparingly, as directed by your artist, to protect the pigment and promote healing.
- Avoid makeup, skincare products, and SPF directly on the brows until they are fully healed.
- Do not pick or scratch the area as the brows flake and heal—this is a natural part of the process.
- Avoid sun exposure, saunas, pools, and tanning beds during the initial healing period.
How to maintain microblading after they have healed
- Use a high factor SPF product daily to protect against UV-induced fading.
- Avoiding harsh exfoliants or active skincare ingredients directly over the brow area.
- Scheduling regular top-ups, usually every 12-18 months, to keep the shape and colour looking fresh.
What’s the worst thing a client could do to their freshly-microbladed brows?
“The most detrimental action is picking or scratching at the brows during the healing phase,” says Betts. “This can remove pigment, cause patchiness, delay healing, and even risk scarring. Additionally, neglecting aftercare instructions, such as exposing the brows to excessive moisture or sun, can compromise the results.”
Meet the experts:
Karen Betts one of the UK’s leading authority on permanent makeup. She is the founder of Karen Betts clinics in London's Mayfair, Cheshire and Yorkshire
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
