When Can I Wash My Permanent Eyebrows? All Things Important!

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Although great, permanent eyebrows are difficult to maintain initially. Let’s answer when I can wash my permanent eyebrows and give you other tips!

If you’re one of the many women who have permanent eyebrows, you may be wondering if you can ever wash them. After all, wouldn’t that just cause them to fade away? The good news is that you can actually wash your permanent eyebrows, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know about washing your permanent eyebrows.

What are permanent brows?

There are two main types of permanent brows. Powder brows are sometimes called ombre brows and microblading. There is also a technique that blends the two styles for a more natural look called “combo brows”. Effectively, each uses a type of cosmetic tattooing technique to achieve the client’s desired look.

I love a really defined brow, so powder brows are my go-to for looking polished and made up. They give you a groomed, fuller brow without using a brow pencil every day.

Microblading

The microblading technique uses a purpose-built small blade to create fine hairlike punctures in the skin. The punctures are then pigmented to create the effect of eyebrow hairs, resulting in a fuller-looking brow. The microblading procedure is recommended for people wanting a more natural look or if they have a brow with some volume and want to fill in a few sparse patches of the brow.

Powder brows

The brow artist will use a slightly different tattooing technique for a powder brow. The desired look for the powder brow has less defined hair strokes and more of a shaded finish. The look that the tattoo artist is trying to achieve is closer to a semi-permanently applied brow liner. People with very oily skin tend to prefer a powder brow over microblading as the pigment can last longer.

They are ideal for people who want a very defined brow. If you like to fill in your brows regularly and prefer a clearly outlined shape, then you might prefer this style of tattooed eyebrow.

How long do permanent eyebrows last?

Powder brows last between 1 – 3 years once the follow-up procedure is complete and the brows are healed. If you want them to last longer, you can invest in additional touch-up sessions with your brow technician.

Microblading doesn’t last quite as long as powder brows. They will usually last between a year and a half to two years. For oily skin, they tend to fade quicker. If you have oilier skin and you’d like a natural-looking brow that lasts longer, try the “combo” brow technique.

What is the healing time for my permanent brows?

The healing period for semi-permanent brows is different for each person. My guide below is designed to give you an idea of what each phase of the healing process will look like and hopefully calm your nerves!

Some permanent brows might heel much faster, while others may take slightly longer. If you ever feel like you are worried about your brows, talk to your brow artist and ask them for a check-up.

Days 1 -4

Stage 1 – Brows will be dark and swollen, this is normal in the first couple of days after your treatment.
Your technician will often apply a numbing cream before tattooing your brows, and this will wear off in the first few hours after your treatment making your brow bone feel sore and inflamed.
Your eyebrow area may become itchy across days 3 and 4, don’t scratch them or wipe them. Contact your brow therapist if you have any questions or concerns.

Days 5 – 7

Stage 2 – Your brows will begin to scab. Usually, this begins around days 5 through 7 and can persist for a few days. Scabbing will be more pronounced with powder brows versus a microblade brow, but the healing time is generally the same.
Scabbing is a normal part of the skin’s healing process, don’t be concerned. The scabs will begin to fall off naturally over time. It can be tempting to pick at them or wipe them, but please avoid picking them as you will create scarring.
Healing times will vary based on each individual patients healing response. If you think the scabs look inflamed, very itchy, or excessive, contact your brow therapist to discuss your concerns.

Days 8- 10

Stage 3 – Brow scabs begin to fall off and create patches. Some patches may look lighter and faded, while others may look darker. This is standard and will improve over time. If you have any concerns about evenness or shade, you can discuss this at your follow-up session with your brow therapist.

Days 10 – 14

Stage 4 –Things start to get better! Most of your scabs should have fallen off by now.
You may still feel there are some lighter patches and a few lingering scabs. This is normal. If your scabs have healed and fallen off, you can start to work out again.
Continue to be careful of sun exposure. Here are some more aftercare tips you could use!
From day 10, if your brows are healing well and don’t look inflamed or red, you can begin to wash your face normally. If you have any concerns that your brows are still scabbing and not healing well, contact your brow therapist before you do this to check in. You can send pictures to them to confirm.
When you begin to wash your face again, make sure you check the ingredients on your cleansers, toners, and exfoliants. You’ll want to continue to avoid products that contain AHA’s, BHA’s, and Retin-A, and any harsh exfoliants.

Day 14 – 21

Stage 5 – Your brows begin to gain more pigment and form into their final shape. You might still see some uneven areas of patching, which can be addressed at your follow-up appointment.

Day 21 – 30

Stage 6 – Your brows should be fully healed, and you can go back to your brow artist to make your follow-up appointment and touch up any areas that you have concerns about.

Assessing allergic reaction

An allergic reaction to your eyebrow pigment may cause redness and swelling in the brow area. You may notice more than the normal puffiness along the brow bone. Some people report that it looks like a mini burn, while others say the ink “expels” from the brows, making them appear as they were before the tattoo. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, make sure you talk to your brow therapist or consult a doctor as soon as possible.

when to wash my permanent brows?

When it comes to washing your semi-permanent brows, you should always err on the side of caution and follow your technician’s advice.

As with any treated area that is an open wound, there is a risk of infection. The good news is if you take care to wash your brows correctly and avoid unnecessary contact with them during the healing process, your chances of infection are lower.

When can I wash my permanent eyebrows?

Keeping your newly tattooed brows clean is important for avoiding infection. Cleaning the brows should be done regularly. See my guide below on how you can do this in a safe way to get the best results.

Keep your eyebrows dry for the first 2-3 hours after the treatment. If you are experiencing any uncomfortable excess lymph fluid, you can gently wipe your brows with a small amount of sterilized, clean water and a clean cotton pad. You may want to do this a couple of times on the first day, but try to avoid any aggressive movement, rubbing, or touching. Try to give a very light touch if possible.

Here’s what you need to know for washing your permanent brows correctly to avoid infection:

When can i wash my permanent eyebrows: All things you need to know!

1) You should clean your brows twice daily to remove bacteria, build-up of product, and your skin’s natural oils. Keep the brow area clean by using a natural, non-irritating, fragrance-free, gentle cleanser and water. Your tattoo artist can recommend an appropriate cleanser. Do not use any cleansing products containing acids, Retin-A, or exfoliant.

2) Make sure your hands have been thoroughly cleaned to reduce the risk of infection before touching your face or eyebrows.

3) Avoid the use of abrasive washcloths or sponges.

4) Wet a cotton pad with sterilized warm water and apply a minimal amount of cleanser to the pad.

5) Gently cleanse your brow tattooed area, being careful not to scrub

6) Let your brows naturally air dry after lightly cleansing

7) Once your brows have completely dried, you can apply your prescribed aftercare ointment. It’s important to only ever apply this to dry skin types.

8) Use a clean cotton swab or clean tissue. Even clean fingertips can work. Be careful not to use excess amounts of ointment, a very thin layer will help your tattoo breathe and make the healing of the skin better.

When can I shower after permanent brows?

During the first 2 weeks of healing, you will need to be cautious when showering to avoid getting your treatment area wet.

You can rinse your body, but you will need to keep your face out of the water to make sure you don’t get your brows wet.

It is recommended to limit your showers to under 5 minutes to limit any steam affecting your treatment area. Since showers are off-limit, you know hot showers and saunas are too!

Aftercare instructions For Semi-Permanent Brows

Finally, just some quick tips from me for proper aftercare of your eyebrow tattoo if you want to keep them healthy, have better color retention, and have less chance of infection.

Don’t sleep on your side or front for at least 10 days or until your scabbing has healed.
Avoid chemical treatments or chemical peels. These can damage the delicate skin around your brows and cause the loss of pigment
Glycolic acid can also be harmful to your brows. Limit your use of products containing this ingredient.
Limited sun exposure and wearing sunscreen are important while healing. Be sure to limit your time in the sun or wear a hat. Once your brows are fully healed, make sure you always wear sunscreen when you are outdoors to reduce fading.
Avoid hot tubs and saunas in the first 2 weeks. The heat can cause the pigment to fade.
Avoid wearing makeup on or around the brow area for at least 2 weeks after your procedure
If you are taking blood thinners, talk to your doctor before getting semi-permanent brows.
Minimize excessive sweating by avoiding strenuous activity and using a sweatband if necessary.
Limit your intake of vitamin E to minimize the risk of scar tissue.
Using an antibacterial soap can prove to be beneficial.

Taking good care of your brows by following these simple instructions will help you see the best possible results for your beautiful new brows. Also, keep your technicians at speed dial if any unexpected problems occur!

Comment below if you have tried powder brows or are thinking about getting them, I’d love to hear from you. I am a huge fan!