By Sandhiya Srinivasan, Founder & Lead Artist · Updated
Microblading changes a lot in the first month. Brows look too dark at first, then flake, then seem to disappear, before the real colour comes back. Knowing the stages makes it much easier not to worry, or to pick at your brows. Skin takes about four weeks to heal fully, and everyone heals a little differently, so treat these days as a guide.
Days 1–2: Dark and Sharp
Your brows look noticeably darker, bolder and sharper than the final result. The skin may be slightly red and tender, and clear fluid can come to the surface. Gently blot it with clean cotton and water as we show you after the procedure; do not rub.
Days 3–4: Darker and Tight
A thin layer of scab forms over the strokes, so brows can look even darker and thicker for a day or two. They may feel tight. This is normal and temporary.
Days 5–10: Flaking and Itching
The top layer starts to flake away, often unevenly, and brows can itch. Do not pick, scratch or peel the flakes. Pulling them off takes pigment with them and leaves gaps. Use only a thin layer of the aftercare balm we give you, as often as advised, and keep the brows dry: no gym, swimming, sauna or long hot showers yet.
Days 10–14: The Ghosting Stage
Once the flakes are gone, the strokes can look very faint, patchy or even missing. This is the stage that worries clients most. The pigment is still there, under a fresh, slightly cloudy layer of new skin. Do not judge the result yet.
Days 15–28: Colour Comes Back
As the new skin settles and clears, the strokes gradually reappear and the colour deepens again. By around four weeks, most brows look close to their healed result: softer than day one, and more natural.
Day 30 Onwards: Healed Result and Touch-Up
You now see your true healed brows. It is normal for a few strokes not to hold, especially on oilier areas of skin. Book your touch-up any time between 30 and 90 days after the first session. At the touch-up we fill any gaps and adjust depth and definition to how your skin healed.
Healing on Oily Skin
On oily skin, strokes tend to heal softer and slightly blurred, and more of them may need filling at the touch-up. This is why we often suggest combination or powder brows for oily skin, and why we look at your skin before recommending microblading.
What Is Not Normal
Some redness, tenderness and swelling in the first few days is expected. If you notice pain, heat, swelling or redness that gets worse after the first few days, pus, or a fever, contact us and see a doctor straight away.