Just like any cosmetic procedure, ombre brows also need a dedicated aftercare routine to ensure that the treatment is successful and that the risk of getting your brows infected is close to none. For this reason, it’s important to fully understand what you are committing to before undergoing the procedure.
To help you decide if this is the ideal brow solution for you, we prepared a nifty guide on all there is to know about pre-care, powder brow aftercare, and other note-worthy factors.
Understanding Powder Brows
Understanding the powder brows treatment from consultation period, step by step process, down to aftercare and maintenance is important. Having all the information allows you to properly care for your brows as they heal, and maximize your investment to lengthen its lifespan.
Pre-Care: How to Prepare for Powder Brows?
Here is a quick list to check off before getting your powder brows:
Know What You Want - Or At Least Have An Idea
Prepare references of what brows you want to achieve in order for your professional artist to help you manage expectations and also know how you want the job done.
Ask Questions, Answer Forms
Before the procedure, you will first have a consultation period with your chosen professional. During this time, you will also need to fill up a medical history form.
Stay Away From Caffeine and Alcohol
Avoid food and drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol at least 48 hours prior to your treatment. This can affect blood flow and how your body reacts to certain procedures.
Do Not Take Blood Thinners and Similar Medications (With consent from your doctor)
Refrain from taking any blood thinners at least 1 week before, with approval from your doctor. As much as possible, do not take aspirin, niacin, Vitamin E, Advil or Ibuprofen for the same reason. However, if you need to manage pain for any other reason, Tylenol should be fine.
Keep It Separate From Your Cycle
Know when you are expecting your period and be sure not to book your treatment at the same time as your menstrual cycle in order to keep hormones in check.
Pause On Treatments
Refrain from waxing, tanning, or tinting the brow area at least 3 days prior. Avoid facial injections at least 1 month prior
Pause on Skincare Routine
Avoid anti-aging treatments, chemical peels, facials, AHA products, retin, prenatal vitamins, fish oil, and the like at least 2 weeks prior.
Who is the right candidate for Powder Brows?
The right candidate for ombre brows are those who have patchy, thinning, or totally absent eyebrows. They are great for those looking for a semi-permanent solution that could last a few years.
However, many individuals who fit this description may not be eligible to receive the treatment due to the following conditions:
- Pregnant or Lactating
- Glaucoma
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Allergies to cosmetics or pigments
- HIV, Hepatitis, and other transmittable blood conditions
- Skin cancer in the brow area
- Hemophilia
- Healing disorders
- Diabetes
- History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
- Cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy
There are unique conditions that allow the individual to still get treatment if and only if they secure a doctor’s permit. These unique conditions include:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Organ transplant
- Pacemaker or other major cardiology problems
- Epilepsy
- Undergoing treatment that affects the immune system
Aftercare: The Basic Rules
A lot of these basic rules may come off obvious to some but let them serve as a gentle reminder that powder brows are sensitive when healing and need a dedicated aftercare routine.
- Never touch, scratch, or rub on the healing brows
- Do not apply makeup, cosmetics, and skincare products on top of the brows or near the area
- Do not pick on the scabs or peel off any flaky parts coming off your brows
- Do not sleep face down, or with your brows touching the bed
- Avoid physical activities that cause excessive sweating
- Avoid places that expose your brows to dust, dirt, and similar elements
- Avoid saunas, swimming pools, the beach, and keep your showers short.
- Do not tan or expose your brows directly to the sun for too long
- Avoid any type of facial treatment such as facials, lasers, peels, botox, and the like while the brows have not completely healed yet.
Types of Powder Brows Aftercare
There are two main types of powder brows aftercare: dry and wet.
With wet aftercare, you will need to gently wash your ombre brows with sterile water (no soap!) and then gently pat them dry with a clean and soft cloth. After which, you can apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment that your professional artist should provide. This ointment is a product to lessen risk of infections and promote skin healing.
With dry aftercare, there are two subversions. The first of which also involves gently washing your brows (again, no soap or facial cleansers), and then gently patting them dry. This time, however, you need not apply ointment. The second subversion is for extreme purists wherein you do not wash your brows and apply healing ointment at all.
Between the types of aftercare routines, your artist should be able to recommend the best one based on your skin type and situation.
Oily Skin Powder Brows Aftercare
While ombre brows work on practically any skin type, there are certain differences to take note of. For instance, those with sensitive or oily skin may experience a little more redness, swelling, and faster pigment loss than others. This does not mean to say those with oily skin are not eligible, it only means they may need to adjust their aftercare routine.
If you have oily skin and take on the powder brow treatment, it is important to ensure the brows stay dry. Because of this, ask your professional artist if you are allowed to gently use a blotting pad and if so, every how often.
When to Wash Eyebrows After Treatment
On the first day, we highly recommend keeping your brows dry. However, on the second or third day (depending on what your artist recommends), you can very gently wash your brows. If possible, instead of washing them completely, you can gently wipe them down with a damp cotton pad.
Caring for Powder Brows After Washing Face
After gently washing or patting your brows with a damp cloth, it is important that you apply the same gentleness when drying them. Use a clean, soft cloth or tissue and gently pat your brows dry.
If your artist recommends the wet healing process, you then apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment on top of the freshly cleaned brows.
During the time of healing, we highly advise against continuing your usual skincare routine and just let the area breathe for the first 10 days.
Showering After the Appointment
Showers should not be a problem. However, it is important to keep them short - especially if you take hot baths. The steam and vapor from the shower can cause damage to your brows. If possible, keep your showers under 5 minutes.
If this seems like a stretch, you may ask your professional artist about protective patches.
Maintaining Powder Brows After Healing
Since powder brows are a semi-permanent procedure, it is expected to naturally fade out over time. Because of this, it is recommended to get a touch up every 1 to 3 years, depending on how much your brows have faded in that time.
The top 3 factors that affect how fast your pigment loss may be are skin type, lifestyle, and how your system reacts to the treatment. The kind of lifestyle that lengthens powder brow longevity is one that limits exposure to sun, water, and keeps the brow area healthy.
What to Expect After Ombre Powder Eyebrows
You can expect redness and swelling in the first two days, and this will eventually subside. You may also notice your brows are much darker, but this will also lighten as the true colors settle in.
As the days pass, you may notice some itching, scabbing, and flaking. These are all normal and you should not scratch, rub or peel on the brow area. By day 10, all of these effects should minimize and your color will start to lighten. This also signifies the end of the crucial aftercare stage. You may not slowly resume your normal skincare routine, and set an appointment for your initial touch up 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment.
FAQs About Powder Brows
Which Ointment Should I Use for Powder Brows Aftercare?
The ointment to use should be provided by your professional artist, or one they specifically request you to purchase from pharmacies.
Can I sleep on my side after powder brows?
No, it is important that you keep your brow area off your pillow while it is healing. We recommend sleeping on your back for at least the first 10 days post-treatment.
How long does it take for powder brows to look normal?
They will appear very dark at first and lighten in the first two weeks. You can expect them to show their true hues by the first month.
How often do Powder Brows Need to be Touched Up?
There is an initial touch up 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment. After which, you can schedule a touch up every 1 to 3 years, depending on how much the pigments have faded.
When can I wear makeup after powder brows?
You may start to wear makeup at least two weeks after treatment.
You’re All Set!
Committing to powder brows care can be a challenge. However, it is a great solution to eyebrow loss that does not involve risking bad eyebrow tattoos through permanent solutions.
If you feel that the pre-care and post-care routine is not to your liking, we highly recommend considering temporary eyebrow tattoos instead. These come in a range of brow shapes, colors, and styles that are affordable, easy to apply, and just as easy to take off. Learn more on mytwobrows.com today!
