While microblading may have been the queen of semi-permanent eyebrows in the past, the last few years have shown ombre brows quickly rising in popularity. It consistently garners praise among many users for its gradient look that gives off a very natural finish. Until today, one of the most common comparisons is microblading vs powder brows.
On average, the powder brows healing process can take between 4 to 6 weeks. You can expect to see subtle yet progressive differences daily, especially in the first 7 to 10 days, which is when the aftercare routine is most crucial. Below, we go through what a typical healing journey may look like and other details that can help you decide if this is the right treatment for your brows!
Powder Brows Healing Process
It can take a total of 4 to 6 weeks, depending on one’s skin type and how their body reacts. However, the aftercare routine is only crucial in the first 7 to 10 days, after which, the aftercare instructions are more relaxed.
What Are Powder Brows?
Powder brows is a popular semi-permanent tattoo procedure wherein pigments are inserted on the first few layers of the skin. This method utilizes a special shading technique that results in a natural-looking gradient, with a soft, powdery, yet well-defined effect. You can learn more in our article Powder Brows.
Are Powder Brows Actually Worth It?
For those looking into semi-permanent solutions that last a couple of years, ombre brows may be worth considering. However, there are still far more affordable options that do not require an invasive procedure, or any long-term commitment.
For instance, eyebrow temporary transfer tattoos are affordable, do not require needles, and can be done from the comfort of home in 3 easy steps. Moreover, they are easy to wipe off as they are easy to stick on, which makes them the perfect solution for those who don’t want to commit to a certain style or shape.
Lastly, there are many bad eyebrow tattoo stories that we can all learn from - not only with permanent makeup treatments, but mishaps can occur with semi-permanent procedures as well. You can learn more about this in our article on Microblading vs Eyebrow Tattoo.
What Types of Powder Brow Healing Processes Are There?
There are generally two ways you can go about your aftercare - the dry healing process and the wet healing process. We note the main differences and which one is best below:
Wet Powder Brows Healing Process
As its name suggests, this option involves getting your brows hydrated. You can do so by gently washing them with sterilized water, and then gently patting them dry with a clean cloth. Emphasis on the word gentle as the treated area is still highly sensitive each time you wash your face!
Once all dried off, you can then apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment that your artist can provide. This ointment helps in lessening the risk of infections, has added health benefits, and also promotes steady healing for your skin.
Dry Powder Brows Healing Process
The dry healing process comes in two ways. The first of which also involves gently washing your brows with sterilized water, and (you guessed it) gently patting them dry. However, the difference is that you do not need to apply an aftercare ointment.
The second dry variation is for purists wherein you ensure the brows do not get wet for the duration of your aftercare.
Which is best?
While both methods have their pros and cons, knowing which one is best for you depends from person to person as factors such as skin type and how your skin reacts to the treatment are important. Your professional artist should be able to determine which aftercare process is best moving forward.
Ombre Powder Brows Healing Stages
There are generally 6 stages within the entire healing process, namely:
Stage 1: Red and swollen brow area, with dark brows.
Stage 2: Scabby and itchy brows.
Stage 3: Patchy and light-colored brows.
Stage 4: The colors return and the healing is almost complete.
Stage 5: Initial touch-up
Stage 6: Fully healed
If at any point you feel that your healing stage is excessive or not going right, you should always be able to reach out to your artist.
What Does the Powder Brows Healing Process Day by Day Look Like?
Day 1-2: Right After Treatment
The first day or two after your treatment, you can expect a red and swollen brow area. The pigment will also look too dark - but this is normal. In these first two days, do not touch or wash your brows yet, and remember that it may look bad now but it won’t last.
Day 3-4: The Healing Begins
The brows have now been given some time to process the physical situation, and they can start to heal. You can expect it to still be red and a bit itchy, but the swelling can start to calm down.
Day 5-7: Scabbing and Flaking
These days are by far the most annoying. This is when your brow area is expected to start scabbing, which is perfectly normal as your skin layers regenerate. While it can be itchy, do not scratch or peel! Let it all fall into place (literally, just let the scabs fall off), or else you risk ruining the ombre brow, or worse, leaving a scar.
Day 8-10: Light Brows
By day 8 or 10, the scabbing should subside, which would leave your eyebrows looking a little patchy and a bit too light. This is only because of the new layers your skin has developed on top of the pigment. Once this settles in, the color will resurface so there is no need to worry.
Day 11-28: You Can Breathe Now
The first 10 days are most crucial and if you have gotten through them unscathed, you are now in the safe zone. Your eyebrows are not yet in their final form, but you can start to ease up on how you follow the aftercare guide. Ask your artist if they think your brows are ready for your regular routine again, and with their go signal, you can start right away!
However, we still recommend keeping the sweating and sun exposure limited as these can slow down the ombre powder brows healing process.
Day 29-42: Healed! Now, The First Touch Up
It takes an average of 4 to 6 weeks for powder brows to completely heal. Right around the 6th week, it is time for your first touch-up. This is to fix any imperfections, patchy spaces, and other factors that your artist can look into.
After The First Touch Up
This touch-up will involve inserting some pigment under your skin where necessary - not the entire brow. Still, you can expect minor redness, swelling, and scabbing in the affected areas again but they will only be mild and quick.
The initial touch-up is part of every powder brow treatment. After which, you only need to go back for regular touch-ups once every 1-3 years.
How Long Do Powder Brows Take to Heal?
It can take a total of 4 to 6 weeks for powder brows to completely heal.
Tips for a Successful Healing Process
There are a few things you can do to ensure your healing is successful. Below we highlight our top 3 tips:
Care for your skin type
Every skin type reacts differently to the treatment and knows what to expect. For instance, those with oily skin or sensitive skin types may experience more redness, while those with dry skin may experience more flaking. Ask your artist how to best care for yours.
Limit sweating and sun exposure
Excessive sweating and sun exposure especially while your brows are still healing can cause pigment loss.
Listen to your technician
The professional artist is there to answer any questions you may have and thoroughly explain each step. Heed their advice and follow their suggested routine to hasten healing.
What Else Is Recommended Aside From Powder Brows?
It’s always best to know all your options before deciding on one. Here are other recommended eyebrow solutions:
Eyebrow Temporary Transfer Tattoo
With these affordable, easy, and safe temporary transfer tattoos, you can have natural and durable eyebrows in seconds! Moreover, they come in many eyebrow shapes, styles, and colors to match your natural brows perfectly.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is commercially known as Rogaine. It is one of the leading over-the-counter solutions to eyebrow hair loss in men and women.
Eyebrow Pencils
If you prefer to have instant eyebrows without the use of medicated products, eyebrow pencils are by far one of the most user-friendly cosmetic tools on the market.
Other Eyebrow Makeup
Pencils are not the only eyebrow tool, either. You can check out pomade, powders, tints, serums, and much more! Learn necessary eyebrow makeup tips in this article: Eyebrow Replacements
FAQS
Can you get powder brows wet after treatment?
Do not get your powder brows wet in the first two days. However, as it heals, you can gently wash it with sterile water and then gently pat it dry.
When Can I Wash My Eyebrows After Powder Brows Treatment?
You can (very gently) wash your eyebrows on the second or third day after treatment, depending on how well your skin reacted to the procedure.
How Do I Clean My Powder Brows?
Gently washing, drying, and applying aftercare ointment is the best way to keep your brows clean and safe from infection.
How Do I Maintain My Powder Brows Once They Are Healed?
They are very low maintenance. After they have healed, all you need to do is snip off any excess hair that may grow past the shape, and schedule a touch-up every 1 to 3 years - that’s it!
How Long Do Powder Brows Last?
After the treatment and initial touch-up, they can last anywhere between 1 to 3 years before requiring another session. They typically last longer than microblading, and are similar to combination brows.
How long do powder brows scab for?
Ombre brows typically scab and flake between Day 5 and Day 7.
Do powder brows fade after scabbing?
After scabbing, a new layer of skin will grow on top of the brows, making them appear as if they have faded. However, this is only temporary.
You’re All Set!
The powder brows healing process may sound daunting but it’s important to remember that it only lasts 7 to 10 days. After which, the aftercare gets easier and the maintenance is very low.
If this treatment is not something you feel you are ready to commit to, check out other solutions we recommend such as eyebrow pencils, makeup, and eyebrow temporary transfer tattoos!
