Eyebrow Tattoo Healing Process and Aftercare

Getting your eyebrows tattooed is a great way to define your brows with no daily makeup. The semi-permanent ink actually inserts color into your skin. Taking good care of them while they heal up is essential over the next few weeks. Stick with simple steps of aftercare, and your brows will look fantastic for months to come.

In the first few days, your skin will be irritated and reddish where the pigment went in. During this time, you’ll want to keep the area super clean. Also, put on a soothing cream. This helps reduce any soreness and prevents issues as scabs or flakes start coming off. 

The key is to not pick or pull things off as the new layer forms underneath. Gently tending to your brows allows the ink to settle. This article will explain the eyebrow tattoo healing process and aftercare. Be patient as your beautiful eyebrows finish up the eyebrow tattoo healing process.

How Are Your Eyebrow Tattoos Progressing Day by Day?

The first week after your eyebrow tattoo, it is essential to pay attention to how your brows are healing. You’ll notice changes each day as your skin adjusts to the pigment. Some redness and flaking are expected, so keep gently caring for them with the guidance below.

Read more about: Eyebrow Tattoo Removal

Day 1-3: Inflammatory Stage

During these first few days, you’ll actively want to reduce inflammation in the brows. They will feel tender and look visibly red and swollen right after the procedure. Apply a thick moisturizer anytime it feels dry. Try not to rub or touch the skin more than needed. Keeping everything clean and moistened properly handles much of the discomfort at this stage.

Day 4-6: Scabbing Stage

Now, small scabs or flakes will start forming over the tattooed areas as they heal. They resist picking at these, and they protect the regenerating layer below. Switch to a lighter lotion, continuing frequent moisturizing. Some itching may happen due to the scabbing, so use a soft mist if needed to soothe it. As they fall off naturally, you’ll see the fine ink outlines left behind in your brows.

Day 7-10: Peeling Stage

By the second week, your eyebrow tattoo is entering the peeling stage. Small flakes and patches may detach to reveal new, softer skin forming beneath.

Don’t pick at anything. Let it shed at its own pace. You can use a moisturizer containing glycolic acid to rub away loose pieces and keep everything supple gently.

Frequent smoothing keeps flakiness to a minimum. The tattoo color should become more vivid as layers continue peeling away.

Day 11-14: Itching Stage

During this time, your eyebrows may feel itchy as further healing occurs. It resists scratching, which could damage scabbing or cause infection. Instead, calmly apply a thin layer of moisturizer over the inflamed area. 

You can also use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream containing hydrocortisone, following instructions. The itchiness indicates new growth, so try distraction techniques until it subsides.

Day 15-28: Final Healing Stage

Now is when to let the last stage of healing wrap up patiently. You’ll notice scabs have gone, replaced by softer, healed skin. The color might appear lighter or patchy at first but will gradually darken. 

Continued moisturizing protects as the pigment settles fully in place. Avoid harsh sun or chemicals touching the brows during final stabilization. With proper care, the tattoo will last beautifully and define your eyes for years ahead.

Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Following are the eyebrow tattoo aftercare instructions:

Cleaning Your Eyebrows

During the first few weeks, you’ll want to keep your eyebrows very clean. Gently wash them once or twice a day using a fragrance-free cleanser and warm water. Pat the area dry with a soft towel – don’t rub. 

This helps prevent infection as your skin heals. Avoid touching or picking at any flakes or scabs that form. Always wash your hands before caring for your eyebrows.

Moisturizing is Key

To support the eyebrow tattoo healing process and aftercare:

1. Apply a thick moisturizer after each cleaning.
2. Look for one labeled for sensitive skin that doesn’t contain alcohol or scents.
3. Gently smooth it over your brows with clean fingers.

Dry skin can cause flaking and irritation as your tattoo integrates, so keep the area well-moistened. Reapply anytime it feels tight.

Avoiding the Sun and Other Activities

For at least 2 weeks, protect your eyebrows from direct sun exposure. The UV rays may irritate or cause the pigment to fade prematurely. Don’t submerge your brows in water from activities like swimming or hot baths. Try to limit heavy sweating as well until fully healed. Taking it easy allows your tattoo to settle in fully.

Tips for Faster Eyebrow Tattoo Healing

To aid the process, these all actively support faster and less irritating healing.;

• Consider applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth to your brow area for 10 minutes at a time. 
• The cooling reduces redness and swelling. 
• Staying hydrated by drinking water also nourishes regenerating skin cells. 
• Continue using a moisturizer and avoiding direct sun or strenuous activities as much as possible. 

Aftercare for Eyebrow Tattoos That Dry Heal

Brows that dry heal will form scabs instead of flakes. 

1. Gently wipe off discharge with a damp cotton pad twice a day. 
2. Rub a small amount of antibacterial ointment onto any dry areas. 
3. Leave them and avoid picking scabs until they fall off naturally. Once healed underneath, your tattoo color will last long.

Aftercare for Eyebrow Tattoos That Wet Heal

If yours are wet healing, you’ll see flakes or wetness instead of scabs. 

1. Rinse them gently during cleansing and moisturize. 
2. The damp method keeps skin supple and makes peeling fragments come away smoothly on their own. 
3. Expect the color to look deeper and more vibrant once completely healed versus dry healing.

Which Healing Method is Better?

Most experts say wet healing eyebrow tattoos lead to less scarring and touch-ups later on. It relieves discomfort and allows smooth removal of dead skin to showcase bolder ink results below. While dry healing works fine, too, the wet method often produces optimal color retention with less healing time and fuss involved.

What to do if you experience complications during healing?

If your skin appears swollen or hot to the touch, see your doctor right away. This could signal infection setting in. Notify your practitioner if bleeding, pus, or a fever develops as well. Skipping these critical signs could make problems much worse. 

Some mild redness, itchiness, or flaking is quite normal as long as it doesn’t intensify severely. For less severe issues like uncomfortable flaking or scabbing, switch to a super gentle cleanser and moisturizer containing ingredients like aloe to soothe your skin. 

Applying a warm, damp tea bag compress also relieves itch or irritation. Always contact the one who did your tattoo if you have any worries, as they can best advise treating minor difficulties. Most issues turn out fine with proper care.

What to avoid during eyebrow tattoo aftercare?

Picking or touching your brows is a big no-no while healing. This risks damaging the surrounding skin, spreading germs, and hindering the pigment embedding process. Steer clear of cosmetics, hair products, and creams on the tattooed area until fully healed in 2-3 weeks. 

Harsh scrubs or astringents can disrupt newly regenerated layers. Likewise, steer clear of pools, hot tubs, saunas, and direct sun exposure, which may cause fading prematurely. Try to resist rubbing, scratching, or manipulating your brow area in any way once the tattoo is done. 

Heal mode is critical for optimal results. Seek medical help promptly for any signs of infection beyond mild redness or itching. Other than that, moisturize, rest, and avoid contaminating or injuring the skin to get the best outcome.

FAQs

How long will the color last before needing a touch-up?

With proper aftercare, the pigment should last 1-3 years before slightly fading. A touch-up can restore the color.

When can I resume normal exercise activities?

Give your brows 2-3 weeks to fully heal before engaging in strenuous exercise or sweating directly onto the area. Listen to your body, and wait to overexert them too soon.

When is it safe to resume wearing makeup near my brows?

It’s best to avoid all makeup, including products applied near your brows, for the first 2-3 weeks post-tattoo. Use only non-comedogenic and mineral products after this to prevent irritating newly healed skin.

How long should I wait before getting my brows wet in the shower?

Keep brows dry in the shower for the entire 3-week healing period. You can gently cleanse them with a fragrance-free cleanser, and pat dry very carefully before that time has passed.

What amount of fading over time is considered normal?

Some gradual lightening or patchiness can be expected 1-2 years post-tattoo as the pigment diffuses slightly. A touch-up session can effectively restore the color to its original depth and definition.

Final Thoughts

Following these aftercare steps closely maximizes your brow tattoo’s longevity. Most importantly, be gentle and patient with yourself through the different eyebrow tattoo healing phases. Resist the urge to pick or disturb your brows, even if they itch or look flaky. 

With consistent moisturizing and cleaning as directed, you’ll safely guide them to a beautiful, fully healed result. In a few short weeks, you’ll enjoy amazingly defined eyebrows with no daily makeup tasks – and all from a simple procedure when cared for properly. Enjoy showing off your newly shaped brows!