Getting ombre brows is similar to any cosmetic or traditional tattooing procedure, so it’s important that you follow the aftercare instructions carefully.
In this article, we provide you with an easy guide on how to best care for your ombre brows after application.
Ombre brows typically heal in around 7 to 10 days. During this time, it’s important that you correctly clean the brow area and apply a thin layer of ointment over the brows. Do not apply makeup over the brows, submerge them in water, scratch/pick at them, or work out during the healing process.
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What Are Ombre Brows?
Ombre brows are a semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing procedure that leaves the brows looking fuller and more defined.
To create ombre brows, the eyebrow artist uses a machine much like a traditional tattoo machine instead of a handheld tool with a single needle.
In order to make the brows look shaded in, this machine deposits hundreds of tiny dots of pigment into the skin.
To achieve the ombre effect, the pigment is least saturated in the inner brow and gradually becomes more saturated towards the tail of the brow.
In some cases, when the client wants a more dramatic look, the artist will even use a lighter shade in the inner brow and switch to a shade darker for the end of the brow.
The most common permanent makeup pigments used to create ombre brows are called iron oxide-based pigments.
However, many eyebrow artists also carry non-iron oxide-based pigments for people who may have an allergy to iron.
These pigments are completely safe to use and naturally absorb into the skin over time.
Do Ombre Brows Scab?
Yes, ombre brows do scab during the healing process. The scabbing will make the brows look darker in color and bolder than desired.
It’s important to remember that this is just part of the healing process and will not be the final result.
Usually, 3-7 days after you first get them done, scabbing starts to occur.
The amount of scabbing that occurs differs from person to person, but any amount of scabbing means that the brows are healing properly.
It’s essential that you do not pick at the scabs, as this will alter the final result of the brows. Remember to just let the scabs fall off on their own.
Aftercare Instructions For Ombre Brows
Here are the day-by-day instructions of how to properly take care of your ombre brows to ensure they heal properly and look as they were intended to:
Days 1-2
During the first two days, it is likely that you’ll experience some swelling, redness, and mild irritation.
It is crucial that you do not itch or pick at the brows during this time.
It is recommended to use an antiseptic wipe or baby wipe to gently clean the area every few hours for the first two days.
Do not rub at the area, but gently tap the area clean to ensure there are no bacteria on the surface of the brows.
Days 3-7
You can continue to wash the brows gently during days 3 through 7.
Every morning and night is completely fine during this period in the healing process.
When you rinse your brows, make sure to not leave any soap behind. Pat the brows dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing them.
After this, you’ll want to apply an ointment.
In some cases, your eyebrow artist will give you one or recommend one for you to buy.
To apply the ointment, use a q-tip instead of your fingertips. Only apply a thin layer of ointment being sure not to suffocate the brows. Use ointment once per day.
Ointments For Ombre Brows
If your eyebrow artist hasn’t given you an ointment or recommended one for you to purchase, here are some of the best ones that are completely safe to use during the healing process:
M Brow Aftercare Gel Ointment, Amazon.com
The M Aftercare Gel Ointment helps retain the pigment in the brows and moisturizes the skin to ensure the healing process goes smoothly. It even claims to lessen the amount of scabbing that occurs.
BrowsEyesLips Microblading Brow Aftercare Ointment, Amazon.com
This ointment helps retain the pigment in the brows, and it has enough product in one container for you to use both after the initial appointment and touch-up session.
Tattoo Scar Repair Gel, Amazon.com
This gel is not only great for tattoos but also for cosmetic tattooing procedures. It contains Vitamin D, Vitamin A, and other skin-soothing ingredients to help the brows heal properly. These come in individual packs making it easy to travel without having to carry a whole bottle at all times.
What Not To Do After Getting Ombre Brows
One of the most crucial parts of the aftercare process is what not to do during the healing process.
Doing any of the things listed below can make your ombre brows fade in color, not be as defined, or even cause an infection.
Do Not Work Out
After getting ombre brows done, you should not work out until they are completely healed.
The sweat caused by working out counts as moisture which you do not want interfering with the brows as they heal.
If sweat does interfere with the ombre brows before they are completely healed, it can cause the color to spread apart, appearing uneven and faded.
Additionally, it can cause your ombre brows to not last as long.
Another reason why you want to avoid working out during the healing process is that sweat releases different bacteria that come in contact with the pigment in the brows. This could lead to possible infection.
Typically, the healing process lasts 10 to 14 days, so avoid working out for at least 2 weeks to be on the safe side.
Eyebrow artists say that after 7 days, mild exercise like a brisk walk or yoga that doesn’t cause much sweat is doable, but still be cautious.
Avoid Water On Brows
You should completely avoid exposing your ombre brows to water during the healing process.
Any water or moisture is going to loosen the pigment, cause it to fade faster, and can even shorten its longevity.
When in the shower, never fully submerge your face or head under the water.
When washing your hair, lean your head back so none of the water comes into contact with the brows.
Try and take quick showers and make them as cool in temperature as possible, as the steam can also damage your brows.
If you accidentally splash some water on your brows in the shower or you walked out in the rain, don’t panic.
It shouldn’t be too much of an issue unless you completely expose the brows to moisture for longer periods of time.
Do Not Wear Makeup
Eyebrows advise you to not wear any makeup during the healing process.
Since the surface of the skin has been poked and scratched by needles during the application process, it has gone through some trauma that requires healing.
If you apply makeup over this area before they are completely healed, the makeup can clog pores and even cause an infection.
In addition, makeup can pull out excess oil from the skin which can fade the color more quickly.
How To Maintain Ombre Brows Long Term
After the healing process has completely finished, you’re free to continue your routine as usual.
However, there are some things you definitely want to keep in mind to keep your ombre brows looking fresh and so that they last as long as they possibly can.
It’s important to remember that fading is normal, and this is the reason for touch-up appointments. Here you can have your ombre brows corrected if you’re not entirely happy with them.
Always go to the touch-up sessions that your eyebrow artist recommends for you.
Other than this, you can prevent your ombre brows from fading as fast by not exposing them directly to the sun. If you are exposing them to the sun, always wear sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about ombre brows.
How Long Does It Take For Ombre Brows To Peel?
On average, your ombre brows will be done peeling anywhere from 5 to 10 days. However, this varies from person to person.
To ensure your ombre brows have the best possible chances of healing, make sure you prepare for the procedure beforehand.
My Ombre Brows Are Not Scabbing – What To Do?
Typically everyone will experience some level of scabbing. No scabbing to light scabbing is completely normal and nothing to worry about. You only need to worry if they are excessively scabbing.
When Are Ombre Brows Fully Healed?
It typically takes 10 to 14 days for ombre brows to heal. However, it takes about a month for the color to completely set in.