I’m not going to lie, successful semi permanent eyebrow aftercare can be a challenge. I give my clients a leaflet after their procedure and as soon as I discuss the steps involved, I can sense their hearts sinking! But it is so important to follow so that your brows stay on point. Semi permanent eyebrows fade eventually, but if you follow some aftercare steps this can be minimised. Your new semi permanent eyebrows should last you up to two years!
When will my Semi Permanent Eyebrows fade?
In time your eyebrows will fade and they are designed to do so! Don’t be alarmed by this. Unlike permanent tattoos, semi permanent eyebrow treatments such as Powder Brow use ORGANIC pigment. If this pigment is never topped up then it fades into a lighter shade of the colour that was applied at treatment, and eventually disappear altogether.
Synthetic pigments will change in colour and if the therapist has not nailed the colour theory, the pigment can fade into cool blues or salmon pinks! That’s why I only use organic pigments for my treatments.
Semi permanent eyebrows fade – this is unavoidable. But they will fade far less and you will have much better results from your treatment if you follow the advice of your artist. The truth is that the real success of a semi permanent eyebrow treatment is 5% down to the artist’s technique and 95% down the client’s aftercare steps.
This can be a bitter pill to swallow, but a thorough consultation should educate the client enough for them to follow the aftercare guidelines. How long your semi permanent eyebrows last determines the success of your treatment. Poor aftercare by the client contributes to premature fading.
Remember that a few days of inconvenience following your treatment will be outweighed by the convenience of stunning brows and extra time in the morning for up to two years after!
Why is Semi Permanent Eyebrow Aftercare So Important?
Semi permanent makeup is a delicate process. I carefully deposit pigment into the epidermis of your skin during the treatment. The epidermis rejuvenates and this causes the pigment to fade over time, so it is crucial that I deposit the right amount in the skin during the first two treatments.
I deposit a good cover of pigment during the first treatment, without over-saturating or overworking the skin. The top-up session is where I adjust the colour and fill in any gaps where the pigment has not taken. If the aftercare has not been followed after the first treatment, I basically perform the treatment all over again at the top-up.
The aftercare is designed to protect the open skin and allow it to ‘take’ and digest the pigment. Anything that slows or affects the healing process is to be discouraged.
Semi Permanent Eyebrow Aftercare Tips
There are some key steps following your treatment. They can be inconvenient for some, but remember they are designed for you, to get the best results for your time and money. Many of them apply equally to your pre-treatment guidelines that you can read here.
Avoid strenuous workouts for 48 hours
The sweat you produce when following a Joe Wicks HIIT workout can compromise the semi permanent pigment. There is a procedure in the industry called the Salt and Saline method, used to remove semi permanent makeup. Sweat contains salt – so please no hard workouts immediately following your procedure. If you have any questions on this, please discuss with me at your consultation (click on the button in the menu).
Avoid any blood thinning substances
SPMU treatments involve breaking the skin, so there are likely to be some tiny pin pricks of blood across the brow area during the treatment. Any substances that thin the blood will cause excess bleeding, and this can push out the pigment. The area can heal more slowly and form scabs. If these scabs fall or are picked off, they can take the pigment with them and you get patches in your new brows.
For this reason, I encourage clients to avoid the following:
- Medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, vitamin A or E supplements for 48 hours after your treatment
- Alcohol – for 48 hours!
- Caffeine for 48 hours after treatment
- Retinol products for 7 days after treatment. Retinol makes your skin thinner and jeopardises the healing process.
If you are taking any kind of medication then please make this known to me at your consultation. For clients on certain medications it may simply mean that you need an extra top-up or more frequent top ups. If you have any questions regarding your medications then please contact your GP.
Do not stop taking any medications in advance, or after, a semi permanent makeup treatment!
Keep your eyebrows dry
Small scabs will form during the healing process. If these become wet then they can fall off, taking away the pigment and causing premature fading. Avoid washing the eyebrow area and keep wet hair away.
No saunas or jacuzzis
Your skin will be ‘open’ and you should minimise your exposure to bacteria for 7 days. For this reason, stay out of saunas and jacuzzis as the heat and moisture will keep the pores open and both increase the risk and prevent healing.
Stay Out of the Sun
Excess sun can damage the skin while it heals and can cause the colour to fade.
Apply your Aftercare Serum
I will provide you with an aftercare serum after your treatment . Use it as directed to promote the healing process and avoid premature fading.
Summary
Whilst some clients struggle with the aftercare, there are others that absolutely nail it! I can see the great results when they return for the top up. The brow has healed beautifully and the pigment is consistent with a gorgeous soft finish. They have followed their aftercare to the letter. It is a delight when this happens! I cannot hide my excitement as I know that they will have the brows they wished for after their top up, meaning I’ve hit my brow goal… nothing makes me happier.
In summary, perfect brows are the result of team work. It requires the artist to work at the right depth, with the right pressure and with on point accuracy. It requires the client to listen, understand and commit to all the aftercare advice provided by the artist. If both work together, they can achieve perfect and long-lasting results – and minimise your semi permanent eyebrows fading.
