Brows · Healing

Powder brow healing, day by day

Short answer: powder brows look dark and bold for the first week, flake during week two, can look patchy or faded for a couple of weeks, then settle softer. The final result shows at about 4–6 weeks, and the touch-up comes at 6–8 weeks.

The timeline

WhenWhat you'll see
Days 1–3Brows look darker, sharper and thicker than they'll heal. Some redness is normal.
Days 4–7Brows feel itchy and tight as the skin starts to heal. Don't scratch.
Days 7–14Light flaking. Color underneath can look patchy or much lighter. Let the flakes fall off on their own.
Weeks 2–4Color slowly returns and softens into a powdery finish.
Weeks 4–6Healed. This is your true shape and shade.
Weeks 6–8Touch-up to perfect shape and fill any light spots.

What helps

  • Use only the aftercare balm Erica gives you, as directed.
  • Wash your face around your brows, not over them, while they heal.
  • Sleep on your back for the first few nights if you can.
  • Skip sweaty workouts, saunas, pools and sun for about two weeks.

What to avoid

  • Picking or rubbing flakes, which can pull pigment out
  • Brow makeup, waxing, threading or tinting until healed
  • Retinol, acids and exfoliating products near your brows

The patchy stage is normal

Around the second week, many clients worry their brows have "disappeared." They haven't. New skin forms over the pigment and makes it look lighter until it settles, which is exactly why every powder brow service includes a touch-up.

When to call

Call Erica at (559) 290-9383 with any questions. See a doctor right away for increasing redness, heat, pus or fever. Full instructions are in the brow aftercare guide.