Permanent eyebrow make-up is not a trivial procedure, and before you take the plunge, you need to have all the facts in hand. What exactly happens during a session, and more importantly, what happens during the healing process? We tell you all about it. 

Permanent make-up is back on the beauty scene. Worked in a more refined way, it offers beauty addicts the opportunity of a beauty revisited, almost instantaneous and faithful over time! It's the (almost) miracle solution for those who want precise, well-executed make-up without having to go to the mirror every morning.

Permanent eyebrow make-up tops the list. Eyebrows have become the number 1 beauty concern in recent years. We want them to be full, intense, clean and well defined, a trend that most often requires going under the blade of a microblading or microshading needle. These two aesthetic procedures are carried out in a beauty salon (usually in two sessions) and do not require hospitalization, but do require rigorous follow-up in the days following the operation, as scarring occurs. 

What is permanent eyebrow make-up? 

It's simple: permanent eyebrow make-up (whatever the technique) consists of inserting pigments under the surface layer of the skin to draw the eyebrows as naturally as possible. What distinguishes this technique from tattooing is not only the pigments used, but also the way they are applied under the skin. With microblading, a small scalpel soaked in the material is used to place the pigments under the skin, creating a hair-by-hair appearance. Microshading uses a needle to dab the material under the surface of the skin, giving the eyebrows a powdery appearance. The aim of these highly effective techniques, with more or less similar results, is to magnify eyebrows and enable those who use them to say bye-bye to eyebrow pencils for at least two years. As you will have understood, however, permanent make-up is an operation that alters the skin and leaves it raw, which implies a healing period.

How long does it take to heal after a permanent make-up session?

Although it all depends on individual skin type and cell renewal, the healing time following permanent eyebrow make-up is around two weeks. After the session, the skin is raw and the area very red, which normally lasts 24 hours. Following the redness and over the first few days, scabs may appear, the main stage in the healing process. The skin will regenerate while forming scabs that will protect the area during the healing process. These scabs can potentially cause itching and even a little bleeding. It's important to take care at every stage to ensure a healthy and complete healing process for the skin under the eyebrows.

How to care for your eyebrows during the healing process? 

Healing the skin after permanent eyebrow make-up is of paramount importance. Not only to ensure that the operation produces a good, beautiful result, but above all to ensure that the skin remains in good health and to avoid any complications that could prove dangerous! 

Having the right equipment 

Each treatment step is normally detailed by the specialist beautician who performs the permanent make-up. If she forgets to remind you, don't hesitate to ask for a prescription. In general, we recommend that you have the following equipment in your possession: 

• Healing cream or Vaseline.
• An antiseptic.
• Sterilized compresses.
• Sunscreen. 
• Anaesthetic cream if the pain is too great (again, it all depends on individual sensitivity).

Step by step 

After the permanent make-up session, you should avoid wetting and applying make-up to the eyebrow area for at least 48 hours. If you want to be on the safe side, we advise you to avoid applying make-up for the first week, and to always clean your face gently with wet wipes. Every evening, and from the very first night, make sure you disinfect the area with a sterilized compress and an antiseptic treatment, then apply a thick layer of Vaseline or healing cream. This operation should be repeated for a fortnight, until the scabs and tightness of the skin have completely stopped. During this period, the sun is forbidden! In the morning, before going out, don't forget to spread sun cream on your face (even in winter) and protect your eyebrows as much as possible with a cap or hat. After a fortnight, you can resume your normal routine, getting your face wet in the pool or at the beach, getting a little more sun (but still with the protection of the cream) and reusing your beauty products, even the eyebrow serum. The latter is even recommended to help your over-plucked eyebrows grow back effectively over permanent make-up.

What are the possible side effects of permanent make-up? 

As permanent make-up is skin-tingling, there may be undesirable side effects following the operation. In some cases, poor healing can be expected. In fact, if you're the type of person whose skin doesn't heal well, you should avoid any permanent make-up operation. In some cases, bleeding may also occur. This is not normally serious, but if it persists or bleeds profusely, it's best to seek medical advice without delay.