So let’s talk about what happens if you pick microblading scabs — because honestly, this is one of the biggest (and most expensive) mistakes I see in my Melbourne studio. When you’ve just invested in your dream brows, it can be tempting to “help” them heal faster. But those tiny flakes you’re itching to remove? They’re actually protecting your new pigment and the fresh skin underneath.
Why Scabbing Happens
When you have a microblading procedure, your microblading technician uses a handheld tool with ultra-fine needles to create realistic hair strokes. These tiny incisions implant microblading pigments into the papillary dermis — the top layer of skin that’s just beneath the surface.
This triggers your body’s natural skin regeneration response. As skin cells repair themselves, a protective layer of scabs forms over the cosmetic tattooed area. This isn’t something to worry about — it’s your body’s way of keeping bacteria out and pigment in.
At Face Figurati, I see clients with all sorts of skin types — from oily to dry to sensitive — and each one heals differently. For example, those with drier skin might experience more visible scabbing, while oilier skin types often go through a lighter dry healing phase.
Healing Timeline At A Glance
Below is an overview of what to expect in your first two weeks after microblading eyebrow. It’s based on real healing data observed across hundreds of Melbourne clients who’ve had semi-permanent tattooing procedures.
| Day | What’s Happening | What’s Normal | What To Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Brows appear darker and thicker | Mild swelling, redness | Touching or applying makeup |
| 3–5 | Microblading scabbing starts | Tightness, dryness, light flaking | Picking or scratching |
| 6–10 | Skin regeneration under scabs | Uneven pigment visibility | Wetting brows excessively |
| 11–14 | Flakes shed naturally | Softened pigment colour | Sun exposure or exfoliation |
| 15+ | Pigment stabilisation | True colour shows | Skipping your touch-up appointment |
What Happens When You Pick
When you go ahead and pick at scabs before they’re fully ready, you’re essentially yanking away that pigment that hasn’t yet fully stuck in the dermal layer. And guess what that means for your eyebrow tattoo? It’s likely to end up healing in funny patchy spots, or maybe even fade unevenly.
Things can get a whole lot worse if you’re not careful. For instance:
- Fading: Your semi-permanent pigment can sort of… vanish if you’re premature about lifting those scabs.
- Scarring: You could be left with an inflamed or textured microbladed area to contend with.
- Delayed healing: Re-opening those wounds just sets the entire healing process back to square one.
- Infection risk: All it takes is introducing some nasty bacteria (especially through dirty fingers) and you’re into serious irritation territory.
At Face Figurati, I’ve had to put right my fair share of brows that’ve gone south because of premature picking. Trust me, it’s so much better to just let your skin be and stick to your aftercare instructions to the letter.
Dry Healing And Wet Healing
You’ve probably heard of dry healing and wet healing – the two main approaches when it comes to microblading.
Dry Healing: Keep the area spick and span & dry, just let those scabs form and shed naturally. Fairly speaking, this method works best for people with normal or oily skin types and is perfect for Melbourne’s super-humid summers.\
Wet Healing: You clean and apply a healing balm with a thin layer of sterile ointment to keep skin hydrated as it heals. This is ideal for sensitive skin, especially in the cooler months.
At my studio, I personalise each client’s aftercare routine. Some need a light smearing of antibiotic ointment, while others need super-gentle moisturising to prevent any cracks and whatnot. Get the right method and you’re onto a winner – your pigment will heal evenly and last longer between touch-ups.
The Golden Rules Of Aftercare
Aftercare is non-negotiable; if you do it right from the get-go, your pigment will heal evenly and last a good long time between touch-ups.
Here’s the basic protocol we provide at Face Figurati:
Do’s
- Clean the area gently twice a day using just sterile water & a clean cloth.
- Pat dry and give the area a quick application of your healing balm or ointment (if advised).
- Avoid sun exposure and slather on some sunscreen SPF 30 once the area’s all healed up.
- Keep to your scheduled touch-up appointment – it’s the best way to get perfect pigment.
Don’ts
- Don’t even think about applying makeup, tint or eyebrow pencil to the cosmetic tattooed area.
- Don’t expose your brows to saunas, pools or sweat-heavy workouts.
- Don’t use exfoliants, acids or retinol until after your aftercare instructions have expired.
- Don’t go poking around with a stick at the scabs or flakes – ever.
I know it sounds a bit strict, but trust me, the results are worth it.
When To Get Concerned
Some people get a bit worried about every little thing – a flake or some redness means something’s wrong, right? Usually, it’s just normal healing, but there are moments when you should get in touch with your artist or a doctor:
- If you’re seeing persistent redness, swelling or a pus-like discharge
- If you’ve got severe itching or a spreading rash beyond your brow
- If that scab looks green, yellow or glossy
- If you’re running a fever or have flu-like symptoms
At Face Figurati, we always encourage clients to send through some pics just to check everything is alright. Better safe than sorry, right?
Pigment Retention And Skin Health
When it comes to shaping your brows, it’s not just about the present – it’s about the future too. Getting rid of the new growth scabs or letting them heal on their own can have a big impact on future touch-ups. Here’s why:
- You may find yourself needing more sessions to get the colour you want, which means extra time and money spent in the long run
- In some cases, you may need to opt for combination brows or ombre shading to hide any patchy colour
- In the worst cases, you might need to have some laser sessions to remove old pigment before you can get a new tattoo.
Your skin has a memory. How you treat it during the healing process will have a big impact on how it behaves the next time around.
Real Client Story: The “Brow Flake” Incident
I had a client, Anna, who came back a couple of weeks after getting her microblading done with a gap in one of her brows. She had ‘cleaned off a little scab’ which turned out to be a whole pigment stroke group – and this was just two weeks in! She then had to come back for a correction, which meant a longer recovery time and an extra visit.
At the end of it all, she learned the golden rule – leave the healing alone and leave it to us.
Why Patience Pays Off
When you pick and pull at the scabs on your skin, you’re not just losing pigment – you’re potentially creating a permanent scar that can make future touch-ups or removal a nightmare. Your skin becomes tough, and this makes it harder for the pigment to take evenly the next time.
By just giving your skin time to heal naturally and following the instructions you get from us, you’re giving your brows the best chance to heal smoothly and evenly.
Over at Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne, we’re always saying the same thing to our clients – scabbing is a sign that your skin is working its magic and regenerating itself. If you pick at the scabs, you’re interfering with this healing process and potentially pulling out some of the pigment before it’s even fully settled, which can leave you with patchy brows and uneven colour.
Cost Of Fixing Brows In Melbourne
Depending on how much pigment has been lost, a corrective session can cost anywhere from $150 to $400, not including the cost of your initial microblading. That’s why proper aftercare is so important – and we’ve made sure to give you everything you need to do it right.
At Face Figurati, we include loads of freebies with your aftercare package – including those all-important aftercare cards, product samples and ongoing support – because we believe no one should have to suffer with patchy brows because they were impatient.
FAQ
How long does the healing process take?
It usually takes about 10-14 days, but it can take up to six weeks for the pigment to settle completely
Can I slather on the Vaseline or ointment to keep my brows nice and moisturised?
Not without checking with us first. Some ointments can actually block oxygen to the skin and slow down the healing process.
What do I do if my brows feel really itchy or tight?
Just apply a thin layer of your aftercare balm and try not to scratch. That itch is just your skin forming new cells.
Will my brows fade if I scab on them?
Yes, after the scabs have come off, your brows might look a bit pale for a week or so. But don’t worry, the pigment will come back in and look even better than before.
Can the sun and UV rays make my brows fade?
Absolutely. UV rays are one of the main causes of pigment fading. So be sure to keep your healed brows protected with a good SPF 30 sunscreen.