The Healing Process For The Hybrid, Nano & Powder Brow Microblading Techniques: What To Expect, Key Stages & Timeline
The Le Kitsuné Microblading Healing Process: Timeline & Key Stages
Before getting a Nano or Powder Brow Procedure, many individuals anticipate what the healing process entails. Perhaps you want to know what to expect! Here is a breakdown of the healing stages.
Your Healing Timeline: A Visual Journey
Tap a stage to jump to detailed information
Everyone's Healing Journey Is Unique
The first thing to keep in mind is that everyone's skin is different and constantly changing so the following may or may not apply to you — and that's ok! This is to give you some parameters on what to expect so you can manage your expectations and plan accordingly. Most Kitsuné clients report little to no effects during the healing process, but the following is a possible scenario of what you may experience.
Not sure if you're a good candidate? Check our candidacy guidelinesThe First 24-48 Hours Post-Procedure: The Initial Phase
Your brows will appear bold and dark — this is normal. Immediately after your procedure, your brows may look slightly darker than what the ultimate outcome will be. This is because the pigment is fresh and sitting atop the skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may also notice slight inflammation around the brows and some sensitivity in the area, but don't worry—this is all part of the process and will eventually subside.
Keep the area clean and moisturized. When your skin is in the initial stages of healing, avoid excessive touching or friction in the affected area. Keeping the area moisturized helps protect it while healing and reinforces the skin barrier, allowing the pigment to settle in as opposed to prematurely losing pigment.
Don't pick or peel at any scabs. It's common for the brows to feel tender. If and when they start to scab, leave them alone—picking or peeling can lead to pigment loss or uneven healing.
Days 3-4: For Those That Do Peel… the Peeling Begins
Most clients experience minimal peeling. Most of our clients report little to no peeling from the machine services (Hybrid, Nano, Powder etc.). We hear a lot of "nothing happened!" For the Peelers, however, by day 3 or 4, you may notice some light flaking or peeling in the brow area. It's tempting to want to scrub them or pull them off, but please resist! Flaking is the skin's natural way of shedding the outermost layer. Letting it happen naturally is essential, as prematurely peeling it off may take the pigment with it.
Patchy or faded appearance is normal at this stage. Don't be alarmed. The pigment is still settling beneath the surface and the brows will look more defined as healing progresses.
Resume gentle cleansing — but avoid friction. During this stage, you can resume your usual regimen of cleansing and moisturizing your skin. We just advise that you stick to lukewarm water, gentle movements and patting dry, as well as mild, non-active products to facilitate the healing process instead of interfering with it.
Days 5-7: The Brows May Start Fading
Your brows may appear lighter — don't panic. By the end of the first week, you'll notice that your brows may appear lighter. This is entirely normal. The pigment has started settling into the skin, and the initial dark appearance may fade.
Leave any remaining scabs alone. Don't worry—this is part of the natural healing cycle. The skin will heal in stages, and the color will even out in the following weeks. If you have any scabs remaining, please leave them on as long as they want to be there! Continue to moisturize — using patting motions — and they will gradually fall off.
This fading is intentional and part of our conservative approach. We'd rather start lighter and add more pigment at your complimentary touch-up (4-6 weeks later) than go too dark initially. It's always easier to add more than to remove pigment! This ensures you look great throughout the entire healing process, not just at the end.
This fading stage is where most clients panic—but it's completely normal. Our conservative approach means you'll look natural throughout healing, and we perfect everything at your included touch-up. Don't just take our word for it:
Normal during healing: lighter color, mild flaking, slight patchiness, temporary fading, minor tenderness in the first 1-2 days.
Contact us if you experience: excessive redness or swelling that worsens after day 3, signs of infection (discharge or pus), an allergic reaction, or significant pain. These are rare but worth knowing about.
Week 2: The Healing Continues
Brows should be settling into their shape. By week 2, most clients report that the brows seem to have settled. For the Peelers, the peeling should be mostly done, and the initial scabs will have fallen off. The skin is still healing, and the color may seem light, but it's beginning to settle into the desired shape and tone. During healing, skin laxity ebbs and flows as the skin tightens and settles back to normal.
Continue avoiding skincare actives. It is helpful to continue to avoid skincare actives like AHAs, BHAs, Glycolic, Lactic Acids, Retinoids, Tretinoin and any form of Vitamin A as well as Salicylic Acid, etc. Anything exfoliating in nature will disrupt the skin's healing and recovery process.
Week 3-4: Brows Start to Look More Defined
Color "bounces back" — you'll see the real result. By weeks 3 to 4, the primary healing process is coming to completion and the color will seem to "bounce back." The brows will appear more defined and uniform, and the pigment will settle nicely into the skin. By this timeframe you will have a sense of the final outcome of your brows.
This is why touch-ups are scheduled at 4-6 weeks. The average skin cell shedding cycle, or cell turnover, is around 28 days. This means it takes around a month for new skin cells to reach the surface of the skin before shedding as dead skin. Follow-up appointments are scheduled according to this interval.
New Brow Touch-Up: 4-6 Weeks After Your Initial Session
Your complimentary touch-up is included with every new session. This gives you the option to make any adjustments to your initial brow design. Touch-ups also help finalize the shape and color of your brows, as you will have had an opportunity to "test" them and gotten used to them. Many clients feel emboldened to add more at their second appointment.
Your artist will assess how your skin healed and adjust accordingly. Depending on your skin type and how your body reacts to the pigment, some people may need only one touch-up, while others might require more. It's prudent to take a conservative approach with shape and color — and add on more later as needed, as opposed to going too aggressively up front and regretting it later!
Remember: We can always add more, but it's much harder to take away. We'll do everything to make sure your brows look great! Starting lighter gives us the flexibility to perfect your brows at the touch-up without the risk of going too dark. Learn more about how we design brows for your unique face.
Maintenance Touch-Ups: Keeping Your Brows Fresh (6-8 Months)
Permanent makeup fades over time — maintenance keeps it looking fresh. Permanent makeup is "permanent" in the sense that pigment is deposited into the dermal layer of the skin, but it does fade. Most clients need maintenance touch-ups every 6-8 months to keep their brows looking vibrant and beautifully defined.
Several factors affect how quickly your brows fade. These include your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, skincare routine, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Oily skin tends to break down pigment faster, while drier skin types may retain color longer.
They prevent your brows from fading to an unnatural color, maintain crisp shape and definition, and allow you to adjust your brow style as trends or your preferences evolve. Think of it like maintaining highlights at the salon — regular upkeep ensures you always look your best. Most of our clients schedule their next touch-up before they leave the studio.
Touch-up sessions are typically quicker than your initial appointment and involve refreshing the color and reshaping any areas that may have faded. This ongoing maintenance is key to keeping your brows looking as stunning as the day you left our studio.
Remember: Trust the Process!
Remember that everyone's process looks different during the healing stages, as everyone has different skin! Lean into trusting your process. We're committed to delivering a beautiful outcome — for you! Your brows may look uneven or too light at some points along the healing journey, but hang in there. After the healing process is complete, you'll have beautifully natural, long-lasting results.
Patience is key! Stick to your aftercare routine and allow the skin to heal in its own time. As your brows heal, the result will reveal itself, and you'll love the outcome!
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the microblading & nanoblading healing process
Is it normal for microblading or nanoblading to look too dark at first?
Yes. Bold, dark brows immediately after your procedure are completely normal. The pigment is fresh and sitting on top of the skin. Expect them to soften significantly — often 40–50% — as they heal over the next 2–4 weeks. The final color won't be visible until after the full healing cycle is complete.
Why did my microblading or nanoblading seem to disappear after a week?
Around days 5–7, the outer layer of skin sheds and takes surface pigment with it. This can make brows appear very light or even seem to have disappeared. The remaining pigment is settling deeper in the dermis and will "bounce back" by weeks 3–4. This fading is normal and expected — your complimentary touch-up at 4–6 weeks is designed to perfect the final result.
How long does the microblading or nanoblading healing process take?
The primary healing window is 4–6 weeks. Most visible healing — any peeling or flaking — happens within the first 7–10 days. Full skin cell turnover takes approximately 28 days, which is why touch-up appointments are scheduled at 4–6 weeks after your initial session. See our full aftercare guide for detailed instructions.
Can I wear makeup during the microblading or nanoblading healing process?
Avoid applying makeup directly on or near the brow area for at least 7–10 days, or until any flaking has fully resolved. Makeup on the rest of your face is fine. Once the treated area is fully healed, you can resume your normal makeup routine.
What happens if I accidentally get my microblading or nanoblading wet?
Brief, incidental contact with water — like rinsing your face — is generally fine. Avoid prolonged water exposure, swimming, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 10–14 days. Always pat the area dry gently and never rub.
How do I know if my microblading or nanoblading is healing properly?
Normal healing includes mild tenderness (days 1–2), slight darkening then lightening, light flaking (days 3–7), temporary fading (weeks 1–2), and color returning (weeks 3–4). Contact your artist if you experience excessive redness or swelling that worsens after day 3, signs of infection (discharge or pus), or significant pain.
Why do I need a touch-up after microblading or nanoblading?
Microblading and nanoblading are a two-appointment process by design. The initial session creates the foundation, and the complimentary touch-up at 4–6 weeks allows your artist to perfect the shape, fill any areas where pigment didn't fully retain, and adjust color density based on how your unique skin healed. Learn more about what's included →
Le Kitsuné: The #1 Studio For Hybrid Powder/Nano Brows in NYC
At Le Kitsuné, we specialize in Hybrid Powder/Nano Brows, offering the most natural, customizable look for every skin type. Our process is designed for minimal downtime and clients typically heal in under seven days without harsh peeling or intense darkening.
Whether it's your first time with Permanent Makeup or you're in need of a Correction, our expert team will work with you to create the perfect shape and color. Visit our NYC studio or email us for a no-fee video consultation. We'll walk you through the process and help you achieve flawless, lasting brows.
Why invest in a top brow artist?