How to Prepare for Microblading: The Ultimate Guide to Dos and Don’ts for the Best Results

Getting ready for your microblading appointment? What you do—and don’t do—beforehand can make all the difference. From skipping your morning coffee to holding off on Botox, the right prep ensures the best results and a smooth healing process. This guide covers all the must-know dos and don’ts to help you walk into your appointment confidently. Let’s get your brows ready!

Medications and Painkillers: What to Avoid Before Microblading

Before your microblading appointment, some medications can cause unwanted side effects like increased bleeding or delayed healing. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Pain Relief Medications

• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and NSAIDs: These common painkillers thin your blood, which means you could end up bleeding more during the procedure. More bleeding can dilute the pigment and impact how well it settles, so it’s best to avoid these meds at least 48 hours before your appointment.
• Paracetamol (Tylenol): If you need some pain relief, opt for paracetamol. It doesn’t thin your blood, making it a safer option before your microblading session​.

2. Acne Medications

• Topical Retinoids: Products like tretinoin and other retinoids can thin the skin and make it more reactive. To avoid complications, stop using these at least 4 weeks before your appointment​
• Accutane (Isotretinoin): Accutane is a strong acne treatment that can make your skin extra sensitive and more prone to scarring. You should stop this medication at least six months before microblading and check in with your doctor to ensure it’s safe to proceed​. Some experts recommend even longer waiting time (1 year).

3. Antibiotics and Other Medications

• Antibiotics: If you’re taking antibiotics, especially for a skin condition (such as Doxycycline), they could interfere with healing and cause unwanted reactions. Always consult your doctor to see if it’s safe to proceed.
• Steroids (e.g., Prednisone): Steroids can affect your skin’s healing response and increase the chance of infections and discoloration. If you’re on any form of steroids, talk with your healthcare provider before your microblading session​.

Being mindful of your medications before microblading can make a big difference in how well your brows heal and how great they look in the end. Always double-check with your doctor if you’re unsure about any meds you’re taking!

Supplements to Avoid Before Microblading

Supplements may seem harmless, but some can increase bleeding and interfere with the microblading process. Here’s a quick guide on which supplements to avoid to ensure a smoother, safer procedure:

1. Blood-Thinning Supplements

• Fish Oil and Omega-3: Known for their heart health benefits, fish oil and omega-3 supplements act as natural blood thinners, which may increase bleeding during microblading. Avoid them at least 48 hours before your appointment​.
• Vitamin E: While great for skin health, high doses of Vitamin E can thin the blood. If you’re taking a daily multivitamin with a small amount of Vitamin E, it’s usually not a concern, but higher doses should be paused​.

2. Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Niacin, often found in supplements for heart health and energy, can cause increased bleeding and flushing. Skip niacin supplements for at least 48 hours before microblading​.

3. Hair, Skin, and Nail Supplements

Many of these supplements contain a mix of biotin, collagen, and other ingredients that, while great for general beauty, may also include components that affect blood clotting. Check the label, and if you’re unsure, consult your doctor or simply pause them until after your microblading session​.

4. Herbal Supplements

Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, and Ginseng: These herbs are common in supplements for cognitive function, immune support, and overall wellness, but they also thin the blood. It’s best to avoid them for a few days before your procedure​.

Skipping these supplements for a few days before your appointment helps minimize bleeding and promotes better pigment retention, setting you up for the best possible microblading results. If you’re unsure about any specific supplement, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider!

Skincare Prep: What to Put (and Not Put) on Your Face Before Microblading

The skincare products you use in the weeks leading up to your microblading appointment can greatly impact the procedure and healing process. Here’s a quick guide on what to avoid and what to do to ensure your skin is ready for the best results.

1. Retinol and Exfoliants:

• Retinol: Retinoids like retinol and tretinoin can make your skin thinner and more sensitive, increasing the risk of irritation during microblading. Stop using retinol at least 4 weeks before your appointment to give your skin time to recover.
• Exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs): Avoid exfoliating products, including scrubs and chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, for at least a week before your appointment. These products can make your skin more reactive and delicate, leading to increased sensitivity during the procedure​.

2. Moisturizers and Makeup

• Moisturizers: Light moisturizing is fine, but skip the heavy, oil-based creams on the day of your appointment. These can create a barrier on your skin, making it harder for the pigment to settle properly. If you need some hydration, stick to something gentle and non-greasy.
• Makeup: Come to your appointment with a clean face, especially around your brows. Makeup can clog pores and interfere with how your artist maps and works on your brows. So, ditch the makeup and let your skin breathe to get the best results.

Avoiding heavy products and makeup helps minimize irritation and keeps everything smooth for your microblading session. When in doubt, always check with your artist for specific skincare tips before your appointment!

Beauty Treatments: What to Schedule and What to Skip

Timing your beauty treatments right is key to getting the best microblading results. Some treatments can irritate your skin or interfere with how the pigment settles, so it’s important to know what to avoid and when. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

1. Botox and Fillers

Avoid getting Botox or fillers right before your microblading session. Botox can change the shape and movement of your brows, which messes with how your microblading artist maps and shapes them.

To keep things looking symmetrical, it’s best to wait at least 3-4 weeks between these treatments and your microblading. This allows everything to settle down and prevents any unexpected changes once the Botox effects wear off.

2. Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion, and Microneedling

Avoid any harsh skin treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or microneedling for at least 2-4 weeks before your microblading appointment. These treatments can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation, affecting how well your skin takes the pigment. They can also increase the risk of bleeding and impact healing, so it’s best to let your skin fully recover before heading in for microblading.

3. Laser Treatments and Tanning

Avoid Laser Treatments
Avoid laser hair removal and other intense skin treatments near your brows for at least 2 weeks before your appointment. These treatments can irritate your skin, making it more sensitive and prone to complications during microblading. Let your skin recover fully to keep things smooth and safe.

The Impact of Tanning (Including Spray Tans)
Whether it’s from the sun, a tanning bed, or a spray tan, tanning can mess with your microblading results. Sun exposure makes your skin more prone to burns and peeling, which can interfere with how the pigment sets.

Spray tans can also affect pigment retention and lead to uneven results. Skip the tanning at least 2 weeks before your appointment, and keep your skin as close to its natural tone as possible.

Keeping your skin calm and healthy by avoiding these treatments helps you achieve the best results. If you’re unsure about anything, always check with your microblading artist for personalized advice!

Eyebrow Care: What Not to Do to Your Brows Before Microblading

To get the best microblading results, it’s important to leave your brows alone in the weeks leading up to your appointment. Here’s what you should avoid:

Plucking, Threading, and Waxing:
Don’t touch those tweezers! Avoid any brow shaping—plucking, threading, or waxing—for at least 2-3 weeks before your appointment. This allows your artist to see your brows in their natural state and create the perfect shape for your face. Over-grooming can mess with the artist’s ability to map your brows accurately, so let them grow wild for now.

Tinting Brows:
Skip the tinting for at least 2 weeks before your session. Tinting changes the natural color of your brow hairs, making it harder for your artist to match the pigment correctly. Keeping your brows in their natural color will ensure a better match and smoother process.

Bottom line: keeping your brows untouched and natural gives your microblading artist the best foundation to work with. Just relax, let them grow, and your brows will thank you later!

Activities to Skip Before Microblading

Exercise:
Avoid working out on the day of your microblading appointment. Exercise increases blood flow and sweat, which can interfere with the procedure and cause excess bleeding. Plus, sweat can irritate the fresh microblading area, making it harder for the pigment to settle properly. Save your workout for another day to keep things smooth.

Showering:
Yes, you can shower before microblading, but keep it cool! Avoid hot showers right before your appointment as they can open up your pores, making your skin more sensitive. A lukewarm shower is best to keep your skin calm and ready for the procedure.

Drinks Before Microblading: What’s Safe and What to Avoid

Coffee, Decaf Coffee, and Caffeine:
Wondering if you can have your usual cup of coffee before microblading? It’s best to skip caffeine altogether, including decaf coffee and tea, at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Caffeine increases sensitivity, can cause slight bleeding, and may impact how well the pigment settles. Drinking coffee right before your session could make the process more uncomfortable and affect your results, so it’s worth holding off until after.

Alcohol:
Alcohol is another no-go before microblading. Whether it’s a glass of wine the night before or a cocktail on the day, alcohol thins your blood and increases the risk of bleeding during the procedure. This can interfere with pigment retention and affect your overall healing. Avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before your appointment to keep things as smooth as possible.

Tea and Other Drinks:
Tea might seem harmless, but it contains caffeine too, so it’s best to skip it along with other caffeinated drinks. Stick to water on the day of your appointment to stay hydrated without the risks.

What Not to Eat Before Microblading

Your food choices before microblading can affect your comfort and results. Here’s what to avoid and what’s best to eat:

Foods to Avoid:
Stay away from foods that can increase bleeding or sensitivity, such as spicy dishes, garlic, and sugary snacks. These foods can make you more sensitive during the procedure, which could impact the pigment’s ability to settle properly.

What to Eat Instead:
Opt for a light, balanced meal to keep your blood sugar stable and help you feel comfortable during your appointment. Think small, simple meals like a sandwich, salad, or some fruit. Avoid anything heavy or greasy that might upset your stomach—keeping it light and balanced will help you stay comfortable.

Choosing the right foods and avoiding potential irritants helps ensure a smoother, less sensitive microblading experience.

Final Tips for a Smooth Microblading Experience

You’re almost ready for your microblading appointment, and by following these tips, you’re setting yourself up for the best results! A few final pointers to keep in mind:

Get a Good Night’s Sleep:
Rest up the night before your appointment. A well-rested body is less prone to stress and sensitivity, making the entire process more comfortable. Plus, it helps your skin look its best on the day of the procedure.

Stay Hydrated:
Hydration is key, not just on the day of your appointment but in the days leading up to it. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient and heals better, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.

Wear Comfortable Clothing:
On the day of your appointment, wear something cozy and easy to remove, especially around the neck area. You’ll want to be comfortable during the procedure, which can take a couple of hours.

Avoid Booking Big Events Right After:
Microblading results are not instant perfection—there’s a healing phase that includes some redness and flaking. Avoid scheduling major events, like weddings or vacations, right after your appointment. Give yourself some downtime to heal and let those brows settle in.

Don’t Skip the Aftercare:
Your artist will give you specific aftercare instructions—follow them! Proper aftercare is just as important as the prep and plays a huge role in how your brows heal and how long they last.

These small steps can make a big difference in your microblading journey, helping you get the most out of your new brows. Relax, trust the process, and enjoy waking up with perfect brows every day!

References:

https://drnumb.com/blogs/microblading/how-to-prepare-for-microblading
https://www.secondarynumb.com/en-us/blogs/all-resources/no-pharmacist-no-problem-medications-to-watch-out-for-before-microblading
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/is-acetaminophen-a-blood-thinner-14420/
https://lovebeautifulskin.com/microblading-pre-post-care/