Microblading Before and After: Timeline Guide
Microblading Before and After: Complete Timeline & What to Expect
If you're researching microblading, you've probably seen hundreds of stunning before and after photos on Instagram. But here's what most posts don't show you: the complete healing journey. Fresh microblading looks dramatically different from healed results, and the process includes phases that might surprise you.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you realistic expectations for microblading before and after results, day-by-day timeline with photos descriptions, and the truth about what happens during healing.
Understanding Microblading Before and After Photos
The Three Types of "After" Photos
When viewing microblading before and after galleries, it's crucial to understand WHEN the "after" photo was taken:
1. Immediately After (Day 1)
- Brows appear very dark and bold
- Perfect, crisp hair strokes visible
- 40-50% darker than final result
- Most impressive for social media
- NOT representative of healed results
2. Fresh Healing (1-2 Weeks)
- Brows appear patchy or uneven
- Scabbing and flaking visible
- Colour dramatically lighter
- Least flattering phase
- Temporary appearance
3. Fully Healed (6-8 Weeks)
- True final result visible
- Natural, soft appearance
- 30-40% lighter than day 1
- THIS is your real result
- Most important photos to review
View our before and after gallery to see real healed results from our Melbourne clients.
Questions to Ask When Viewing Portfolios
- "Can I see healed results, not just fresh work?"
- "Do you have photos 6-8 weeks after treatment?"
- "Can I see before/immediately after/healed side-by-side?"
- "What does healing look like on my skin type?"
Red Flag: Artists who only show fresh work may lack experience or don't follow up with clients for healed photos.
Day-by-Day Microblading Healing Timeline
Day 1: Appointment Day - Fresh Microblading
Appearance:
- Brows look absolutely perfect and defined
- Hair strokes are crisp and visible
- Colour is rich and saturated
- 40-50% darker than final result
- Some redness around brow area
What's Happening:
- Pigment freshly implanted in skin
- Minor trauma causing redness
- Surface pigment very prominent
Your Reaction: "Wow, these are DARK! But they look amazing!"
Important to Know:
- This is NOT your final result
- They WILL lighten significantly
- Dark appearance is completely normal
- Trust the process!
Days 2-3: Darkest Phase
Appearance:
- Brows at their absolute darkest
- May look almost black (depending on colour chosen)
- Very bold and prominent
- Redness subsiding
- Slight tenderness
What's Happening:
- Pigment oxidising (darkening process)
- Skin beginning healing response
- Not yet shedding outer layers
Your Reaction: "These are SO dark! When will they lighten??"
Important to Know:
- Peak darkness is normal
- They'll lighten dramatically soon
- Don't panic—everyone goes through this
- Do NOT try to remove or lighten them yourself
Aftercare:
- Clean gently 2-3 times daily
- Apply thin layer of aftercare ointment
- Keep completely dry
- Avoid touching
For complete aftercare instructions, see our microblading aftercare guide.
Days 4-7: Start of Scabbing Phase
Appearance:
- Skin beginning to feel tight and dry
- Tiny scabs or flakes starting to form
- Brows still very dark
- May feel slightly itchy
What's Happening:
- Protective scabs forming over healing area
- Natural healing process beginning
- Skin preparing to shed outer layer
Your Reaction: "They're getting itchy and tight. Is this normal?"
Important to Know:
- Itching is normal healing sign
- DO NOT SCRATCH or pick
- Continue aftercare routine
- Reduce ointment amount (too much prevents healing)
Aftercare:
- Cleanse gently
- Apply ointment sparingly (too much delays healing)
- NO picking, scratching, or rubbing
- Avoid getting wet during showers
Days 8-14: Heavy Scabbing and Flaking
Appearance:
- Brows appear patchy and uneven
- Significant flaking and shedding
- Colour dramatically lighter
- Some areas may look like they've disappeared
- This is the hardest phase mentally!
What's Happening:
- Outer layer of skin shedding naturally
- Taking excess pigment with it
- Revealing new skin underneath
- Uneven shedding creates patchy look
Your Reaction: "Oh no! They're falling off! Did the microblading fail??"
Important to Know:
- This is COMPLETELY NORMAL
- Patchy appearance is temporary
- Pigment is still beneath the surface
- DO NOT PICK THE SCABS (removes pigment)
Aftercare:
- Let scabs fall off naturally
- Do not pick, rub, or scratch
- Continue gentle cleansing
- Be patient!
Days 15-28: The "Ghost Phase"
Appearance:
- Brows appear very light or almost invisible
- Strokes seem to have vanished
- May look like microblading didn't take
- New skin layer covering pigment
What's Happening:
- New skin layer regenerating over pigment
- Pigment is there, just beneath surface
- Skin needs time to become translucent
- Colour will resurface
Your Reaction: "Where did my brows go?! This was a waste of money!"
Important to Know:
- Do NOT panic—this is expected
- Pigment is still there under new skin
- Colour WILL return
- This is why the perfecting session is essential
What to Do:
- Trust the process
- Continue protecting from sun
- Avoid harsh skincare products
- Wait patiently for colour to resurface
Days 29-42: Colour Returns
Appearance:
- Colour gradually reappearing
- Hair strokes becoming visible again
- Soft, natural appearance emerging
- 30-40% lighter than day 1
- Still not final result
What's Happening:
- Skin becoming more translucent
- Pigment showing through
- True colour emerging
Your Reaction: "Oh! They're coming back! They look so natural!"
Assessment:
- Note areas that are lighter
- Identify any shape concerns
- Prepare questions for perfecting session
Week 6-8: Perfecting Session
What Happens:
- Artist assesses healed results
- Adds more pigment where needed
- Perfects shape and symmetry
- Intensifies colour if desired
Why It's Essential:
- First session is foundation
- Perfecting session completes results
- Adds longevity
- Helps ensure satisfaction
A perfecting session is recommended 6-8 weeks after the initial appointment ($250).
Week 10-12: FINAL Healed Results
Appearance:
- Beautiful, natural-looking brows
- Soft, dimensional hair strokes
- Great colour and shape
- Seamlessly blends with natural hairs
- THIS is your true result!
What You'll Notice:
- Natural, not harsh or fake
- Defined but soft
- Complements your features
- Low maintenance beauty
Real Before and After Transformations
Case Study 1: Sparse, Overplucked Brows
Before:
- Very thin, overplucked brows from 90s
- Uneven growth with gaps
- Minimal shape or definition
- Daily struggle with makeup
Immediately After:
- Full, defined brows
- Perfect shape and symmetry
- Rich colour (very dark)
6 Weeks Healed:
- Natural-looking fullness
- Soft hair strokes mimicking real hairs
- Balanced, flattering shape
- No more daily brow routine!
Client Feedback: "I cried when I saw my healed results. I haven't had real-looking brows in 20 years!"
Case Study 2: Naturally Light/Blonde Brows
Before:
- Very light blonde brows
- Barely visible without makeup
- Lack of definition
- Spent 15 minutes daily on brows
Immediately After:
- Dramatically more defined
- Rich brown colour (appeared quite dark)
6 Weeks Healed:
- Perfectly visible, natural definition
- Soft brown that suits colouring
- Looks like naturally full brows
- Wake up with gorgeous brows
Client Feedback: "My face looks so much more balanced now. I finally have brows!"
Case Study 3: Asymmetrical Brows
Before:
- One brow significantly higher than other
- Different shapes (one arched, one straight)
- Years of trying to correct with makeup
- Frustrated and self-conscious
Immediately After:
- Balanced symmetrical design
- Balanced arches
- Even proportions
6 Weeks Healed:
- Natural-looking symmetry
- Both brows well matched
- Confidence boost
- No more daily frustration
Client Feedback: "For the first time in my life, my brows are actually even!"
Case Study 4: Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Before:
- Complete brow hair loss from alopecia
- Drawn-on brows daily
- Time-consuming routine
- Smudging and fading throughout day
Immediately After:
- Full, natural-looking brows
- Individual hair strokes
- Defined shape
6 Weeks Healed:
- Realistic hair-stroke pattern
- Natural dimension
- Waterproof and smudge-proof
- Life-changing results
Client Feedback: "I can finally swim and go to the gym without worrying about my brows!"
What Affects Your Before and After Results?
Skin Type
Dry Skin:
- Excellent retention
- Crisp hair strokes
- Longer-lasting results
- May heal lighter
Normal Skin:
- Ideal for microblading
- Predictable healing
- Great retention
- Beautiful results
Oily Skin:
- Hair strokes may blur slightly
- Shorter longevity
- May need more frequent touch-ups
- Consider ombre powder brows or combo brows instead
Mature Skin:
- Can get beautiful results
- May require gentler technique
- Slightly slower healing
- Looks very natural
Learn more about which brow technique is best for your skin type in our nano brows vs microblading guide.
Lifestyle Factors
Sun Exposure:
- Heavy sun = faster fading
- Always wear SPF on brows
Skincare Products:
- Retinols and acids fade pigment faster
- Avoid on brow area
Swimming:
- Chlorine can fade pigment
- Minimise exposure or protect brows
Exercise:
- Heavy sweating can affect retention
- Avoid intense exercise first week
Aftercare Compliance
Proper Aftercare:
- Better retention
- Ideal healing
- Best results
Poor Aftercare:
- Patchy results
- Premature fading
- Potential scarring
- Need more touch-ups
Follow our complete aftercare guide for best results.
Realistic Expectations vs. Unrealistic
Realistic Expectations
You Can Expect:
- Natural-looking, fuller brows
- Defined shape that complements your face
- Hair-like strokes that mimic real brows
- Time saved on daily makeup routine
- Waterproof, smudge-proof brows
- Results lasting 12-24 months
- Brows 30-40% lighter than day 1
- Need for annual touch-ups
Unrealistic Expectations
Don't Expect:
- Brows looking exactly like day 1 after healing
- Perfect symmetry (brows are sisters, not twins)
- No fading ever (semi-permanent, not permanent)
- Identical results to someone else's brows
- Zero maintenance forever
- Hair strokes staying as crisp as fresh work
- Brows looking good during healing phases
Tips for the Best Before and After Results
Before Your Appointment
Do:
- Come with clean face, no brow makeup
- Bring inspiration photos
- Stay hydrated
- Consult your practitioner about any medications or supplements before your appointment
Don't:
- Tan or sunburn brow area
- Get brow treatments 2 weeks before
- Wax or thread brows week before
For more preparation tips, see our preparing for microblading appointment guide.
During Healing
Do:
- Follow aftercare instructions carefully
- Keep brows clean and dry first week
- Apply ointment as directed
- Be patient with healing phases
- Avoid touching or picking
Don't:
- Pick scabs (removes pigment!)
- Get brows wet first 7-10 days
- Exercise heavily first week
- Apply makeup to brow area
- Swim or sauna
After Healing
Do:
- Wear SPF daily on brows
- Avoid harsh acids/retinol on brow area
- Schedule annual touch-ups
- Use gentle cleansers
- Protect investment
For long-term maintenance, see our maintaining microbladed eyebrows guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do fresh microblading results look so different from healed?
Fresh microblading has excess pigment on the skin surface and in the top layers. As skin heals and sheds, it removes excess pigment, revealing the softer, more natural final result beneath.
Will my brows really come back after the ghost phase?
Yes! The ghost phase scares everyone, but the pigment is still there beneath new skin. As the skin matures and becomes translucent, colour resurfaces. This is why the perfecting session is so important—to perfect results after true healing.
How long until I see my real results?
Your true final results are visible 6-8 weeks after initial appointment. After the perfecting session (and another 6-8 weeks of healing), you'll see your absolute final look.
Can I see what my results will look like before committing?
During your appointment, your artist will draw the shape with removable pencil. You'll approve the design before any microblading begins. However, exact healed colour is harder to predict and varies by skin type.
What if I don't like my healed results?
Communicate concerns at your perfecting session! The perfecting session is specifically for adjustments. Artists can modify shape, add more colour, or make changes. If still unhappy, microblading is semi-permanent and will fade.
Check our FAQ page for more answers to common questions.
Experience Beautiful Before and After Results at Melbourne Designer Brows
At Melbourne Designer Brows, we're proud of our consistent, beautiful healed results. Our portfolio includes extensive before and after photos showing the complete healing journey—not just fresh work!
What Sets Our Results Apart:
Custom Design
- Tailored to YOUR face shape and features
- Not cookie-cutter brows
Premium Pigments
- High-quality pigments for best healing
- Natural, beautiful healed colours
Experienced Artist
- Years of experience for consistent results
- Understands how pigment will heal on different skin types
Real Before/After Portfolio
- Healed results, not just fresh work
- Variety of skin types and ages
- Honest representation of our work
Microblading: From $600 A perfecting session is recommended 6-8 weeks after the initial appointment ($250).
We also offer nano brows, ombre brows, and brow corrections if another technique suits you better.
Contact Melbourne Designer Brows:
- Call Anne: 0418 188 277
- Email: info@mdbrows.com.au
- Website: mdbrows.com.au
- Richmond: Level 1, 382A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
- Springvale: Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171
Check our pricing page for all service rates.
See Your Beautiful Before and After Transformation:
- Free consultation with before/after portfolio review
- Custom brow design for your unique features
- Professional microblading with premium materials
- Perfecting session to complete your results ($250)
- Enjoy your gorgeous healed brows for 1-2 years!
Ready to see your own amazing before and after transformation? Book your consultation today and join our happy Melbourne clients with beautiful, natural microbladed brows! Results may vary. Consult with your practitioner for personalised advice.