Brow Pre-Care & Aftercare Instructions
Whether you're getting microblading, ombré powder brows, nano brows, or combo brows at AVO Brows and Beauty in San Diego, proper preparation and aftercare are essential for optimal healing and long-lasting results. This guide walks you through every phase of the journey—from pre-care to after your appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Before Your Appointment
Think of this as your glam warm-up—the prep before your brows become your favorite feature. Following these steps will help minimize sensitivity, support proper pigment retention, and ensure a smooth healing process.
24 Hours Before:
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Avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspirin, ibuprofen, and any other blood-thinning medications or supplements unless prescribed by your doctor. These can increase sensitivity and affect pigment retention.
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Arrive with a clean face and no makeup on or around the brow area.
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We recommend washing your hair the night before or morning of your appointment, as you’ll need to avoid getting shampoo, conditioner, or other products on your brows during the initial healing period.
1–2 Weeks Before Your Appointment:
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Avoid sunburn or tanning. If your skin is sensitive, irritated, or compromised, it won’t be in the best condition for permanent makeup. We want calm, healthy skin for optimal results.
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Skip brow grooming. Please avoid waxing, threading, tweezing, or tinting your brows. Seeing your natural growth pattern helps us design the most flattering shape for your face.
4 Weeks Before:
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Stop using active skincare ingredients near the brows, including retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and glycolic acid. These products can thin the skin and affect how pigment is retained.
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Hold off on Botox or filler near the brow area. These treatments should be done at least two weeks after your brow appointment to avoid altering your final shape.
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Avoid skin treatments that cause sensitivity, such as chemical peels, microneedling, laser resurfacing, or facials.
If you’re unsure which brow technique is right for you, we highly recommend booking a complimentary consultation. We’ll take a close look at your skin type, lifestyle, and goals to determine whether microblading, ombré powder, nano, or combo brows are your perfect match.
After Your Appointment
Your brows are about to go through a few healing phases — and yes, there might be a little emotional turbulence along the way. That’s completely normal. Stick to these guidelines, trust the process, and your results will be worth every flake.
Days 1–2: Fresh and Defined
Your brows will look bold, crisp, and a bit darker than expected — this is intentional. Slight swelling or redness is also normal.
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Gently blot the area with a clean tissue if needed.
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Keep your brows completely dry, except during your artist-approved gentle cleansing routine.
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Only apply aftercare balm if instructed — less is more here.
Days 3–5: Flaking Begins
Welcome to the awkward phase. Light flaking or scabbing may start — resist the urge to touch.
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Do not pick, scratch, or peel under any circumstance.
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Your brows may look patchy or uneven. Trust the healing cycle — it’s temporary.
Days 6–10: Lightened Appearance
By now, most of the flaking will have naturally shed.
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The brows may appear lighter or “faded.” Don’t panic — this is a normal part of the skin regeneration process. The pigment will gradually resurface.
Weeks 4-6: Pigment Resurfacing
Your brows begin to settle into their final shape and shade.
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Pigment will slowly reappear as your skin continues to heal.
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This is when your brows start to soften and truly look like “you.”
Weeks 6–8: Touch-Up Time
Your perfecting session happens here.
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We’ll adjust depth, color, or symmetry as needed. This appointment completes your look and locks it in.
Trust the Process
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Important Healing Reminders
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Avoid swimming, saunas, steam rooms, and excessive sweating for at least 10 days.
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Keep makeup, skincare products, oils, and exfoliants far away from the brow area while healing.
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No facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments on the area for a full 4 weeks.
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Hands off — no picking, rubbing, or scratching the brows at any point during healing.