Ombre Eyebrows Maintenance: The Complete Aftercare Plan for Ombre Powder Brows

Ombre eyebrow maintenance includes keeping the area clean during healing, avoiding harsh skincare products, using SPF daily, and booking regular touch-ups to refresh the pigment. This prevents uneven fading, protects the skin, and extends the life of your brows.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to care for ombre brows during the healing phase, what to avoid, when to schedule follow-ups, and how to keep your results looking fresh long-term. 

To schedule touchups in Mississauga, ON, contact Alternative Laser Health at (905) 451-4545, or send us a photo for a free consultation. We are located at 37 Dundas Street West, Mississauga, ON.

Ombre Brows Maintenance Summary Table

What to Do	What to Avoid	Timeline	When to Book
Gently cleanse with a damp cotton pad	Picking, scratching, or peeling flaking skin	Days 0–2: Brows appear dark	Touch-up: 4–6 weeks after procedure
Apply artist-approved ointment sparingly	Sweating, saunas, and swimming during healing	Days 3–7: Flaking phase	Colour boost: Every 12–24 months
Use SPF 30+ daily once healed	Retinol, acids, or exfoliants near the brows	Days 7–14: Brows may look light/patchy	If brows look faded, uneven, or patchy
Blot oil gently if you have oily skin	Makeup on brows during healing	Week 4–6: Final healed look	See a pro for colour correction if needed

Ombre Brows Healing Stages (Days 0–14)

Below is ombre brows healing stages:

Days 0 - 2: Bold, Dark Brows + Initial Care

In the first two days, your brows will look darker, warmer, and more sharply defined than your final healed results. This is normal, as the pigment is fresh and your skin is beginning to scab lightly beneath the surface. The area might feel slightly tight, tender, or swollen.

What to do during the first two days:

• Keep your brows dry and clean.

• Avoid touching them unless applying aftercare ointment (if advised).

• Use a clean cotton pad with sterile water to gently blot the area once or twice a day.

• Sleep on your back to avoid rubbing pigment off.

• Avoid steam, sweating, sun, or makeup near the brows.

Days 3 - 7: Peeling and Patchy Appearance

Around day 3, light flaking or peeling begins as the skin starts to regenerate. Pigment-laced scabs or flakes may lift and fall off unevenly, making your brows look patchy or irregular. The colour may seem inconsistent, with some areas looking faded while others remain dark.

What to do:

• Let flakes fall off on their own. Avoid scratching or peeling.

• Avoid using any makeup, cleansers, or products near the area.

• Continue blotting gently if needed and keep the skin protected.

Days 7 - 14: Brows Look Too Light or Ashy

Once the peeling phase ends, your brows might look pale, grey, or even like they’ve disappeared. This “ghosting” phase is part of your skin’s natural healing process as pigment is still settling beneath the surface. You can expect the colour to return over the next 1 - 2 weeks slowly. 

What to do:

• Keep up a gentle skincare routine, still avoiding exfoliants and heavy creams.

• Don’t panic as this light phase is temporary.

• No makeup or product layering yet, unless cleared by your artist.

Weeks 4 - 6: Full Healing and Ready for Touch-Up

By week 4, your brows have fully healed on the surface, and pigment has had time to settle into the skin. This is when the final colour and shape are visible. At this stage, your brows should look soft, even, and natural. 

You may notice some fading or gaps. However, this is normal and nothing to worry about.

What to do:

• Schedule your touch-up appointment (if not already booked).

• During the touch-up, your artist will adjust shape, saturation, or fill any gaps.

• Begin long-term maintenance with SPF and gentle skincare.

Ombre Powder Brows Aftercare Tips to Extend Your Results

Once your ombre powder brows have fully healed around weeks 4–6, apply sunscreen regularly, avoid exfoliating the brow area, and keep oil and active skincare away from your eyebrows. This will help your pigment last longer, keep the shape sharp, and reduce the chance of early fading after your powder brows treatment.

• Apply SPF 30+ daily to the eyebrow area. UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of fading in ombre powder brows and other forms of permanent makeup. Apply sunscreen over ombre brows to protect the pigment and maintain even colour for longer.

• Avoid active skincare near the brows. Products with retinol, acids (AHA, BHA), or exfoliants can break down pigment under the skin. Keep them away from your eyebrows.

• Blot oil if needed. If you have oily skin, gently blot the brow area during the day to reduce buildup. Excess oil can shorten the life of your powder brows.

• Skip harsh scrubs or tools. Over-cleansing or using exfoliating brushes on the eyebrow area can cause patchy fading. Stick to gentle cleansers and avoid friction.

• Schedule an ombre brow colour refresh every 12–24 months. A short touch-up session refreshes your pigment and keeps your ombre powder brows looking defined.

When to Book an Appointment for Eyebrow Touchups

Most ombre powder brows need a follow-up appointment about 4–6 weeks after the initial session to perfect the shape and pigment. This touchup allows your artist to adjust any faded areas, sharpen the outline, or deepen the colour where needed. 

After your first touch-up, you’ll typically need an eyebrow appointment every 12–24 months for a colour refresh. This keeps the ombre effect soft and even as pigment gradually fades. Some clients with oily skin or an active lifestyle may need more frequent maintenance to keep their brow area clean and defined.

Here’s a general ombre brows touchup schedule:

• 4 - 6 weeks post-procedure: Perfecting touch-up appointment

• 12 - 24 months later: Colour boost to refresh pigment

• Sooner if: You notice uneven fading, significant pigment loss, or shifting in shape

If you’re unsure when to book, reach out to Alternative Laser Health at (905) 451-4545 for a free consultation.

Keep Your Brow Look Fresh with Alternative Laser Health

Maintain a clean, defined brow look by following proper ombre brows aftercare instructions and staying consistent with touchups. Since ombre powder brows are a form of semi-permanent makeup, they require care during healing and ongoing maintenance to prevent early fading or patchiness.

If you are not sure it’s time to refresh, call Alternative Laser Health in Mississauga at (905) 451-4545, or send us a photo for a free consultation. 

FAQs

What should my daily brow aftercare routine look like?

Gently blot the brow area with a clean cotton pad, keep it dry, apply your artist-approved ointment if advised, and avoid makeup, sweating, and skincare products near the eyebrows for the first 7–10 days. 

How long do ombre brows last?

Ombre powder brows last 12–24 months, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and adherence to aftercare and maintenance.

Can I wet my ombre brows?

You should avoid getting your ombre powder brows wet for the first 7–10 days to allow proper healing and prevent pigment loss.

Which skincare should I avoid with ombre eyebrows?

Avoid retinol, exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA), chemical peels, and scrubs on or near the brow area, as they cause faster fading.

Can I wear makeup after my powder brows treatment?

Avoid applying makeup to your brows or the surrounding face area for at least 10 days after treatment to prevent infection and pigment disruption.

Can I shower after getting ombre brows?

Yes, but keep the face dry, especially the brow area, for the first week. Avoid direct water, steam, and long showers that create moisture on your brows.

How do I keep my brows dry while washing my face?

Use a damp cloth or cotton pad to gently clean your face, avoiding the brow area entirely during the first 7–10 days after your powder brows treatment.

Can I get a facial after ombre eyebrows?

Wait at least 4 weeks before booking a facial. Treatments involving steam, exfoliation, or massage around the face can affect how your eyebrows heal.

What if I have dryness and itching after permanent makeup?

Mild itching and dry skin around the brow area are normal during healing. Avoid scratching and apply a thin layer of your artist-approved ointment to soothe dryness without clogging the skin.

Which skincare should I avoid with ombre brows?

Avoid using strong cleanser, harsh soaps, exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA), chemical peels, and scrubs on or near the brow area, as they can cause faster fading. Skip heavy cream and use only an ointment if your artist specifically recommended it.