How to Prepare for a Microblading Procedure

To prepare for a microblading procedure stop active skincare products, avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications, and allow your brows to grow naturally. Arrive with clean skin, no brow makeup, and realistic expectations about shape and colour. 

In this guide, learn exactly what to do and what to avoid before your appointment, what to bring, and the first steps to take afterward. 

For personalized guidance, contact Alternative Laser Health at (905) 451-4545, or send us a photo for a free consultation. Our clinic is located at 37 Dundas Street West, Mississauga, ON.

Microblading Prep Checklist

We suggest stopping active skincare and allowing brows to grow naturally before the microblading procedure. In the final days, focus on hydration, avoid irritants, and arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.

Timeframe	What to Do	What to Avoid
7–10 days before	Stop retinoids, acids, and exfoliants	Chemical peels, laser treatments, brow waxing
5–7 days before	Let your brow hair grow naturally	Tweezing or reshaping brows
48–72 hours before	Drink water, get proper rest	Alcohol, caffeine, and blood-thinning medications (with medical approval)
Day before	Keep skin clean and calm	New skincare products, sun exposure
Day of appointment	Arrive with clean skin and no brow makeup	Makeup, skincare, or oils on brows

What to Do 7–10 Days Before Your Appointment

You can maintain your normal daily routine before the scheduled procedure. Use gentle skincare only, such as a mild cleanser and a simple moisturizer, to help support the skin barrier and reduce sensitivity.

Stay well hydrated and protect your skin from direct sun exposure by wearing a hat or staying in the shade.

Allow your natural brow hair to grow without trimming, waxing, or tweezing. This gives your artist a clear view of your natural brow shape and density.

What Not to Do Before the Microblading Procedure

Before the procedure, avoid anything that increases bleeding or skin sensitivity. This includes certain foods, medications, skincare products, and treatments that can irritate the brow area.

Foods to Avoid Before Microblading

Certain foods and drinks can increase sensitivity or bleeding. In the 24–48 hours before your appointment, avoid:

• Alcohol

• Caffeinated drinks (coffee, energy drinks, strong tea)

• Very salty foods that cause dehydration

• Spicy foods that may increase skin sensitivity

Medications to Avoid Before Microblading

Some medications and supplements thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. However, do not stop prescribed medication without medical approval. If cleared by your doctor, avoid:

• Aspirin or aspirin-containing products

• Ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory pain relievers

• Fish oil and omega-3 supplements

• Vitamin E supplements

• Certain herbal supplements (such as ginkgo, garlic, or ginseng)

Skincare and Treatments to Avoid

To keep the skin calm and intact, avoid the following near the brow area:

• Retinoids, exfoliating acids, and vitamin A-based products

• Chemical peels, laser treatments, or microneedling

• Facials or strong skincare treatments

• Brow waxing, threading, or tinting

Lifestyle Habits to Avoid

In the days leading up to your appointment, avoid:

• Excessive sun exposure or tanning

• Heavy sweating or intense workouts right before the appointment

• Trying new skincare products or treatments

How to Prepare Eyebrows for Microblading

Let your eyebrows grow naturally and keep the area clean and product-free before your appointment. Avoid shaping, tinting, or applying makeup so the natural brow pattern is easy to assess.

What to Do	What to Avoid
Let eyebrow hair grow naturally	Tweezing, waxing, threading, or trimming
Clean the brow area with a mild cleanser	Applying makeup or brow products
Keep the area free of irritation	Using oils or heavy creams on brows
Leave brows in their natural shape	Tinting or dyeing brows
Bring reference photos if helpful	Reshaping brows to match photos

What to Bring to Your Microblading Appointment

Bring the following to your appointment:

• Valid photo ID (if required for consent)

• Reference photos of brows you like (optional)

• Glasses or contact lens case if needed

• A hair tie or clip to keep hair away from your face

• Any medical information or medication list discussed during your consultation

• Payment method and any required forms

What to Expect on the Day of Your Appointment

Your appointment will begin with a brief discussion to review your goals, medical history, and brow preferences. Your artist will map out brow shape and colour based on your facial structure and natural hair growth before any work begins.

Before starting the procedure, the eyebrow specialist will apply a topical numbing agent to reduce discomfort. The procedure itself typically takes one to two hours, including mapping and adjustments. After the session, you will receive clear instructions for immediate care and what to expect during the first few days of healing.

Common Microblading Consultation Prep Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the below common mistakes:

• Using retinoids, exfoliants, or active skincare too close to the appointment

• Tweezing, waxing, threading, or reshaping brows beforehand

• Drinking alcohol or excessive caffeine before the appointment

• Arriving dehydrated or skipping meals

• Sunburn or tanning near the brow area

• Trying new skincare products or treatments before the appointment

• Arriving with makeup or skincare on the brows

• Stopping prescribed medication without medical approval

Steps to Take After the Microblading Procedure

Keep the brow area clean and dry, apply aftercare as directed, and avoid touching or irritating the skin during the first week. Following your artist’s aftercare instructions will reduce complications and support proper healing.

First 24 Hours

• Keep the brow area clean and completely dry

• Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your artist

• Apply the recommended aftercare ointment or cream in a thin layer

• Avoid touching, rubbing, or scratching the brows

• Expect a darker colour, mild redness, and tenderness

Days 2 - 7

• Continue applying aftercare as directed

• Keep water, sweat, steam, and makeup away from the brows

• Avoid workouts that cause heavy sweating

• Allow scabs or flakes to fall off naturally

• Do not use skincare products on or near the brow area

• Monitor healing and contact your artist if symptoms worsen or feel unusual

Schedule Your Microblading Consultation Today

Proper preparation and aftercare reduce complications and support smoother healing. Follow these steps to allow pigments to settle more evenly and improve long-term results. 

Call Alternative Laser Health at (905) 451-4545, if you are considering microblading or have questions about preparation or healing. We offer safe, effective microblading at competitive pricing. Our clinic is located at 37 Dundas Street West, Mississauga, ON.

FAQs

Can I have caffeine before microblading?

We suggest avoiding caffeine before your appointment. Caffeine can increase sensitivity and bleeding, which may affect comfort and pigment retention.

Can you drink alcohol before microblading?

No. Avoid alcohol at least 24- 48 hours before your appointment because it can thin the blood and lead to excessive bleeding during the procedure.

What should I do the day before microblading?

The day before microblading, keep your skin clean and calm, avoid sun exposure, and do not use active skincare products. Arrive at the clinic well-rested and hydrated.

How long is the healing process for microblading?

The healing process usually takes about 30 days. Initial changes like darkening, flaking, and fading are normal before colour settles.

Is microblading considered permanent makeup?

Microblading is a form of permanent makeup, but the pigment is placed more superficially in the skin. This causes the colour to fade over time rather than remain permanent.

Who should choose microblading?

This option works well for people who want fuller, more defined brows with natural-looking hair strokes.