Microblading Aftercare Communication: A Guide for Pros

Proper eyebrow microblading aftercare begins within a few hours of receiving the service and continues for the next 1-2 weeks as the skin heals and the pigment reaches its intended shade. Like tattoo artists, microblading technicians should regularly communicate with their clients about how to keep their brows clean, dry, free of irritation or infection, and looking their best. If you're worried that you aren't setting your clients up for a speedy, safe healing process, then this guide is for you.

"Wait," you may interject, "a whole guide for post-service instructions?" YES. Microblading aftercare communication is essential for client safety and retention, and it's simply good customer service.

Vagaro helps countless microblading technicians communicate pre- and post-appointment instructions to clients through automated email and text messaging tools, customizable forms, and other client management features.

So, follow along as we discuss the importance of both appointment preparation and aftercare communication, how to do it effectively, what you should include, with templates for before-, and after-care communication.

Why Aftercare Communication is Essential

Microblading aftercare is essential for healing, pigment retention, and brow appearance. Proper aftercare practices directly impact the longevity and quality of microblading results. Poor aftercare maintenance often leads to infections, pain, and premature fading. As mentioned earlier, microblading is essentially like getting a semi permanent tattoo.

You aren’t just informing clients about what to do because it feels right. Strong communication can have a direct impact on the following areas.

Client Safety & Risk Management

Clear preparation and aftercare guidelines reduce complications, and emphasizing the importance of proper care helps minimize risks and supports a smooth healing process, minimizing issues like excessive bleeding, poor healing, and adverse reactions, which ensures a smoother and more successful procedure. Documenting your communication also provides legal protection by serving as evidence of informed consent and proper instruction.

Your Finances

Yes, believe it or not, pre- and post-care communication can have a financial impact on a beauty business. The key lies in the delivery method (which we'll cover in more detail shortly). By leveraging the high open rates of SMS (text) messages and email—around 98% and 20%, respectively [1] —you can drastically reduce no-shows with effective appointment reminders.

Clear expectations also help prevent dissatisfaction and disputes, minimizing the risk of refunds or chargebacks.

Business Efficiency

When automated, pre- and after-care communications can lead to significant staff time savings by reducing the need for repetitive instructions, whether verbal or written. This creates more streamlined processes, as consistent messaging ensures that no crucial information is ever forgotten.

Comprehensive aftercare guidelines also reduce the number of emergency calls from clients. When clients follow instructions and heal predictably, it keeps follow-up appointments on track.

Client Satisfaction & Retention

Communication is particularly crucial in the beauty industry because clients are seeking confidence-boosting services and need reassurance throughout the process [2]. They also seek personalized experiences and a familiar relationship with their stylist or service provider.

Pre- and post-care instructions satisfy all these needs. Well-informed clients are also more likely to have a positive experience, leading to higher retention rates.

How to Communicate Microblading Aftercare

Effective aftercare communication requires a multiplatform strategy. That sounds more complicated than it actually is. The right management software with built-in, automated tools like email and text marketing, appointment reminders and customizable forms makes it very easy.

Beyond verbal, in-person instructions, make use of the following:

SMS/Text Messaging: With their high open rates, you can be sure that your text message has reached your clients. In fact, 90% of SMS messages are read within the first few minutes of receipt [3]. SMS messages are best for appointment reminders, urgent aftercare alerts, and quick check-ins.

Email Communication: Email is best for detailed instructions, downloadable documents, and photo attachments.

Timing is key. Start with a basic preparation overview when the client makes their initial booking. One week before their appointment, send detailed pre-care instructions. Then, 24-48 hours prior, send a final reminder with the most crucial key points. Immediately after the service, provide comprehensive instructions. Finally, send check-in messages on days 1, 3, and 7 to guide them through the healing milestones.

What to Include in Your Aftercare Instructions

Remember, your before-, and after-care communication should empower your clients with the information they need to take care of themselves and get the most out of their microblading service. A big part of this is sending a list of things they should and shouldn’t do, but that’s not all.

You’ll need to tell them what’s normal and what isn’t, with visual signs to look out for, among other things.

Here is a quick checklist for what to include in both before-, and after-care instructions.

Pre-Appointment Checklist

Medical/Safety Essentials: Avoidance of blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil), Botox/fillers, retinol/retinoid use.
Preparation Requirements: No alcohol 48 hours before. No caffeine day-of; no tanning or sunburn, tweezing/waxing brows beforehand.
Day-of Instructions: Eat beforehand, expect 2-3 hours duration.
Basic Expectations: Touch-up appointment needed. Brows will look dark initially. Some discomfort expected

Aftercare Checklist

Immediate Post-Procedure Care (First 24-48 Hours): Reminder to keep the area completely dry, and what to expect immediately after.
Daily Cleaning Routine: Cleansing products, techniques and frequency.
Ointment/Moisturizer Application: Which products to use and frequency of application.
Activities to Avoid: Water exposure, sun exposure and tanning, facial treatments, skincare products, etc.
Healing Process Education: Timeline of healing, expected color changes (dark to light to final), what’s normal vs. concerning, etc.
Behavioral Restrictions: Reminders not to touch, pick, or scratch. Sleeping positions, face washing modifications, etc.
Warning Signs: Signs of infection, allergic reactions, unusual pain, etc. If clients experience any complications or have concerns during healing, provide further instructions and encourage them to reach out.
Follow-up Care: Touch-up appointment scheduling and importance, when final results will be visible, etc.
Product Recommendations: Approved cleansers, products to avoid, sun protection requirements, etc.

When creating instructions, it’s important to tailor advice based on different skin types, such as oily, dry, or acne-prone skin. Considering each client’s skin type can help optimize the healing process, pigment retention, and aftercare choices for the best results.

Additionally, when it comes to organizing the content of your instructions, remember to use bullet points and numbered lists for easy scanning, and create urgency levels (CRITICAL vs. recommended). Include visual aids and photos when possible and clear contact information for questions.

Pre-Appointment Instructions Sample

The pre-appointment template below covers preparation instructions and what to expect on the day of the microblading service. Remember that the main preparation guidelines can be formatted as a form that you can add as an attachment or include in the body of an email—though it would make for a particularly long email.

Remember, too, that the following instruction template is only a suggestion to get you started. Always defer to the laws of the state in which you operate regarding the information you must provide.

Subject: Important Pre-Care Instructions for Your Microblading Appointment

Dear [Client Name],

Thank you for choosing [your business name] for your microblading service! Your appointment is scheduled for [Date] at [Time]. To ensure the best possible results and minimize any complications, please follow these important preparation guidelines:

7-14 Days Before Your Appointment:

STOP taking any blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) unless prescribed by your doctor
AVOID any facial treatments, chemical peels, or laser treatments in the brow area
NO Botox or fillers in the forehead/brows
DISCONTINUE using retinoids/retinol products on your face

48 Hours Before Your Appointment:

NO alcohol consumption (thins blood and increases bleeding)
AVOID excessive caffeine
NO tanning, sunbathing, or sunburn on your face
STOP using any exfoliating products on your face

Day of Your Appointment:

ARRIVE with clean skin - no makeup, moisturizers, or oils on brows/forehead
EAT a good meal beforehand to prevent lightheadedness
BRING headphones if you'd like to listen to music during the procedure
WEAR comfortable clothing (procedure takes 2-3 hours)
AVOID caffeine on the day of your appointment

Important Medical Considerations:

Please inform us immediately if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have any autoimmune conditions
Are taking any new medications
Have had any recent illnesses
Have a history of keloid scarring
Are currently on antibiotics

What to Expect:

Appointment duration: 2-3 hours
Mild discomfort (we use topical numbing)
Brows will appear darker immediately after (this is normal!)
After your initial procedure, touch ups are typically scheduled 6-8 weeks later to perfect your results, refresh pigment retention, and ensure your brows maintain their appearance over time.

Please confirm receipt of these instructions by replying to this email. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at [phone number] or [email address].

We’re excited to help you achieve your dream brows!

Best regards, [Technician Name] [Business Name] [Contact Information]

Post-Appointment Aftercare Instructions Sample

The following post-appointment aftercare instructions cover everything from immediate aftercare up to two weeks post-procedure. These guidelines will help clients maintain the results of their microblading treatment and support optimal healing.

Just like the preparation instructions, the template below can be included in the body of a follow-up client email, or the bulk of it can be formatted as a form that you add as an attachment.

Note that the tone is friendly and approachable, and the instructions are clear.

Subject: Your Microblading Aftercare Instructions - Please Save for Reference

Dear [Client Name],

Congratulations on your beautiful new brows! Proper aftercare is crucial for optimal healing and long-lasting results. Please follow these instructions carefully for the next 10-14 days.

Immediate Aftercare (First 24 Hours):

KEEP your brows completely DRY
LIGHTLY dab away any excess lymph fluid with a clean tissue
NO touching, rubbing, or scratching the eyebrow area
AVOID sleeping on your face
NO makeup on or around the brows

Days 1-10 Detailed Care:

Morning and Night Routine:

Wash hands thoroughly before touching brow area
Gently wash brows with the provided antibacterial soap using fingertips only, focusing on gentle cleansing to avoid irritation or damage
Pat dry with clean tissue (never towels)
Apply aftercare ointment sparingly, using a rice grain amount, with clean fingers or a cotton swab

Notes on Skin Type:

For oily skin, consider dry healing (no ointment) to prevent excess oil interference. For dry skin, focus on gentle cleansing and proper moisturization to avoid dryness.

What to AVOID for 10-14 Days:

NO getting your eyebrows wet or exposing them to excessive moisture (use a headband while showering and avoid direct water from the shower head)
NO swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms
NO excessive sweating or intense exercise
NO sun exposure or tanning
NO makeup on the brow area until at least 10-14 days after the procedure; do not wear makeup, skincare products, or cleansers on the brow area (except provided aftercare items) during this period
NO skincare products with harsh chemicals on or near the brows
NO heavy household cleaning that could stir up dust or debris during the healing period
NO picking, peeling, or scratching
NO sleeping on your face

Normal Healing Process:

Days 1-3: Brows will appear very dark and bold. Avoid getting them wet, applying makeup, or exposing them to excessive sweating or sun for at least a week to ensure proper healing and pigment retention.
Days 4-6: Scabbing and flaking will begin. It is important to let scabs fall off naturally—do not pick or scratch—to protect pigment retention and achieve the best results. Monitor for excessive dryness and use a gentle moisturizer if needed, as preventing excessive dryness helps support optimal healing.
Days 7-10: Color will appear very light or patchy. Continue to avoid activities and products that could disrupt healing for at least a week.
Days 14-28: True color will slowly return as the healing process continues and the skin stabilizes.
Final results: Healed eyebrows will be visible after 4-6 weeks. This healing timeline is similar to other permanent makeup procedures, with final results depending on proper aftercare and allowing the healing process to complete naturally.

When to Contact Us Immediately:

Signs of infection (excessive redness, swelling, pus, fever)
Severe pain or unusual discomfort
Allergic reaction symptoms
Any concerns about healing progress

Important Reminders:

Your brows will appear 30-50% darker immediately after the procedure
The color will fade significantly during healing - this is NORMAL
Final results are not visible until after your touch-up appointment
Some areas may appear patchy during healing - touch-up will address this

Touch-Up Appointment:

Your complimentary touch-up is scheduled for: [Date] at [Time]

This appointment is essential for:

Perfecting the shape and symmetry
Adding density where needed
Ensuring color retention
Addressing any areas that healed lighter

At this visit, consult with your microblading artist to assess your healing and make any necessary adjustments for the best results.

Aftercare Products:

Continue using the provided aftercare ointment for the full 10 days. If you run out, you may purchase additional supplies from us or use a fragrance-free, gentle healing ointment.

-----

References:

Microblading Aftercare: A Complete Guide to Pre- & Post-Care