Powder brows is a semi-permanent makeup procedure that delivers the most natural-looking and stunning brows that require minimal maintenance and upkeep.
The procedure involves the usage of tiny needles to embed pigment onto the topmost layer of the brow skin in a dotted pattern resulting in natural fuller-looking brows.
As is with any permanent makeup procedure, there is a healing period post-treatment. However, unlike other permanent makeup treatments, your newly done powder brows will begin to fade and disappear.
This stage is called a ghosting period and has been a source of confusion, and panic, for many individuals.
However, this is natural and part of the healing process and this article will prepare you for what to expect before you head to your powder brows appointment.
Understanding The Ghosting Phase of Powder Brows?
Powder brows heal differently as compared to other types of permanent makeup procedures such as microblading and microneedling.
Immediately after the procedure, your brows will appear dark, and the brow area itself will likely be red and swollen.
The redness and swelling last about a week and on the 8th or the 9th day your brows will begin to scab and fade — this is the ghosting phase.
There may come a point in the ghosting phase that your powder brows will almost completely fade away, causing you to panic. But, this is to be expected and is perfectly normal and only temporary.
The reason your brows appear to be disappearing is that the pigment is finally starting to set into your skin. Once your skin has absorbed the pigment, your brows will gradually become more defined and darker until they are fully healed.
At this stage, you must follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your permanent makeup artist.
What’s the Science Behind the Ghosting Phase?
Once you understand the reasons behind the ghosting phase, you’ll be able to deal with it more efficiently.
Powder brows temporarily disappear because of two things: scabbing and cell turnover.
Recall your old wounds and scrapes. A day or two after you get them, your skin begins to scab.
The scabs last for 4 to 5 days until they fall off, leaving a light pink skin behind. It’s the same with the powder brows.
When scabs start to form, they cover some of the pigment injected into the skin, giving the impression that there is no pigment, when they are just concealed within the scabs.
Then there’s the brand-new skin after the scabs fall off. This new skin appears as the result of cell turnover. A natural phenomenon that is triggered when we are wounded.
This new skin is another reason why the pigment appears lighter. In this case, the pigment is right under your skin, so give it a few days, and the pigment will come back onto the surface in the form of your powder brows.
This time around, your brows won’t be as dark as they were when you first walked out of the salon. This is why a touch-up session is usually scheduled after the healing phase to cover any faded patches and darken the shade if needed.
Top Tips to Deal with the Ghosting Phase
The ghosting phase can’t be avoided. However, what you can do is learn to deal with it so the transition from healing to completely cured is smooth and drama-free.
Here are some tips to navigate through the ghosting phase like a pro:
1: Adhere to the specific aftercare instructions given to you by your artist. There’s no reason to skip out on the aftercare even if you think your brows are disappearing. Generally, aftercare includes frequent cleaning, moisturizing, and applying medicated ointments.
2: Patience is key when it comes to the ghosting phase. Every day when you see your powder brows fading more and more, you may panic, start making calls, and begin looking it up on Google. Stay patient and know that this is normal. It will pay off in the end.
3: Do not touch, rub, or pick on your brows. Only clean and apply ointments as instructed but do not disturb them overly so. If you pick out the scabs prematurely or start rubbing your brows, it will lead to actual pigment loss, scars, or infection.
4: If the itching gets too much, you can apply a soothing balm that does not contain a lot of chemicals or fragrances. Petroleum jelly is preferred.
5: During the ghosting phase, it is also important that you avoid direct exposure to the sun. Wear a cap and sunglasses and apply sunscreen if you must head out.
6: It is also important that you do not sweat during the ghosting phase. Excessive sweating can lead to pigment loss. Therefore, avoid workouts, saunas, hot baths, and all forms of heavy physical work.
When to Opt for Your Follow-Up Appointment
During the ghosting phase, many people panic and end up scheduling an appointment. This will only end up wasting your time and money.
The right time to go for a follow-up appointment is after the ghosting phase when the pigment reappears and your brows begin to appear whole again.
So, ideally, you would want to book your touch-up or follow-up appointment 5 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
Get the Brows You’ve Always Dreamt off!
Powder brows are the most natural-looking permanent brow solution and are the superior choice to help you define your face and get the brows you’ve always dreamt of.
As powder brows can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, based on factors such as skin type and aftercare, it can also save you precious time as you don’t have to worry about doing up your brows every day.
As long as you choose the right makeup artist for the job, there are no downsides to powder brows!
Luckily, residents of Alameda, CA don’t have to worry about finding the right makeup artist as Powder Brows with Claudia is staffed with the best permanent makeup artists in the region.
Our certified and highly experienced premium artists specialize in powder and ombre brows and guide you every step of the way from the initial consultation and procedure to healing, aftercare, and touch-ups.
What are you waiting for? Book an appointment today and get the confidence and peace of mind you deserve!