The most important aftercare rule: Keep your brows dry for 7-10 days and never pick at scabs. These two things alone will determine 80% of your results. When in doubt, leave your brows alone—they know how to heal!
Day-by-Day Aftercare Timeline for Seoul
Korean microblading artists are known for meticulous technique—and they expect equally meticulous aftercare. Here's your complete timeline.
What's happening: Your brows will ooze lymph fluid (clear/yellowish liquid). This is normal—it's your body's healing response.
What to do: Gently blot the lymph fluid every 30-60 minutes with a clean tissue or cotton pad. Don't rub—just press and lift. This prevents thick scabs from forming.
Don't: Touch brows with fingers, get them wet, apply any products unless instructed by your artist.
What's happening: Brows appear very dark (30-40% darker than final result). Lymph fluid stops. Skin feels tight.
What to do: Continue keeping brows dry. If your artist provided aftercare ointment, apply a very thin layer (rice grain amount) 1-2 times daily. Sleep on your back.
Don't: Over-apply ointment (drowns the skin), sleep face-down, exercise (sweat damages healing).
What's happening: Thin scabs form over strokes. Intense itching begins—this means you're healing! Brows may look patchy.
What to do: Continue dry healing. Apply thin layer of ointment to soothe itching. Be patient—scabs need to fall off naturally.
Don't: Pick, scratch, or peel scabs! This pulls out pigment and causes scarring. Resist the urge!
What's happening: Scabs flake off naturally. Brows enter "ghosting phase"—color appears very light or disappeared. Don't panic!
What to do: You can now gently cleanse brows with water (no soap). Pat dry immediately. Continue ointment if skin feels dry.
Don't: Scrub brows, use cleanser directly on them, panic about light color (it will return!).
What's happening: Color gradually returns and settles. True result emerges around week 4-6.
What to do: Resume normal face washing. Protect brows from sun (SPF or hat). Avoid swimming pools.
Don't: Use exfoliating products on brows, go to saunas, expose to direct sunlight for extended periods.
🇰🇷 Korea-Specific Tip: Skip the Jjimjilbang!
Korea's famous jjimjilbangs (찜질방, Korean spas) are amazing—but they're your microblading's worst enemy! Avoid Korean spas, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 3 weeks.
The heat opens pores and causes pigment to leach out. This includes hotel saunas, gym steam rooms, and even very hot showers. If you're visiting Korea for microblading, plan your spa day BEFORE your appointment, not after!
Complete Do's and Don'ts
✓ DO These Things
- Blot lymph fluid gently on Day 1
- Keep brows completely dry for 7-10 days
- Sleep on your back
- Apply thin layer of aftercare ointment
- Let scabs fall off naturally
- Protect from sun with hat or SPF
- Be patient during ghosting phase
- Attend your touch-up appointment
✗ DON'T Do These Things
- Touch brows with fingers
- Get brows wet (first 7-10 days)
- Pick, scratch, or peel scabs
- Apply makeup on brows (2 weeks)
- Go to saunas, spas, or steam rooms
- Exercise heavily (causes sweating)
- Swim in pools or ocean
- Use exfoliating skincare on brows
⚠️ Products to AVOID Near Your Brows
These products can interfere with healing, push out pigment, or cause reactions:
- Retinol / Retinoids — accelerates cell turnover, fades pigment
- Glycolic Acid / AHA — exfoliates, removes pigment
- Salicylic Acid / BHA — same as above
- Vitamin C serums — can lighten pigment
- Hydrogen peroxide — bleaches pigment
- Neosporin / antibiotic ointments — can push out pigment
- Vaseline / petroleum jelly — too occlusive, suffocates skin
Recommended Aftercare Products in Korea
Your Korean microblading artist will likely provide aftercare ointment. If you need to purchase additional products, here's what works best.
Aftercare Balm
Provided by studio or medical-grade healing ointment
Gentle Cleanser
Fragrance-free, pH-balanced (after Day 10)
Mineral SPF
Physical sunscreen (zinc oxide) after healing
Lint-Free Pads
For blotting lymph fluid Day 1
Korean product tip: Olive Young and pharmacies (약국) in Seoul carry gentle, fragrance-free cleansers suitable for post-procedure care. Look for products labeled "저자극" (hypoallergenic).
Aftercare Checklist for Your Korea Trip
Planning microblading during your Korea visit? Here's what to prepare.
Pre-Procedure Checklist
- Schedule spa/jjimjilbang visits BEFORE your appointment
- Avoid alcohol 24-48 hours before
- No blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) for 24 hours
- Skip coffee on procedure day (makes you jittery)
- Bring a hat for sun protection afterward
- Plan low-key activities for first week
Post-Procedure Checklist
- Aftercare ointment from your artist
- Clean tissues or lint-free pads
- Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
- Travel pillow (for sleeping on back)
- Hat or sunglasses for outdoor activities
- Contact info for your artist (for questions)
Special Situations & Activities in Korea
Can I Go to Myeongdong for Shopping?
Yes! Light walking and shopping is fine. Just avoid touching your face, wear a hat if sunny, and don't test makeup products on your brows at beauty stores.
Can I Eat Korean BBQ?
Yes, but be careful of the grill smoke and heat. Sit away from the grill if possible. The smoke won't damage your brows, but sweat from the heat isn't ideal in the first week.
Can I Take the KTX or Fly Home?
Absolutely. Air travel and trains are fine. The cabin pressure won't affect your microblading. Just avoid touching your face during the journey.
What If It Rains?
Light rain is fine—just don't stand in a downpour. Use an umbrella. A few drops won't ruin your brows, but prolonged water exposure should be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Aftercare?
AMORJ Studio in Gangnam provides detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing support throughout your healing journey.
Disclaimer: Always follow your specific artist's aftercare instructions, as protocols may vary slightly. This guide provides general best practices.
