Many people know that exercising right after microblading can ruin the results and make the color fade faster. That leads to more touch-ups and extra cost. Here’s what you need to know about microblading and working out: why exercise is discouraged, how long to wait, and when it’s safe to return to the gym.
What is microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure for eyebrows. It creates hair-like strokes and fills in pigment to shape brows or add fullness. Most salons follow four main steps:
– Apply a numbing cream or topical anesthetic
– Create a stencil or template, drawing lines and taking measurements until you approve the look
– Use a fine blade to make tiny, hair-like cuts along the template
– Apply semi-permanent pigment into those cuts
Unlike traditional tattoos, microblading uses different pigments and gentler tools. Results can last up to three years, but you’ll likely need touch-ups to keep the color vibrant. Because the procedure involves tiny cuts in the skin, there’s a risk of infection, so choose a trained, experienced technician.
Why shouldn’t I exercise after microblading?
The main issue is sweat. Any prolonged contact with water, oil, or sweat can damage the pigment. Sweat contains salt and minerals that can pull pigment out as the tiny cuts heal. Physical exertion also increases sebum (skin oil) and sweat, making the treated area more likely to lose color.
Even if you don’t think you sweat much, small amounts of moisture on the brows can affect the tint. Sweat often runs down from the forehead and gathers on the eyebrows, so face sweating is especially problematic.
When can I exercise after microblading?
Healing usually takes about 7 days, but it’s safest to wait at least 10 days before your first real workout. If you have oily skin or sweat a lot, avoid exercise, direct sunlight, hot or stuffy environments, and anything that causes heavy perspiration for longer than a week.
Will sweating ruin microblading?
Short answer: yes, it can. Sweating won’t ruin the cuts themselves, but it can cause pigment to scab, clump, and flake off more than normal. During healing, the cuts close and lock pigment in place. If pigment gets wet from sweat, salt, or oil before the cuts heal, the color may end up dull or uneven.
Can I sweat 7 days after microblading?
Seven days is the minimum for basic healing, but individual skin types and healing speeds vary. To avoid damage, stick to the recommended recovery time of at least one week—longer if your skin is oily or you sweat easily.
Can you lift weights after microblading?
Weightlifting can make you sweat just like cardio. If you sweat a lot, it’s risky. Avoid sweat-inducing activities for at least the first 7 days. If you can’t skip exercise, take strict precautions:
– Apply sunscreen around (not on) the microbladed area if needed
– Don’t scratch or touch your eyebrows, even if they itch
– Blot away excess oil and sweat frequently with blotting paper or a clean disposable towel
– Keep the area dry and pat it gently—don’t rub
– Follow your technician’s aftercare instructions and use the recommended ointment
– Avoid heavy workouts; choose low-intensity options like slow walks in the shade or gentle yoga to minimize sweating
Know your body: if you’re prone to heavy sweating or very oily skin, use recovery time to let your brows heal fully.
Can I exercise after a microblading touch-up?
Yes, the same rules apply after a touch-up. Your brows are just as sensitive, so avoid high-intensity activity for at least 7 days to keep the pigment lasting.
I worked out after microblading. What should I do now?
If you exercised and sweated on freshly microbladed brows, you may still be able to save the results. Rinse the area immediately with lukewarm water and gently pat it dry with a clean disposable towel. Don’t rub, pick, or scratch—this can remove pigment and cause poor healing. The key is to keep the area free of sweat and clean; drying and cleaning the brows right after sweating helps reduce damage.