Aftercare suggestions for Hairstrokes procedure

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2. The Stages or "Phases" of Healing

Artists largely concur that the healing process can be segmented into three primary stages, with the initial being particularly crucial. While different Powder Brows or Hairstrokes artists might refer to these phases with varying terms, the underlying concept is universally acknowledged. For instance, some artists have designated the stages as Oozing, Itching, Peeling, and Aftercare. Others have adopted more clinical terms like Cleansing, Regeneration, Restructuring, and Scarring.

Understanding that these phases are not discrete, stand-alone events but are parts of a continuous process is critical. The transitions between each phase aren't sharply defined; the skin undergoes gradual changes, blurring the lines between stages. Therefore, while it's useful to categorize the healing into distinct phases for better understanding, recognizing their interconnectivity and the fluid nature of the healing process is equally important.

3. First phase

Cleansing: 0-5 days “Oozing” or “Cleansing,” duration: 0-5 days The Cleansing Phase marks the beginning of the healing process and usually lasts up to 5 days post-procedure. During this time, it's common for a serous fluid to emerge on the freshly treated area, signifying your body's natural reaction to the "wound" caused by the Powder Brows or Hairstrokes technique. This fluid is critical in cleansing the area and kickstarting the healing process. In this phase, the skin around the brows often appears swollen and reddened, and you might find the area warmer to the touch compared to other parts of your face. These signs indicate your body's concentrated efforts in repairing the treated region. Some clients might experience mild debilitation or fatigue, a typical bodily response to the procedure. However, our empirical data suggests that fatigue is relatively rare and could be more likely in individuals with a lighter body weight or those who have recently altered their diet.

The Beginning of the Cleansing Phase - 0-19 hours

The initial 30 minutes to 19 hours following the treatment are pivotal for skin repair and significantly influence the success of pigment retention. This period activates the most intensive cellular repair processes in the client's skin, crucial for the healing and color retention of Powder Brows or Hairstrokes.

This phase is marked by individual variability, as reactions can differ widely among people, including their skin's moisture levels. The consensus among artists is that exercising caution during this phase is beneficial.

Darker Pigment Color During the Cleansing Phase

The pigment appears darker immediately after the procedure and throughout the Cleansing phase. Depending on the specific pigment and skin tone, it may look 25% to 40% darker. This change is due to several dermatological and physical factors that are the following.

Pigment Volume. Immediately post-procedure, the volume of pigment particles is at its peak, contributing to a darker appearance.
Epidermal Trauma.The procedure causes some level of trauma to the epidermis, the outermost skin layer, potentially leading to temporary thickening and altering its light-reflective properties, thereby making the pigment look darker.
Pigment Pooling. Initially, the pigment resides closer to the skin's surface, creating a higher concentration of pigment particles in a confined area and a darker color appearance. Over time, natural pigment dispersion and settling occur, distributing the pigment more uniformly.
Oxidation. Many pigments darken upon exposure to air due to oxidation, similar to how a sliced apple turns brown.
Inflammatory Response. The body's response includes vasodilation, increased blood flow to the treated area, and increased moisture content from wound healing. Both factors can alter light interaction with the pigment, making it appear darker. However, the impact of these factors typically diminishes more rapidly than the duration of the first phase.

Awareness of these factors and their effects on pigment appearance can help artists and clients set realistic expectations during the initial Cleansing phase.

4. Second phase

“Itching and Peeling” or “Regeneration,” length: 6-14 days

Following the Cleansing Phase, the Regeneration Phase, known as the "Itching phase," typically extends from day 6 to day 14 post-procedure. This stage is characterized by granulation, or the development of new tissue, involving a series of biological processes to repair and restructure the skin. Clients often experience intense emotional reactions during this phase, fluctuating between satisfaction and concern over the healing process.

“Itching” as a Positive Healing Sign

One common symptom during this period is itching around the treated area, indicative of the skin's natural healing mechanisms actively working. As the skin heals, scabs formed initially begin to loosen and detach naturally. Clients must resist the urge to scratch or pick at these scabs, as such actions can disrupt the delicate healing tissue beneath and potentially impact the final appearance of the brows.

The “Peeling” Aspect of Regeneration

As the scabs shed, the pigment underneath may seem lighter or more faded than it did immediately after the procedure. This perceived lightening is primarily due to collagen's rapid and uneven production, a vital component in the skin's repair process. This newly formed collagen might be likened to a 'milky filter' over the pigment, contributing to a temporarily lighter appearance of the brows. Clients must understand that this stage is typically temporary and that the true color will become more apparent as the healing progresses.

Understanding and navigating the Regeneration phase with patience and proper aftercare is key to achieving optimal healing results and pigment retention. Clients should be reassured that the changes they observe are a normal part of the healing journey and that the final results are yet to be revealed.

5. Third phase

Sealing of the basal membrane

The "sealing" of the basal membrane is a crucial event typically occurring during the Regeneration Phase, usually between days 6 to 14 post-procedure. The basal membrane is an essential barrier between the outermost skin layer (epidermis) and the deeper second layer (dermis). It's also the origin site for new skin cells, which are crucial for healing and regeneration of the treated area.

Initially, due to the micro-wounds created during the Powder Brows or Hairstrokes procedure, the basal membrane is temporarily "open," allowing the pigment to settle into the skin. As healing progresses, the basal membrane begins to "seal," closing off the deeper layers from the external environment. New skin cells generated at the basal membrane facilitate this sealing process, which migrates upwards to cover the area, enhancing protection and reducing infection risks.

Simultaneously, pigment particles become encapsulated within these new cells and skin layers, a vital step for the longevity of the Powder Brows or Hairstrokes look. This encapsulation effectively "traps" the pigment within the skin, preserving the color vibrancy and definition of the brows for an extended period. The sealing of the basal membrane is akin to a lock, securing the pigment firmly within the regenerating skin cells.

For this reason, clients must adhere strictly to aftercare guidelines to support the basal membrane's sealing process. Neglecting proper aftercare can disrupt both the membrane's closure and the pigment's encapsulation, potentially leading to suboptimal results. The intricate relationship between the basal membrane and pigment particles highlights the body's natural healing prowess and the scientific precision underpinning Powder Brows or Hairstrokes, culminating in beautiful and enduring results when properly executed.

The Phenomenon of “Brows Falling Off”

The phenomenon of "brows falling off" is a common concern during the peeling stage of the healing process. This occurs as scabs naturally form over the treated area and then unevenly shed away. Consequently, the brows may appear significantly lighter, particularly towards the end of this phase, often around days 7 to 10 post-procedure.

The exact timing of this "peeling" peak during the Regeneration phase can vary between individuals but is an unavoidable aspect of healing. This period is critical as it's when many clients tend to experience heightened anxiety. Clients might become unduly worried without the artist's proper explanation about what to expect during the healing process, leading to disappointment and even accusations. Therefore, thorough communication about this natural shedding process and reassurance about the eventual outcome are essential to manage client expectations and alleviate undue stress.

6. Fourth phase

Re-structuring and scarring: 16-30 days

The third phase in the healing process of Powder Brows or Hairstrokes , known as "Restructuring and Scarring," occurs from day 16 post-procedure and may extend up to 30 days or even longer. This phase is characterized by an extensive remodeling process where the skin strengthens the newly regenerated tissue and stabilizes the implanted pigment.

During this period, the color of the brows begins to reappear, becoming more vibrant and natural. This change indicates successful pigment retention, with the color effectively embedded within the skin's cellular matrix. Concurrently, clients might notice slight dryness and mild exfoliation, though these symptoms are typically less intense than in earlier phases. The skin may feel tighter as it continues to heal, which helps secure the pigment.

Provided clients follow the aftercare instructions, the likelihood of hypertrophic scarring is greatly reduced. This phase aims to cultivate a robust, healthy layer of skin over the pigmented area. Practitioners often suggest specific skincare routines to enhance the long-term appearance of the Powder Brows or Hairstrokes.

As the skin matures and stabilizes, collagen production evens, yielding a more consistent look in the treated area. This stage offers a more definitive assessment of the treatment's success, revealing the skin's acceptance of the pigment and the naturalness of the outcome. Clients must continue following aftercare advice during this time to ensure the best possible results.

A professional observation

The professional observations provided by individuals with a dermatology and cellular biology background support the advice outlined in this article. They concur that the precautions mentioned for clients during the initial phases of Cleansing and Regeneration are crucial. Recognizing that each person's skin can react uniquely, they emphasize the importance of caution. While all the factors listed are relevant and impact the healing process, the degree of their importance may differ among individuals. Additionally, our dermatologists highlight that maintaining excellent hygiene throughout the procedure is a critical and non-negotiable principle for ensuring a safe and effective healing journey. This overarching advice serves as a reminder of the complex and individual nature of skin healing and the importance of adhering to professional guidelines for the best possible outcome.

7. Conclusions

In summary, the skin healing process after a Powder Brows or Hairstrokes pigmentation procedure is divided into three main phases: Cleansing (0-5 days), Regeneration (6-14 days), and Re-structuring and Scarring (starting from day 16 until complete healing). Clients have the most control over their healing during the first two phases.

Therefore, adhering to the following guidelines during the first 15 days is critical to ensure optimal healing.

Avoid soaking brows in water, including in saunas, steam rooms, baths, or hot showers.
Refrain from rubbing, picking, or scratching the area.
Avoid sleeping directly on the eyebrows.
Do not use creams containing retinol, antibiotics, or anti-wrinkle treatments.
Avoid using micelles, water, or brow tonics on the brows.
Keep cosmetics away from the brows and leave them bare.
Do not apply any creams unless it's the recommended product or a thin layer of Bepanthen. For Soft Powder Brows, dry care may be an option.
Steer clear of cosmetic treatments such as facials, chemical peels, laser treatments, botox, or eyebrow tinting during the healing period.
Avoid swimming pools, water bodies, and spas.
Protect the area from direct sunlight and avoid solarium visits.
Refrain from intense workouts or activities that cause sweating, and stay cool in hot weather.

The concept of dry care during the initial five days suggests not using any lubricants unless your skin is dry, in this case, you may apply moisture as per the artist's advice after thoroughly washing and drying the brows.

Above all, experienced artists emphasize the "First, not harm" principle when providing aftercare instructions. If in doubt about the impact of certain activities on the healing process, it's safer to avoid them. Maintaining excellent hygiene throughout the healing period is paramount for successful healing and long-lasting results.

Aftercare suggestions for Hairstrokes procedure

1. Background

2. The Stages or "Phases" of Healing

3. First phase

The Beginning of the Cleansing Phase - 0-19 hours

Darker Pigment Color During the Cleansing Phase

4. Second phase