Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow procedure that creates natural-looking brows by using individual hair strokes of pigment to enhance brow shape. But what happens to microblading eyebrows after several years? After 5 years you may notice your microbladed brows have changed a lot. In this article we’ll go over how microblading holds up over time, covering the healing process, potential fading and tips to maintain beautiful brow aesthetics.
What Happens to Microblading Over Time?
Microblading is considered permanent makeup but it’s actually semi-permanent and lasts between 18-24 months before requiring frequent touch ups. Over 5 years the microblading pigment will start to fade and the individual hair strokes that were once sharp will become blurred. The longevity of microblading depends on skin type, aftercare instructions and lifestyle choices.
For oily skin types the microblading pigment will fade faster due to the natural oils in the skin making the brow hairs appear lighter over time. Dry skin types will notice a longer lasting result. Sun exposure, harsh skincare routines and abrasive skincare products can contribute to faster fading or the development of unwanted color like a pale shadow or incorrect pigment formulation that changes the color of the brows.
Fading and Color Shifting
As microblading pigmentation fades over the years it may start to lose its vibrancy. In many cases the initial treatment will be bold and defined but after 5 years some people may experience significant color fading or color shifting. If your microblading procedure used iron oxide pigments the fading will give a reddish or orangey tint. For others oily skin considerations can speed up the fading process leaving misshapen brows with less definition of brow hairs.
One of the long term effects of microblading is the loss of the crisp individual hair strokes that defined the brows. Instead they may appear as blurred strokes or a block of color rather than the sharp lines of fresh microblading. This can give you a look that’s far from the natural looking brows you had.
Changes in Brow Shape and Definition
Over time the brow shape may also change. As you age, your skin texture and facial features change, which can affect how the microbladed brows settle. You may find the brow arch becomes less defined or the brow area no longer looks clean. The brow may look less structured and the shape becomes more generic especially if you haven’t had a touch up in a few years.
But the beauty of microblading is that a well done microblading procedure will blend with your natural hair and complement your facial features. So even if the fading and change in brow shape over time may not be as sharp as the original brows it will still look relatively natural.
Touch-ups
To keep your microbladed brows as defined as possible touch ups are essential. Even after 18-36 months microbladed brows will need a touch up to refresh the color, add definition and correct any fading. After 5 years you will need a more significant refresh of your microblading session as the fading and blurred strokes may need color correction or a new microblading technique.
Long term risks of fading and removal
Long term effects of microblading can be blurry strokes, fading or misshapen brows. If the microblading pigment is not maintained properly or incorrect pigment formulation was used your brows can end up with unwanted color or pale shadow that can be difficult to remove. In some cases if you choose to remove your microblading pigmentation you may need to undergo saline removal or laser treatments especially if there are issues like allergic reactions, active reactions or adverse reaction to the pigments.
For those who have concerns about their eyebrow tattoos after a few years cosmetic tattoo removal options like laser tattoo removal Melbourne can help eliminate unwanted pigment or restore the natural look. Cosmetic eyebrow tattoos removal is a popular solution for those who want to adjust or remove their microblading results if they don’t match their expectations.
Saline removal or laser treatments are options to correct or remove microblading that has become problematic. These are safe but may need multiple sessions to fully remove the pigment.
Maintaining Your Microblading Results
To keep your semi-permanent eyebrows looking their best, make sure you follow a good skincare routine and follow proper aftercare. Avoid excessive sweating, chemical peels or harsh skincare products to keep the area clean and prevent premature fading of your microblading. Aftercare gel or ointment can help keep the area hydrated during the microblading healing process and allow the pigment to settle into the skin.
Using brow products like brow pens or brow makeup can also enhance your brows and get you perfect brows even as the microblading healing process goes on.
What to Do After 5 Years?
If you’re not happy with the look of your microbladed brows after 5 years, it may be time to refresh. Book in with a brow stylist or restorative tattoo artist to discuss colour correction, brow measuring and possible combo brows or powder brow options if you want a bolder or more defined look. You may also want to look into other brow enhancement options like combo brows or a full brow tattoo if you want a more permanent solution.
Conclusion
5 years after microblading, you may notice changes in the colour, shape and overall look of your brows. While microblading is designed to fade over time, good technique and regular touch ups can extend the life of your natural looking brows. If your brows have faded or lost definition, it’s always best to book in with a microblade artist to refresh or correct the look of your brow area and make sure your microblading experience remains positive. If you’re looking to make changes to your eyebrow tattoos, cosmetic eyebrow tattoo removal options like laser tattoo removal Melbourne can help you start fresh with your ideal brow design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does microblading last?
Microblading lasts 18-24 months depending on skin type, lifestyle and aftercare. Oily skin types fade faster, dry skin types retain the pigment longer. Touch ups are recommended to keep the results looking fresh.
What does microblading look like after a few years?
After a few years microbladed brows can fade and lose definition. The individual hair strokes can blur and the color can shift especially with sun exposure or poor aftercare.
Can I remove microblading if I don’t like the results?
Yes, if you don’t like your microblading eyebrows options like cosmetic eyebrow tattoo removal or laser tattoo removal Melbourne are available.
How can I make my microbladed brows last longer?
To make your microblading last follow aftercare instructions like avoiding sun exposure, exfoliating treatments and harsh skincare products.
How often do I need to get a touch up for my microbladed brows?
Most clients require a touch up every 12-18 months but this can vary depending on your skin type and lifestyle. After 5 years you may need a more extensive microblading session to refresh the brows and correct any fading or colour changes.