How long does eyebrow microblading last? Factors and timeline

Eyebrow microblading promises fuller, natural-looking brows without the daily hassle of makeup. But how long does microblading last? You're in the right place to find out! We'll break down the eyebrow microblading timeline: how long you can expect your microbladed brows to stay fresh, what makes them fade quicker, and why taking care of them properly is a game-changer.

Microblading is a popular semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing technique that offers a natural look by using a handheld tool with fine needles to create hair-like strokes. 

Unlike traditional eyebrow tattoos, which use a machine to inject ink more deeply into the skin, microblading involves a more superficial insertion of pigment. This fundamental difference impacts the longevity of the tattoo. 

How Long Does Eyebrow Microblading Last?

On average, microbladed eyebrows can last anywhere from one to three years, depending on various factors, which we'll take a look at in a moment. 

While traditional tattoos may last for years, the effects of microblading typically fade over time, requiring regular touch-ups. This makes microblading a versatile option for those who desire a more natural-looking, less permanent solution for fuller brows.

The Eyebrow Microblading Timeline: From Initial Consultation to Long-Lasting Results

Let's break down what you can expect from your first session to the final results.

Initial Session: Getting the Eyebrows You Want

Your first microblading session is all about creating the perfect eyebrows for you. It starts with an in-depth consultation with your brow artist. 

You'll talk about what you like and don't like, your skin tone, and how your face is shaped. This is so the artist can clearly understand what will look best on you.

After you're both on the same page about how your brows should look, the artist will draw a temporary outline on your eyebrows. Think of this as a draft before the real thing. It's there to make sure you like the shape before moving on to the next step.

Next comes the actual microblading. The artist uses a handheld tool with really fine needles. These needles put small amounts of pigment, or colour, into the top layers of your skin. 

Unlike a regular tattoo, which goes deeper and is more painful, microblading is less intense and focuses just on the surface layers of your skin.

The fine needles and the handheld tool let the artist make small, hair-like lines that look like your real eyebrow hairs. Ultimately, you get fuller, more shaped brows that fit your face.

Healing Process: Up to 2 months

Understanding the healing process of eyebrow tattoos allows you to know what to expect in your eyebrow microblading timeline:

• Days 1 - 2: Your brows will initially look darker and more sharply defined than they will eventually appear.
• Days 3 - 4: As your skin begins to heal, you may experience some itchiness in the treated area.
• Days 5 - 7: Your brows may go through a patchy phase as they start to lighten, which is perfectly normal.
• Weeks 2 - 4: The colour of your brows will normalise, looking softer and more natural.
• Week 5 onwards: This is typically when you should schedule your touch-up session to refine the look and make any necessary adjustments.
• One to Two Months: The healing process is pretty much completed, and your tattooed brows will have settled into their final appearance.

Each stage of healing plays a vital role in the overall longevity of eyebrow microblading, from immediate aftercare to the weeks following your touch-up session. 

Taking good care of your brows can prevent problems like scabbing and fading, making them last longer.

Touch-Up Session: Keeping Your Brows Looking Great

As mentioned above, about 5 weeks after the first session, you'll go back for a touch-up. 

Why? Well, your skin will have mostly healed by this point, and it's common for some pigment areas to have faded or not adhered as effectively. 

The touch-up session in your eyebrow microblading timeline is a chance to fill in any gaps or faded areas, ensuring your brows look natural and full for longer.

Factors Affecting Longevity of Eyebrow Microblading

Quality of the Procedure

The skill level of your brow artist plays a big role in the longevity of eyebrow microblading. An experienced artist knows how to implant the pigment at the right depth, helping your results last longer.

Skin Type

Your skin type can also make a difference in how quickly the microblading fades. Oily skin might cause faster fading, while drier skin types often hold onto the pigment better.

Aftercare

Good aftercare is another crucial factor in the longevity of eyebrow microblading. This means avoiding water on the brows, staying out of direct sunlight, and using aftercare ointments as directed.

Lifestyle

Your daily activities can affect how long your microblading lasts. Frequent sun exposure and swimming can make the colour fade faster. Activities that make you sweat can also speed up the fading.

 

Eyebrow Microblading Fade

A common concern is how the eyebrows will look as the pigment fades. Here's what you can expect:

Initial Fading: After the first session, the colour may fade dramatically. Don't panic; this is typical and will be addressed during your touch-up session.

Progressive Fading: Over time, the strokes will soften, and the colour may lighten. This gradual fading can be elegant, leading to a more natural look.

Signs of Re-Treatment: When the colour lightens substantially, or the strokes become uneven, it's time to consult to visit our salon for a touch-up.

 

Aftercare of Eyebrow Feathering: For Longer Lasting Eyebrows

Proper care of your newly microbladed eyebrows is essential from the minute your treatment ends. This is a two-part commitment, starting with immediate steps right after your procedure and continuing with ongoing care to keep your brows looking their best.

What to Do Right After the Procedure

Right after your microblading treatment, it's important to blot away any excess fluid from the brow area with a clean tissue. 

Do this every five minutes for the first half-hour to help reduce swelling and prevent fluid buildup, which can interfere with healing. Aftercare of eyebrow feathering starts here, and neglecting it can result in eyebrow microblading fade.

Our team will give you a special ointment for the initial week following your treatment. Apply a very small amount—no larger than a grain of rice—using a cotton swab. 

Make sure not to apply too much, as this can slow the healing process. Always check that your brows are fully dry before applying the ointment. 

And remember, no sweating or wetting your brows for one week.

First Week Care Tips to Prevent Eyebrow Microblading Fade

• Limit shower time to reduce steam exposure, keeping your brow area dry.
• Use a clean pillowcase for sleeping.
• Avoid activities that make you sweat a lot.
• Postpone facials, Botox, chemical treatments, and microdermabrasion for a month.
• Don't scratch, pick, or rub the healing skin to avoid scarring or colour loss.

Following these steps can mitigate the chances of eyebrow microblading fade during the initial healing period.

Ongoing Maintenance for Lasting Results

To keep your brows looking as good as new for as long as possible, follow these simple, daily practices:

• Wear a hat or use high-factor sunblock on your brows outside. Sun exposure can make the pigment fade faster, contributing to eyebrow microblading fade.

• Be cautious with skincare products that contain strong active ingredients like glycolic acid or retinol, as they can cause the colour to fade prematurely.

Your role in maintaining the quality of your brows is crucial, from immediate steps to long-term care. 

Simple habits and precautions can make a big difference in how your brows heal and how long they stay looking fresh. Aftercare of eyebrow feathering is the key to preserving the beautiful results you've achieved.

 

What to Do When the Effects Fade?

After the microblading effects start to fade, a touch-up session is usually needed to bring back the colour and definition to your brows. 

The interval between touch-ups can range from 6 months to a year, depending on factors like your skin type, lifestyle, and the quality of the initial procedure.

As for how the pigment fades, you might notice a few different changes:

• Line Blurring: The crisp, hair-like strokes may begin to blur, losing their distinct shapes and blending slightly into the surrounding skin.

• Colour Lightening: The pigment will likely lighten over time, making your brows appear less vibrant than immediately after the procedure.

• Uneven Fading: Parts of your brows may fade faster than others, leading to an uneven look that lacks symmetry.

To maintain your brows, monitor them closely, especially after the six month mark. When you notice the signs of fading, it's a good indicator that it's time to consult your brow artist for a touch-up session. 

Understanding the eyebrow microblading fade timeline helps you know what to expect before you get your eyebrows tattooed. 

Bottom line? Taking good care of your brows from day one is key to making them last longer. Chat with your brow artist for tips that work best for you. 

With the right care, you could have easy-to-maintain brows for up to three years.

Have questions? Contact our team and let’s talk about your dream brows.