Microblading cuts soften and blur over time. The manual method of microblading doesn't place pigment precisely or at a consistent depth in the skin. So the pigment migrates over time and makes the cuts look blurred.
If you still do not see any pigment around 5 weeks, your microblading artist might have not used enough pressure during the procedure to place the pigment in the right layer of skin for lasting results. Be sure not to pick off any flakes, let them fall on their own and avoid exfoliating the brow area.
It's just part of the healing process. New skin has healed over the tiny microblading cuts. As your natural cell turnover takes place in the next couple weeks they will reappear. They should return around week 3/4. That's why microblading is a two step process. They'll look amazing after your second touch up heals.
Oilier skin has larger pores and excess sebum which can't retain the pigment when it is microbladed. The sebum literally pushes the pigment out or the strokes becomes blurry due to large pores. As microblading must be done very superficially to create fine crisp lines, your skin type really affects the result.
The truth is, microblading is not 100% successful on all skin types (having asked my therapist, she said that black and oily skin are the two skin types it tends to work less well on. My suggestion would be to ask your therapist and make sure that s/he is experienced in your skin type before committing.)
If your microbladed brows appear too dark, too light, or have an unnatural tone that doesn't blend with your skin and hair color, it indicates a color mismatch. This can happen when the pigment used doesn't suit your complexion or if the application process is flawed.
While not strictly contraindicated, microblading may not yield the desired results in individuals with oily skin. The applied pigment can spread and blur, leading to a less defined look. Ink migration can occur, which is the ink fanning out in the skin, resulting in an uneven shading look.
Week 3-4: You might notice a fading, or “ghosting,” of the pigment. Don't worry; this is a standard part of the healing process. Week 4-6: Your eyebrows will re-emerge, looking natural and beautiful!
Sweat. For the same reason that water should be avoided during the healing/scabbing process after microblading, sweat should also be avoided. Sweat comes from the inside of the skin and can push the pigment out and cause the microblading strokes not to retain.
Factors That Affect Microblading Longevity
Oily skin causes faster fading. Proper care extends the life of the pigment. Higher quality pigments last longer. UV rays accelerate fading.
Once the healing of the skin starts taking place, it will look like dandruff flakes or dry skin. However, this is just superficial color and dry skin being naturally removed from your eyebrows. The final look of your eyebrows will be apparent approximately 30 days after your procedure.
Wait for Fading: Microblading is semi-permanent and will fade over time. If you are unhappy with the shape, it may be worth waiting for the brows to lighten naturally. Correction or Removal: A corrective procedure may sometimes be possible during the touch-up session.
The ghosting phase is a normal part of the healing process. The skin is recovering and the new skin covers the pigment. It takes time until the pigment reemerges again. That's why we say the healing period is not over after 2 weeks, and the best time to assess the brows is between 4-6 weeks later.
If you accidentally ruin your microblading, it's best to reach out to your microblading artist or a professional immediately for advice on how to address the issue.
Fixing Bad Eyebrow Microblading Made Simple
Corrections can include reshaping, color adjustment, or a touch-up to improve brow appearance. Full removal should only be considered if other correction methods do not work. Choosing a skilled technician and following proper aftercare can prevent bad eyebrow microblading.
Avoid Retinoids: Immediately after your microblading procedure, it's crucial to keep retinoids away from the brow area to allow proper healing. Reintroducing retinol too soon can affect the pigment and lead to premature fading.
Keep the area MOISTURIZED. Use Aftercare as an after care anti-oxidant (or Vaseline). Gently apply every 1-2 hours or when you feel tender, itchy or dry for 10–14 days. This provides pain relief, moisturizes and promotes healing to help retain color.
Microblading causes scar tissue and a lot of tissue damage which will cause future pigment rejection. This makes future applications of micropigment not hold as well as virgin skin. Microblading causes a great deal more tissue damage and scar tissue than any other cosmetic tattoo method.
Five years after microblading, clients often observe certain transformations in their brows, influenced by factors such as type of ink pigments used, skin type and care regimen. After five years, some microblading may show moderate fading on some people, leaving a shadow or remnants of ink pigment.
Stage of scabbing — scabs form, and the eyebrows begin to peel. Pigment dissolves the scabs. Two weeks after the treatment, the patient is at the “ghosting stage.” Your brows are too light, and it appears that all of the colors have faded away.
Healing 'Roller Coaster': Days 8 to 21
The color of your brows may start to fade, sometimes significantly, before stabilizing. You may also notice patchiness or uneven color during this stage. These changes are all standard parts of the microblading healing time.
Those with very oily skin are ineligible for microblading. Powder brows are recommended for this skin type. Those with less oily or combination skin, may consider a combination of microblading and powder effect, known as combo brows.
The result is a fuller, more defined, and natural-looking brow, without the need for daily touch-ups. One celebrity who has become synonymous with microblading is Kim Kardashian. The reality TV star has been known for her bold and beautiful brows, and has been open about her love for microblading.