Why is there no pigment under my microblading scab?

Author: Dr. Lenore Stamm Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 8, 2025

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.

Why is there no color under my microblading scab?

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.

Why didn't the pigment take in my microblading?

It's a Normal Part of the Healing Process. The pigment may appear faint to certain people, almost as if the microblading didn't take. However, this stage, known as the ghosting phase, is a natural and expected component of the rehabilitation process. Therefore, it is anticipated that the pigment will return.

Why did my eyebrow tattoo scab come off no ink?

Tattoos tend to peel without any ink underneath as they heal normally. In rare cases, they can have missing ink due to an artist's error. Peeling tattoos with missing ink aren't usually anything to worry about. It's normal for a tattoo to peel and lose a little bit of ink as your skin heals.

How long does it take for pigment to come back after microblading?

Microblading is not a deep as a traditional tattoo. Your new skin is healing over the pigment and it will make it look the the treatment didn't work. You will notice the pigment returning between weeks 2 - 4 starting to come back. If the color is still weak or patchy by week 6, don't worry!!!!

PROPER AFTERCARE , following microblading or Ombré Brow procedure.

Why is the color not staying on my microblading?

Losing Color After Microblading Is Normal

The healing process will lead to loss of pigment because your body tries to remove the foreign implantation. In an ideal situation, 85% of the pigment will be retained after the healing process completes at the end of the sixth week.

How long does the ghosting stage last after microblading?

The ghosting period for ombré eyebrows is a natural phase during the healing process where the pigment temporarily fades, usually occurring 7-10 days after the procedure. This is due to skin regeneration and is completely normal. After about six weeks, the pigment resurfaces, revealing the final soft, gradient look.

Why has my microblading completely disappeared after scabbing?

It is normal that during the healing process it seems that the pigment has disappeared when the scab falls off, but do not worry! This is part of the healing process. If the microshading treatment has been carried out correctly, the pigment will reappear after a few days.

Why does my tattoo look like it's missing ink while healing?

Not taking proper aftercare precautions could also contribute to patchiness; picking scabs off your new tattoo, swimming or submerging it in the bath, exposing it to UV rays while it's still in the early stages of healing could all lead to ink loss and patchiness.

What is the ghosting stage of ombre brows?

Understanding the Ghosting Phase in Ombré Brow Healing

By the 8th day, your brows will look too light and somewhat patchy, this is known as its ghosting phase, and is merely a few days of your skin getting the pigment to settle. Once you've hit the 2-week healing mark, your brows should look back to normal.

Is it possible for microblading to not work?

Only with a very good technician and the perfect dry skin type do these lines stay somewhat fine and crisp. This is why oily/combination skin types don't get good results from microblading. Oilier skin has larger pores and excess sebum which can't retain the pigment when it is microbladed.

How do you know if microblading hasnt worked?

If it's been more than 2 weeks and your pigment is gone, then it is most likely NOT normal and related to some other cause. In this case it may be that your artist did not go deep enough. In order to get lasting results your artist must go into the dermal epidermal junction.

Why is the pigment coming off my microblading?

Small, light flakes will take some pigment with them and that is completely normal. It's important to let them fall off on their own, so avoid picking and scratching your eyebrows, they will feel itchy as the skin starts to dry out in this area. Some people may notice heavy, chunky scabs.

Is it possible for microblading not to scab?

As mentioned above, in order to stop microblading scabbing we recommend you wash your brows with soap then apply ointment every two hours for the first two days. Also, for the first two nights apply plastic wrap to your brows after applying ointment to your brow area to keep the brows hydrated while you sleep at night.

Is dry healing microblading better than moist healing?

Dry healing is still a common aftercare method even though wet healing has been proven to have the most promising healed results. Make sure to speak with your artist about their healing method. Proper healing is a crucial aspect to your microblading results. Misinformation can result in a poor healing experience.

What don't they tell you about microblading?

The hair strokes will fade. And once that happens, it's difficult to put them back in the same place. In the case of having oily skin, this effect will be faster and the pigment in the lines will start to blur. The results are blurry hair strokes- nothing like they looked like when you got them done for the first time.

What happens if you overmoisturize a tattoo?

Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.

How do you know if your tattoo is rejecting ink?

Yes, your body can reject tattoo ink. This is often evident in symptoms like itching, swelling, and raised skin. Tattoo ink rejection is typically due to an allergic reaction to the ink. In such cases, removal or medical attention may be necessary.

Does pigment come back after microblading?

Yes! A touch up session after 4-6 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcome will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment color may need to be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added.

What is the ghosting stage of microblading?

Around days eight or nine of the healing process, your brows may take on a spooky appearance, appearing faded, gray, or even patchy. This is known as the microblading ghosting phase. The fading is a regular and temporary part of the healing process. Your bold, beautiful brows will make their triumphant return.

Where have my microbladed eyebrows gone?

As your skin heals, scabs form and fall off, temporarily obscuring the pigment. This phase usually lasts a few days to a couple of weeks. The pigment will resurface as the skin regenerates. Ensure you follow proper aftercare, keep the area clean, and avoid picking at the scabs to prevent pigment loss.

How long before microblading looks natural?

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.

What do Microbladed eyebrows look like years later?

In microblading after 5 years, your brows may have significantly faded or even disappeared. If they're still visible, you might notice slight color changes or blurring. Factors like technique and pigment quality affect longevity. You might need touch-ups or corrections as the pigment fades or changes.

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