Microblading is a semi-permanent form of eyebrow makeup that involves depositing pigment under your skin with hair-like strokes. However, microblading tattoos fade over time due to skin cell turnover and exposure to the elements. Taking proper care of your brows after microblading and following some simple tips can help keep your brows looking fresh and prevent premature fading.
Crucial Aftercare For Longevity
1. Follow Technician’s Instructions Exactly
- Avoiding sweat, retinols and acids for 2 weeks post-procedure helps ensure pigment particles fully integrate into the skin for long-term retention.
- Using an ointment as directed soothes any irritation, locks in pigment and speeds healing. Look for antibiotic ointments free of irritants.
- Skipping all makeup for 48 hours allows wounds to initially heal and reduces risk of infection. Avoid for 1 week+ for best results.
- Refraining from strenuous activity or exercise until brows are fully healed keeps sweat and irritation at bay that can wash pigment away.
- Continuing to use ointment as directed beyond the initial 2 weeks coats the skin and protects pigment as brows continue to mature over time.
2. Avoid Over-cleansing
- Resist the urge to overscrub brows during healing as it disturbs pigment placing.
- Pat brows dry gently versus rubbing which removes pigment prematurely.
- Limit cleanser use to once daily with a fragrance-free, soap-free formula.
- Stay away from exfoliants, scrubs and acids as they can fade pigment over time.
- Switch to gentle, hygienic cleansing – don’t overwash – once brows are fully healed.
3. Moisturize Daily
- Keeping skin hydrated speeds healing, soothes itchiness and aids pigment retention.
- Use a fragrance-free moisturizer on and around brows – avoid getting it directly in wounds.
- Reapply throughout the day as needed, especially in dry climates.
- Moisturizer forms a protective barrier that ‘locks in’ pigment and prevents color fade.
- Switch to an oil-free option for best longevity once brows are fully healed.
In summary, following your technician’s full aftercare instructions to the letter – from ointment and skincare to avoidance of triggers like sweat and makeup – provides the optimal conditions for maximum pigment implantation and long-term retention. Minor deviations can impact results, so strict adherence especially during the first critical 2 weeks is essential for beautifully microbladed brows that last.
Shield Your Brows From Harmful UV
1. Use SPF Daily For 1-2 Years
- Apply SPF 30+ specifically to brows and surrounding skin every morning.
- Reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure for maximum protection.
- Look for physical (mineral) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Chemical sunscreens can leach into wounds and impact pigment retention.
- Continuing daily SPF use for up to 2 years after your procedure maximizes longevity.
2. Limit Direct Sun For 6 Months
- Avoid being in direct sunlight for more than 10-15 minutes daily during initial healing.
- UV exposure can begin fading newly implanted pigment within days.
- Even after brows are fully healed at 3-4 weeks, limit time in noonday sun for at least 6 months.
- UV accelerate the breakdown of collagen in skin, which speeds color fade.
- Continue to shield brows with SPF, hats and seeking shade for optimal results.
3. Avoid Tanning Beds Completely
- The extremely concentrated UVA rays emitted by tanning beds can strip color from brows within just one session.
- UV speeds the breakdown of melanin in your pigment, literally washing color away.
- Even “low dose” tanning or light therapy beds should be avoided.
- Consider tanning beds off limits for life to keep your microbladed brows looking fresh.
In summary, proper sun protection – including daily mineral SPF, limiting direct UV exposure and avoiding tanning beds altogether – is essential for shielded your brows year-round from harmful rays that can fade, blur and distort otherwise beautifully microbladed results. The more consistent you are with UV avoidance, the longer your brows will retain their richness, definition and natural appearance.
Avoid Additional Irritants
1. Skip Cleansing For 2 Weeks
- Avoid getting water, soaps and cleansers directly on brows for the first 2 weeks.
- Saline like in tap water or chlorine in pools can literally bleach pigment particles away.
- Pat dry with a soft cloth versus rubbing which distributes pigment across brows.
- Once wounds are closed at 2 weeks, switch to a VERY gentle cleanser.
2. Skip Actives For 4 Weeks
- Refrain from all retinols, retinoids, acids and benzoyl peroxide for at least 1 month post-procedure.
- These actives increase skin cell turnover which speeds the exfoliation of pigment.
- Even at reduced strengths, they can fade and distort microbladed results.
- Wait until brows are 100% healed and settled at 4-6 weeks before slowly reintroducing actives.
- Always use a light hand of actives on and around brows to minimize effects on pigment.
In summary, avoiding additional irritants beyond those mentioned by your technician – like any water or harsh skincare ingredients on brows during healing- provides an optimal environment for maximum pigment retention and longevity. Even seemingly “gentle” ingredients can impact freshly implanted color when skin is at its most sensitive. So follow your technician’s guidance on avoidance strictly for the full 4-6 weeks brows take to fully heal and settle. Then reintroduce additional skincare with extreme caution going forward.
Why Did My Microblading Fade So Fast?
Here are the top causes for premature microblading fading and possible solutions:
1. Not Following Proper Aftercare
The number one reason brows may fade sooner than expected is neglecting crucial aftercare instructions from your technician. This includes:
- Sweating or getting brows wet too soon
- Using irritating skincare products like retinols
- Exfoliating or over cleansing brows
- Failing to moisturize and shield brows daily
2. Overwashing Brows
Over-cleansing brows with face wash or makeup remover during healing can literally wash pigment particles away.
Solution: Avoid face wash on brows for 2 weeks. Then use a gentle, soap-free cleanser sparingly once brows are fully healed.
3. Exposure to Harsh Chemicals
Pool chlorine, salt water, perfumes, hair dyes and other chemicals can strip color from freshly implanted pigment.
Solution: Do not expose brows to any chemicals for 4 weeks. Once healed, limit contact as much as possible.
4. Excessive Sun Exposure
UV rays are one of the fastest ways for microblading pigment to fade, especially within the first year.
Solution: Apply SPF 30+ daily to brows. Limit time in direct sunlight for 6 months to a year. Avoid tanning beds.
5. Retinol or Acid Use
These actives increase skin cell turnover, causing new cells to shed pigment particles more rapidly.
Solution: Avoid for at least 4 weeks. Slowly reintroduce on brows in reduced concentrations going forward.
6. Tattoo Fade Over Time
Some fade is natural as microblading utilizes tattooing techniques. But proper aftercare and avoidance of triggers can maximize longevity.
Solution: Continue daily sunscreen and moisturizer on brows long-term. Limit chemical, UV and physical exposure as much as possible. Have touch-ups done regularly to boost color as brows age.
Many factors can contribute to microbladed brows fading faster than expected. Chief among them is neglecting proper aftercare instructions from your technician during the critical 4-6 week healing period. This includes avoiding sweat, harsh skincare, excessive cleansing, and failing to hydrate and shield brows daily.
Other key causes include overwashing brows, exposure to chemicals like chlorine or hair dye, excessive UV rays from the sun or tanning beds, and using retinol or acid actives too soon. Tattoo pigment will also naturally fade to some degree over time.
However, following aftercare directions exactly, minimizing chemical/UV exposure, keeping brows hydrated and protected with SPF, and returning regularly for touch-ups can help maximize the lifespan of your microbladed brows. Even with the best efforts, some fade is normal. But proper maintenance long-term can preserve their natural, full appearance for years.
FAQs
1. How long do microbladed brows last before fading?
On average, microbladed brows retain about 70% of their original pigment after 1 year with proper care. Many last 2-4 years before needing a significant touch-up. Proper aftercare and avoidance of fade triggers can extend their lifespan.
2. How long until microbladed brows fully heal?
Microbladed brows typically take 4-6 weeks to fully heal and settle. This healing period is when proper care is most vital to ensure maximum pigment take and longevity. But care is needed long-term to combat gradual fade over years.
3. How much do microbladed brows fade with touch-ups?
During a touch-up, your technician can boost the color of your brows up to their original depth and fullness. With proper aftercare, touch-ups every 1-2 years can keep brows looking fresh with only about 10-20% fade between appointments.
4. At what point is microblading no longer effective?
Eventually, microbladed pigment will fade to a point of thinness that makes the procedure no longer worthwhile. For most people, this stage typically occurs 5-7 years after their initial microblading when over half the pigment has faded.