Microblading After 5 Years: Eyebrow Transformation and What to Expect

When microblading entered the beauty scene in 2015, it quickly became the most popular brow enhancement throughout the United States and Europe. The demand skyrocketed, which urged many permanent makeup (PMU) artists to hone their skills and start offering the service in clinics across the world.

In 2024, the procedure is still a classic choice for many. But, with newer, more modern treatments emerging, microblading has slowly been overshadowed by non-invasive alternatives. To explore whether or not the microblading technique is still right for you, let’s discuss what you can expect from the effects of microblading after 5 years time are and what impact it will have on your brows.

What Happens to Microbladed Brows After 5 Years?

The effects of microblading after 5 years time may be a change in brow color, loss of definition, fading out, or complete disappearance. This is especially true if no retouch was applied within the 5-year timeframe.

How Do Microbladed Eyebrows Fade Over Time?

Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow treatment wherein PMU pigments are not applied too deeply into the skin. This allows the body to naturally break down the pigment over time, and once the particles are small enough, the immune system carries it out.

What Are the Effects of Microblading After 5 Years?

Before and after 5 years time, microbladed brows will most likely look different in the send that they have faded out either partially or completely. If there are remnants of the pigment left, it will most likely discolor over time.

Do Microbladed Brows Look Natural After 5 Years?

Modern brow pigments are designed in a way that doesn’t discolor over time, but it is not impossible. Because of this, brows done without a retouch may not maintain the natural look when past the 2-3 year mark. Moreover, definition and intensity will slowly decrease as the years progress.

How to Maintain Your Microbladed Eyebrows?

Maintenance for microbladed brows starts with a rigorous aftercare routine that lasts 2-4 weeks post-treatment, followed by good habits that build into your lifestyle paired with retouch sessions every 1-2 years. To maximize the potential microblading can bring years after the initial treatment and keep your brows looking like natural hair, we highly suggest getting regular retouches even after 5 years time.

What Aftercare is Needed for Microbladed Brows?

Immediately after treatment, your brows must be protected from too much moisture, sweat, sun exposure, makeup, skincare products, and physical touch. Your microblading artist may also recommend an ointment to speed up recovery.

When Should You Get a Touch-Up for Microblading?

The initial touch-up after your treatment happens when your brows have fully healed, which is a little over a month past your session. This is an important retouch since it helps fix your brow shape and fill in any gaps wherein the pigment didn’t take.

After the initial retouch, scheduling your next one can wait till your brows start to fade in one to two year’s time.

How Does Skin Type Affect Microblading Longevity?

Normal, dry, or combination skin can hold the pigment in place without much risk of fading or distortion after a high-quality microblading treatment. However, sensitive or oily skin increases the risk of premature fading and other side effects.

What Are the Potential Issues with Microblading After 5 Years?

With little to no maintenance, microbladed brows may eventually fade until all pigment is gone. Other possibilities include a shift in color or distorted brow shapes.

Can Microblading Results Change Over Time?

Initial microblading results can change in appearance without proper retouching appointments every 1-2 years.This is due to the body’s natural process of eliminating elements that the immune system does not recognize, such as the pigment used in microbladed brows.

What Are the Risks of Fading and Color Change?

It’s almost a certainty that fading will occur to microblading results over time when they are not retouched. The pigment breaks down into smaller particles, which naturally exit the body, signaling that the microblading experience has come full circle. Significant fading in microblading and cosmetic procedures, in general, is not a rushed process and can take at least 12 months to complete.

A change in color, however, depends mostly on the pigment used. Pigments of high quality, especially modern formulas, do not often change in color. This is what sets microblading pigment apart from traditional tattoo ink since the latter discolors frequently when used for cosmetic eyebrow hair purposes.

How to Address Uneven Microblading Results?

Brows after microblading may become uneven or misshaped after one and a half years because of pigment loss. Some areas may experience fading before others, which leads to less brow definition.

What to Expect from a Microblading Touch-Up?

The retouch session after a microblading procedure is an essential step to a better, stronger, and more natural-looking brow.

How Often Should You Schedule a Microblading Touch-Up?

The very first touch-up should be scheduled around 4 to 6 weeks after the initial treatment. This is often included in the total cost of microblading, though some artists may charge it separately.

Maintenance touch-ups should be scheduled once every 18-24 months, depending on the pace your brows start to fade.

What Happens During a Microblading Touch-Up Procedure?

A microblading touch-up procedure is quite similar to an actual session, but just shorter and less painful since the artist is only filling in patchy areas or adding definition.

Can You Change the Shape of Your Brows During a Touch-Up?

Yes, you can change your eyebrow shape during a new microblading touch-up so long as there isn’t too much pigment already crowding the area. Your brow artist may be able to suggest ways to manipulate your natural eyebrow shape by filling in your brow line a little differently to enhance the arch and tail.

How to Remove or Correct Microblading?

There may be times when the results you have envisioned for your microbladed brows don’t translate into reality. Worry not, there are a few ways you can remove or correct it.

What Are the Options for Microblading Removal?

Microbladed brows are commonly removed via laser, saline, or DIY methods. DIY methods include using certain skincare products containing glycolic acid, which is not always recommended as it heightens the risk of allergies and scarring. 

How Effective is Laser Treatment for Microblading Removal?

Laster is an effective way to prematurely break the pigment down into tiny particles in order for the body to carry it out. Contrary to what many may think, the laser does not burn off the pigment or skin.

What is the Saline Removal Process for Microbladed Eyebrows?

Saline removal is a more natural alternative to laser as it is made of salt, water, and aloe vera. This process works better on smaller and lighter pigments rather than the whole brow.

What Are the Latest Trends in Eyebrow Microblading?

Since microblading was introduced to the public, there have been multiple other treatments that many often prefer thanks to the difference in technique, pain level, and other factors.

How Do Powder Brows Compare to Traditional Microblading?

Powder brows, ombre brows, or microshaded brows usually mean one in the same procedure. These differ from microblading through the method used in administering the pigment. While microblading offers results that mimic hair strokes, powder brows use a stippling method of multiple tiny dots that gradually build up to shape a brow.

What Innovations Are Being Used in Microblading Today?

Nano brows is a more enhanced version of microblading. This procedure also mimics hair strands with precise and swift strokes, except that it uses one fine needle. This often results in less skin trauma and a more precise brow.

You’re All Set!

As of this writing, microblading has already been around for a decade. With many advancements since its introduction, a lot of other treatments have emerged greater in certain aspects. Non-invasive treatments, for instance, now have new contenders in their corner, shining a light on pain-free, user-friendly, and affordable brow enhancement options.

If this sounds right up your alley, Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos and Eyebrow Stamp Kits are the hottest tools to explore today. with these, you no longer have to worry about the effects of microblading after 5 years, as these deliver a risk-free, natural brow without fail.