Ombré Powder Brows Disappeared? Don't Ghost Your Brow Dreams!

Ombré Powder Brows Disappeared? Don't Ghost Your Brow Dreams!

Ombré powder brows and similar procedures are what we call semi-permanent enhancements. While they have their differences, each one goes through a healing process that involves a few days of ghosting. In this phase, you may notice your ombré brows disappeared. It’s perfectly normal and should revert to the ideal pigment shade by the end of the period.

Want naturally beautiful brows without the commitment and healing phases that come with semi-permanent or permanent eyebrows? It’s definitely possible. With popular enhancement tools like eyebrow stamp kit and stencils, there is no need to be prodded with needles or even get out of the house for an appointment. A simple three-step process is all it takes and anyone can do it as long as they have a mirror and a minute to spare.

Below, we uncover the reasons your semi-permanent brows have faded during healing, how you can strengthen pigment retention, and tools you can opt for instead to minimize trips to your technician.

Why Have My Ombré Powder Brows Seemingly Vanished?

Why Have My Ombré Powder Brows Seemingly Vanished?

The healing process of ombré powder brows can be a roller coaster of shades. From initially super dark brows to barely-there hues, the important thing is it ends with the natural look you’ve been eyeing.

Understanding the Ghosting Phase in Ombré Brow Healing

Fresh out of your session, you’ll notice your brows will be extra dark and bold for the first three days. After which, it can start to scab, flake, and itch, slowly revealing lighter shades underneath. 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 Normal for Ombré Powder Brows to Disappear During Healing?

If your ombre brows have disappeared for a few days during healing, this is completely normal and should subside by day 10. During this time, your skin is trying to regenerate and allow the pigment to settle into the skin properly. However, if you feel that something is amiss, don't hesitate to contact your technician.

The Body's Natural Healing Response and Pigment Retention

Everybody’s skin can react in different ways to the same procedure. Depending on your skin type, sensitivity level, and other natural factors, your brows may either have an easier or harder time processing the physical trauma. This can also affect how well the pigment is retained within the epidermis. 

What's the Typical Healing Process for Ombré Powder Brows?

The typical healing process for ombré powder brows comes in six phases and we break it down into a day-by-day guide below.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Ombré Brow Healing Journey

Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Ombré Brow Healing Journey

Stage 1, Day 1-4: Brows appear red, swollen, and very dark. 

Stage 2, Day 5-7: Brows seem scabby, flaky, and will be itchy.

Stage 3, Day 8-10: Patchy, light shade, ghosting phase, and may look as though brows have vanished. This occurs after the initial scabbing.

Stage 4, Day 11-28: The true shade settles in, and it will start to look like they are almost through with the natural healing process of ombre brows.

Stage 5, Day 29-42: Final touch-up 6-8 weeks after the initial procedure.

Stage 6, After Touch-Up Healing: Fully healed ombre eyebrows.

When to Expect the Ghosting Stage in Ombré Powder Brows

During the ghosting stage of your brow healing, you can expect your brows to have patches, to look very light-coloured, and in some cases, have faded or disappeared entirely. This is a normal part of the healing process and is due to the body's natural reaction. The colour of the brows begins to resurface as the healing process continues.

How Long Until My Ombré Powder Brows Are Completely Healed?

The first 10 days post-session are the most sensitive due to the skin's natural need to process the physical trauma.  Starting the second week up until the 4th to 6th week, it should be easier to manage your proper aftercare routine. The initial touch-up to ensure all gaps are coloured in and your brow shape is accurate is usually scheduled 6-8 weeks after. Once your brows recover from the initial touch-up, you can consider these completely healed.

How Does Ombré Powder Brow Healing Differ from Microblading?

How Does Ombré Powder Brow Healing Differ from Microblading?

Microblading is another popular semi-permanent brow enhancement procedure that is often compared with powder brows. They have a few differences in terms of technique and results, but below we zero in on how they differ when it comes to the healing process.

Comparing Healing Processes: Ombré Powder vs. Microblading

The healing processes of both microblading and ombré brows are very similar. However, their difference lies in the incisions made into the skin. Since powered brows are applied through a machine that delivers ultra-precise pigment injections, it is less invasive, thus leading to a shorter recovery period.

Why Ombré Powder Brows Might Disappear Slower Than Microbladed Brows

Both have an average lifespan of 1-2 years, which can also depend on several factors such as skin type, lifestyle, aftercare routine, and more. However, microbladed brows are thought to fade faster than ombre brows since the latter is made up of multiple tiny dots, which prevent obvious faded lines. Moreover, the machine used to apply ombre powder brows can penetrate deeper into the epidermis, which helps with pigment retention.

What Should I Do If My Ombré Powder Brows Have Disappeared?

Touch-Ups in Ombré Powder Brow Treatments

If your ombré brows disappeared during its ghosting stage, there is nothing you need to do except to continue your aftercare routine. However, if it has disappeared after healing, it may be a sign that a touch-up is in order.

When to Contact Your Ombré Powder Brow Artist

Typically, powder brows would last between 1 to 2 years. If you start to notice fading out and you are uneasy with how your brows look like, you can book a touch-up session with your chosen artist to get them looking brand new again.

The Importance of Touch-Ups in Ombré Powder Brow Treatments

Semi-permanent brow procedures require regular touch-ups to connote looking natural, bold, plump, and healthy. With excessive sun exposure, sweating, natural oils, exfoliation, and more, you may need a touch-up at least annually. If your skin experiences less of these external factors, your brows may last up to two years before requiring another round of pigment.

How Can I Ensure Better Pigment Retention for My Ombré Powder Brows?

Ombré powder brows can last up to two years with optimal healing and pigment retention. There are a few things you can religiously practice in order to make your brows last longer and we’ve listed some of them below.

Essential Aftercare Tips for Ombré Powder Brows

  • Avoid excessive sweating in the first 10 days
  • Keep away from direct sunlight for the first 10 days
  • Do not swim, go to saunas, or get facial treatments until your brows are fully healed.
  • Keep your face from touching your blanket or pillows while sleeping until your brows are fully healed.
  • Refrain from applying makeup or skincare products until your brows are fully healed.
  • Avoid scratching, picking, or rubbing on your brows, including around the eyebrows.

Factors Affecting Pigment Retention in Ombré Powder Brows

  • Skin type. The oilier or more hydrated the skin, the less it can retain pigment, which can cause the appearance of your ombre brows to become lighter even when the healing process is complete.
  • Lifestyle. The more you sweat or expose your brows to water, the faster the pigment fades through the healing stages and even once fully healed.
  • Aftercare. The more diligent you are with your technician’s recommended aftercare, the higher your chances of pigment retention to achieve your desired brows.
  • Immune response. The body may be more sensitive to the pigment, causing it to reject it faster. Your skin's natural healing plays a major role.
  • Skincare products. Some products may hasten the fading process especially when acid or exfoliating elements are present.
  • Pigment quality. The quality of the pigment used and the skill level of your chosen technician can influence the results of your new brows.

FAQs About Ombre Powder Brow Disappearance

Will My Ombré Powder Brows Look the Same After the Ghosting Phase?

Ombré powder brows will settle into the final shade after the ghosting phase and the healing progresses.

How Does Skin Type Affect Ombré Powder Brow Healing and Retention?

Many clients with oily or sensitive skin may experience weak pigment retention, resulting in faster fading during the healing process for ombre brows. Sensitive skin may also be more prone to allergic reactions and infections.

Is It Better for Ombré Powder Brows to Disappear Than to Be Too Dark?

Yes, lighter powder brows give more leeway for retouch while brows that are too dark can only be mended through assisted fading and time.

You’re All Set!

If your ombré powder brows disappeared, know that it’s normal for cosmetic tattoo treatments to have their benefits and challenges. If this makes you anxious about whether or not you should get a semi-permanent makeup procedure, you can rest assured knowing there are other ways to get your eyebrows thicker and healthier-looking without invasive treatments.

Our go-to brow tools that are affordable, user-friendly, and low-commitment are temporary eyebrow transfer tattoos and the eyebrow stamp kit. Learn more about how to get beautiful and seemingly natural brows in under a minute at My Two Brows.

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