Does Microblading Fade Completely Or Will It Never Go Away?

Does Microblading Ever Fade Completely?

This question generates much discussion in the beauty industry, especially among those who have had, or are considering, microblading. Many wonder, 'Will microblading really fade, or will it stay there forever?'

It's come a long way since 2013 when we picked up our first microblading tool. Back then, microblading was touted as a new 'semi-permanent' makeup solution for the brows. Fast forward to today, and the buzzword 'semi-permanent' still clings to microblading like a second skin, doesn't it? But let's get one thing out of the way: the term is a bit like a puzzle, both revealing and concealing. Time to unmask the enigma.

Microblading is a Tattoo: A Comprehensive Look at its Longevity

First thing's first—microblading is tattooing, folks. We can dance around the term all we want, but at the end of the day, we're talking about pigment that's going to stick around. Think of it as that guest who overstays their welcome at a party; sure, they might fade into the background, but they're never truly leaving unless you show them the door.

Microblading Is Permanent

There, we said it. And in many ways, microblading is permanent. Even the FDA categorizes microblading as a permanent procedure. While the word 'tat' might send some people running for the hills, there's no need to sugarcoat it. We're in the business of being upfront—so let's dive into the ink, shall we?

Setting the Record Straight

We're here to offer the real scoop and tell it like it is.

Don't Believe Everything You Read

You may even come across some reputable publications stating that microblading is entirely "semi-permanent" or will eventually fade away or that you should go for touchups after a year.  Having been at this for ten years, we can safely say that's just not accurate. While the visibility of the microblading may diminish over time, the pigment continues to reside within your body—visibility and darkness being the varying factors. To minimize confusion, we at Ellebrow prefer the term 'permanent makeup,' offering a clearer, more accurate portrayal of microblading's enduring nature.

Factors Affecting Your Brow's Staying Power

Let's not pretend that all brows are created equal. Oh no, your microblading experience is as unique as you are, influenced by a cocktail of factors. We're talking skin type, sun exposure, your daily routine, metabolic rates, and yes, even the type and color of ink we use.

At Ellebrow, we've been around the block, and we've seen it all. There are those rare unicorns where the microblading has virtually disappeared 1-2 years after the procedure. But let's be real; they're more like the four-leaf clovers of the microblading world. Most of you will find that your brows remain plenty dark, to the point where a touch-up would be like gilding the lily.

So When Does Microblading Really Fade?

Well, that depends on what you mean by "fade." It's usually 3-4 years or even more before we give the go-ahead for most of our clients to come back in for microblading again. Longer-term, even many years down the road, remnants or shadows will usually always be visible to varying degrees.

Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands: Optional Treatments

So, what if you've had a change of heart and those brows need a quick exit? If you're looking to accelerate the fading process, laser treatments are your backstage pass to a faster fade-out. These treatments use concentrated beams of light to fragment the pigment particles, making them easier for your body to flush away.

But let's not kid ourselves—lasers don't wave a magic wand. While they can make the pigment almost invisible, they won't remove it entirely from your skin. Think of it more like turning down the volume on a loud song rather than hitting the mute button. It’s imperative to consult with a qualified laser technician or dermatologist before going this route, as lasers come with their own set of risks and benefits. But for those looking to expedite the fade, it's a viable option worth exploring.

Exploring Other Eyebrow Enhancement Options: Nano Brows and More

While we've delved deep into the nitty-gritty of microblading, let's not forget there are other players on the field. Enter Nano Brows—a technique that uses a digital machine for pigment implantation, offering a softer impact on the skin while still achieving those coveted microblading-like hairstrokes. It even allows for more intricate patterns compared to manual methods.

If the idea of hairstrokes doesn't make or break the deal for you, then perhaps consider Microshading or Powder Brows. These techniques are gentler on the skin, age more gracefully, and are easier to maintain over time. Particularly if you have oilier or more mature skin, we highly recommend giving these alternatives a whirl.

So if you find yourself tangled in thoughts about the longevity and permanence of microblading but are open to traversing other avenues, Nano Brows or Microshading/Powder Brows might just be the detours worth taking.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the longevity of your microbladed brows depends on a variety of factors—from skin type and lifestyle to the ink used. While the term 'permanent' may be up for debate, the pigment is here for the long haul.

Don't forget, there are other eyebrow enhancement techniques like Nano Brows and Microshading that might be more your speed. At Ellebrow Microblading in NYC, we're all about helping you make informed decisions.

Wondering what to do with your aged and somewhat faded microbladed brows? Keep an eye out for our next article, "What You Can Do With Old and Faded Microblading," where we'll explore solutions for rejuvenating your brows.

Question about any of our permanent makeup services in NYC? Send us a text!