How Long Does Microblading Last + Our Brows After One Year

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How long does microblading last? If you’re trying to decide whether to push through microblading or not, this is one of the most important questions to consider.

Microblading is an investment — not just for the money it costs you but also for the time and effort you put in during the healing process. 

As such, you want to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of microbladed eyebrows for a long time to come.

It’s essential to consider all the factors that influence microblading lasting time before you make your final decision. 

In this article, you’ll also learn helpful tips that can make microblading last for you for as long as possible. Keep on reading to find out how! 

What Is Microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure. Unlike permanent tattooing, microblading uses smaller pigment particles that are eventually metabolized by the body. 

In addition, microblading only applies pigment to the deepest layer of epidermis, just before the dermis. As such, microbladed eyebrows will gradually fade over time.

How Long Do Microbladed Eyebrows Last?

How long should microblading last? In general, microblading should last anywhere from 18 to 36 months. 

However, several factors can influence how long microblading lasts. This includes skin type, aftercare routines, and lifestyle preferences.

If you want to enjoy your microbladed eyebrows for as long as possible, make sure to schedule touch-up sessions four to eight weeks after your initial appointment and schedule another one annually. This may also be earlier or later, depending on your skin’s specific needs.

Touch-up sessions are more time-efficient and cost-effective.

Without them, your microbladed eyebrows may become too faded and discolored — to a point that you’ll have to redo the entire process all over again (including the arduous healing process).

Here’s one of our writer’s brows one year after microblading and again after a fresh touch-up.

Factors That Affect Microblading Lasting Time

So when it comes to eyebrow microblading, how long does it last? Well, that can be entirely up to you. Here are the most important things to consider.   

1. Skin Type 

Microblading is suitable for all skin types. However, the longevity of microbladed eyebrows will also depend on your skin type — specifically, how much oil you produce. 

This is because oil can push the pigment out and cause microblading pigment to fade much sooner.

• Normal skin: Microblading lasts for 1 to 1.5 years on normal skin. You can have a touch-up once you start to notice slight fading on your microbladed eyebrows.

• Oily skin: Microblading may last less than a year due to excess oil production. You must schedule a touch-up session before 12 to 18 months to preserve your microbladed eyebrows.

• Dry skin: This skin type retains microblading pigment the longest due to low oil production. Microbladed eyebrows can last up to 1.5 years or longer before you need a touch-up.

• Combination skin: If your forehead/eyebrow area is on the oilier side, microblading lasting time will be similar to oily skin. If it is drier, longevity will be more like dry to normal skin. 

2. Aftercare Routine

The healing process is one of the most crucial parts of the microblading experience. Not only does it influence how the final results will look, but it can also determine how long microblading lasts for you.

As such, it’s essential to follow a proper aftercare routine to increase the longevity of your microbladed eyebrows.

For the first two weeks post-microblading, make sure to avoid these:

• Avoid getting the microbladed area wet. Apart from cleansing and applying the prescribed ointment twice daily, ensure the microbladed area stays dry as much as possible.

• Avoid sun exposure, which can delay the healing process and cause scar discoloration. UV rays also cause microblading pigment to fade over time. Make sure to wear sunscreen and protective gear to increase sun protection.

• Avoid exercise and other activities that cause sweating. Sweat comes with moisture and bacteria, which can disrupt the natural healing process and cause infections.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine as they have been found to impede the healing process.

• Avoid using too many skincare products with actives. Do not use skincare products with active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and retinol as they can reduce the integrity of microblading pigment.
  
  In addition, avoid wearing makeup — especially eyebrow products — during the healing process.

• Drink plenty of water. Good hydration leads to optimal and faster healing. You also want to avoid dehydrated skin as this can lead to excess sebum production, which can cause pigment loss.

For more helpful tips on how to properly take care of microbladed brows, you can also refer to this day-by-day guide. 

3. Dry vs Wet Healing

Depending on the recommendation of your microblading technician, you might opt for dry or wet healing. The healing method may also influence how long microblading lasts on the skin.

Wet Healing

Wet healing involves washing the microbladed area with a gentle, antibacterial cleanser twice daily. Pat dry using a cotton pad or clean towel.

Then you apply an ointment that helps promote healing and protects the area from contamination.

In general, experts believe that applying ointment is beneficial since it promotes the healing process. 

It can relieve the tightness and itchiness you may feel as microbladed eyebrows heal. It can also prevent harmful substances from contaminating the area and causing infections.

The downside is that by keeping the area “wet,” you may also end up losing more pigment on your eyebrows. This can make microbladed eyebrows look softer and less defined.

Dry Healing

Dry healing still involves cleansing the microbladed area daily. However, you do not apply ointment afterward.

As such, you don’t get the healing and protective benefits of using these products.

One benefit is that microbladed eyebrows may look crisper. It may also be the preferred healing method for those with oily skin. 

This is because, with excess oil production, the microbladed area is already “wet” or moist to begin with, so applying ointment could cause further pigment loss.

If you have oily skin, it’s important to blot the area every 15 minutes for the first two weeks. This helps minimize the scabbing, which can lead to color loss. 

4. Technician Expertise

Microblading lasting time will also depend on who performs the semi-permanent cosmetic procedure. Make sure to choose a licensed microblading technician.

They will have the training and experience needed to create beautiful microbladed eyebrows. With expertise, they will also know how to cater to the microblading process according to your skin type and needs.

An experienced technician will know how to choose the right pigment for your skin tone. Keep in mind that lighter pigments may fade earlier than darker pigments.

As such, microblading for blondes may not last as long as for brunettes or those with black hair. Results for the latter can last up to three years as long as you schedule your touch-up sessions.

All of these considerations can ensure that microblading lasts you for as long as possible. Most importantly, it ensures that you are safe throughout the microblading process.  

How To Make Microblading Last Longer

Even as your microbladed eyebrows have fully healed and the color has fully settled, there are still ways to ensure they last longer.

Here are some things to consider if you want to make your microblading last longer. 

1. Make a Few Changes to Your Active Lifestyle

Maintaining an active lifestyle is beneficial for our overall health. Unfortunately, intense physical activities may cause microblading pigment to fade faster than the standard 18 to 30 months.

If you enjoy running or exercising outdoors, ensure you are fully protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This includes wearing sunscreen and headgear.

You can also wear a sports headband to prevent sweat from reaching your microbladed eyebrows. Keep a towel at arm’s reach to help keep your eyebrow area as dry as possible.

When swimming in chlorine or saltwater, apply a balm or ointment to protect your microbladed areas.

These are simple steps that you can take to ensure that microbladed brows stay intact while also maintaining a healthy routine. 

2. Avoid Certain Skincare Products or Ingredients

Your skincare routine can also influence how long microblading lasts.

Microblading may not last as long if you use AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, retinol, and other exfoliants. These skincare ingredients promote cell turnover, which is beneficial for creating healthier and younger-looking skin.

However, since the microblading process only reaches the dermal layer of the skin, faster cell turnover also means that the pigment gets dislodged at a much faster rate.

One compromise would be to avoid applying these skincare ingredients on or around your microbladed eyebrow area. 

However, remember that retinol is known to migrate to other areas of the skin. So it may still have some effect on the microbladed area.

For those with oily skin, we recommend incorporating skincare products that help regulate sebum production to lessen premature fading of microbladed eyebrows. 

3. Adjust Your Eyebrow Makeup Routine

The main goal of getting microbladed eyebrows is that you no longer have to put makeup on your eyebrows daily. 

But just in case you do, make sure to use soft and feathery strokes. Avoid applying pressure to the skin underneath so that the pigment is not disturbed. 

4. Don’t Forget Touch-Up Sessions

Since things like physical activity and skincare routines are non-negotiable for many of us, the best way to maintain microbladed eyebrows is to have regular touch-up sessions.

The first one should be four to eight weeks after your initial microblading session. Your skin will have completely healed by now, and the final microblading results will start to appear.

This is the perfect time to address patchy areas or color-correct the pigment.

The next touch-up session should be scheduled within 12 to 24 months. This will depend on your skin type and lifestyle.

Those with oily skin may need to schedule closer to 12 months, while those with dry skin can extend up to 24 months or longer.

As a rule of thumb, make sure to schedule your touch-up session when you notice the microblading pigment has started to fade or become discolored. 

You can also consult your technician on how often to touch up your microbladed eyebrows just to be sure.  

Frequently Asked Questions

As you can see, there is no straightforward answer to the question: “How long does microblading last?” 

We aim to provide you with as much explanation as possible to appreciate the different factors that come into play and impact your microblading lasting time.

Here are additional questions that you may find useful. 

Do You Always Need a Touch-Up After Microblading?

Apart from fading, microbladed eyebrows can also become discolored over time. A touch-up at least once a year will keep your microbladed eyebrows looking as natural and defined as possible. 

What Happens If You Don’t Retouch Microblading? 

Each person heals differently. As such, it’s very important to have a touch-up four to eight weeks after the microblading session. It helps address any issues with the shape, color, and style of your microbladed brows.

If you don’t retouch at this time, the microblading process will not be complete. It may not look natural or fresh for long. 

How Long Does Microblading Last Without Touch-Up?

Microblading can last three to five years on its own. 

However, without touch-ups, your microbladed eyebrows will be more susceptible to fading and discoloration. The strokes will become blurry and less defined. The color will turn red/orange or gray/blue as well.

As such, it’s important to have a touch-up session. If you are not happy with the results, it’s better to remove microblading or remedy the problem areas as soon as possible. 

How Long Does Microblading Last on Mature Skin?

Microblading can be beneficial for mature skin. As we age, we lose more hair and wear less makeup. As such, microblading can be a low-maintenance option for those who want to have defined and voluminous brows.

The good news is that microblading lasts even longer on mature skin. This is due to slower cell turnover, which means pigment will also fade slower.

Since the healing process is likewise slower for mature skin, the first touch-up session can be scheduled after eight weeks or longer. This can last up to 18 months before needing another touch-up.

However, to achieve optimal microblading results, your technician will have to make certain adjustments.

For example, brow mapping should be done while sitting or standing to accommodate sagging skin near the eyebrows. Mature skin also benefits from having strokes made farther apart. Otherwise, it will look blurry. 

Is Microblading Good for Dark Skin?

Microblading is suitable for all skin tones. However, there are minor differences in the microblading process to take note of if you have darker skin.

First, color-matching is very important. Your microblading technician must consider your natural hair color and your skin’s undertones. 

They shouldn’t just automatically choose black pigment as it can turn into a bluish-gray tint after healing.

Those with darker skin tones are also more likely to have oily skin. As such, the technician should apply microblading techniques that are suitable for oily skin.

In addition, darker skin may also notice a “ghosting” phase. This is when the microbladed eyebrows become extremely light during the healing process. 

Don’t panic because this is normal. More importantly, avoid picking at the scabs, which can cause permanent hypopigmentation.

Be patient and allow your skin to build up melanin as it heals. Just follow the proper aftercare routine and wait for the color to look more natural. 

Any remaining issues will be addressed during the first touch-up session.

How Long Does Microblading Last on Dark Skin?

Skin color does not have any effect on microblading lasting time. The more important thing to consider is your skin type. 

This is because those with darker skin tones are also more likely to have oily skin, which can shorten the lifespan of microbladed eyebrows. 

So as long as your technician uses the appropriate techniques that are suitable for your skin, you can expect microblading lasting time to be around 18 to 30 months as usual.

How Long Should Microblading Last On Me?

Microblading is a major investment, so we want the results to last as long as possible. In general, this can be anywhere from 18 to 36 months. However, some factors can shorten or lengthen microblading lasting time.

Some of it is in our control, such as avoiding sun exposure, sweat, and smoking. Others are not — such as our skin type and our body’s unique healing process.

The good news is that with a lot of patience, care, and vigilance throughout the microblading process, you can achieve optimal and long-lasting results.

Just make sure to follow the proper aftercare routine and schedule your touch-up sessions on time.

This will allow you to enjoy natural-looking and effortless brows for many years to come!

Want to Learn Different Ways to Achieve Flawless Brows?

Check out these articles:

• Different Types of Microblading: The Best Options For Flawless Brows
• Eyebrow Tinting vs. Microblading: Which Is Right for You?
• Brow Lamination Vs. Microblading: Which Is Best?