Microblading is a popular semi-permanent makeup technique that involves tattooing individual hair strokes onto the brows to create a natural, fuller looking brow. While results can last upwards of 1-3 years, some people find that their microblading fades and turns grey prematurely. So does all microblading turn grey eventually?
What is Microblading?
Microblading, also known as eyebrow embroidery, is a form of semi-permanent makeup where a trained technician uses a handheld tool with ultrafine needles to deposit pigment under your skin. The technique creates natural looking hair stroke brows that can last between 1-3 years depending on your skin type.
During a microblading session, a technician will first shape your brows then begin depositing pigment one hair stroke at a time. The process takes between 60-90 minutes. A touch up session is usually scheduled 4-6 weeks after the initial appointment to reinforce the pigment and make any adjustments.
Does Microblading Fade and Turn Grey?
While microblading results can last upwards of 1-3 years when performed correctly, fading and discoloration over time is inevitable. How quickly it fades and changes color depends on several factors:
- Skin type – Oily skin tends to cause faster fading than dry skin types.
- Sun exposure – Too much sun exposure can cause the pigment to fade faster.
- Aftercare – Poor aftercare and failure to avoid water/sun early on leads to faster fading.
- Lifestyle factors – Health conditions, medications, smoking, metabolism, and circulation can impact how quickly it fades.
- Technician skill – An inexperienced technician is more likely to cause uneven fading.
As microblading begins to fade, the brow strokes will look less defined and blurred. Most often they fade to a grayish muted tone rather than disappearing completely.
Why Does Microblading Turn Grey?
Microblading tends to turn grey when the pigment fades for a couple of reasons:
- Color Drop Out – The lighter more subtle pigments in the brow strokes, especially ash tones, fade the fastest. This causes the remaining undertones to take on a grayish cast.
- Oxidation – As pigment fades it can become oxidized, resulting in discoloration towards grey/blue tones rather than just fading evenly.
Does All Microblading Pigment Turn Grey?
While a slight graying effect is common as microblading fades, not necessarily all pigments will turn fully grey. Here are some factors that influence whether microblading will turn grey:
- Grey pigments like ash brown have more of a tendency towards grey verses warm browns that hold their tone better.
- Oily and sun damaged skin is more prone to faster oxidation of pigments.
- Dense packed microblading strokes fade more evenly than light wispy strokes.
- A well formulated pigment will retain its undertones better than a poor quality ink.
So while most microblading will develop some grayish undertones over time, choosing an experienced artist and proper aftercare can help mitigate extreme graying and prolong your results.
How to Prevent Microblading from Turning Grey
To help prevent microblading from turning grey prematurely, here are some tips:
- Choose an experienced, properly trained artist who uses high quality pigments.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 4 weeks after your procedure.
- Strictly follow aftercare instructions especially avoiding water on the brows initially.
- Use a nourishing oil like coconut or jojoba oil daily on the brows to condition the skin.
- Apply SPF 30 or higher to brows daily after healing.
- Avoid sweating heavily for 10-14 days.
- Get an annual touch up to reinforce the pigment.
Options for Refreshed Microblading
If your microblading has begun to fade and turn grey before you’re ready, there are a couple options to refresh them:
- Microblading Touch Up – This is the most common solution, going back to your original technician for a follow up appointment to reinforce the pigment.
- Microblading Removal – Using a salt scrub or laser you can fully remove the existing ink, allowing you to start fresh.
- Cover Up Tattoo – Going to a tattoo artist to use new pigments to cover up and refresh the existing microblading.
How to Care for Microblading to Prevent Fading
To make your microblading last as long as possible and prevent premature fading to grey, be sure to:
- Follow all aftercare instructions closely, avoiding water/sweat on the brows until fully healed.
- Use a nourishing oil daily on the brows.
- Apply broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to brows daily.
- Avoid sleeping on your face or rubbing brows.
- Get touch up between 12-18 months after initial microblading.
- See your artist sooner if you notice fading or discoloration.
Does Microshading Turn Grey Less?
Microshading involves using a soft shader tool to deposit pigment in a stippling technique rather than with fine hair strokes. The results look more powdery and soft compared to the crisp hair stroke effect of microblading.
Since microshading does not imitate fine hairs, it tends to retain its tone better as it fades. The pigment is saturating the layers of skin more densely so there is less drop out of lighter tones that can lead to that graying effect.
However, all semi permanent makeup will fade over time. Proper aftercare and touch ups are still needed to maintain long lasting microshaded brows.
Should I Get Microblading if it Will Fade?
Despite the inevitability of fading, microblading is still a viable option for those wanting beautiful brows without the daily hassle of filling them in with makeup. When performed correctly, it can give beautiful results that last 1-3 years.
Getting microblading knowing it will fade over time is similar to getting your hair colored even though your roots will regrow. You enjoy the beautiful results while they last and then refresh it when needed if you want to maintain the color.
If done properly and touched up annually, microblading can give beautiful long lasting results worth the investment for most clients.
Conclusion
While microblading holds pigment extremely well initially, fading to a grayish undertone is a common occurrence as it breaks down over time. However, choosing an experienced artist, following proper aftercare procedures, and getting timely touch ups can help maximize longevity and prevent a drastic grey appearance. For brows worth framing your face, microblading is still one of the best semi-permanent makeup options.