How Long Does Microblading Last?
Microblading typically lasts 18-36 months, but in many cases lingers to varying degrees of visibility even longer as it fades over time. The longevity of microblading results varies widely due to various factors including skin type & condition, products used, lifestyle/UV exposure, and genetics. After over ten years of performing microblading for thousands of clients, we have seen the full gamut of microblading results and how they are affected by time and all of these various factors.
This article delves into how these elements affect microblading's durability, shares tips for extending its lifespan and what to expect as your microblading ages.
Factors Affecting the Fading Rate and longevity of Microblading
Microblading, also known and nanoblading, has become increasingly popular as a permanent makeup solution for enhancing eyebrows. If you're considering microblading, you may have wondered, "How long does microblading last?".
It's important to note that 'lasting' can mean different things to different people. We prefer to view it in terms of visibility and attractiveness; what may seem faded to some could appear soft and natural to others. This subjective perspective is crucial in understanding and setting realistic expectations for your microblading experience."
With this in mind, several factors can impact how long your microblading results 'last'. The same factors also affect how long microblading's latest offshoot, Nano Brows, 'lasts'. Understanding these factors will help you manage your expectations and take appropriate steps to maintain the longevity of your microbladed eyebrows. Here are some key factors to consider:
Nutritional Status
Your nutritional status plays a role in the health of your skin and can affect how well the pigment retains in the skin. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can contribute to better microblading results.
Skin Hydration
Well-hydrated skin tends to retain the pigment better than dry skin. It's important to keep your skin hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water and using moisturizers as recommended by your microblading artist.
Discipline of Following Aftercare Instructions
Proper aftercare is important for optimal healing and long-lasting results. Following your microblading artist's aftercare instructions, such as cleansing and applying the healing ointment on the schedule given, and keeping the treated area clean, can help preserve the pigment and extend the lifespan of your microbladed eyebrows.
Smoking
Smoking can affect blood circulation and compromise the healing process, which may result in faster fading of the microbladed eyebrows. Consider reducing or quitting smoking to enhance the longevity of your results.
Age of Your Skin
As we age, our skin undergoes natural changes, such as decreased collagen production and slower cell turnover. These factors can impact how long the pigment lasts in the skin. Mature skin may require more frequent touch-ups to maintain the desired results.
Oily Skin
Individuals with oily skin may experience faster fading of microbladed eyebrows due to the excess oil production. The strokes may blur and fade more quickly. However, with proper techniques and pigment selection, even individuals with oily skin can achieve long-lasting results.
Excessive Sun Damage
Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can cause the pigment to fade faster. It's essential to protect your microbladed eyebrows from excessive sun exposure by wearing hats or using sunscreen with a high SPF.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with pregnancy or menopause, can affect the skin's condition and, consequently, the longevity of microblading. Understanding and managing hormonal changes can help maintain the appearance of your microbladed eyebrows.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, certain thyroid conditions and high blood pressure, may affect the healing process and the longevity of microblading results. It's important to discuss any medical conditions or medications you are taking with your microblading artist before the procedure.
Stress Level
Stress can impact the body's healing process, including the retention of microblading pigments. Managing stress through relaxation techniques or seeking professional help can contribute to better healing and longer-lasting results.
Practices to Prolong Longevity
While some factors influencing microblading longevity are beyond your control, there are practices you can adopt to help maintain the lifespan of your microbladed eyebrows. Here are some tips:
Don't Neglect Aftercare Instructions
Following the aftercare instructions provided by your microblading artist is important. This includes avoiding excessive sweating, touching the treated area, or using skincare or makeup products that may interfere with the healing process.
Protect from Sunlight
During the healing process and beyond, protect your microbladed eyebrows from direct sunlight. UV rays can cause the pigment to fade faster. Use hats or apply sunscreen specifically designed for use on eyebrows.
Schedule a Proper Touch-Up
After the initial microblading session, a touch-up appointment is typically scheduled around six weeks later. This touch-up is important for perfecting the shape and color of your eyebrows and ensuring long-term effects.
Avoid Makeup on Healing Brows
During the healing process, it's important to avoid applying makeup directly on the treated area. Makeup products may interfere with the healing process and affect the retention of the pigment.
Eyebrow Maintenance or Shaping Sessions
To maintain the desired shape of your eyebrows, consider shaping sessions every two months. This can involve methods such as waxing, threading, or shaving, depending on your preferences and the recommendation of your microblading artist.
Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration
A healthy diet and adequate water consumption promote overall skin health and hydration. During the recovery period, nourish your body with nutritious foods and drink plenty of water to support the healing process.
Avoid Exfoliation and Skin Regenerative Products
To help prevent premature fading, it's important to avoid exfoliating the eyebrows and using skin regenerative products that may interfere with the pigmentation and healing process. Examples of products to avoid include AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and retinols. These products can accelerate cell turnover and potentially cause the microbladed pigment to fade faster.
Dry Skin vs Oily Skin Considerations for Microblading Results and Longevity
A key component of determining how long your microblading will last is the type of skin you have. While one might think that tattooing dry skin could lead to severe irritation, normal to dry skin actually responds best to microblading. It is important to be aware that the hairstrokes will expand during the healing process, and they will not remain as crisp and sharp as they appear immediately after microblading your eyebrows.
Microblading tends to heal aesthetically on normal to dry skin because it expands the least on these skin types. On oily skin types, the strokes can expand significantly depending on the level of oiliness. That's why microblading isn't universally recommended for oily or thin skin, as the strokes tend to blur and fade quickly on oily skin. In some cases, however, it WILL NOT fade more quickly but the result may resemble a "shadow" or "shading" effect over time.
Microblading on Oily Skin
Due to the unpredictability of the healed microblading outcome on oily skin, especially when very oily, we generally do not recommend microblading for oily skin types.
Is Microblading Permanent or Semi-Permanent?
The question, "Is microblading semi-permanent or permanent?" might not yield a simple answer. The truth is, the answer is nuanced. Microblading is often characterized as semi-permanent, however, this oversimplified classification can breed confusion due to differing terminologies used by various artists. Allow us to unpack this intricate issue for you.
From the perspective of the health department, microblading and other comparable procedures are classified as permanent. This categorization stems from the lack of definitive evidence showing the complete disappearance of pigments, colors, or dyes employed in microblading from the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin over time. Surprisingly, even after years, there's often some residual ink visible. It's crucial to note that the pigments remain embedded in the skin unless they are extracted surgically. The difference, however, lies in their visibility. Certain treatments, such as laser, can disintegrate the pigments to a degree where they become almost imperceptible or entirely invisible. Nonetheless, it's essential to remember that the pigments remain in your skin!
At Ellebrow, we prefer to most often use the more accurate terminology of "permanent makeup". This phrase clarifies any potential misunderstandings or misconceptions, providing you with a lucid understanding of the enduring nature of microblading and other similar procedures. It is essential to remember that microblading is intended to yield long-term results, with the pigments potentially remaining visible for an extended period.
That being said, it's also important to note that the apparent permanence of microblading doesn't imply that the initial results will remain unchanged indefinitely. Over time, the pigments can fade, and the clarity of the initial microbladed eyebrows can diminish. Several factors contribute to this, including skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and skincare routines. Regular touch-ups are often needed to maintain the crispness and color of the microbladed eyebrows.
To get a better idea of what microblading can look like after 2, 3, 4 or 5 years, we invite you to visit our page "What Does Microblading Look Like After 5 Years".
Conclusion
How long microblading "lasts" varies from person to person and depends on various factors. By understanding these factors and adopting practices that promote proper healing and maintenance, you can enjoy longer-lasting results. Remember to consult with a professional microblading artist who can guide you through the process and provide personalized advice based on your unique needs. With proper care and attention, your microbladed eyebrows can continue to enhance your facial features for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy beautifully shaped and defined brows.
If you have any questions or concerns about the permanence of microblading or any other aspect of the procedure, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Ellebrow if you are considering
eyebrow microblading in NYC.
