Sometimes, even microblading can go wrong. Have you had microblading recently, and when you saw the results, you were disappointed? We understand how frustrating that can be, especially after investing so much of your time and money into this. There are many reasons why microblading might not turn out well. The shape might not suit your face, the color could be off, the technique may not have been precise, or your skin might have responded differently than expected. Whatever the reason, having brows you’re not happy with doesn’t have to be permanent.
At Brau, we know brows frame your face and boost confidence. Wondering if your brows need a touch-up or are just healing? We’ll help you figure it out. Are you ready? Let’s get started.
First, Don't Panic: Immediate Steps to Take (and What to Avoid)
It’s normal to feel a little unsure or even disappointed at first if your microblading doesn’t look exactly how you pictured. Healing takes time. What’s really important right now is following the aftercare instructions.
A few key things to remember during the healing process:
- Avoid touching, picking, scratching, or trying to exfoliate the treated area. Doing that can disrupt the healing process, cause inflammation, or lead to pigment loss and infection.
- Avoid applying makeup, topical products, or skincare formulations that have not been explicitly approved by your brow artist or technician to prevent contamination or adverse skin reactions.
- Try not to panic or rush to get quick fixes, especially from someone who isn’t qualified. That can actually make things worse and affect your final results.
Right after your appointment, you might go through what some clients call “brow shock.” Your brows might look darker, bolder, or thicker than you expected. As your skin heals, the color will gradually soften and settle into a more natural look. If you take care of them properly and give them time, you’ll end up with brows that look soft, natural, and flattering.
Identifying the Problem: What Constitutes "Bad" Microblading?
Identifying the problem is the first step toward the right treatment. Understanding the flaw in your eyebrow microblading, whether in shape, color, or symmetry, helps fix the mistake of bad microblading. Here’s what could go wrong in your microblading:
The Color is Wrong
- Too Dark/Saturated
Don't worry, it's totally normal for your eyebrows to look darker right after the procedure. That bold color is just the initial shade and will start to soften as you heal. By weeks four to six, the color should fade by about 30 to 40%, blending nicely with your natural skin tone. Just hang in there and let the healing process do its thing before deciding on any tweaks!
- Wrong Undertone (Discoloration)
Sometimes, your eyebrow color might shift over time if the pigment chosen doesn't quite match your skin tone or if it's applied at the wrong depth in the skin. This is pretty common in the industry and totally fixable; it's not permanent! We can sort it out with some customized touch-up sessions, using corrective colors and precise techniques to get your brows back to the perfect shade you want.
The Shape is Wrong
- Asymmetrical/Uneven
It's common after the initial session for one eyebrow to appear higher, longer, or different in shape compared to the other. This is usually due to temporary swelling or the way each side of the face responds to the healing process. Sometimes, natural facial expressions can make small differences stand out more at first. That’s totally normal and nothing to stress about. Your touch-up appointment is there to fine-tune those little details and help everything look more balanced and even.
- Poorly Designed Shape
Choosing the eyebrow shape isn't just about personal taste; it's based on a careful analysis of your facial features and bone structure. If you feel your eyebrows don't enhance your natural beauty, whether they're too thick, too thin, too low, or have an unsuitable arch, they can be adjusted during the correction session.
The Strokes are Botched
- "Blowout" or Pigment Migration:
Your eyebrow lines might look blurry or overly thick, like the pigment has spread under the skin. This is called “pigment migration” or “blowout” in the biz. Sometimes the pigment ends up a little too deep in the skin, and when that happens, it can spread in a way that just does not look right. The strokes can lose their shape and start to look blurry instead of clean and defined. It is completely understandable to feel frustrated, but you are not alone, and the good news is that there are ways to fix it
- Strokes Are Too Deep
When the strokes go in too deep, they can end up healing kind of weird. Instead of looking like soft brow hairs, they might look more like tiny scratches or little cracks. That usually means too much pressure was used. It happens. The important thing to know is that it can be fixed. With the right approach, your brows can be softened and reshaped so they look more natural again.
Your Complete Guide to Microblading Correction and Removal Options
After getting microblading you might notice small things you want to adjust Maybe the shape is not exactly how you pictured it or the color feels a little off You might even decide you want some of the pigment faded or taken out In the next part we will go over your options so you can figure out what makes the most sense for you whether you need just a few touch ups or want to start fresh, there is a solution that can help.
Option 1: Waiting and Fading (The Non-Invasive Route)
Microblading is not permanent. Over time, the pigment fades naturally. For most individuals, this happens slowly over one to three years, depending on things like your skin type, skincare habits, and lifestyle. If the changes you notice are minor, like a color that is a bit too dark or a shape that could use a little fine-tuning, sometimes the best thing to do is just be patient and let your brows soften on their own.
How fast the pigment fades depends on several things. Spending a lot of time in the sun can make the color fade quickly. Your skin type matters too. Oily skin tends to break down pigment faster than dry skin. Also, some skincare products, especially those with ingredients like retinoids or acids like glycolic acid, speed up fading by encouraging skin to renew itself faster. Knowing these things helps you take better care of your brows while they heal and get the best results.
Option 2: Correction and Camouflage (For Minor Adjustments)
- Shape Adjustment
If you see a small difference in your brow shapes or the color is not quite right, a skilled artist can fix those after your brows have healed. During these touch-ups, they will add fine strokes to balance the shape and make your brows look more natural and symmetrical, perfectly matching your face.
- Color Correction
If the color is not quite right, for example, if it looks a little gray or blue, your artist can use special pigments to adjust it. Warm tones like orange often help bring back a natural, lively color. This option is great if you already have a good brow shape but want the color and symmetry just right.
Option 3: Active Removal Methods (For Bigger Changes)
If you are unhappy with the color or shape and want to remove the pigment completely, there are advanced options to help. One natural method uses a saline solution that breaks down pigment gently without hurting your skin. This is good for sensitive skin and clients who want to remove the pigment gradually and safely.
Another method uses glycolic acid, which works by exfoliating the top skin layers and accelerating pigment fading while promoting new skin growth. Each method has its own pros and cons, so it is important to get your skin and pigment type checked before deciding what is best for you.
For more detailed information, check out this guide on brow tattoo removal.
How to Find the Right Specialist for Microblading Correction
Picking the right person to fix or remove your microblading is very important. It takes more skill to correct or remove pigment than it does to apply it in the first place. Make sure you choose someone highly trained and experienced to avoid any unwanted results.
What to Look For in a Technician
- Look for certifications: Ask about their special training in pigment removal methods like saline removal or laser treatment. This shows they know what they are doing and can help you safely get the look you want.
- Portfolio and Past Results: Request to see a wide range of before-and-after photos showcasing correction and removal cases. This will help you get a better sense of the specialist’s skills and how well they can deliver the results you want, and not just show pictures of new microblading work.
- Willingness to Do a Patch Test: A good specialist should be willing to do a simple patch test on your skin before starting any treatment. This helps ensure that you will not experience any allergic reactions or problems during the process.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
To pick the right technician, it is smart to ask things like:
- How many corrections have you done before?
- Which removal method would you recommend for my situation, and why?
- What kind of results can I realistically expect?
- What is the total cost, and how many sessions might I need?
Getting clear answers to these questions will help you know what to expect and make sure you are comfortable with the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is microblading removal painful?
Pain levels can be different for everyone, but most clients say it feels about the same as when they had their original microblading done. You might feel a slight tingling or warmth with saline or laser removal. Most pros use numbing cream to keep discomfort low, making the process comfortable and manageable for just about everyone.
- How long do I have to wait to fix my microblading?
You need to wait 4-6 weeks for your skin to fully heal after microblading, as the pigment settles and tissues recover. Trying to fix or remove it too soon can irritate your skin or lead to weird results. Check with a pro and hold off until your skin’s good to go.
- Can I get microblading again after removal?
Yes, you can get microblading again after removal, but hold off until your skin’s fully healed, which might take a few months depending on the removal method (saline or laser) and your skin type. Make sure there’s no redness or irritation before diving back in, and check with a pro to pick the right time.
Schedule your Microblading services at Brau
If your microblading didn’t come out exactly as you hoped, it’s not forever! There are safe and effective options like laser or saline removal that can help fix it. Just a quick reminder that these treatments take time, and it’s really important to go to someone who knows what they’re doing. A good specialist will know how to treat your skin gently while helping you get results you’ll feel good about.
If you’re ready to feel good about your brows again, book a consultation with one of the experts at Brau. We’ll talk through your options and figure out the best path forward together.
