I often hear: "My friend's microblading has looked great for 2 years already, but mine needed refreshing after a year." That's not a coincidence or a bad procedure. There are specific reasons.
Skin type is the main factor
Oily skin — pigment fades faster. Sebum production physically pushes pigment out over time. That's why for oily skin I always recommend Powder Brows over microblading — they hold better.
Dry skin — pigment lasts longer. Microblading strokes stay crisp and beautiful for several years.
Combination skin — depends on which zone dominates around the brows.
Sun exposure
This is the second biggest factor. UV radiation breaks down pigment — the same way it bleaches tattoos. If you spend a lot of time in the sun without sun protection on your face, your brows will fade faster. SPF 30+ daily on your face (including brows) after full healing noticeably extends results.
Skincare products
Retinol, AHA/BHA acids, exfoliants — all of these speed up skin cell turnover, which means pigment exits faster. If you use active ingredients, that can shorten your brows' lifespan.
What you can do
- Use SPF on your face daily
- Avoid exfoliants around the brow area
- Book a touch-up on time — before brows fully fade, because then the process is much simpler
- Talk to your artist about the right technique for your specific skin type
Longevity is individual, but with the right care you can significantly influence it.