Microblading is a semi-permanent brow treatment, but "semi-permanent" is a wide range. Depending on your skin type, aftercare, sun exposure, and lifestyle, your results can last anywhere from one to three years.
What Determines Microblading Longevity?
Skin Type Oily skin tends to fade faster. Natural oils push pigment out faster than drier skin types, so oily-skinned clients often see fading in 12–18 months.
Sun Exposure UV light accelerates pigment breakdown. Daily SPF on the brows is the single most powerful thing you can do to preserve your results.
Aftercare The first two weeks determine 50% of your final result. Strict adherence to aftercare — no touching, no wetting, no picking — lets the pigment settle properly.
Skincare Products Retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and other active ingredients can fade pigment faster. Keep them off your brows.
Typical Fading Timeline
- Day 1–3: Brows look bold, even scary-dark. This is normal.
- Day 4–10: Scabbing and flaking — pigment appears to fade.
- Day 14–30: "Ghosting" phase — brows look lighter than expected.
- Week 6: Final color settles in. Touch-up session is performed.
- Year 1: Color remains mostly intact.
- Year 2–3: Gradual fading; time for a refresh.
When to Get a Touch-Up
Your perfecting touch-up is scheduled 6–8 weeks after the initial microblading session at BonBrow. After that, most clients return for a 12–18 month refresh to maintain density and color.
If you're noticing patchy fade, dullness, or shape loss — it's time. Come in for a consult; we'll tailor the refresh to what your brows actually need.