Picture this: the 2010s are in full effect and the beauty industry is thriving with bold trends. Extreme contouring, lip kits and bold brows are the vibe, and not just worn singularly, but at the same time. Treatment-wise, nothing was as popular as microblading—a temporary tattooed brow that gave you shape, definition and intense color payoff. But as the years have passed and eyebrow trends have changed, microblading removal is becoming increasingly popular.
“The process of removing microbladed brows is something that comes up a lot in beauty as people are looking for a clean slate and more ways to switch up their look,” says Jordan Feise, founder of Two of a Kind brow studio. While the idea of a perfect bold arch may have sounded great at the time, many people have come to realize the long-term effects of microblading are less than ideal. The treatment is semi-permanent, so there’s always been a no-guarantee disclaimer that comes with it. Still, fading ink, color changes and unblended hair strokes over time have left many people regretting their initial decision. Ahead, we chatted with two brow experts to learn about the details of microblading removal and what to expect from the process.
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What is microblading removal?
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattooing, forming the ideal brow shape and color. The process involves depositing the ink beneath the skin to create the look. That said, it takes a special method to remove the ink from your skin. According to microblading and brow artist Shelby Houle, the process involves sessions of laser treatments, saline tattoo removal, or glycolic acid solutions to break down the pigment in the skin. She explains that laser removal uses targeted light to fragment the ink, allowing the body to absorb and eliminate it over time, while saline and glycolic acid solutions work on the surface to lighten the tattoo and lift the pigment out of the skin. While multiple sessions are usually required, complete removal of the ink depends on a few factors, such as the depth and saturation of the pigment.
How long does microblading removal take?
Whether you choose to go with a laser or topical solution method, the pros note that the journey back to your natural brows isn’t going to be quick. “Laser removal typically takes three to 10 sessions, with the treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow the skin time to heal in between,” says Houle. That said, the total amount of time microblading removal takes can vary, sometimes taking a few months or in other cases over a year to finish. “Along with pigment depth the time frame depends on how well your body clears the ink at each session,” says Houle. The treatment usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes, but as Houle explains, lighter or older microblading may fade faster, while darker more saturated ink often means more sessions.
If you’re opting for saline removal, you’ll still have to undergo multiple sessions over time. The average time it takes for everything to be removed still depends on the depth and intensity of pigment but be longer since you are gradually lightening the ink instead of breaking it down.
What to know before getting microblading Removal
While you might be ready for a clean slate, there are a few things you need to consider before booking your appointment, such as the cost. According to the experts, removing your tattooed brows isn’t cheap and can range between $400 to 600 per session for laser treatments and $250 to 600 for saline methods. The removal process can also be uncomfortable or painful for those prone to sensitivity. Spacing out the treatments may help, but fading the ink takes time and it may not completely disappear. To ensure your treatments go smoothly, the pros say research is crucial. “Choosing the right professional and technique for your skin is essential to the final outcome,” says Houle. In that vein, you should take the time to find a dermatologist or trained expert with experience specifically in microblading removal.
If you want to update your look, microblading removal can be a good option. Though many people have opted to simply cover up their brows using new techniques, such as laminating and tinting, Feise notes that those methods have restrictions. “We can’t always reshape the brows how we’d like to and are instead limited to the shape the microblading created. Having the ink removed can give you more versatility with your look and the freedom to try new trends,” she adds.
