Microblading After 5 Years: What to Expect & Maintenance

Microblading has become super popular as a semi-permanent eyebrow enhancement technique and can last for years. But what happens as time goes by? If you’re wondering what microblading looks like after 5 years, this article will help you understand the long term effects and how to maintain your microbladed eyebrows over time.
How Long Does Microblading Last?
The length of time microblading lasts depends on skin type, facial features and aftercare. Microblading typically lasts 18-36 months but by 5 years most microblading pigments will have faded significantly and may need a touch up or a refresh. The aftercare process after the initial microblading session plays a big role in how well the pigment settles and how long it lasts.

What to Expect After 5 Years
By 5 years microbladed eyebrows will likely be faded, patchy or non-existent especially if touch ups haven’t been done. Here’s what you can expect:
- Significant Fading: The microblading pigment breaks down and is absorbed by the skin. Oily skin types will fade faster than dry or normal skin.
- Discoloration: Over time the pigments can shift in color due to skin chemistry, sun exposure and type of needles used. Some may notice a residual hue, a pale shadow, grey, reddish or bluish tint.
- Patchiness or Uneven Appearance: Without maintenance the brows may develop uneven areas where some pigment remains while other parts fade completely affecting the overall brow shape.
- Altered Shape: Since the pigment is semi-permanent its shape may soften or change slightly as it fades and regular touch ups are needed.
Factors That Affect Microblading Over Time
Several factors affect microblading:
- Skin Type: Oily skin breaks down pigment faster and dry skin may hold pigment longer.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays accelerates pigment breakdown and causes premature fading and colour shift.
- Aftercare Routine and healing process: Proper aftercare instructions including sun protection and moisturizing helps prolong microblading results.
- Touch Ups: Regular touch ups every 10-12 months or 18-24 months helps maintain the shape and color and prevent drastic fading.
- Skincare Products: Exfoliants like Glycolic Acid, retinol and certain acids can speed up fading.
- Lifestyle: Excessive sweating, facial rejuvenation treatments and harsh makeup products can affect pigment retention.
- Technique: Incorrect pigment formulation or using tattoo ink instead of PMU pigment can cause colour shift.

How to Keep Microblading for Long Lasting Results
To keep your microbladed brows looking fresh even after 5 years, follow these top tips:
- Get Touch-Ups: Get a touch-up appointment every 6-8 weeks post initial procedure and then follow up every 18-24 months.
- Don’t Harsh Skincare on Brows: Don’t use exfoliating products, retinoids or chemical peels like glycolic acid on the brow area.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply SPF around your brows to protect the pigment from fading.
- Consider a Color Boost: If your microblading has faded significantly, a color refresh will bring it back to life.
- Proper Care Regimen: Don’t use brow dye, excessive sweating and numbing creams outside of professional use to maintain pigment.
- Choose a Pro: Go to a reputable microblading studio, like those offering Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne services, for the best results.

Should I Get Microblading Redone After 5 Years?
If your microblading has completely faded, you may want to get it redone. But make sure any remaining pigment has faded enough to avoid pigment buildup or uneven results.
For those unhappy with residual pigment, saline removal, glycolic acid removal or laser removal procedures are available. These removal processes can remove unwanted pigments and prepare for a fresh brow tattoo.
A skilled brow stylist will assess your brows and recommend the best brow PMU style for your face, considering your natural brow color, brow arch and overall facial features. The microblading eyebrows procedure should be done with care to get a natural and defined look that suits your face.

Conclusion
After 5 years most microbladed brows will have faded significantly and will need a touch up or a fresh procedure to look like new. Skin type, sun exposure and skincare habits play a big role in how microblading ages. To have beautiful and long lasting microbladed brows regular touch ups, proper technique and following aftercare instructions are key. If your considering microblading or refreshing your brows its best to see an experienced brow artist at a microblading studio to get perfect brows that match your natural hair and individual hair strokes. A well executed cosmetic eyebrow tattoo will give you a polished symmetrical look that enhances your beauty.
FAQ
Does microblading completely fade after 5 years?
Yes, in most cases microblading will fade significantly or disappear completely after 5 years especially if no touch ups have been done. The fading process varies based on skin type, lifestyle and aftercare.
Can I get my microblading redone after it fades?
Yes! Once your microblading fades you can get a fresh procedure. But its recommended to wait until any residual pigment has fully faded before getting a new session.
What happens if I don’t touch up my microblading?
If you don’t do regular touch ups your brows will gradually fade, become patchy and lose their shape. Over time they may disappear completely and you’ll need a full microblading session again.
How can I prevent my microblading from fading too quickly?
To prolong the results follow aftercare instructions, avoid sun exposure, don’t use harsh exfoliants like Glycolic Acid and do regular touch ups as recommended by your microblading technician.
Are there any risks with microblading after many years?
Microblading is generally safe but improper technique or low quality pigments can cause color shifts, uneven fading or allergic reactions. Always choose an experienced professional to get the best results.