Microblading is one of the most popular treatments for fuller, natural-looking brows. It’s perfect for anyone who’s tired of filling in eyebrows every morning or dealing with unevenness. But one of the most common questions people ask before booking is: How long does microblading actually last?
The short answer is that microblading results typically last 12 to 24 months, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. While microblading isn’t permanent like a traditional tattoo, it does offer long-lasting results that keep your brows looking naturally defined for many months.
At Ashpole Plastic Surgery, our licensed specialists perform eyebrow microblading with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring soft, realistic results that fade evenly over time.
Is Microblading Permanent?
It’s a common misconception that microblading is a permanent tattoo. In reality, microblading is semi-permanent. The pigment is deposited into the upper layers of the skin, rather than deep into the dermis like a tattoo. This allows the results to fade gradually as the skin naturally exfoliates and regenerates.
This fading process is actually one of microblading’s biggest advantages. It gives you the flexibility to refresh, adjust, or slightly reshape your brows as styles and preferences evolve.
So, is microblading permanent? No — but it’s beautifully long-lasting, and with the right care, your brows can stay defined for up to two years.
Factors That Affect How Long Microblading Lasts
No two people’s skin behaves exactly the same way, which means the longevity of microbladed eyebrows can vary. Here are the main factors that influence how long your results last:
Skin Type
Your skin type plays a major role. Oily skin tends to break down pigment faster because of increased sebum production. People with normal to dry skin usually see their results last longer and fade more evenly.
Aftercare
How you care for your brows after your procedure directly impacts their lifespan. Avoiding sun exposure, refraining from picking or scratching, and following all aftercare instructions can help the pigment settle properly and last longer.
Sun Exposure
UV rays can fade pigment over time. Wearing sunscreen or a hat helps protect your brows and keeps the color vibrant.
Skincare Products and Treatments
Exfoliating products, retinol, chemical peels, and laser treatments can cause faster fading because they encourage skin renewal. Try to keep these products away from your brow area.
Pigment Color and Technique
Lighter pigments tend to fade faster than darker ones. The technique and precision of your provider also affect how evenly your brows heal and how long they maintain their shape.
Lifestyle
Activities like swimming, frequent sweating, or spending lots of time outdoors may cause quicker fading. However, with touch-ups, your brows can always be refreshed to look their best.
The Typical Microblading Timeline
Here’s a general overview of what to expect during the lifespan of your microbladed eyebrows:
Immediately after your appointment: Your brows will appear slightly darker and bolder than you might expect. This is normal and part of the healing process.
Weeks 1–2: The pigment will soften as the skin heals. You may notice light flaking or dryness.
Weeks 4–6: Your brows fully settle, revealing the final color and shape. This is when your touch-up or “perfecting session” is typically done to fill in any areas that healed lighter.
Months 6–12: The pigment remains strong and well-defined with minimal fading.
Months 12–24: The color starts to lighten naturally, and you may decide it’s time for a maintenance touch-up.
Every patient’s experience is slightly different, but this timeline gives you a realistic sense of how long eyebrow microblading lasts.
Maintaining Your Microblading Results
To make your microblade eyebrows last as long as possible, follow these simple guidelines:
- Keep your brows clean and dry during the initial healing period
- Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, or swimming until fully healed
- Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh exfoliants around your brows
- Apply sunscreen daily once healing is complete
- Schedule annual touch-ups to refresh pigment and maintain crisp strokes
Your technician at Ashpole Plastic Surgery will provide a personalized aftercare plan based on your skin type and lifestyle.
What to Expect During Fading
As time passes, you’ll notice your brows gradually becoming lighter. This happens as the pigment breaks down and is absorbed naturally by your body. For some patients, fading happens evenly; for others, it may lighten more in certain spots.
This is why maintenance touch-ups are recommended every 12–18 months. These quick visits help keep your brows looking fresh and defined year-round, without the need for a full re-application.
Why Choose Ashpole Plastic Surgery for Microblading
At Ashpole Plastic Surgery, we combine artistry and medical-grade safety for every cosmetic treatment. All microblading is performed under the supervision of Dr. Bradley Ashpole, a board-certified plastic surgeon, in our QUAD A-accredited facility.
Our experienced specialists tailor each treatment to your unique features, creating brows that enhance your natural expression — never an artificial or “drawn-on” look. From your consultation through the healing process, you’ll receive attentive care and guidance every step of the way.
Ready to Refresh Your Brows?
Now that you know how long microblading lasts, you can plan your treatment with confidence. If your current brows are fading, or if you’re ready to try brow microblading for the first time, our team can help you achieve results that look effortlessly beautiful.
Call Ashpole Plastic Surgery today at (847) 884-8346 to schedule your consultation. Discover how simple it can be to wake up every day with perfect, natural-looking brows.
