Microblading is one of the most sought-after beauty treatments for achieving fuller, more defined eyebrows. But what happens when the results aren’t exactly what you expected? If your microblading turned out too thick, you’re not alone — a professional microblading correction can help refine and reshape your brows for a more natural look.
Many people experience this common concern during the healing phase, and while it can feel like a setback, it’s far from irreversible.
I’ll walk you through the reasons why your brows might appear too thick, how to fix them, and the professional options available to get your eyebrows looking their best again.
With over 21 years of experience in cosmetic tattooing, I’ve helped many clients work through similar concerns and have seen how the right approach can turn a frustrating situation into a confidence boost.
Professional Methods to Correct Thick Microblading
Touch-Ups and Refining the Shape
If your microblading looks too thick in the early stages of healing, don’t panic just yet. Most often, the first step is to schedule a touch-up session, usually around 6-8 weeks after the initial procedure. This is where the magic happens.
The artist can refine the shape, adjust thickness, and make minor tweaks to ensure the final result is more in line with your preferences.
I’ve worked with countless clients who come back for a second session with brows that have healed slightly differently than they anticipated. During touch-ups, we can lighten some areas, reshape the arch, and adjust the overall look to ensure a natural, flattering result.
Saline Removal for Excess Pigment
When the thickness issue is more severe, saline removal is a fantastic option. This method uses a specialised salt solution that draws pigment up from the skin’s deeper layers, which is then shed as the skin heals.
This technique can lighten areas of too thick pigment and soften harsh lines.
I’ve used saline removal in my studio on multiple occasions to lighten microblading that’s too thick or bold.
One of my clients had brows that were so thick after their initial session that they felt self-conscious, but after a few saline removal sessions, they were left with a much softer, more natural appearance.
It’s important to note that saline removal isn’t a one-off solution and may require several sessions for optimal results, especially if the microblading was heavily pigmented.
Laser Removal for Deeper Pigment Correction
In some cases where the pigment has deeply settled into the skin or the brow is particularly thick, laser removal may be a more effective option. Laser treatments target the pigment directly, breaking it up into smaller particles, which are then absorbed by the body.
I had a client who came in with an extremely thick set of microbladed brows that were too dark and did not soften after the initial healing. After a few sessions of laser removal, her brows were significantly lighter, and we were able to reshape and redefine them in a more natural way.
Laser removal tends to be faster than saline in breaking down deep pigment and works particularly well on darker pigments like black or dark brown.
Microneedling to Fade the Pigment
While microneedling may not be the go-to for fixing thick microblading immediately, I’ve found it can help fade pigment over time. The tiny needles used in microneedling stimulate the skin, encouraging it to naturally absorb and fade the unwanted pigment.
I’ve used this method successfully on clients whose brows are too thick but also too dark. Over several months, the pigment lightens as the skin heals and regenerates, making microneedling a good complementary treatment for gradual fading.
Why Is My Microblading Too Thick?
Understanding the Causes of Thick Microblading
Initial Swelling and Healing Process
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had clients come in after their first session, worried because their microblading looks too dark and too bold.
Truth is, this is completely normal. Right after microblading, your brows will appear much thicker than what you expect, largely due to swelling and fresh pigment. The skin around the brows is tender, and pigment is still settling into the skin, so things are bound to look intense.
During the first 3-4 days, you’ll also notice that the brows appear darker and fuller. The good news is that this is part of the healing process, and the final results will not look as heavy after a couple of weeks when the swelling subsides and the pigment lightens by 20-40%.
Over-Correction During Application
In my years as a cosmetic tattoo artist, I’ve also seen cases where the thickness issue is due to over-correction during the procedure. Sometimes, a little too much pigment or pressure is applied, which can make the strokes appear thicker than planned.
A misjudged brow shape during the pre-draw process can also lead to a thick brow outcome, especially if the artist doesn’t take the time to match your natural shape and desired style.
It’s important to remember that microblading is an artistic process, and like any other art form, it can sometimes take a bit of tweaking to get it just right.
Adjusting Colour and Shape After Microblading
Colour Correction for Unwanted Tones
Sometimes, the thickness of microblading isn’t the only issue; the Colour can also be problematic. In certain cases, clients may notice greenish, blue, or red tones in their brows. If you’ve had this experience, the solution lies in Colour correction.
To balance out these hues, artists can use specific corrective pigments to neutralise the unwanted tones and restore the natural shade of your brows.
In my studio, I’ve often used corrective pigments on clients who had brows that didn’t settle as expected. These pigments work to neutralise green or red hues, leaving behind a much more natural look.
Fine-Tuning the Brow Shape
If the shape is too bold or the arches feel off, professionals can adjust the thickness and shape during a follow-up session. Minor tweaks such as adjusting the arch or softening the lines can go a long way in creating a more natural-looking brow.
In one instance, a client came in after feeling disappointed with the initial result. The brows were too thick, and the shape didn’t suit her face.
After a careful reshaping session, we thinned the brows out slightly and adjusted the arch to follow her natural brow bone. The end result was a more flattering and subtle brow.
DIY Solutions for Fixing Microblading Mistakes
Home Remedies and Light Adjustments You Can Try
Allow Time for Natural Fading
While it may be tempting to rush the process, sometimes the best option is simply to let the brows heal. Over time, microblading will naturally fade by 20-40%, which will help reduce the initial thickness.
I always tell my clients to trust the process and give their brows some time to settle. After a couple of weeks, most find that their brows naturally become more balanced and less overwhelming. Patience can be your best friend here.
Exfoliating Products to Lighten Pigment
If you’re looking to speed up the fading process, exfoliating facial products can help. These products encourage skin turnover, which may help lighten the pigment.
However, I always advise caution when using exfoliants. Overuse of harsh products can damage the skin and cause irritation. If you decide to go this route, use products with gentle exfoliants and keep it light, especially in the first few weeks post-treatment.
Avoid DIY Removal Techniques
While the internet may offer DIY fixes for fading or removing microblading, these methods often lead to scarring or irritation. Methods like applying hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or salt can be harsh and ineffective.
From personal experience, I’ve seen the damage DIY methods can cause, so I always strongly recommend professional treatment to avoid unnecessary complications. It’s better to invest in a session with a skilled artist than risk scarring your brows in an attempt to fix them yourself.
Correcting Thick Microblading by Adjusting Brow Shape and Size
When microblading turns out too thick, sometimes the best solution isn’t just lightening the pigment, but also reshaping the brows. A professional touch-up is often the go-to solution, especially if the brows appear unnaturally wide or overly bold. This process is done by the artist during a follow-up appointment, typically 6-8 weeks after the initial session. Here’s how adjustments can be made to restore a more natural look.
Brow Shape Adjustments
Microblading artists use the natural brow bone to guide the shape, and during a touch-up, they can easily adjust the shape to make the brows appear thinner or more defined. Softening the arch, shortening the length, or adjusting the tail can all help reduce the perception of thickness.
If your initial microblading was applied too thickly, here’s what a professional will likely do:
- Refine the arch: If the brow’s arch is too sharp or too high, the artist will soften it.
- Thin the tail: A common technique is to reduce the thickness of the brow tail to create a more natural, tapered effect.
- Shape the body: The body of the brow might be thinned or adjusted by removing pigment or redefining the contour to match your face shape.
Reshaping and Refilling
Reshaping the microbladed brows can involve adjusting the outline of the brow and refilling areas that look too sparse. This is often the best approach if the brow appears too thick due to excess pigment on the inner part of the brow, which can overwhelm the face.
By carefully reshaping and filling in the sparse spots, the brow can be redefined to look more natural and in harmony with the rest of your facial features.
Key Takeaways for Brow Shape Adjustment:
- Consultation is key: Always discuss with your artist the exact shape and style you prefer before the touch-up.
- Less is more: Artists may remove excess pigment in areas that are too dark or thick for a more streamlined look.
Fixing Too-Thick Microblading with Colour Correction
Another major issue with microblading that is too thick is the Colour. If the brows are too dark or the wrong hue was used, Colour correction is the perfect solution to fix the issue.
As a professional, I’ve seen it all—from greenish, blue, or greyish undertones to orange hues that don’t suit the skin tone. These issues can often occur due to an over-saturation of pigment or a mismatch between the pigment and the skin tone.
How Colour Correction Works
Colour correction is done by applying a pigment that neutralises unwanted undertones and balances the Colour of the microblading. It’s especially useful if your brows appear too dark or harsh due to over-application of pigment.
For example:
- If your brows have a greenish or blue hue, the artist may use a red or orange pigment to counteract the cool tones and bring the brow back to a more natural look.
- For warm tones like orange or red, a green or ash pigment will be used to neutralise the Colour.
When to Opt for Colour Correction
While Colour correction can be a great way to balance out bold Colours, it’s important to wait until your brows are fully healed before addressing the Colour issue. Doing it too soon can cause uneven results and delay proper healing.
Typically, Colour correction is done during a second touch-up, usually around 6-8 weeks after the first session. This gives time for the initial pigment to settle and fade slightly.
Key Considerations for Colour Correction:
- Timing is critical: Ensure your brows are fully healed before correcting Colour.
- Consultation with your artist: Be clear about your desired brow Colour, and discuss any concerns regarding undertones.
- Layering technique: Artists often layer Colours carefully, using corrective pigments to achieve the best possible shade match.
|
Unwanted Hue |
Corrective Pigment Used |
Purpose |
|
Greenish |
Red or Orange |
Neutralises cool tones |
|
Orange |
Green or Ash |
Counteracts warm tones |
|
Blue |
Red or Orange |
Warms up cool tones |
Preventing Thick Microblading in the Future
Choose an Experienced Artist
The key to achieving natural-looking microblading starts with choosing the right artist. Make sure to do your research, check reviews, and verify the artist’s credentials before committing to a procedure.
As someone who’s been in the industry for over 21 years, I’ve seen how choosing the right professional can make all the difference. A skilled artist will listen to your concerns, assess your natural brow shape, and make adjustments to ensure a result that flatters your face shape.
Communicate Your Desired Look Clearly
Clear communication with your artist is essential. Before the procedure, ensure they understand exactly how thick, dark, and shaped you want your brows to be. Discuss preferences, show them examples, and make sure you’re on the same page.
Dealing with too thick microblading isn’t the end of the world. Whether you’re dealing with swelling or over-correction, there are several methods available to adjust the thickness and get your brows back on track.
Always choose a professional artist, communicate your needs clearly, and don’t be afraid to ask for a touch-up or Colour correction to refine the results.
With the right guidance and patience, your brows can go from too thick to perfectly natural, and you’ll walk away feeling more confident in your look.
