Microblading can work wonders, but like any cosmetic procedure, it’s not always foolproof. Over the years, I’ve seen countless clients walk into my studio with eyebrow tattoos that have gone from perfectly shaded to a colour mess—situations where microblading colour correction becomes absolutely essential.
Whether it’s that reddish hue that appeared out of nowhere or brows that seem to have faded into oblivion, colour correction has become a vital part of the process.
Let’s be real: microblading isn’t just about getting perfect brows the first time. It’s about understanding how pigments react to your skin, lifestyle, and even the weather in our sunny Australian climate.
What is Microblading and Why Does Colour Change Happen?
Microblading Explained
Microblading is a technique I’ve used for over 20 years. It involves depositing pigment into the skin with a fine tool that creates hair-like strokes. I’ll be honest, when I first started, we didn’t have all the tools and knowledge we do today.
The pigment didn’t last as long, and colour changes were more common. These days, we’ve got high-quality pigments and better techniques, but that doesn’t mean we’re free from the occasional colour hiccup.
The key difference between microblading and traditional tattooing is the depth of pigment placement. While traditional tattoos use a needle to deposit ink deep into the dermis, microblading stays in the upper dermis, which means it fades.
But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t fade uniformly. Some people might notice that their brows start to look like they’ve taken on an entirely different shade altogether. If the wrong pigment was used, or if it was applied too deeply, you could end up with colours you didn’t sign up for.
Why Microblading Fades Over Time
We all know the Australian sun can be unforgiving, and for those of us living along the Mornington Peninsula or in Melbourne, the sun can speed up the process of fading pigments. UV rays break down the pigment molecules, causing them to lighten and shift in colour.
That’s why aftercare is so critical in the first few weeks—if you don’t protect your fresh brows, they can fade quicker and even change tone.
Additionally, skin types play a huge role. Oily skin tends to break down pigment faster, causing it to blur and fade quicker than dry skin. So, if you have an oily complexion, you might notice fading happens a little sooner.
Common Pigment Issues in Microblading
Why Some Pigments Change Colour
The main culprit behind changing colour is the type of pigment used. Some pigments are more prone to shifting hues as they age or interact with your skin’s natural oils.
For instance, red or orange pigments can oxidise, turning those beautiful brows into a brassy, warm shade. I’ve had clients walk in with brows that looked more like they had been dipped in a sauce bowl than created naturally. And no one wants that.
Common Colour Problems: Red, Blue, Green, and More
Over the years, I’ve corrected my fair share of eyebrow colour mistakes. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve seen:
- Red or Orange Brows: These can appear when warm undertones become more dominant. It’s common in cases where the pigment used was too warm for the client’s skin undertone. After a few months, the brow colour might start to look more like a tomato than the perfect shade you were aiming for.
- Blue or Gray/Ashy Brows: This is a common issue for clients with cool skin tones who ended up with cool pigments that weren’t suited for them. Over time, these pigments can shift into a bluish or grayish tone, making your brows look more like you’re channeling a cartoon character than a natural, flawless finish.
- Greenish Tinge: This tends to happen with poor-quality pigments or too much layering. If you’re using a green-based pigment that was incorrectly placed, or if too many layers of pigment were added over time, this is a colour shift that can be tricky to correct.
How to Correct Microblading Colour Problems
Colour Correction Process: Step-by-Step
When you come to me for a colour correction, it’s not just about slapping on a new shade and hoping for the best. I carefully examine the colour problem before making any decisions. I start by assessing the undertones and how much fading has occurred. From there, the correction process follows these steps:
- Initial Consultation & Analysis: The first step is a full consultation. We’ll go over your concerns, examine the existing brow colour, and discuss the look you want. I always recommend coming in with photos of your brows at their best so we have a clear reference.
- Choosing the Correct Neutralising Pigment: Using colour theory, I pick the right neutraliser for your needs. For example, if your brows have taken on a red or orange tint, I use a green or olive-based pigment to cancel it out. I’ve used specific products like Perma Blend Olive Corrector for this purpose. For blue/gray brows, I choose an orange or warm-based pigment to bring back the warmth.
- Application Techniques: I then apply the corrective pigment, which is often done through a layering process. If the brows are severely discoloured, multiple layers may be needed to gradually balance the tone.
- Shaping and Density Adjustment: Sometimes, the shape of the brows also needs tweaking to ensure symmetry and a more natural look. This could mean refining the arch or adding density for a fuller brow appearance.
- Pigment Lightening: If the original pigment is too dark, we may need to lighten the pigment with saline or other lightening solutions before applying the new colour.
When is Microblading Colour Correction Necessary?
Colour correction typically becomes necessary when the pigment has faded significantly, or when it has changed to an unwanted hue.
This can happen after two or three touch-ups or when the original pigment was incorrectly selected. It’s especially needed if the pigment has migrated or bled into other areas of the skin.
How Skin Type and Lifestyle Affect Microblading Colour
Microblading colour correction isn’t just about fixing a pigment issue; it’s also about understanding how various factors, including your skin type and lifestyle, contribute to the fading or shifting of your brows.
Different skin types react to microblading pigments in distinct ways, making it essential to take these factors into account when considering colour correction.
Skin Type and Its Impact on Microblading
- Oily Skin: If you have oily skin, you may notice that your microblading fades faster and may even become blurry. Excess oil can break down pigments more quickly, causing uneven colour and premature fading. As a result, your brows may require colour correction sooner than those with drier skin types.
- Dry Skin: On the flip side, dry skin retains pigment better but may not heal as evenly. While dry skin types generally retain their colour longer, any patchiness or uneven healing may need correction.
- Sensitive or Mature Skin: For clients with sensitive or mature skin, the healing process can be slower, and pigment retention can be unpredictable. Uneven healing can cause one part of your brow to fade faster, requiring colour correction to achieve a balanced look.
Lifestyle Factors Influencing Colour Stability
- Sun Exposure: UV rays are notorious for breaking down microblading pigment over time. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the Australian sun, you may notice that your brows fade and change colour faster. Protecting your brows with SPF or wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help, but those who don’t take these precautions might need colour correction.
- Diet and Hydration: Your diet plays a role in how well your skin heals. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can contribute to better pigment retention. On the other hand, a poor diet or dehydration can lead to uneven pigment retention.
- Skincare Products: The use of products that increase cell turnover, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol, can cause microblading pigments to fade prematurely. These ingredients should be avoided on or near the brow area, or you might find yourself in need of a colour correction sooner than expected.
The Benefits of Early Colour Correction vs. Delayed Treatment
Correcting microblading colour problems early on can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Waiting until the issues become severe can make the correction process more complicated and costly.
Here, we’ll look at the advantages of early colour correction and how timely intervention can help you maintain the most natural-looking brows.
Why Early Colour Correction is Essential
- Prevents Further Pigment Issues: The earlier you address colour problems, the less likely the pigment will spread or migrate. Timely correction helps to stop further discolouration, especially in cases where blue, gray, or greenish hues are starting to appear.
- Saves Money in the Long Run: If you wait too long to correct pigment issues, you may need additional sessions, resulting in higher costs. Early intervention can minimise the need for multiple rounds of colour correction, keeping costs down.
- More Natural Results: The sooner you fix the issue, the more natural and subtle the results will be. Waiting too long can lead to over-correction, which could make the brows look overly dark or artificially perfect. Early correction maintains a soft, natural finish.
The Risks of Delaying Colour Correction
- Increased Difficulty in Correction: If the discolouration has set in for too long, it may require more aggressive treatments, including multiple sessions or the use of more corrective pigments to neutralise the colour.
- Uneven Brow Colour: Delaying correction can result in one brow being a different shade than the other, leading to uneven brows that are harder to fix.
- Permanent Pigment Damage: The longer you leave an issue unaddressed, the higher the risk of permanent pigment damage. In cases where the pigment has sunk too deep into the dermis, it may become impossible to correct the colour properly.
Comparison of Early vs. Delayed Colour Correction
| Factor | Early Colour Correction | Delayed Colour Correction |
| Cost | Lower, requires fewer sessions | Higher, may need multiple sessions |
| Healing Time | Shorter, quicker results | Longer, with more downtime between sessions |
| Outcome | More natural, subtle correction | Over-correction or artificial appearance |
| Complexity | Simpler, easier to fix | More complex, might involve deeper pigment treatments |
| Pigment Migration | Less likely to happen | Higher chance of spreading or deeper pigment migration |
By addressing the issue early, you not only save yourself time and effort but also ensure your brows stay looking fresh and natural, avoiding the over-corrected, artificial look that can happen if you wait too long.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Colour Correction
How Long Has the Pigment Been Faded?
The age of your microblading plays a huge role in how we proceed with colour correction. Newer microblading can often be corrected with a single session, while older tattoos may require multiple touch-ups to get the desired effect.
The Role of Skin Type and Tone in Correction
Your skin type is one of the first things I assess when determining the best approach. If you have oily skin, we might need to be a bit more aggressive with pigment application, as excess oils can cause fading faster.
Skin tone also plays a big part—if you’re fair-skinned with cool undertones, warm pigments might make a better match.
Does the Artist Have Expertise in Colour Correction?
Not all PMU artists are skilled in colour correction. It’s important to choose someone who has experience with advanced techniques, as microblading correction requires a keen understanding of colour theory and expertise in pigment application.
Make sure to ask for before-and-after photos of previous correction work.
Limitations of Colour Correction
What Colour Correction Can and Cannot Achieve
While colour correction can fix many pigment issues, it’s not a miracle cure. It can’t completely remove pigment or guarantee that your brows will match the pristine colour of a freshly done microblading job. It’s about making the best of what’s there and improving the overall look.
How Many Sessions Does Colour Correction Require?
For those dealing with major discolouration or over-saturated pigment, colour correction might take multiple sessions. You might need one or two sessions for lighter corrections, but if the pigment is very dark or the shape needs adjustment, we might be looking at a longer journey.
PMU Removal Options: When Colour Correction Isn’t Enough
Laser and Saline Removal Explained
Sometimes, colour correction just isn’t enough, and removal becomes necessary. I’ve had clients with stubborn, overly dark pigments that didn’t respond well to correction, and in those cases, we turn to laser removal or saline removal.
Laser removal uses focused light to break down pigment particles, but it’s not always perfect and can cause scarring if not done properly. Saline removal is a gentler method that draws pigment out of the skin naturally, without the harshness of laser.
Colour correction can save your brows from the unwanted hues that come from improper pigment selection or fading. It’s a process that requires skill, experience, and a keen understanding of colour theory.
Whether you need to adjust the colour, shape, or density, it’s essential to consult with a professional artist who knows the ins and outs of PMU and colour correction. With proper aftercare, you can achieve brows that look as good as new.
