Microblading fading is gradual and natural —not sudden. Most people notice softening around 6 months, need a touch-up at 12-18 months, and see significant fading by year 2-3. Oily skin fades faster; dry skin retains longer. Fading is normal and expected!
Visual Fading Progression
Here's a quick visual of how microblading color intensity changes over time. The fading is gradual, not sudden—your brows will still look good even as they fade.
Fresh
Week 6-8
Slight Fade
6 Months
Moderate
12 Months
Noticeable
18 Months
Significant
2-3 Years
Month-by-Month Fading Timeline
Understanding how microblading fades helps you plan touch-ups and maintain beautiful brows. Here's what to expect at each stage after your initial healing in Korea.
Months 1-3 Fresh & Vibrant
Color retention: 90-100%
After initial healing, your brows look their best! Color is vibrant, strokes are crisp and defined. This is the "honeymoon phase"—enjoy it! Minimal to no fading at this stage.
What you'll notice: Beautiful, natural-looking brows that require no daily makeup.
Months 3-6 Still Strong
Color retention: 80-90%
Brows still look great with very subtle softening. The color may appear slightly less intense than month 1, but strokes remain well-defined. Most people don't notice any change.
What you'll notice: Brows look natural and settled—many say this is the best phase!
Months 6-12 Gentle Softening
Color retention: 60-80%
First noticeable fading begins. Color appears softer and warmer. Strokes may look slightly less crisp. Brows still look good—just a softer version of the original.
What you'll notice: Friends might comment that your brows look "more natural" than before.
Months 12-18 Touch-Up Time
Color retention: 40-60%
This is when most people schedule a touch-up. Color has faded noticeably—brows still visible but lighter. Some strokes may appear faint. The shape is still there but needs refreshing.
What you'll notice: You might start reaching for brow pencil occasionally. Time to book that touch-up!
Year 2-3 Significant Fade
Color retention: 20-40%
Without touch-ups, brows have faded significantly. May appear as a soft shadow or very light strokes. Some people have almost no visible pigment left; others retain a faint outline.
What you'll notice: Back to needing daily brow makeup. Full refresh or new session recommended.
Year 3+ Mostly Faded
Color retention: 0-20%
Most or all pigment has faded. Your skin is a "blank canvas" again. This is actually ideal if you want to try a different shape or technique for your next session!
What you'll notice: Natural brows are back. Time for a fresh start if you want to continue with microblading.
Why Does Microblading Fade?
Unlike traditional tattoos, microblading is designed to fade. Here's why:
The Science of Fading
Microblading deposits pigment into the upper dermis (epidermis-dermis junction)—much shallower than traditional tattoos. Your skin naturally sheds and regenerates, gradually pushing out the pigment over time. This is actually a feature, not a bug:
- Adjust as trends change —brow styles evolve over time
- Update as you age —face shape changes, brow position shifts
- Fix mistakes —if you're unhappy, it will fade away
- Natural look —permanent makeup can look dated over years
Factors That Affect Fading Speed
Not everyone fades at the same rate. Here's what speeds up or slows down the fading process.
⚡ Faster Fading
- Oily skin —sebum pushes out pigment
- Sun exposure —UV breaks down pigment
- Exfoliating products —retinol, AHAs, BHAs
- Swimming —chlorine fades color
- Fast metabolism —quicker cell turnover
- Iron deficiency —affects pigment retention
- Young skin —faster regeneration
🐢 Slower Fading
- Dry skin —holds pigment better
- SPF use —protects from UV damage
- Avoiding exfoliants —on brow area
- Good aftercare —during healing
- Quality pigments —Korean studios use premium
- Mature skin —slower cell turnover
- Regular touch-ups —maintains saturation
When to Get a Touch-Up
The golden rule: don't wait until your brows are completely faded. Here's why timing matters:
Ideal Touch-Up Timing
- At 40-50% fade(usually 12-18 months)—easiest and cheapest
- When strokes soften but shape is still visible
- Before you need daily brow makeup again
Why Not Wait?
- Touch-ups on faded (not gone) brows take less time
- Less pigment needed = lower cost
- Maintains consistent color saturation over years
- Avoids the "patchy fading" look
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a Touch-Up?
AMORJ Studio in Gangnam offers affordable touch-up sessions for existing clients and refreshes for faded brows.
Disclaimer: Fading rates vary by individual based on skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. This timeline represents average expectations.
