Microblading Removal: When and How to Do It?
Read our guide for detailed information about 3 most popular methods of microblading removal – how they’re done, if they work, and how much they cost.
Removal by Ecaterina Cioban, Montreal
Explore more microblading topics:
Swipe for more microblading topics →
When microblading works out, you can enjoy them for months, and even longer with an occasional touch-up.
But even if you pick an experienced, certified artist, there’s always a chance you won’t be completely satisfied for whatever reason and may want removal.
If that happens, it’s highly advisable to try waiting a couple of months first. However, if fading is too slow, there are several options for total removal.
Let’s take a look at the most effective microblading removal options.
Table of contents - Skip to a specific paragraph
Can Microblading Be Removed?
Yes, if you find yourself wanting to undo or modify your results, rest assured that microblading can be removed.
There are several techniques available for the removal process:
3 Options for Microblading Removal
There are 3 relatively effective options for straight-up removal of microblading pigments: laser removal, saline removal, and acid removal.
However, it is very important to note that these treatments are somewhat invasive, not exactly comfortable, and entail a 6-week healing process.
NOTE
It’s also worth mentioning that, if color is what you don’t like about your brows, some microblading results can also be color-corrected, so there may be no need to removal.
Laser Microblading Removal
PMU pigments are removed with a laser in the same way as a tattoo. The laser beam penetrates the skin and dissolves the pigment so that the body can absorb it.
The color changes somewhat instantly, but further fading happens over several weeks after the treatment.
Although PMU pigments are easier to break down than tattoo ink, total laser microblading removal can’t be achieved in a single session – it usually takes between 4 and 6 to remove significantly visible pigments.
Depending on the ingredients of the pigment, it might take a few months, because the skin needs time to heal after each session.
It’s also worth noting that laser isn’t very effective for removing reddish and yellowish pigments which contain high amounts of titanium dioxide.
Image source: Instagram @octavialimaa
Who Is a Candidate for Laser Microblading Removal?
Ideal candidates for laser removal are people with cool-toned microblading, that is at least a bit faded.
If the microblading is dark and relatively fresh, it’s advised to let it fade a bit first.
If your skin is prone to keloids – intense formation of scar tissue – laser might not be the best option.
Note: If you have a darker skin tone, make sure you go to a laser removal specialist who has experience and knows how to safely remove microblading from dark skin. Laser microblading removal on dark skin carries more risk of hyper- and hypopigmentation and keloid formation.
The removal specialist has to be careful with choosing the right wavelength. It’s also possible you’ll need more sessions, as inks and pigments are more resilient to removal from dark skin.
Is Laser Microblading Removal Painful?
The technician will usually use a local anesthetic for the treatment.
After the laser session, an ointment is applied and the area is bandaged up. Once the anesthetic wears off, there will probably be some pain, but nothing ibuprofen can’t solve.
NOTE
Another thing you should know is that laser might also remove the natural brow hairs. Your natural brow hairs will inevitably be affected by the laser ray, which will bleach them and make them fragile. It won’t damage the hair follicles though, so your hairs should grow back out just fine.
What Is the Healing Process Like After Microblading Laser Removal?
The area will most likely be covered in scabs for a few days, there will be redness and bruising, but the specialist usually prescribes an ointment that should relieve the symptoms.
The symptoms are severe for 2-3 days. After that, there is some itchiness.
How Much Does Laser Microblading Removal Cost?
The prices of laser microblading removal, the same process as tattoo removal, start at $100 per session, but the average price is more like $215.
For more information on laser removal of microblading, visit our Laser PMU Removal Guide.
Saline Microblading Removal
Saline removal emerged as a spin-off of microneedling, and it’s done by opening up the skin above the unwanted pigments and depositing a solution based on salt into the incisions. The solution dries up the pigments and they are pulled out of the skin through scabbing.
Some estheticians advertise this method as a fading option for microblading, since the pigments are removed gradually, but the results of saline removal can be quite efficient.
Image source: Instagram @lo.and.behold.beauty
Who Is a Candidate for Microblading Saline Removal?
Saline removal can help anyone who wants to remove unsatisfactory results of microblading, but may take some time and patience. It’s very effective with lighter pigments and shadows. These can usually be taken care of in 1 or 2 sessions.
Clients who want to get rid of dark pigments will most likely have to get multiple sessions, but the results will be satisfactory.
Unlike laser, saline removal works on all pigment colors, including red and yellow.
Does Saline Removal Hurt?
Most clients report that no, saline removal doesn’t really hurt per se.
The usual practice is to apply a topical anesthetic – numbing cream – onto the treated area, and wait until it starts working before starting the procedure.
Although the feeling is a bit uncomfortable, clients report it’s not too bad, since they’ve already had microblading so they know what to expect.
What Is the Healing Process Like After Saline Microblading Removal?
The skin heals more quickly than after a laser session.
The saline removal healing process is a lot like microblading healing, since the technique is very similar.
Your technician will give you some simple aftercare instructions to follow for successful skin recovery, similar to these:
- Keep the area cleaned and dry.
- Don’t soak your eyebrows in water and protect the area when you take a shower.
- Wash your face gently without touching the treated area.
- Avoid long showers, saunas, swimming pools, sweating, working out, and tanning.
- Don’t touch the scabs.
- Use vitamin E oil once the scabs are gone.
Emergency Saline Microblading Removal
If you realize you regret getting microblading and you decide you want to remove it immediately after the procedure, emergency saline removal can be done within the first 48 hours after the treatment.
It is done differently than saline removal after the microblading has healed – there is no need to open the skin again since the wound is still fresh. A saline solution is applied to the incisions to extract the pigments.
If more than 48 hours have passed, the scabbing stage may start and there’s a risk of scarring, so emergency microblading removal is no longer possible.
Image source: Instagram @salustattoo
How Much Does Saline Removal Cost?
Saline microblading removal is charged either per hour or per session. The more sessions you need, the higher the final cost
The average cost is $250 per session.
For more information on saline removal of microblading, visit our Saline PMU Removal Guide.
Glycolic Acid Microblading Removal
Another effective method of microblading removal is glycolic acid removal. This technique is very similar to saline removal, the only difference is the chemical solution.
Glycolic acid removal uses a combination of glycolic and lactic acids mixed with other ingredients. The formula binds the pigments to itself and they are extracted through the scab.
The price is somewhat higher than saline removal, though – it’s around $400 per session.
For more information on glycolic acid removal of microblading, visit our Glycolic Acid PMU Removal Guide.
Image source: Instagram @nanoremoval_jordynaponiello
Is There a Way to Remove Microblading at Home?
Microblading removal should be done by a professional at a clinic or specialized salon.
Is Microblading Removal During Pregnancy Possible?
Generally, it is not advisable to have your microblading removed during pregnancy, just like it’s not safe to get microblading while pregnant or breastfeeding.
All 3 microblading removal methods involve trauma to the skin, which means there’s a risk of infection, and subsequent need for antibiotics treatment. This is why you should postpone these treatments until you’ve given birth and stopped breastfeeding.
WHY TRUST THIS GUIDE
This guide is a result of 5+ years of studying and researching the permanent makeup industry. The information comes from reliable sources: a number of microblading technicians, and a wide variety of medical references, including an in-depth literature overview conducted by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MICROBLADING
Explore more microblading topics:
Swipe for more microblading topics →
SHARE
Weekly Insights Into the PMU Industry
Support us so we can keep providing you with free education, information & inspiration.
