Fixing Faded Brows: Correction or Removal?

Imagine you get eyebrow tattoos that are supposed to be a nice brown color. Over time, the pigment breaks down and the brown starts to fade. But instead of fading evenly, the different colors that make up the brown ink break down at different rates. This can leave behind weird hues, like a bluish tint (from the blue component in the ink) or a reddish tone (from the red component).

While you might be tempted to immediately cover this up with a new tattoo, that might not be the best idea. There's more to the story!

So, how can you tell when an old eyebrow tattoo can be corrected and when it's better to remove it completely? We'll break it down into simple guidelines to help you decide between correction and removal. Let's dive in!

Color Correction can Help!

Think of color correction like using a color wheel for makeup. Just like opposite colors cancel each other out, skilled technicians can use specialized pigments to neutralize the unwanted blue hue. In this case, orange pigments would be used because orange sits opposite blue on the color wheel. By carefully layering these corrective pigments, the technician can effectively hide the blue and create a more natural-looking brow.

Here's the best part: you'll often see a difference after just one session! However, it's like applying a new coat of paint – it might take some time for the new color to fully settle in. Lighter colors, like orange in our example, respond quicker. But stubborn blues might require a few more sessions, so patience is key for both you and the artist. The more intense the initial blue color, the more sessions it might take to achieve the perfect natural-looking brow you desire.

When is Eyebrow Tattoo Color Correction Ideal?

Not all faded or unwanted eyebrow tattoos are perfect candidates for color correction. Here's why a significant fade (ideally 70% or more) is generally preferred:

Less Scarring Risk: When the original tattoo is faded, the technician works on a smoother canvas with less scar tissue. This reduces the risk of further scarring during the correction process, which can be a concern for some clients.

Improved Pigment Retention: Faded tattoos allow for better absorption of the corrective pigments. The stronger underlying pigment can sometimes act as a barrier, hindering the effectiveness of the color correction.

Reduced Need for Multiple Sessions: With significant fading, the technician can often achieve the desired color in fewer sessions. This minimizes cost, discomfort, and overall healing time for the client.

Easier Shape Correction: Faded tattoos offer more flexibility for correcting the original eyebrow shape. When the old pigment is strong, it can restrict the artist's ability to reshape the brows effectively during the correction process.

Best Technique For Color Correction

Most PMU artists in the industry are now using the “Eyebrow Mapping Tool.” It helps them precisely assess the faded tattoo and plan the color correction process accordingly.

This tool aids PMU artists in accurately analyzing the pigmentation distribution and identifying areas where correction is most needed.

Additionally, by incorporating the data from an eyebrow mapping tool, technicians can strategize the application of corrective pigments for optimal results. This ensures a more uniform and natural appearance in the final color correction outcome.

When to Hold Off on Eyebrow Tattoo Color Correction

Thinking about fixing your faded or unwanted eyebrow tattoos with color correction? It can be a great way to achieve a natural look again. But hold on! There are a few situations where alternative solutions might be better:

1. Not Quite Faded Enough (Less Than 70%)

Let's say your eyebrow tattoos are still quite dark. Color correction might not be as effective here. Your skin can only hold so much pigment, and adding new color on top of the existing one might not show much difference.

The key is: For color correction to work well, the original tattoo needs to be significantly faded, revealing more of your natural skin tone. Think of it like having enough blank space on a canvas for the artist to add new colors and achieve the desired effect.

The type of pigment used in the initial tattoo also plays a role. Generally, inorganic pigments (think mineral-based) fade more transparently over time, making them easier to color correct later. A simple test: If you can see some of your natural skin color showing through the existing brow tattoo, color correction has a higher chance of success. In cases with heavy, dark brows, removal or lightening the pigment might be a cleaner option.

2. Stubborn Carbon-Based Pigments

Some pigments are trickier to fix than others. This often depends on the type of pigment used in the original tattoo. For example, imagine your brows have a stubborn bluish or grayish tint. This might be because the initial tattoo used carbon-based pigments. These tend to break down and leave behind cooler tones as the warmer colors fade.

To counteract these blues and grays, a technician might use warm pigments during color correction. However, there's a catch! These new warm pigments might reappear quickly on the surface, leading to an unexpected color outcome. Another sign of carbon-based pigments is "bleeding" or migration, where the old tattoo appears blurry and muddy. Because of this instability, removal or lightening the existing pigment might be a more predictable approach.

If your brows have significant scarring from past botched procedures, color correction gets complicated. Scar tissue absorbs pigment unevenly, leading to patchy and unpredictable results. So, if scarring heavily affects your brow area, hold off on color correction for now.

Here's a better first step: consider microneedling. This minimally invasive treatment uses tiny needles to create controlled punctures in the skin. This triggers the production of collagen, which improves skin texture and helps break down scar tissue. Over time, microneedling can make the scarred area smoother and more receptive to color correction pigments later on. Essentially, it preps the canvas for a more successful color correction down the line.

Recognizing When to Skip:

If your brows haven't faded much or the old pigment seems resistant, it's best to avoid color correction. While tempting, the results may not be as seamless as desired. Remember, investing in proper removal upfront might require patience, but the long-term benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Otherwise, you risk a cycle of corrections that might never achieve the perfect brows you deserve.

For the Artist:

Are you a seasoned brow artist or a newcomer? While everyone starts somewhere, tackling color correction requires a strong foundation in PMU pigment theory. Before attempting complex fixes, take time to study how different pigments and colors behave during healing. Analyze past work to learn from mistakes and refine your techniques. Color correction is advanced work. It's crucial to work within your skill set for the safety of both your clients and your business. Sometimes, saying no is the best course of action.

Conclusion

Wanting perfect brows back? Color correction can be amazing, but it's not a one-size-fits-all fix. The old tattoo needs to be significantly faded (think 70% gone!) for the new pigments to work their magic. Plus, the original pigment type matters. Those stubborn carbon-based ones can be tricky. Scarring throws another wrench in the mix, as it messes with pigment absorption. Here, microneedling can be a lifesaver, prepping the skin for color correction later. The bottom line? Both artists and clients need to be realistic. For complex situations, removal or lightening might be the smarter first step. By understanding these factors, everyone can work together to achieve those beautiful, long-lasting brows you deserve.