After 8 Years, I Finally Removed My Microbladed Brows

If you've been around here for a while, you probably already know this about me - I'm usually more than willing to try the beauty treatment first and report back.

Back in 2018, microbladed brows were ALL the rage, and I happily jumped on the bandwagon. Even though the process was really painful...and well, kind of permanent.

For years, I loved them.

I never had to fill in my brows or shape them anymore, and I got so many compliments. Bold, defined brows were in, and mine definitely made a statement.

Honestly, if I knew then what I know now, I'd probably do it all over again. They were exactly right for me during that season.

But over the past couple of years, things started to change.

Years of Botox combined with the natural changes that come with aging have caused my brows to sit a little lower and feel heavier.

At first, I couldn't quite put my finger on what had changed.

I just knew something felt...off when I looked in the mirror.

My eyes looked a little heavier.

My makeup wasn't sitting quite the same.

Something didn't feel as flattering as it used to.

So I booked a brow consultation with an expert in my area.

She took one look at my brows and immediately said something that stuck with me:

"The answer isn't adding more. It's taking away what's already there."

She explained that the pigment was now too dark and too cool for my skin tone. The brows that would be most flattering for my features today would be softer, lighter, and a little more delicate.

Her recommendation?

Start over.

She referred me to a laser tattoo removal specialist, and I went home to think about it.

I'll admit, I sat with the decision for a few weeks.

Those brows had been part of my face for eight years.

As funny as it sounds, it actually felt a little emotional thinking about removing them.

Eventually, I decided to go for it.

Thankfully, the appointment was available the very next day, so I didn't have much time to overthink it.

The laser technician walked me through the entire process, asked me several times if I was absolutely sure, explained what healing would look like, and answered every question I had.

The actual laser treatment only lasted about 30–45 seconds per brow.

I won't sugarcoat it...

It was intense.

Definitely more painful than I expected.

Thankfully, she let me take breaks whenever I needed them.

She used a Q-Switched laser and told me she thought one treatment would likely be enough.

Thankfully, she was right.

Immediately afterward, my brow hairs turned white (called "frosting"), and the pigment underneath was dramatically lighter.

The aftercare was surprisingly easy.

Just Aquaphor for a few days and letting everything heal naturally.

"The answer isn't adding more. It's taking away what's already there."

I was honestly shocked by how much better they looked almost immediately.

I'm still technically in the healing phase (it's about two months), but every week they continue to soften.

The frosted hairs have gradually started growing out, and after just a few days I was able to use a brow pencil to camouflage them if I wanted.

One concern I had beforehand was whether the laser would damage my natural brow hairs.

While there is a small risk of thinning, I personally haven't experienced any hair loss.

Once everything is fully healed, I may consider nano or powder brows to fill in a few sparse areas.

Or...

I may not.

Right now, I'm actually really enjoying having a softer, lighter, more natural-looking brow.

It's funny...

For years I thought bolder brows automatically looked better.

Turns out, lighter is actually much more flattering on me today.

I guess our faces evolve right along with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did your brow hair fall out? No. My brow hairs temporarily turned white after treatment (this is normal), but they've been growing out without any noticeable thinning.

Did one session really remove them? For me, yes. My technician expected one treatment to be enough, and thankfully it was. She said to reassess at 2 months to see if I want a small touch up but I think I'll be good to go.

Would you microblade again? Honestly...yes, if I were back in 2018. They served me well for years. I just think my face and beauty preferences have changed over time.

Would you do laser removal again? Absolutely. I'm really happy with the result and would make the same decision again.