Brow Touch-Ups: How Often You Really Need Them
You’ve invested in gorgeous brows—now the big question is how often you actually need to touch them up. The answer? Probably less often than you think.
In this blog post, we’ll break down how long your permanent makeup brows can truly last, what factors affect pigment fading, and how brow tints and laminations can give you a mini refresh between full touch-ups.
How Often Should You Touch Up Your Brows?
It used to be standard to refresh permanent makeup brows every year, but many clients can actually go up to two years before needing a touch-up appointment.
A general guideline is every 12–24 months, but it varies from person to person. Your ideal timeline depends on:
Skin type: Oily skin can fade pigment faster.
Pigment retention: Some skin holds color longer than others.
Lifestyle: Sun exposure, skincare habits, and even workouts can all play a role.
Color and technique: Soft, neutral pigments may fade faster than rich darker tones.
If your brows are still defined and flattering, waiting a bit longer can actually be better for your skin health and long-term color results. Overdoing touch-up sessions can cause pigment buildup or overly cool tones.
Signs It’s Time for a Refresh
Even with great pigment retention, your brows will eventually start to show subtle signs that it’s time for a refresh. Here’s what to look for:
Brows appear faded or uneven
Color has turned ashy, grey, or warm
You’re reaching for your brow pencils again
Shape has softened or lost definition
If you’re unsure, send your artist a photo. They can tell whether you need a periodic touch-up or if a light color correction is a better option.
For more insight into how to safely refresh or soften older pigment, check out our Fade & Reframe: The Brow Reset for Softer, Natural Permanent Makeup.
Your Perfect In-Between Pick-Me-Up
A brow tint or lamination can give your brows a quick pick-me-up to help you extend the time between your brow touch-ups.
A brow tint deepens color, revives faded pigment, and enhances definition—especially if your brows have started to look dull. Think of it as a mini tone boost for your semi-permanent makeup.
A lamination, on the other hand, gives instant lift and fullness by redirecting your natural hair growth pattern. It’s ideal for those who want fuller, more polished brows without committing to another cosmetic tattooing session.
Together, these services can help you maintain that fresh, balanced look while giving your skin time to rest.
Understanding the Healing Process
Healing plays a major role in how your brows age and how long your color lasts. Proper recovery sets the foundation for long-term pigment retention, so it’s worth understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface.
After any brow tattoo or nano stroke treatment, your skin goes through a full healing period—usually 4-6 weeks. During this time, the pigment is still stabilizing, and following your post-procedure instructions (like using a thin layer of healing ointment and avoiding UV rays) makes a big difference in how your color settles.
Touching up too soon can interfere with the dermal layer and cause unnecessary trauma. A well-trained microblading artist will always let your skin fully recover before recommending another follow-up appointment.
For more details on long-term results and skin changes, explore What Really Happens to Your Brows Long-Term After Microblading.
Different Brow Techniques, Different Timelines
Each brow technique is different when it comes to maintenance and fading. Understanding how these styles age can help you decide when to schedule your next refresh.
Microblading: Creates delicate hair strokes manually using a fine grouping of needles. Typically lasts 12–18 months before a touch-up session.
Nano Brows: Done with the machine for ultra-precise, long-lasting healed nano brows. These typically go 12–18 months before needing a refresh.
Powder Brows: A soft, shaded effect done with a machine that can hold for up to two years or more. Ideal for those who love a subtle, filled-in finish.
Each technique ages differently based on skin types, artist expertise, and how faithfully you follow your post-procedure care.
You can learn more about these techniques in our Eyebrow Tattoo Guide.
Are You Ready for a Refresh?
If your brows have started to lose their shape, color, or definition, a professional touch-up or refresh might be exactly what you need. A carefully timed touch-up appointment revives pigment, restores balance, and keeps your results looking soft and natural.
If you prefer something less permanent, a brow tint or lamination can give you that same lifted, polished look—without jumping back into a tattoo session.
If you’re searching for permanent makeup in Calgary, visit our Crescent Heights studio at 1409 Edmonton Trl #102, Calgary, AB T2E 3K8.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I touch up an eyebrow tattoo?
Most clients come back every 1–2 years, depending on how their cosmetic tattoos fade. Some go longer, especially when using brow tinting or lamination between sessions.
What happens if you don’t touch up ombre brows?
They’ll slowly fade to a softer shade. Some people prefer this natural look, while others book a color refresh once the shape begins to lose its edge.
How to touch up ombre brows?
Your artist adds fresh pigment to even out faded areas, adjusting tone using complementary colors from the color wheel to neutralize unwanted hues.
Is touch-up necessary after microblading?
Yes, a follow-up appointment is booked 4-12 weeks after your first session, to perfect and reinforce your shape and color once the initial healing process is complete.
How long will microblading last?
On average, 12–24 months, depending on skin healing, pigment, and how well you protect your brows from UV rays and exfoliants.