5 Steps to Fix Botched Microbladed Brows

By Aryiah Brown and Nnaja Diogu

By Aryiah Brown and Nnaja Diogu

What's Next When Microblading Goes Wrong?

Microblading can be a game-changer for fuller, more defined brows—but what happens when the results don’t turn out the way you expected? Uneven shape, fading color, or harsh dark strokes can completely throw off the look of your brows. But the good news is, you don't have to live with ruined brows forever. With the right approach, it’s possible to correct mistakes, restore symmetry, and get your beautiful brows back that you deserve. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five practical steps to help fix microbladed brows gone wrong—from quick at-home tricks to professional correction options.

Step 1 — Assess the Damage Calmly

Before rushing into corrections, take a moment to calmly evaluate what went wrong. Are your brows too dark or bold for your features? Too ashy or cool-toned? Too thick and blocky, or unevenly shaped with one arch higher than the other? Consider the healing stage as well: if your brows are still scabbing, peeling, or fading unevenly, the pigment is likely not final yet, whereas fully healed brows will show their true settled color. Be patient, as microbladed brows often lighten and soften over the course of a few weeks, and acting too quickly can make things worse or disrupt healing. To help you track changes and get a professional opinion later, take clear, well-lit photos of your brows from multiple angles.

Step 2 — Gentle Fading at Home

If your microbladed brows have healed but still look much darker than expected, there are a few safe and gentle ways to encourage gradual fading at home. The key is to be patient and protect your skin barrier—harsh or aggressive methods can lead to irritation, scarring, or pigment pulling unevenly.

Start by confirming your brows are fully healed (no scabs, flaking, or open skin). If they are, you can try saline solution or saltwater soaks to help lift excess pigment. This should only be done sparingly and ideally after getting approval from your brow artist or a licensed professional. Another gentle approach is using oil cleansing—massaging coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil into the brows daily can slowly break down pigment over time. Exfoliating with a mild facial scrub(once or twice a week) can also help fade pigment gradually, but always choose a gentle formula and avoid scrubbing aggressively.

Avoid using strong acids, peels, retinoids, or other harsh exfoliants around the brow area, as they can damage the skin and lead to uneven results. Throughout the fading process, keep your skin barrier supported by applying fragrance-free moisturizer and SPF daily. This protects the skin while it naturally sheds pigment and prevents further darkening from sun exposure.

Step 3 — Seek a Professional Touch-Up or Color Correction

If your brows are fully healed and still not where you want them to be, it may be time to seek help from a certified microblading artist. Professionals are trained to work with existing pigment and can safely improve the look of your brows without causing further damage.

They can add corrective strokes to fill sparse areas or reshape uneven arches, blending them more naturally into your existing brow structure. If your brows have turned ashy, gray, or cool-toned, a skilled artist can perform color neutralization, using warm-toned pigments to balance out and correct the undertones. They can also perform shape adjustments, softening overly harsh lines or redefining the overall brow shape for better symmetry.

It’s important to understand that multiple sessions may be needed to fully correct or refine your brows. Pigment layers must be built up gradually, and fading old pigment while adding new strokes is a delicate process. Be patient and set realistic expectations—professional correction takes time but can transform your brows safely.

Woman receiving eyebrow microblading treatment with a professional in black gloves.

Step 4 — Camouflage With Tint and Makeup

While you’re waiting for your correction appointment, camouflaging is your best friend. If your old micro bladed browshave turned ashy/gray, or cool-toned, using a warm-toned eyebrow tint can help restore balance and bring warmth back to your face.

Tinting can also make faint or sparse brows appear fuller, giving you a softer, more natural look in the meantime. To refine the shape further, makeup tools like brow pencils, powders, or concealer can be used to mask uneven strokes or patchy areas. This temporary fix will then give you a more polished and put-together look until you’re ready for a more permanent solution.

@godefroybeauty lowkey i was scared…. BUT I LOVE THEM !!! we used shade dark brown. try it for yourself today :3 #eyebrowtint #beforeandafter #makeuptransformation ♬ Evan Jacobson Sparks OUT NOW - Evan Jacobson

Step 5 — Focus on Aftercare & Regrowth

Nothing speeds up recovery like proper aftercare. As your brows heal, treat the area gently—stick to mild cleansers, nourishing moisturizers, and daily SPF to protect the skin and pigment. Avoid picking at scabs or over-plucking stray hairs, since that can slow healing and cause more unevenness. Instead, let your natural brow hairs regrow; they’ll help fill in sparse spots and give you a stronger base for reshaping later. By keeping your aftercare routine soft and consistent, you’ll set the stage for healthier, fuller brows.

Microblading can transform sparse brows, but when results turn out uneven, too dark, or oddly shaped, it can be discouraging. First, assess whether your brows are still healing—color often softens in a few weeks—before trying gentle fading methods like saline soaks (with pro approval), oil cleansing, or mild exfoliation. If they’ve healed, a certified microblading artist can perform color correction or reshaping over multiple sessions. While you wait, camouflage with makeup—and for more beauty tips, check out last week's blog "The Future of Brow Tinting." Thanks for reading!

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5 Steps to Fix Botched Microbladed Brows

What's Next When Microblading Goes Wrong?

Step 1 — Assess the Damage Calmly

Step 2 — Gentle Fading at Home

Step 3 — Seek a Professional Touch-Up or Color Correction

Step 4 — Camouflage With Tint and Makeup

Step 5 — Focus on Aftercare & Regrowth

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