If you’ve just had your microblading done you’re probably thinking: “Why are my brows so dark?” It’s a normal situation, and the dark colour is just part of the healing process. Many clients are shocked by how natural looking their eyebrows are but rest assured the colour will soften as they heal.
In this article we’ll break down the microblading process, why brows over time lighten and provide expert aftercare instructions so you can get amazing brows that look natural.

Why is Microblading Darker at First?
There are several reasons why your brow colour is so intense right after your first microblading session:
Pigment Oxidation & Colour Pigments
- The microblading pigments oxidise when exposed to air, causing a temporarily dark brow effect.
- This is part of the semi-permanent process, and the pigment particles will settle.
- Clients who are getting microblading for the first time often find the colour is much darker than expected but this is just part of the process.
Excess Pigment & Scabbing
- During the microblading process, extra pigment particles are deposited into the skin making the brows look bolder.
- As skin cells regenerate the appearance of scabs corresponds with the healing phase.
- The healing process involves the brows going through different shades before settling into their final colour.

Skin Type & Cellular Turnover
- If you have oily skin the colour may look darker but fade faster due to cellular turnover.
- If you have dry skin or combination skin the pigment will retain better but still lighten over time.
Swelling & Brow Hair Healing
- The appearance of your eyebrows after treatment may seem intense due to swelling.
- As the brow hair and skin heal the darkening of microblading will fade into natural looking brows.
The Healing Period: What to Expect
Your brows will change dramatically in the weeks following your microblading. Here’s a breakdown:
- Day of Microblading: Brows look super dark and defined.
- Days 1-3: The bold shape remains due to pigment sitting on the surface.
- Days 4-7: Scabbing begins; the scabs may look uneven.
- Days 7-14: Flaking occurs, making some areas look patchy or faded.
- Couple of weeks in (4-6 weeks): The colour settles and the touch up session is scheduled.
- 6-8 week touch up: Adjustments are made to perfect the brow design.
If you’re considering Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne, it’s important to understand that the healing period varies depending on skin type, lifestyle and aftercare.
Will My Brows Be Too Light After Healing?
Many clients worry that their brows look too dark at first and then too light after healing. This is normal:
The microblader deposits pigment into the upper skin layers.
As the skin cells regenerate, the brows fade.
The Touch Up / Perfecting Session ensures long lasting natural brows.
If your brows fade too much, it could be due to bad microblading, poor aftercare, or an inexperienced microblader. Choose an accurate eyebrow tattoo artist for skin tone compatibility.

Proper Care: How to Help Your Brows Heal
For amazing brows follow these aftercare instructions after your microblade brow:
No warm water & damp tattoos – Use cold water and a cotton ball for cleansing.
No makeup routine & brow gel – Let the skin heal undisturbed.
Use aftercare ointment – Helps protect and nourish the healing skin.
No chlorinated pool water or acidic solution – These can fade the cosmetic eyebrow tattoo prematurely.
No cheap microblading & board certified dermatologist – Go to a correct eyebrow tattoo artist for best results.
If you get botched microblading or bad shape, consult an experienced microblader for solutions like saline removal or laser removal.
What If I’m Not Happy With My Microblading?
Sometimes clients experience bad experience, complicated experience, or pain in the bum with their results. If this happens:
Use saline solution to lighten the pigment.
Laser or chemical treatments to remove unwanted pigment.
Book a 6-8 week touch up with a brow artist to adjust.
Don’t do cheap microblading as it usually leads to bad microblading results. Invest in a solid eyebrow tattoo artist and your brows will heal beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If your brows after treatment look too dark, remember it’s only temporary. Trust the healing process, follow aftercare rules and come back for a top up at 4-6 weeks to perfect your brow design.
Want natural looking brows? Contact our microblading expert today and get brows you love that suit your skin tone. Looking for Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne services? Our artists will create perfect, natural looking brows tailored to your face.

FAQ
How long does the dark colour last after microblading?
The dark colour lasts about 5-7 days before the brows start to flake and lighten. By week 4 the final colour will settle and a top up can refine the results.
Is it normal for my microblading brows to scab and flake?
Yes! Scabbing is a normal occurrence in the healing process after microblading eyebrows. Don’t pick at scabs—let them fall off naturally to avoid patchy healing.
Can I speed up the healing process of my brows?
Not really! The healing process takes time and using proper care methods—like not excess moisture and following aftercare instructions—will get you the best results.
What if my microblading fades too much after healing?
A top up at 4-6 weeks is essential to reinforce the pigment and fix any fading areas. The second session is part of the microblading process and will give you long lasting results.
Can I remove bad microblading if I don’t like the results?
Yes! If you’re not happy with your brows you can saline remove, laser remove or correct from an experienced microblading expert. Don’t do cheap microblading and you won’t get bad results in the first place.