Why does your brow tattoo change color after a month? Why does your brow tattoo change color after a year? One year after brow tattoo: How to adjust and restore your color? What kind of person could be considered for color correction? Fixing discoloration: How can color correction be done? Understanding complementary colors Color correction steps When eyebrows have faded by 70% or more When eyebrows have faded by 50%-70%

 

Many PMU artists often face the issue of fading or discoloration in their customers' eyebrows after tattooing. When this occurs, the customer's eyebrows may require a repair. Let's discuss this topic further.

Why does your brow tattoo change color after a month?

1. It could be the wrong pigment undertone. For example, if the pigment undertone is chosen as a warm color for light shading, the final color will lean towards that warm shade.

2. This may involve selecting the wrong color for the client's skin. If the shading density is high or the hair color is dense, the final result may appear much darker after the treatment. For instance, if you use a dense color operation and select a cool or neutral color, you will achieve a deeper look.

Conversely, starting with a very light shade, choosing a warm color can lead to a reddish or warm effect. Therefore, it is essential to choose the pigment undertone based on the technique being used.

In summary, for techniques that involve dense coloring, select pigments with warmer undertones. For lighter coloring techniques, opt for paints with cool or neutral undertones.

3. It could be an issue with the technology itself. If the color turns gray after a month, that usually means it’s too dark. Darker shades can look cooler when they settle into the skin, and this is a pretty common problem with hair coloring. It's easy to go overboard and make the color look blue, so it’s better to start light. It’s way better to go a little lighter than to risk going too dark and ending up with a blue. So, when you start, take it easy. Just slowly ramp up the strength as you go along, based on how it feels.

Why does your brow tattoo change color after a year?

 

Many clients’ eyebrows turn gray or red about a year after the procedure. what causes this change, and how can it be avoided? This may lie in the use of organic versus inorganic pigments. First of all, we must know that all pigments are made up of black powder, red powder, yellow powder, and white powder. In general, yellow and red pigments leave the skin faster for organic pigment, so what remains on the skin is black or white. If black and white are left at the same time, the result will be gray. So if you use organic paint, your eyebrows will be cool and grayer after a year.

But if you use inorganic pigments, they're a little different. For inorganic pigments, Typically, black pigments fade the fastest, followed by yellow and red. Inorganic pigments tend to shift toward warmer tones over time, which is why manufacturers recommend avoiding overly warm pigments when working with them. 

Additionally, if a client has oily skin or large pores, the pigment is likely to fade more quickly, resulting in eyebrows that may appear gray or warm. This is due to the body's natural process of washing out the pigment.

So how do you avoid this problem again? If you're using an organic paint, it’s recommended to select warmer undertone pigments. If you're using an inorganic paint, it’s recommended to use a more neutral or cooler color.

Other than that, as we learned in basic color theory, brown is a mix of red, blue/black, and yellow. Depending on the quality and formulation of the pigment brand, the color's lightfastness rating can be uneven, which can leave behind those major residual colors that are undesirable, such as red, gray, and blue.

Customers with warm skin tones are more suitable for warm tones than those with cool skin tones. When warm color paint is applied to someone with a warm skin tone, the overall effect appears warmer compared to someone with a cool skin tone. In summary, individuals with warm skin undertones are better suited for warm tones, while those with cool skin tones are best complemented by cool colors.

One year after brow tattoo: How to adjust and restore your color?

The quickest and most direct method for fading eyebrows is laser removal, particularly when a client seeks a more natural look and the pigmented area is oversaturated and poorly shaped. This allows for the removal of the old pigment and the application of fresh color. However, laser removal can lead to relatively large wounds, which is why artists are now focusing on gentler techniques that achieve more natural results while minimizing trauma to the skin. Once the old tattoo has faded by at least 50%, we can then consider color correction.

What kind of person could be considered for color correction?

Let's talk about color correction first. Color correction can be done on old and new

semi-permanent makeup if the following conditions are met:

- The client only wants to change/correct eyebrow color, not shape or reduce eyebrow

thickness.

- The surgical depth is not too deep and the color is not too thick (same goes for the lips).

- Lips: Uneven color or dark spots.

When color correction is not possible:

- If the previous tattoo was a thicker color and you want to shape your eyebrows.

- If the customer has a previous tattoo and there is already a scar on the skin, even if you try color correction, it will not stay because the skin with the scar has a loose texture and is not as firm as normal skin.

When color correction is not necessary:

- If orange or blue is light and transparent - usually any organic paint will cover those colors.

 

Fixing discoloration: How can color correction be done?

 

Color correction resembles the process of using a color wheel in makeup application. Just as complementary colors negate one another, experienced technicians can utilize specific paints to counteract undesirable blue tones. In this scenario, orange paint will be employed since it is the complementary color to blue on the wheel. By systematically applying these correction paints, the technician can successfully conceal the blue hue and achieve a more natural appearance for the eyebrow.

Typically, a noticeable difference can be observed in the first treatment. However, the new color may take some time to fully blend with the previous shade. Generally, the lighter the original color, the quicker the new color will become apparent. Conversely, darker blues may require more corrections. The darker the initial blue, the more adjustments will be necessary.

1. Understanding complementary colors

By understanding complementary colors, you can correct the color of an old tattoo that has turned blue, purple, or red. As can be seen from the color wheel, orange can counteract blue. Conversely, if you want to correct red eyebrows, you'll need green to offset the red.

2. Color correction steps:

 

You need to ask yourself the following questions.

What color was the old tattoo?

Was it blue/gray or red/orange?

What are the complementary colors of the old tattoo?

If the old tattoo is blue/gray, orange is the complementary color, so you will need to use an orange corrector to counteract the old tattoo.

If the old tattoo is red/orange, then green is a complementary color, so you will need to use a green corrector to offset the old tattoo.

What is the target color (the final color you want)?

If the old tattoo is cool and off-white, the target color/paint should contain warm tones.

If the old tattoo is red and warm, then your target color/paint should contain cool tones.

When eyebrows have faded by 70% or more

Once your eyebrow mapping is complete, outline the shape of the eyebrow using your selected target color (the color you typically use).

Apply the desired corrector in 3-4 layers to cover any unwanted pigmentation. As you layer the corrector, you will notice the old tattoo color gradually neutralizing and becoming a browner shade.

Once the old tattoo is neutralized to your satisfaction, proceed to complete the coloring with the target paint. Remember to apply a long-lasting anesthetic between each application.

If any of the previous tattoo colors remain visible, you may need to repeat this process during the client's retouching session. Conversely, if the old tattoo has been fully neutralized, there is no need to use correction paint when retouching.

 When eyebrows have faded by 50%-70%

If the old tattoo is very dark and saturated, you may need to apply 5 to 6 layers of corrector pigment to offset the old color. In such cases, the initial appointment should focus solely on color correction. Do not outline the shape at this stage; just use the corrector to neutralize the old tattoo.

Clients may require 2 to 3 touch-up sessions to fully correct and neutralize the old tattoo. Once the old tattoo has been neutralized to the desired level, you can then add the target color.

Remember, our goal is to cover the old tattoo using corrector pigment; it does not remove the old tattoo. This method can effectively cover old tattoos that have faded by 50% or more. Avoid attempting to cover very dark and saturated tattoos.

As a brow artist, understanding and addressing color changes after a month is essential for client satisfaction. Whether the brows have turned too warm, cool, or faded unevenly, proper color correction techniques, pigment selection, and follow-up touch-ups can help achieve the desired results.

Educating clients about the healing process, setting realistic expectations, and providing clear aftercare instructions will minimize concerns and build trust. Regularly updating your skills and staying informed about pigment science and correction methods will ensure you deliver the best results.

By mastering color correction, you can enhance your expertise and provide clients with beautifully maintained brows that last. Keep refining your craft, and your clients will appreciate your dedication!