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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes microblading to fade quickly?

Microblading can fade quickly due to sun exposure, oily skin, poor aftercare — and less commonly, hidden health issues like thyroid problems, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, or iron deficiency.

Can medical conditions affect microblading retention?

Yes. Conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and chronic inflammation can interfere with skin healing and pigment retention, leading to faster fading even with proper technique and aftercare.

Why didn’t my brows hold pigment after microblading?

If your brows didn’t hold pigment, the cause could be internal — such as low iron levels, hormonal shifts, certain medications, or even immune system activity that breaks down the pigment faster.

How can I make my microblading last longer?

Follow aftercare carefully, avoid retinol and sun exposure, and share your health history with your artist. Clients with autoimmune or hormonal imbalances may benefit more from nano brows or machine shading techniques.

 

Why Your Microblading May Fade Faster Than Expected

Have you ever wondered why your brows faded faster than your friend’s — even though you followed all the aftercare? You're not alone. While technique and aftercare matter, there are several hidden health conditions that can cause microblading to fade prematurely. In this post, Below is a deeper look at medical and physiological factors that can cause poor pigment retention or accelerated fading in microblading, nano, or combo brows.

What Causes Microblading to Fade?

Fading can happen for many reasons — sun exposure, oily skin, skincare products — but sometimes, it goes deeper. Below are some of the most unexpected and medically rooted reasons your brows might not be holding pigment as well as expected.

Sometimes, even when you do everything right—follow the aftercare, avoid the sun, and trust an experienced artist—your brows may still fade quicker than expected. The culprit may be something internal.

1. Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s)

The thyroid plays a major role in regulating your skin’s metabolism, cell turnover, and moisture balance. An underactive thyroid leads to dry, thin, or flaky skin—conditions that can prevent the pigment from embedding evenly or healing properly. It can also slow down wound healing. Many people don’t realize they have a thyroid issue because symptoms like fatigue, dry skin, or weight gain can be subtle or blamed on other causes.

2. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune conditions like lupus, alopecia areata, psoriasis, or vitiligo cause the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues, including skin. These conditions can interfere with pigment retention by triggering an immune response that breaks down pigment faster or causes inflammation during healing. Often, flare-ups are unpredictable and may be silent during your appointment.

3. Iron Deficiency or Low Ferritin

Iron is essential for oxygen transport and tissue healing. But it’s also a major component of the pigment used in brow tattoos (especially those with iron oxide bases). If you’re deficient in iron, your body may attempt to 'absorb' or metabolize the pigment faster. This leads to premature fading. Women who don’t eat iron-rich foods are at higher risk.

4. Hormonal Imbalances (PCOS, Perimenopause, Estrogen Dominance)

Hormones affect everything from skin oil production to wound healing. In conditions like PCOS, clients often have oily or acne-prone skin, which can push pigment out. Hormonal shifts also disrupt the healing process, especially if approaching menopause. If your skin is inflamed or unpredictable from hormones, it may not hold onto pigment well.

5. Blood Thinners or Medications That Affect Healing

Even if you’re not taking prescription blood thinners, many people take supplements that thin the blood, like fish oil, aspirin, or high-dose vitamin E. Antidepressants (especially SSRIs) and mood stabilizers can also affect skin healing and pigment metabolism. These drugs can reduce blood clotting or alter inflammatory response, leading to more bleeding during the procedure and less pigment retention.

6. Blood Sugar Dysregulation (Pre-Diabetes, Insulin Resistance)

High blood sugar impairs circulation, slows healing, and increases inflammation. Even without full-blown diabetes, people with insulin resistance often heal poorly. If brows scab excessively or don’t heal smoothly, it could be a sign of underlying metabolic issues. The slower the healing, the more pigment is likely to be lost.

7. Overactive Immune System / Fast Metabolizers

Some people simply have bodies that break down pigment more quickly. A strong immune response or fast cellular turnover means the pigment gets metabolized faster. This is sometimes seen in people with autoimmune conditions, high stress, or who are genetically predisposed. While not a 'diagnosed condition,' it's an internal factor that makes results fade faster.

Other Hidden but Powerful Factors

• Exfoliating products like retinol, glycolic acid, or AHAs used near the brows
• Tanning or sun exposure, even incidental (driving, walks, etc.)
• Chemical peels or facials
• Oily skin or overactive sebaceous glands
• Strong lymphatic drainage or fast cellular turnover
• Stress (which increases cortisol and inflammation)

EVEN MORE Hidden Medical Conditions That Affect Pigment Retention

1. Neuroinflammatory Conditions (Like Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

  • These often come with heightened immune responses and delayed healing.

  • The nervous and immune systems are linked — dysregulation can impact pigment retention.

2. Histamine Intolerance / Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

  • May cause unexplained rashes or skin reactions.

  • Leads to chronic inflammation that disrupts healing and pigment bonding.

3. Poor Peripheral Circulation

  • Cold hands/feet or poor blood flow = less oxygen and slower healing in brow area.

  • May be caused by anemia, stress, or Raynaud’s.

4. Electrolyte Imbalances

  • Low sodium or potassium = dehydrated cells and poor pigment settling.

5. MTHFR Gene Mutation

  • Affects how the body detoxes and heals.

  • Can lead to inflammation, poor healing, and pigment loss.

6. Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation

  • Even without diagnosis, inflammation from diet, sleep, or stress can affect retention.

7. Hormonal Birth Control (Long-Term Use)

  • Changes skin thickness, oil production, and healing response.

8. Frequent Sauna or Hot Yoga

  • Excessive sweating can continue to push pigment out — even after healing.

9. ADHD Medications or Stimulants

  • May constrict blood vessels and slow healing due to cortisol elevation.

10. Recent Vaccines or Illnesses

  • Immune system still in recovery may interfere with healing and pigment retention.

Other Unknown but Powerful Factors

  • Retinol or chemical exfoliants near the brows

  • Tanning, facials, and excessive sun exposure

  • Strong lymphatic drainage or rapid skin turnover

Tips to Improve Microblading, NANO, POWDER BROW Results

  • Disclose health history (thyroid, medications, hormones) to your artist.

  • Ask about combo brows or other long-lasting methods if you’ve had fading issues before.

  • Stick to aftercare, avoid over-cleansing, and limit sun exposure post-treatment.

Ready to Book or Want a Consultation?

Worried your brows won’t hold pigment? I offer personalized consultations to help choose the best method based on your skin, health, and goals. Please reach out at (215)8507027.

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