Can you remove an old eyebrow tattoo? From regret to reset

They were fashionable once. Or they were never right: too thick, too dark, too high, or done somewhere you would rather not remember. Now the colour has drifted to grey, blue, red or orange, and make-up only half hides it.

You are not stuck with them. Here is what is possible, honestly.

Why do old brow tattoos change colour?

It is very common. Pigment in the skin fades over the years, and it does not always fade evenly, so the shade you see can drift a long way from the one you chose. Brows that have turned grey, blue, red or orange are one of the most common reasons women come to us for correction.

Correction or removal: which do you need?

Correction means lightening the old tattoo enough that new semi-permanent brows can be placed over it with a clean, even result. It usually takes fewer sessions, often 2 to 4.

Removal means fading the pigment as far as your skin allows, so you can go back to your natural brows. It usually takes more sessions, and some faint shadow can remain.

Most women want correction. Their brows were too dark, too warm, too thick or in the wrong place, and they want better brows, not no brows.

How does laser PMU removal work?

Short laser pulses break the pigment into smaller pieces, and your body clears them over the following weeks. That is why brows get lighter between sessions, not on the day, and why sessions are usually 6 to 8 weeks apart.

It feels like quick, hot snaps, and a brow session takes about 20 minutes. Straight after, expect redness, swelling and sometimes a little frosting or pinpoint bleeding, which settles within a day or two. Light scabbing can last about a week.

Can every colour be removed?

Dark and cool shades usually respond best. Some warm, light or skin-tone pigments can react unpredictably, which is exactly why we patch test first. The patch test, from €20, is at least 48 hours before your first session and comes off your first session if you book within 30 days. It also lets us estimate how many sessions you may need.

Can you remove old microblading?

Yes, in most cases it can be lightened in the same way. Microblading from another studio is one of the most common reasons women book with us. We do not offer microblading ourselves: our new brows are nano strokes, combo or cloud brows.

Can I get new brows afterwards?

Yes. Once the old pigment is light enough and your skin has healed, usually 6 to 8 weeks after your last removal session, you can book new semi-permanent brows. Removal and new brows under one roof means the same team plans both, so the correction is done with your new brows already in mind.

What about old lip tattoo or other tattoos?

Lip tattoo that has healed patchy, or a colour that no longer suits you, can be lightened in the same treatment. For body tattoos, see laser tattoo removal.

What is the aftercare?

• Keep the area clean and dry for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Apply the aftercare balm we give you, as instructed.
• Let any scabs fall off by themselves. Never pick.
• No make-up on the area until healed, usually about a week.
• No sun, sunbeds, saunas, swimming or hard workouts until healed, and SPF once healed.
• Brows: no tinting, waxing or threading on the area until healed.
• Lips: if you get cold sores, ask your GP or pharmacist about antiviral cover before your session.

Will it scar?

Scarring is rare when the skin is treated gently and given time to heal. Picking scabs or treating too often raises the risk, so follow your aftercare and the spacing we give you. Tell us if you form keloid or raised scars easily.

Who should wait?

Not right now if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if the area is sunburnt, tanned or has an infection or cold sore, if your PMU is still healing, or if you have taken isotretinoin in the last 6 months or take medication that makes skin sensitive to light.

See the steps, prices and healed results on our PMU correction and removal page, and book your patch test there.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person.