Permanent makeup eyebrows darkening over time?

Question

A doctor friend of mine told me that tattoos darken with age. I'm thinking about getting my eyebrows tattooed, but don't want dark eyebrows when my hair turns gray. Any thoughts?

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

This should not be a major problem because most every permanent eyebrow tattooing will fade over time. It still may be different than the hair on your head but will lighten over time, so if this is something you want to do, I think you will be fine.

Frank Barone, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically with permanent cosmetics, pigments are used in the skin instead of ink which leads to a
slow fading process over time so that you will not have to worry about darkening of
pigmentation over the years. The pigments that are used are not the same that are used
in a regular tattooing process.  Touch ups are sometimes necessary to
maintain the vibrancy of the pigment so you should not have any trouble with
your brows darkening as you age. A highly skilled permanent makeup artist will be able to blend color appropriately if you decide to touch up down the road to match your changing hair color.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

Permanent makeup on the face typically fades with time.  You can also ask the provider to use a lighter pigment and then have them retouched more frequently if you are worried about any darkening.

Ronald Friedman, MD · Answer

If your esthetician or nurse uses natural pigments, they will actually lighten with time.  In fact, permanent makeup is probably a misnomer.  It is actually semi-permanent makeup, as it will fade sufficiently to require touch up in about 5 to 10 years.

Theodore Katz, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

"Permanent" may be a misnomer for permanent eyebrow tattoos.  Depending on the pigment, the eyebrow tattoos tend to fade with time.  If not done correctly they can also change color.  DO NOT get BLACK tattoos for the eyebrows, they almost always turn to BLUE!  Go to an experienced medical aesthetician or someone certified in permanent eyeline/tattooing and ask to see photos or even talk with other patients.

Permanent makeup eyebrows darkening over time?

Answers (5)

Answer: Natural pigments lighten with time

Answer: Natural pigments lighten with time

Answer: Permanent Eyelbrow Tattoos

Answer: Permanent Eyelbrow Tattoos

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Everything you need to know about Permanent Makeup

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Permanent makeup eyebrows darkening over time?

Answers (5)

Answer: Natural pigments lighten with time

Answer: Natural pigments lighten with time

Answer: Permanent Eyelbrow Tattoos

Answer: Permanent Eyelbrow Tattoos

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Permanent Makeup

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.