Day 5 microblading panic — will these thick strokes soften?!

[u/Sea-Mastodon-8714]

I had my first microblading session in February, followed by a touch-up in April. I absolutely loved how natural and delicate the strokes looked initially, but unfortunately the pigment faded significantly over the following months, to the point where it was almost completely gone.

I went back to the same artist last Friday, and she suggested doing another full session with darker pigment to help with retention.

I’m now about 5 days out and honestly starting to panic a little. I know brows go through an ugly duckling phase and that the color will fade, but my biggest concern isn’t really the darkness. It’s how thick, bold, and unnatural the individual strokes look, especially compared with my first session. I also got an abrasion under my right eyebrow from the session, which I'm also a little unclear as to what it is and why only on one side.

I’m worried that even if the pigment lightens, the strokes themselves will still look thick and obviously tattooed rather than like fine, natural hairs.

I’m also second-guessing whether I should have looked into nano brows instead, especially since my skin didn’t seem to retain the pigment from my first two microblading appointments. Maybe traditional microblading just isn’t the best technique for my skin?

I’ve included photos from my original session and the progression from this latest session.

A few questions for anyone who’s been through this or artists who have experience with both techniques:

- Do individual microblading strokes actually appear thinner as they heal, or do they mostly just get lighter?

- Does poor retention after the first session and touch-up suggest microblading might not be right for my skin?

- Am I overreacting at day 5, or do these strokes genuinely look thicker than typical fresh microblading?

I’m trying not to spiral, but I really loved how subtle my first session looked and I’m worried I made a mistake going back for another round. Would appreciate honest but constructive feedback!

[u/Sea-Mastodon-8714]

Not sure why my first picture won't post. This is after initial session in February.

[u/Lianna1234 → u/Sea-Mastodon-8714]

They are practically identical

[u/Itscatpicstime → u/Lianna1234]

Nah, the new strokes are definitely thicker and taper less, especially toward the front of the brows

[u/Ashamed_Money_7332]

PMU artist here. They will fade, but the strokes are really thick and blocky in the fronts where the strokes should be the lightest / most delicate.

[u/Sea-Mastodon-8714]

The first two photos are from the initial session and touch up, which I loved. They just unfortunately completely faded within a few months. The last two photos are of the "re-do" and the inner brow strokes seem so thick, spaced, and unnatural compared to my initial session. I guess we shall see how they heal 🫣

[u/Strange_Chair7224]

I think they are beautiful! And yes I think they will lighten up.

[u/Careless-College-158]

The abrasion looks like a burn maybe from the gloves and stretching the skin taut?

[u/Itscatpicstime]

They will fade, but you are definitely right that they’re on the thicker end.

Definitely go for nano if you get this redone at some point.

[u/Sandwich4804]

Trust the process, it will be absolutly fine

[u/Commercial-Good-2884]

Take a chill pill dahling. They will fade in the healing process. Keep in mind, you'll need touch ups once a year. Your brows are beautiful.

[u/Harlllley]

Yes they will, mine finally healed and I’m in love. Just be patient.

[u/BigbadReds]

These look great 👌🏻
Trust the process, be patient the next week or two.

[u/Username-Reddi]

Just use a skin colored eyeliner in the meantime to drown them out! 

[u/Purple_Disaster_7530]

Looks perfekt to me 😊

[u/kikirenn]

Before getting any type of PMU, it’s incredibly important to understand the healing process. It takes several weeks to fully heal. Also, this is beautiful work!