Unhappy with Your Brow Tattoo? Here’s What You Can Do
It’s normal to feel a little cautious if you’ve had a brow tattoo in the past that didn’t turn out as you expected. Maybe the colour faded unevenly, the shape wasn’t quite right, or it now feels too thick, thin, or simply doesn’t suit your face. Many of my clients come to me for exactly this reason, and the good news is, there are options.
Common Issues with Previous Brow Tattoos
Older tattoos can change over time due to natural fading, sun exposure, or the way your skin heals. Some of the most frequent concerns I see include:
Colour changes: Brows may fade unevenly or darken in patches
Uneven shapes: Sometimes one brow heals slightly differently from the other
Thickness or style issues: The tattoo may feel too bold, too thin, or outdated
Even if the initial tattoo looked good, these changes are common, particularly for women over 50, as skin texture, elasticity, and healing patterns evolve.
Why Brow Tattoos Can Go “Wrong”
Several factors can influence how a brow tattoo heals:
Skin type & health: Oily skin can lighten pigment faster; dry or sensitive skin may hold colour longer. Conditions like thyroid issues or certain medications can also affect how pigment develops.
Technique & experience: New or inexperienced technicians may apply pigment too deeply or lightly, or press unevenly.
Aftercare: Not following aftercare instructions can impact colour retention and healing.
Understanding these factors helps explain why one person’s tattoo may look perfect while another’s fades, darkens, or shifts in shape.
Options for Fixing Previous Brow Tattoos
The right solution depends on your individual tattoo and your goals:
Tattoo over faded or too-light brows: Often, a gentle touch-up or refresh is enough to restore colour and shape.
Partial laser/lightening: If the tattoo is too dark or thick, you can sometimes lighten it just enough to safely tattoo over it, avoiding the need for complete removal.
Full laser removal: Reserved for tattoos that cannot be corrected safely with touch-ups or partial lightening.
Saline removal: This method involves applying a saline solution to the brow, which draws some of the pigment out of the skin over multiple sessions. While it’s often advertised as a cheaper alternative to laser, the results can be unpredictable. Saline may not fully remove the pigment, and it can sometimes leave your skin slightly irritated or uneven. Because of this, it’s rarely the most effective solution for correcting darker or thicker tattoos. I always explain the limitations upfront so clients can make informed decisions and choose the approach that’s safest and most reliable for their skin.
Every case is different. During a personalised assessment, I evaluate your brows, skin, and pigment to create a plan that’s safe, practical, and designed to leave you feeling confident.
A Safe, Honest Approach
Many women arrive feeling nervous because of a previous brow experience, either a result of changes over time or an initial tattoo that didn’t meet their expectations. It’s completely normal to feel this way. My goal is always to provide honest advice and clear options, so you know what’s possible and can make a choice that feels right for you.
Whether it’s a gentle correction, partial lightening, or a fresh start with a new design, the solution is almost always achievable. You don’t need to feel stuck with a previous tattoo. With the right plan and expertise, your brows can look natural, flattering, and age-appropriate again.
If you’re unsure which option would best suit your brows, I’d be happy to guide you. Book a phone consult with me to discuss your options and find the solution that’s right for you — no pressure, just honest advice for beautiful, confident brows.