Eyebrow tattoo removal uses a laser to break cosmetic brow pigment into tiny fragments that the body then clears over the following weeks. At ZARA, 304 Edgware Road, we treat microblading and powder brows that have faded to an odd colour, settled into the wrong shape or simply no longer suit you. Some clients want the pigment gone so their natural brows can show again, while others want it lightened so a new artist can start afresh.
Brow treatment always begins with a consultation and usually a small test area, because some cosmetic inks can darken under laser. Protective eye shields go on before any laser is used. Sessions are spaced six to eight weeks apart, and while older, faded brow work can sometimes clear in fewer sessions than a body tattoo, complete removal cannot be promised.
Eyebrow tattoo removal is priced at consultation, based on the area, the colours and the likely number of sessions.
Why do microblading and powder brows change colour?
Cosmetic brow pigment is a blend of colours, and as it breaks down in the skin those colours fade at different speeds. A brown that looked natural on the day can drift to grey, blue, orange or pink over the years. Sun exposure, exfoliating skincare and the skin's own turnover all play a part, and strokes or shading can blur so the shape looks heavier than intended.
Brow fashions move on too. A shape chosen years ago may no longer suit your face, and an artist may need old pigment lightened before they can create something new over the top.
Which brow colours fade well, and which need caution?
The colours in the pigment matter as much as how old the tattoo is.
- Darker, cooler tones, such as the grey or blue-grey that older brows often turn, tend to respond more readily.
- Warm shades such as red, orange and pink are less predictable in brow pigment, and some can darken, so we test a small area first.
- Pigments containing white, flesh tones or some reds can darken when the laser hits them, sometimes turning grey or black.
Cosmetic pigments are often mixed with lighter ingredients to soften the colour, so we usually treat a small test area first and review it before moving on to the whole brow. If you know which pigment your artist used, bring the details with you.
How are your eyes protected during brow laser?
Working this close to the eyes calls for extra care. Protective shields cover the eyes before the laser is switched on, and they stay in place throughout. Your natural brow hairs are assessed before treatment, and you can raise any questions about them at that point.
Each pulse feels like a sharp snap, a little like an elastic band flicked against the skin, and sessions on a small area are often only a few minutes long. The skin is cooled afterwards. If cosmetic tattoo elsewhere on the face, such as lip liner, also bothers you, we will assess separately whether laser is appropriate there at all.
Full removal, or lightening for a redo?
You do not have to remove every trace of pigment. If you plan to have your brows redone, a shorter course to lighten the old work is often enough, and it gives your new artist more freedom with shape and colour. Ask them how light they need the area before you start, and we will plan around that.
If you want the pigment gone completely, expect a longer course. Some brows keep a faint shadow or a slight change in skin tone even after many sessions. We review the fading at each visit and will tell you when further sessions are no longer making a worthwhile difference.
How many sessions does eyebrow tattoo removal take?
Older, faded brow work can sometimes clear in fewer sessions than a body tattoo, while dense or colourful pigment takes longer. Sessions are spaced six to eight weeks apart, sometimes more, because the body needs that time to carry away the broken ink and the skin needs to heal. Shortening the gap does not make the brows fade quicker and can leave the skin irritated.
We cannot give a fixed number before seeing your brows and how the test area responds, but you will receive a per-session price and an honest estimate of the course at consultation.
What happens to the skin after treatment?
Straight after each pass, the skin often goes white. This frosting usually fades within about half an hour. Over the next few days, redness, swelling, blistering and scabbing are common and part of normal healing. Keep the brows clean and dry, follow the dressing advice you are given, and do not pick scabs or burst blisters.
Until the skin has fully healed, stay out of pools, saunas, steam rooms and hot baths, and keep a high-factor SPF on your brows throughout the course. The skin itself can turn temporarily lighter or darker, which happens more often in darker skin tones and tends to fade over a number of months. Infection, lasting texture change and scarring are less common. Seek medical advice if the area becomes hot, more painful or produces pus.
Who should wait before having brow pigment removed?
Laser is not suitable at the moment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a cold sore, infection, open wound or active skin condition on or near the brows, have a recent tan, sunbed use or fake tan on the area, take medication that makes your skin sensitive to light, or have a history of keloid or raised scarring. If there is a mole or a changing mark within the brow area, have it checked by your GP or a dermatologist before any laser is used.
Close to Paddington, Marylebone and Bayswater
With sessions weeks apart, getting here easily matters. You will find us at 304 Edgware Road in W2, a short 50 metres from the Bakerloo line entrance. Marylebone station is about a nine-minute walk, Paddington station roughly 11 minutes on foot and Bayswater two stops on the Circle or District line. Opening hours are 10:30am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday, and 1pm to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
Book a free brow consultation through the booking form, on WhatsApp at 07479 973309 or by phone on 020 4619 8781.
Eyebrow tattoo removal: your questions answered
Does laser work on microblading as well as powder brows?
Often, yes. Both are cosmetic pigment placed in the skin, and laser can lighten or clear either. Because some brow inks darken under laser, a test area comes first.
My brows have turned orange or pink. Can that be treated?
Warm tones often fade over a course of sessions. We still treat a small test area first, as some warm pigments contain ingredients that can darken.
Can my brows be redone after laser?
Yes, once the skin has fully healed. Lightening old pigment first gives a new artist a cleaner base. Ask them how light they need the area before you begin your course.
How long is the gap between sessions?
Six to eight weeks is usual, and a longer gap is sometimes advised. Treating sooner adds to the risk of irritation without fading the pigment any faster.
Is laser near the eyes a concern?
Treatment near the eyes needs extra care, which is why protective shields are placed before the laser is used and stay on throughout. We go through the possible side effects at consultation before anything is done.
How much does eyebrow tattoo removal cost?
It is priced at consultation. The cost depends on the area, the colours involved and how many sessions the brows are likely to need, and you get a per-session price before treatment starts.
Can laser affect my natural brow hairs?
It can. Laser aimed at brow pigment can sometimes lighten or thin the natural hairs in the treated area. We look at your brow hairs at consultation, explain this risk and plan the settings around it before any laser is used.
