Had Your Brows Tattooed Before? Read This First
I'm asked every week whether I can refresh or fix brows that have been tattooed before. Sometimes I can. Often, the kindest and safest thing I can do is say "not yet."
This page explains why, what your options are, and how to find out what your brows need.
✦ Can You Tattoo Over My Old Brows?
It depends on how much pigment is already in your skin.
Your skin can only hold so much pigment before it becomes saturated. Once that happens, adding more doesn't work. The new pigment can migrate and lose its shape, or simply fall away as it heals, and your brows can end up looking blocky and too dark.
If there's too much pigment there already, some of it needs to be removed first. This makes room for new pigment and keeps your brows looking soft and natural.
✦ Signs You May Need Removal First
Your brows look too dark, heavy or blocky
They've turned grey, blue or green
There's a red, orange or salmon tone left behind
You can see scarring or uneven texture
They've been tattooed more than once
Your original tattoo is more than 5 years old
✦ What Happens to Brow Pigment Over Time
When brows are tattooed, the pigment is placed just beneath the surface of the skin. As it heals, new skin grows over the top, which softens the look.
Over time the pigment settles deeper and begins to separate. The reds and yellows fade (our WA sun speeds this up), while the darker pigments stay near the top. That's why older brows often look grey or blue.
✦ Your Removal Options
Pico Laser Removal
Best for: tattoos more than 5 years old, especially dark or carbon-based pigment
How it works: the laser breaks the pigment into tiny particles your body clears away
Sessions: several may be needed, at least 6 weeks apart
Where: a laser removal specialist (see below)
Saline Removal (with me)
Best for: brows tattooed within the last 2 years, especially with a red residue
How it works: a saline solution works with your body to form a scab that lifts the pigment out as it heals
Sessions: several may be needed, at least 6 weeks apart
Where: here at Sueperb
✦ Pico Laser Removal: What to Look For
I don't offer laser removal and I don't refer to a specific clinic, but here's what I recommend looking for:
Someone who specialises in Pico laser tattoo removal
3 or more years of experience
Properly trained, and licensed to operate a cosmetic laser in WA (it's worth asking)
Recent, positive reviews
✦ Saline Removal at Sueperb
I trained in Saline Tattoo Removal in 2021. Saline removal works with your body: it creates a scab that lifts the unwanted pigment away as your skin heals.
It's most suitable if your brows were tattooed within the last 2 years, particularly if there's a red residue. Sessions are at least 6 weeks apart, and numbing cream is used throughout.
Learn more about Saline Removal →
✦ Skin Needling to Help Your Skin Heal
If there's scarring from previous tattoos, or your skin has been through laser removal, I recommend skin needling (micro needling) to help it heal before new brows. I offer this here at Sueperb.
Learn more about Skin Needling →
✦ What the Journey Looks Like
Assessment. Send me a photo or book a $40 in-salon consultation.
Removal. Laser or saline, with at least 6 weeks between sessions.
Skin needling, if there's scarring.
New brows, once your skin has healed and is ready.
This can take several months. It's worth it: healthy skin holds pigment better and gives you softer, more natural results.
✦ Find Out What Your Brows Need
Option 1: In-salon consultation, $40
I'll assess your brows in person and talk you through your options.
Prefer a chat first? I also offer a free 15-minute phone consultation, bookable through the same link.
Option 2: Text me a photo
Text a photo of your brows to 0481 089 766. So I can assess them properly, please make sure:
No makeup on your brows
No tint
Taken nice and close
Good natural light, with both brows showing
✦ Already Booked In?
If I assess your brows and they aren't suitable for tattooing yet, I'll need to cancel your brow appointment and talk you through your options. That's why I always recommend sending me a photo before you book.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
Can't you just go darker over the top?
Unfortunately not. If your skin is already saturated, new pigment won't hold properly and can blur or fall away.
Will removal take my old tattoo away completely?
It depends on how much pigment is there, how long it's been in your skin and what type of pigment was used. To refresh your brows, I only need to remove enough to make room for new colour. Full removal takes more sessions.
Does saline removal hurt?
Numbing cream is used before and throughout the treatment.
Can I wear makeup between sessions?
Please avoid makeup on your brows and forehead until the flakes have fallen away and any redness has settled, usually 5 to 7 days.
How much does it cost?
Saline removal is priced once I've assessed your brows, as it depends on how much pigment needs to come out. Skin needling is $189 per session, and an in-salon consultation is $40. Text me on 0481 089 766 and I'll talk you through it.
Every client's skin is different and results vary. An assessment is needed before any treatment.