The touch-up session is where your artist fills in those gaps, corrects any uneven areas, and makes sure the shape and color are exactly where they should be. Think of it as part two of the same service : not an add-on, but a necessary step to complete the process.
What Is a Microblading Touch-Up?
A microblading touch-up is a follow-up appointment done after your initial microblading session. During your first appointment, tiny hair-like strokes are drawn into your skin with a hand tool and pigment. As your skin heals over the next 4–6 weeks, it's completely normal for some of that pigment to fade, lighten, or peel away unevenly. That's just how skin works.
The touch-up session is where your artist fills in those gaps, corrects any uneven areas, and makes sure the shape and color are exactly where they should be. Think of it as part two of the same service : not an add-on, but a necessary step to complete the process.
Touch-Up vs. Refresh : What's the Difference?
There are actually two types of follow-up appointments that often get confused:
• The Initial Touch-Up: Done 4–8 weeks after your first microblading session. This is considered part of the original treatment and is often included in the initial price or offered at a reduced rate.
• The Annual Refresh: Done 12–18 months after your last session to maintain the results. This is a separate service and is priced accordingly.
Both are important. The first ensures your brows heal correctly. The second keeps them looking fresh as the pigment naturally fades over time.
When Should You Get a Microblading Touch-Up?
Timing matters a lot when it comes to touch-ups. Getting one too early or waiting too long can both affect your results.

The 4–8 Week Touch-Up (Your First Touch-Up)
Your first microblading touch-up should happen 4 to 8 weeks after your initial appointment. This window gives your skin enough time to fully heal before we go back in. During this healing period, your skin goes through a natural process of scabbing, peeling, and regenerating : and some pigment gets pushed out along the way. That's completely expected.
After 4–8 weeks, your brows will look healed, but your artist will be able to see exactly where the pigment didn't retain, where strokes need to be added, and whether the color needs to be adjusted. This is when the real perfecting happens.
What happens if you skip the first touch-up? Your results will be inconsistent. The brows might have patchy spots, uneven color, or faded areas that make the whole thing look incomplete. Skipping your touch-up is one of the most common reasons people are unhappy with their microblading results : not the initial session itself.
Annual Touch-Up (Every 12–18 Months)
Even after your brows are fully healed and looking great, the pigment will gradually fade over time. That's actually one of the benefits of microblading : it's semi-permanent, so if your style or brow shape preferences change, you're not locked in forever.
Most people need an annual refresh somewhere between 12 and 18 months. Here are some signs it's time to book your yearly microblading touch-up:
• The color looks noticeably lighter or has taken on an ashy or reddish tone
• The hair strokes are starting to blur or fade together
• Your brows look sparse or uneven compared to right after the treatment
• You're filling them in with pencil or powder again more often
Factors like oily skin, frequent sun exposure, certain skincare products (like retinol or acids), and sweating can all speed up the fading process. If you're noticing your brows fading faster than expected, a touch-up may be needed sooner than 12 months.
What Happens During a Microblading Touch-Up Session?
If you've been through your initial microblading session, the touch-up will feel very familiar. Here's what to expect, step by step:

1. Brow Assessment: Your artist takes a close look at how the pigment has healed : noting any areas of patchiness, fading, or color changes.
2. Color Matching: The pigment shade is matched or slightly adjusted based on how your skin retained the color during healing.
3. Numbing: A topical numbing cream is applied to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
4. Filling In & Refining: Your artist carefully adds strokes to fill any gaps, sharpens the edges, and perfects the overall shape.
5. Pigment Application: Fresh pigment is worked into the skin to ensure good retention during the healing phase.
6. Aftercare Instructions: Your artist walks you through exactly what to do (and what to avoid) over the next 7–10 days.
The whole process usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much work needs to be done. It's typically faster than your initial session.
How Much Does a Microblading Touch-Up Cost in Lafayette?
The cost of a microblading touch-up in Lafayette can vary depending on the studio, the artist's experience level, and how much work is needed. Here's a general breakdown:
First Touch-Up (4–8 Weeks)
Many studios, including Symetrie Studio Spa, include the first touch-up as part of the initial microblading package. If it's not included, you can typically expect to pay somewhere between $50 and $150 for this appointment. Always ask about touch-up pricing before your first session so you know what to expect.
Annual Refresh (12–18 Months)
A yearly refresh is a separate service priced typically between $150 and $350. Prices vary based on the studio and the extent of the work needed.
What Affects the Price?
• Artist's experience and certifications: More experienced artists typically charge more : and for good reason.
• Your skin type: Oily or sensitive skin may require more detailed work during touch-up.
• Time since your last session: If it's been longer than 18 months, more extensive work may be needed.
• Pigment and materials used: High-quality pigments that are safer for your skin often cost more.
Microblading Touch-Up Aftercare : What to Do and What to Avoid
Aftercare after a touch-up is just as important as after your first session. Your skin needs time to heal properly for the pigment to settle in correctly. Follow these guidelines to get the best results.
The First 7–10 Days After Your Touch-Up
Do's:
• Keep your brows dry : avoid getting them wet when washing your face or showering
• Apply a thin layer of the healing balm recommended by your artist
• Sleep on a clean pillowcase to prevent bacteria from affecting the healing area
• Let any scabbing or flaking happen naturally : don't rush it
Don'ts:
• Don't go swimming, use a sauna, or do intense workouts that cause heavy sweating
• Don't pick or peel any scabs : this can pull out pigment and cause scarring
• Don't apply makeup directly on the brow area
• Don't expose your brows to direct sunlight or UV rays

Long-Term Aftercare Tips
Once your brows are fully healed, there are a few habits that will help your microblading last longer between touch-ups:
• Always use SPF: Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of fast fading. Apply sunscreen to your brow area daily.
• Avoid retinol near the brows: Retinol and other exfoliating skincare products speed up cell turnover, which causes pigment to fade faster.
• Moisturize properly: Well-hydrated skin holds pigment better than dry skin.
• Avoid oil-based cleansers on the brow area: These can break down the pigment over time.
How Many Touch-Ups Will You Need in Total?
Most people follow this general schedule:
• Year 1: Initial microblading session + one touch-up at 4–8 weeks
• Year 2 and beyond: One annual refresh every 12–18 months to maintain the look
After several years of regular touch-ups, the pigment may have built up enough that your brows still look decent even without a recent appointment. However, some clients eventually choose to let it fade completely and start fresh : especially if brow trends or their preferences have changed.
If you've waited more than 2–3 years since your last microblading session, a full redo may be recommended rather than just a touch-up. Your artist at Symetrie Studio Spa in Lafayette will assess your brows and let you know the best course of action.
Is a Microblading Touch-Up Safe?
Yes : when done by a certified, trained professional, microblading touch-ups are safe and low-risk. The key is making sure you wait the full healing period (at least 4 weeks) between sessions so your skin has time to recover before being worked on again.
That said, there are a few situations where you should hold off on a touch-up:
• If you have active skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or a rash near the brow area
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you're currently on blood thinners or certain medications : always check with your doctor first
• If you've recently had significant sun damage or a chemical peel near the brow area
At Symetrie Studio Spa, we take a thorough approach to client consultations to make sure each person is a good candidate before proceeding with any eyebrow treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microblading Touch-Ups
How long after microblading can I get a touch-up?
You should wait at least 4 weeks before your first touch-up. This gives your skin enough time to fully heal. Going in too early can disrupt the healing process and lead to poor pigment retention.
Can I skip the first touch-up?
Technically yes, but we wouldn't recommend it. Skipping the first touch-up often leads to uneven, patchy results. The initial session and the follow-up touch-up work together to create full, natural-looking brows. Think of them as a two-part process.
Why is my microblading fading so fast?
Fast fading can be caused by several factors: oily skin type, heavy sun exposure, using exfoliating skincare products near your brows, swimming frequently, or not following aftercare instructions properly. If you notice your brows fading faster than expected, it may simply mean you need a touch-up sooner than the average 12-month window.
Does a microblading touch-up hurt?
Most clients find the touch-up more comfortable than their initial session, partly because they know what to expect and partly because a topical numbing cream is applied before the procedure. You may feel light scratching or pressure, but it's very manageable.
What if I wait too long for a touch-up?
If it's been more than 18–24 months, the pigment may have faded significantly. In this case, your artist will assess whether a standard touch-up is enough or whether a more complete session is needed. The longer you wait, the more work is typically required to restore the look.
How do I know if my artist needs to correct the color?
If your brow color has shifted to a grayish, reddish, or orange tone, that's a sign the pigment is aging and may need to be corrected. A good artist will recognize these color changes and adjust the pigment blend during your touch-up to bring your brows back to a natural shade.
Book Your Touch-Up at Symetrie Studio Spa in Lafayette
At Symetrie Studio Spa in Lafayette, our certified artists are dedicated to delivering brows that look natural, beautiful, and long-lasting. From your first microblading appointment to every touch-up and refresh after that, we're with you every step of the way.
As part of our comprehensive permanent makeup services in Lafayette, microblading touch-ups are just one of the ways we help you look and feel your best : every day, effortlessly.