Let’s talk honestly about semi-permanent makeup, laser removal, and how the beauty world has changed over the years. If you’ve got old brows you’re not loving, or you’re just curious about the process, this guide is for you—written from an artist’s perspective, but with your experience in mind.
1. Why Is Laser More Common Now in Semi-Permanent Makeup?
Semi-permanent makeup has been around for a while now—which means there are plenty of us carrying around older work that’s starting to show its age.
Earlier pigments often:
- Turn orange or flat grey
- Built up over multiple top-ups
- Left brows looking heavy, blocky or unnatural
So, it’s no wonder that laser has become such a game-changer for anyone wanting to refresh or redo their brows.
2. How Have Things Changed in the Last 10 Years?
Pigments
Then:
- Limited understanding of how pigments would age in the skin.
- Unexpected orange or grey tones.
Now:
- Pigments are designed to age more predictably.
- Formulas are more advanced and laser-friendly.
- Artists understand colour behaviour much better.
Techniques
Then
- Heavier, less refined work.
- Less long-term thinking.
Now:
- Softer, more natural results.
- Better control of depth, density and colour.
- Artists have years of extra experience and advanced training courses.
In other words: if your brows are from years ago, you’re probably overdue for an upgrade. Today’s products and techniques are so much better—and a few laser sessions can help you get from outdated to outstanding.
3. What’s the Process for Laser Removal?
Removing semi-permanent makeup is not like removing a big tattoo.
- Brow pigment sits higher in the skin.
- Usually contains less carbon black.
- So it’s generally quicker and easier to treat.
Modern lasers use different wavelengths to break down different colours.
- One to target black / white / grey.
- Another to target reds and yellows.
A typical brow session:
- Takes around 5-10 minutes of actual lasering.
- Breaks pigment into tiny particles that your body clears naturally.
- May need multiple sessions depending on age of your brows, amount of previous work and how dense the pigment is.
Every brow is unique, so a good artist will always want to see your brows in person (or at least in a clear photo) before giving you an estimate on how many sessions you’ll need.
4. Debunking Myths: Does It Hurt? Is It Dangerous?
“Laser Removal is Unbearable”
For brows, most people are surprised at how manageable it is.
- Very quick treatment time.
- Often described as snappy, not excruitiating.
- Especially tolerable in a specialist laser clinic with the right equipment.
“Laser Will Ruin My Skin”
In expert hands, modern lasers are designed to target pigment, not destroy skin:
- Technology has come a long way.
- When done by trained specialists, it’s controlled and precise,
The real risk isn’t the laser itself—it’s going somewhere that doesn’t specialise in this kind of work. Trust me, picking the right clinic makes all the difference.
“I can just keep topping up my old microblading”
Over time, microbladed strokes:
- Blur and soften.
- Lose their crisp definition.
- Turn into a hazy background in the skin.
If you just keep topping up old microblading, eventually your brows will look too solid and lose their natural look. A gentle laser session every few years is usually the secret to keeping things fresh and soft, instead of heavy and overdone.
5. What to Do If You’ve Had Previous Semi-Permanent Makeup
If your brows were done more than two years ago (and especially if they weren’t done by Laura), here’s what I recommend as your next steps:
1. Send Photos First
Before booking anything, send clear, makeup-free photos of your brows:
- Straight-on.
- Left and right sides.
This lets the artist see:
- How much pigment is left.
- Whether there’s grey residue.
- Whether there’s red in the skin.
- How dense and saturated the brows are.
2. Be Prepared for Laser
If there’s grey pigment, a laser is often the best way forward:
- Grey is hard to correct without creating something darker and heavier.
- Lifting it first means your new brows can be lighter, softer, and more natural.
If the pigment is mainly red and not too strong, it may sometimes be possible to go over it – but that’s a case-by-case decision.
3. Understand the Timing
After your last laser session, you’ll usually need to:
- Wait about 3 months before getting new semi-permanent makeup.
- Check in with photos so your artist can confirm when your skin is ready.
4. Choose a Specialist Laser Clinic
For lasers, specialists matter.
I recommends NAMMA Studios in Marylebone – they focus specifically on laser removal, use advanced technology and have experience with pigment in the skin.
You can also use the discount code “Laura 50” for £50 off at NAMMA.
Here’s the Bottom Line.
Here’s the bottom line: There’s no need to be scared of laser. It’s one of the best tools out there for letting go of old work and finally getting brows you love, using today’s gentler pigments and smarter techniques.
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