As more people turn to permanent makeup solutions such as micro-blading and eyebrow tattooing, another trend is emerging: clients seeking to undo poorly done cosmetic jobs.
"Removing and correcting tattooed eyebrows is one of our most common services,” says Elijah Kuraru, owner of Face of Queens. “Micro-blading and micro-shading have become extremely popular, but many practitioners lack the proper skill and technique.”
The most common complaints, he says, include uneven brows, incorrect colour, and, in some cases, extensive scarring (keloids).
"Sometimes, one eyebrow is higher or longer than the other, or the arch is not shaped properly,” he says.
“Other times, the colour doesn't align with what the client wanted. Most people prefer brown eyebrows, but micro-blading pigments are expensive, so some practitioners use cheaper tattoo pigments, which are unsuitable for shading eyebrows.”
While some cases only require a cover-up, others necessitate complete removal before proper shading can be performed.
Although other methods exist, Dr Pranav Pancholi, a cosmetic laser surgeon at the Avaneé Cosmetic Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Clinic, says that laser treatment is the safest way to remove an eyebrow tattoo.
Elijah Kuraru, owner of Face of Queens in Nairobi, demonstrates the laser eyebrow removal process on March 9, 2026.
Photo credit: Pool
“There are methods like chemical peeling, but I do not recommend them,” he says. “The side effects are too adverse.”
“This wavelength is attracted to the colour pigments in the skin, which leads to the breakdown of these pigments,” describes Dr Pancholi. “You can think of it as a rock being broken down into pebbles, and then further into sand.”
However, this process does not happen in a single session. On average, it takes six to eight sessions to fully break down the ink particles. As they become smaller, the particles are eventually absorbed and naturally flushed out by the body.
“The number of sessions an individual needs depends on the type of ink used, how deep the pigments were placed in the skin, and the person’s natural immune response,” he says. “If the response is strong, the process may take less time.”
According to Elijah, the process can be painful, which is why a numbing cream is usually applied beforehand. Even so, clients may still feel a sharp sensation during the treatment.
While recovery typically takes four to seven days, clients must wait several weeks between sessions. This gives the body time to absorb and eliminate the broken-down pigment particles before targeting another layer. Post-treatment creams are also prescribed to aid healing.
"We advise clients to stay out of direct sunlight for a while, keep the brows moisturised, and avoid scrubbing the area too harshly when cleaning it,” says Elijah.
Laser removal can cause temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, as well as pain, redness, blistering and swelling. However, these effects are usually manageable under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Other potential risks include burns, hair loss, and, in rare cases, damage to the eyes.
"A laser gun is not a toy,” warns Dr Pancholi. "When handled by someone who is not an expert and doesn’t know how to treat African skin, it can cause many problems. If the laser beam hits the eye, it could even cause blindness.”
To minimise this risk, practitioners wear protective eyewear during the procedure. However, Dr Pancholi warns that poorly made or untested equipment may not offer adequate protection.
The removal process typically does not affect natural eyebrow growth, and the hair usually grows back once the procedure is complete.
However, not everyone is an immediate candidate for the treatment. Dr Pancholi says that people with certain medical conditions, such as herpes or active skin diseases, may need to be treated for these conditions before undergoing laser removal.
The cost of each laser removal session at Face of Queens depends on the severity of the condition, ranging from Sh6,000 to Sh10,000. At the Avane clinic, sessions start from Sh20,000.
Both experts emphasise the importance of doing proper research before getting an eyebrow tattoo or seeking to remove one, as the skill of the practitioner and even the type of laser used can significantly affect the outcome.
