What Is Microblading + First-Hand Experience
PMUHub’s Web Designer Lucy shares her microblading story to help us answer all your questions about this hot brow enhancement.
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Microblading is a type of tattoo that recreates the look of eyebrows by drawing on additional hair strokes. A microblading artist uses a thin blade to open the skin up in thin, shallow scratches and implements cosmetic pigments into them.
The skin heals, and the marks left give the illusion of eyebrow hairs. The effect can be recreating entire eyebrow arches, or filling in sparse areas for more volume.
One of our Web Designers, Lucy, is a proud owner of microbladed eyebrows. We’re sharing her experience, along with all the useful information you need, fact-checked by our Review Board.
Original Image by PMUHub
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PROCEDURE QUICK FACTS
- HOW IT’S DONE: Microblading is done with a microblade – a tool with a configuration of pins attached to a pen-like handle – that’s dragged against the skin to make thin hair-like scratches.
- THE PAIN: Microblading can be slightly uncomfortable, but it’s not supposed to hurt.
- THE HEALING TIME: About a month, but every client is unique. The brows may look patchy, uneven, or off in color. Stay positive because microblading simply takes some time to settle.
- THE LONGEVITY: The effects are not forever – they usually last around 18 months. The strokes fade over time, but they can be refreshed.
- THE COST: In the US, the average cost is around $600.
- MORE FAQ: Click here for answers to more questions about microblading!
Click on the topics for more info, or scroll down for the whole guide.
All About the Treatment
Microblading is a form of a cosmetic tattoo, but it’s completely different from decorative body tattooing in terms of the technique, instruments, and products used. (We’ll come back to that in a minute.)
The procedure is considered non-invasive, as it only affects the outer layers of the skin, plus its effects are not forever. As Microblading and the Science Behind It by Dr Manjot Marwah, MD suggests, the results typically last only 12–18 months.
How Long Will My Microblading Last?
The lifespan of microblading entirely depends on your skin type and condition, your skincare habits, and your lifestyle. For Lucy, who has healthy, normal to dry skin and a consistent gentle skincare routine, the results continue to look great in terms of both color and shape even 12 months post-procedure.
The Tools
Microblading is done with a hand-held, pen-shaped tool that ends in a blade. It may resemble a scalpel, but it’s actually made up of tiny, thin pins placed closely together into a line. The blades come in several variations, chosen based on the desired effects and artist’s preferences.
The color used is called permanent makeup pigment – a formula similar to tattoo ink, but with a lower concentration of color particles, so that it can be easier absorbed and processed by the body.
As Dr Eleni Andreou, RDN suggests in her study Safety of Tattoos and Permanent Makeup (PMU) Colorants, microblading pigments are stable, safe, hypoallergenic, and can be mixed to match the client’s natural skin and hair color.
In addition, a special set of mapping and measuring tools is used to calculate the best eyebrow shape for each client according to their facial morphology.
Image Source: Instagram @beautelbrows
The Technique
The microblade is used to make thin incisions on the skin that look like natural brow hairs. They replicate the length, color, thickness, and shape of the actual hairs.
Original Image by PMUHub
The tip of the blade is dipped into the pigment and then dragged across the skin, making a channel that reaches down to the papillary dermis.
According to Dr Manjot Kaur Marwah, who studied the microblading technique extensively, this is the ideal depth.
This is a layer of the skin where the pigments won’t be affected by the skin’s natural shedding process (which is what allows the longevity of the marks), where the cell structure can hold it in place (allowing the strokes to keep their shape), but also where the immune system can gradually break them down (which is why the results are not permanent).
The strokes can be longer or shorter, straighter or more curved, thinner or thicker — so the pattern can be personalized and the look is totally natural. The only thing that should not be done is to connect or intersect the strokes to avoid pigment migration, as Dr Marwah warns.
Does Microblading Hurt?
If you ask Lucy, the answer is NO! She even did the first pass without any numbing and found it to be “just like eyebrow tweezing.“ Lucy got some numbing before the second pass but felt like there was no need to get it reapplied. “It was totally bearable,” she explained.
The Procedure
Before the actual treatment, the microblading technician needs to take the time to get to know the client and their needs, explain the procedure, check for contraindications, and answer any questions.
They should also do a patch test, to make sure the client isn’t allergic to any of the products that will be used.
The actual treatment consists of several steps that usually look like this:
STEP 1: You will be asked to read and sign a consent form.
STEP 2: The artist prepares the area around the brows by cleaning the skin.
STEP 3: Measuring, mapping, and outlining. The artist will show you a pre-draw to agree on what your eyebrow shape will look like after the treatment.
STEP 4: Numbing. The brow area is covered with a topical anesthetic, or numbing cream, which is left on for a certain time, usually 15 or 20 minutes (some artists skip this step).
STEP 5: Preparing the pigment.
STEP 6: The first pass of the blading process.
STEP 7: If there is any severe discomfort at this stage, more numbing may be applied.
STEP 8: The second pass. Some artists do more than two passes; it usually depends on the client’s skin.
STEP 9: Cleaning.
STEP 10: Aftercare instructions, to make sure your eyebrows heal properly. Most artists give their clients an aftercare kit with printed instructions.
The artist will take some photos to keep for reference, and you will make arrangements for the 6-8-week touch-up session.
Extra Tip for Your Consultations
Communication is important! So, don’t be afraid to be vocal about your wishes. For example, Lucy wanted to fix her brow asymmetry and fill in the sparse patches to achieve a bolder but still totally natural look. She set realistic goals together with her artist, and this is the result:
“I love my new brows! They look really natural – just the perfect brows.”
The Touch Up
Microblading is a 2-step process. The first, mandatory touch-up needs to be done when the eyebrows are completely healed, so no sooner than 4 weeks after the initial treatment (usually after 6-8 weeks).
Original Image by PMUHub
Ready to Get Microblading?
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Why Do I Need a Touch-Up?
At the first touch-up, the artist will fix all the imperfections in case your skin hasn’t taken the pigment in some spots.
For example, Lucy’s brows healed a bit uneven and patchy, so the artist added some more color, strokes, and shading where the pigment was missing. The results?
Immediately after the treatment, Lucy found her brows a bit thick and still uneven, but she trusted the process (and her artist). A month later, she witnessed a real transformation:
“My brows look really good now. I like the color, it completely matches the natural color of my brow hair. The brows look really natural and you can’t tell they were microbladed.”
In case you want to learn more about the initial touch-up, check out our Microblading Touch Up: Why Is It Necessary? page.
After the first touch-up, the results can be refreshed when they’re significantly faded. The general rule is to refresh the color once a year.
The Removal & Correction
When microblading doesn’t work out as expected, there are a few ways to fix the situation. Immediate removal is impossible, but with some time and patience, clean results can be achieved. Here are a couple of options to consider:
- Laser removal (4–6 sessions)
- Saline removal (2–6 sessions)
- Glycolic acid removal (2–6 sessions)
All of the above are frequently used to fix bad microblading, but laser removal seems to be the most popular fix.
As Elizabeth Kream, MD explains in her study, laser removal is very safe and effective. Before the treatment, a topical anesthetic is applied, so the procedure is typically painless. The treatment is successful in unmasking and eliminating unwanted colors, and it leaves no scars or burns.
If the tattoo has already faded 70% or more, it is possible to successfully cover up the old, unwanted pigments without removal. The color and the shape of the old brow tattoo can be fixed with a correction treatment, but the results can never match up to the crisp, super-defined microblading done on virgin skin.
Healing
The microblading healing process lasts for about a month and it’s an emotional experience. During this period, the brows may look patchy, uneven, or off in color. But, it’s important to stay positive because microblading simply takes some time to settle.
What Can I Expect During the Healing Process?
Every client is unique and so is their experience with the healing process. In Lucy’s case, everything went by the book, so here’s what she experienced and what you can also expect post-procedure.
DAY OF THE TREATMENT: Some excess lymph, slight redness, and mild irritation.
DAY 1: Slight tingling around the brow area. The color looks too dark and unnatural.
DAY 2: No tingling sensation. The color looks a bit lighter.
DAY 3: The color looks normal, but my brows are patchy. Some pigment is missing at the tail.
DAY 4: My brows feel itchy. The patches are more obvious. The scabing phase has started.
DAY 5: The scabs are falling off. My brows still itch from time to time.
DAY 6: My brows continue to peel. The strokes fall off in small flakes. The color looks fine.
DAY 7: More peeling.
DAY 8: The peeling is almost over. The strokes are barely visible. My brows aren’t healing at an equal pace.
DAY 10: There are only a few flakes left. My brows seem very light.
DAY 14: The healing is over. My brows look lighter than I expected.
5 WEEKS LATER: The color came back, but my brows look patchy.
Original Image by PMUHub
Aftercare
For microblading, aftercare is a must. If not handled properly, the results can be compromised and the whole look ruined. So, it’s imperative to follow the rules:
- DAY OF THE TREATMENT: A few hours after the treatment, blot the excess lymph off with a cotton pad and just a drop of sterile water. Repeat 2-3 times a day.
Lucy’s Aftercare Tip
Stay away from water or direct sunlight to avoid messing up your new microbladed babies. If you decide to cheat (like I did), make sure to protect your brow area with sunglasses or a hat. From my experience, summer is not really the best season for getting your eyebrows tattooed.
You’ll just feel anxious and guilty.
- DAYS 2–4: Wash the brows with some sterile water or an antibacterial cleanser. Repeat 2-4 times a day
- DAYS 5–10: Let the scabs fall off naturally. Wash gently, dry, and moisturize if advised.
The Artist’s Aftercare Tip
Never apply a new layer of ointment before cleaning the brows. Also, use the side of the cotton swab to apply the ointment. Don’t scratch the brow with the tip. Go back and forth over the brow, so that the ointment gets absorbed properly.
- DAYS 10–14: If the brows stop peeling, there’s no need to apply the moisturizer.
- DAY 14: Return to the regular everyday routine. It’s safe to use regular skincare & makeup.
PMUHub’s Aftercare Tip
Be careful with your skincare. Avoid the brow area when you apply exfoliators and skincare with brightening and anti-age ingredients such as retinol to protect your brows from fading too fast.
Safety
Microblading is perfectly safe when done correctly, by a trained and licensed technician.
According to Dr Marwah, the potential complications include:
- Pain and itching due to inflammation
- Infections: secondary bacterial infections, fungal infections, reactivation of herpes simplex infection or blood‐borne infections disorders
- Tattoo reactions or granulomas (rare)
- Koebnerization of active skin disease – a trauma-induced flareup of an existing skin condition in the treated area
During the healing process, the brows can feel itchy and irritated for about a week. This is a relatively common side effect and the symptoms can be mitigated with proper aftercare. Real complications emerge if you start scratching your brows – this is a big no-no.
Infections can happen due to improper sanitation during the treatment, or afterwards, if the client does not stick with the prescribed aftercare. Both scenarios can be avoided.
Allergic reactions are possible, but they are extremely rare when the treatment is done with advanced, high-quality tools and supplies. They are prevented by patch-testing beforehand.
Granulomas are a very rare complication where the pigment is perceived to be a foreign body by the immune system, and a capsule is created around it to prevent contact with tissue. They can give the skin an unattractive texture.
Additional complications include permanent skin damage in the form of scarring that can happen in cases of improper technique. Keloid scars can emerge on clients who have a history of them – which is why this is considered a contraindication.
Overall, if you go to a trained professional who follows all the safety precautions and if you follow the aftercare prescribed, there is nothing to worry about.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Certain autoimmune diseases
- Ongoing chemotherapy (it’s safe to get microblading 2 months before, or around 6 months after chemo when your system recovers, but you need a doctor’s approval)
- Bleeding disorders
- Recent Botox injections or fillers in the area (wait at least 2 weeks)
- Active viral infections or diseases
- Active skin irritations, Rosacea, or Psoriasis near the treated area
- History of keloid scarring
- Active use of Accutane (must be off for 6 months)
People with diabetes should get a doctor’s approval.
If you take blood-thinning medications, consult your doctor and see if you can pause the meds.
If you suffer from any medical condition not mentioned here, consult your GP and see if they consider microblading safe for you.
Additionally, your microblading artist may uncover more contraindications at the consults, or after inspecting your skin.
Extra Q&A
Is Microblading a Tattoo?
Microblading is a form of eyebrow tattoo, but it’s different from traditional tattooing.
First off, microblading is done with a manual tool, not a tattoo gun. There are versions of brow tattoos done with permanent makeup machines, but they are different from microblading.
Another difference is the ink that is used. Traditional tattoos use tattoo ink that stays visible forever but tends to change hue into an unattractive bluish shade. Microblading pigments (also called microblading ink) are formulated differently – the body breaks them down more easily. Therefore, microblading fades faster.
Do I Need to Shave My Brows Off for Microblading?
No.
Contrary to popular opinion, microblading artists prefer to work with your natural brow hair to create a more seamless look. The strokes go between the natural hair, and if the technique is correct, the follicles aren’t damaged.
How Much Does Microblading Cost?
It depends on your location and the artist’s skills and experience. However, here are some average costs just to get an idea:
- USA: $400–$600
- Canada: $400–$800
- UK: £200–£600
- Australia: A$400–$1000
Lucy’s Advice
Don’t go for the cheapest microblading in town. It’s usually an artist without relevant certifications or licenses, and you might regret the decision.
Is Microblading Worth It?
That’s up to you to decide. Take everything into consideration, weigh the pros and cons, and make sure to do your own research before choosing the right artist to microblade your eyebrows.
Ready to Get Microblading?
Browse our base of salons & find an artist for your treatment!
WHY TRUST THIS GUIDE
This guide is a result of 5+ years of studying and researching the permanent makeup industry. The information comes from reliable sources: a number of microblading technicians, and a wide variety of medical references, including an in-depth study into this treatment by Dr. Manjot Kaur Marwah for Indian Dermatology Online Journal. A member of our team had the procedure done to provide the client’s perspective.
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