Your Ultimate Guide to Microblading

Ashley Lauretta
·7 min read

Here's everything you've ever wanted to know about this popular procedure.

Now that full eyebrows are having a moment, those of us who endlessly plucked our brows throughout the '90s and early 2000s are likely regretting it. Luckily, there's a solution to those sparse brows: Microblading. A form of tattooing, microblading is a semi-permanent way to create the appearance of fuller, thicker eyebrows.

Before Googling where to get microblading done near you and making an appointment, it's important to get a few basics of the procedure down so you can make a smart, informed decision about whether or not it's right for you. So, what is microblading, what is microblading eyebrows, how long do the effects of microblading procedures last, and how much does microblading cost? Parade.com talked with a handful of microblading experts to learn more about the brow trend that doesn't appear to be going anywhere. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is Microblading? 

As mentioned, microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattooing. Other than the fact that the effects of microblading fade within one to two years, the main difference between microblading and tattooing is the tools used in the procedure. “We use a tool topped with tiny blades to make micro incisions in your brows which we then fill with semi-permanent pigment,” explains Maribel Habib Groth, owner and microblading technician at Microblading by Maribel SD, based in San Diego, California.

Although there are clear differences between tattooing and microblading, most states—Florida is one example—require microblading studios to have a tattoo license in order to meet regulations.

Related: Drugstore Finds for Amazing Brows

What Is Microblading Eyebrows? And Does Microblading Hurt?

While microblading can be done to fill in receding hairlines or the crown of the head, eyebrows are by far the most popular place to get the procedure done. If you've ever had a tattoo done on another body part, microblading probably sounds painful to you. While it isn't completely painless, it's not nearly as painful as a permanent tattoo. In fact, Habib Groth says that clients with a high pain tolerance will sometimes even fall asleep during the procedure.

It's worth noting that getting your eyebrows microbladed is a time-consuming process—you can expect it to take between two-and-a-half and three hours, followed by a touch-up appointment four to six weeks later that will last between one-and-a-half to two hours. There's no prep work needed ahead of microblading—artists discourage extra tweezing before your appointment.

“The more natural hair they have the better I can assess what shape is flattering to their bone structure," says Melissa Byrne, owner and founder of ARCHES Salon, an eyebrow microblading studio in Sonoma, California. "Additionally, I ask them to wear the makeup they normally would so I can get a sense of their individual style. The only other prep I ask them to do is no coffee or alcohol 24 hours prior to their appointment."

Related: How to Get Gorgeous Eyebrows

How Does Microblading Work?

When you arrive for your initial appointment, the artist will look at your brows and determine both the shape and pigment shade with you (the shape will be sketched on your brow so you can approve of it before they get started). In order to achieve a natural look, Ana Morris, owner and founder of Reshape Microblading Studio based in Austin, Texas, reassures that artists follow the flow of your existing hair pattern (or create a natural-looking hair stroke pattern if you have minimal to no hair). Topical lidocaine is applied for your comfort and that sets for 30 minutes before they actually start the process.

“Using a handheld tool, the blade—made up of many tiny needles—is dipped into the selected color and strokes are created on the skin to mimic hair,” illustrates Morris. “The stroke scratches at the skin, implanting the pigment just below the surface of the skin.” Once healed, you return for your touch-up a few weeks later to do just that: touch up any strokes or add any definition.

This scabbing will vary based on your skin type, which is why you won’t get your touch-up for four to six weeks. Once healed, and once your touch-up is complete, Habib Groth urges the application of sunscreen so the pigment lasts as long as possible.

Results can vary based on your skin type. Oily skin will hold the pigment differently than dry skin, for example, and microblading is discouraged in some specific cases. “Some clients with certain medical conditions, such as being pregnant, nursing, diabetic (unless under control), anemia, undergoing chemotherapy, receiving treatment for viral infections and/or diseases, or someone who has had an organ transplant, are not recommended to get this procedure done for their own health,” says Habib Groth.

How to Find the Best Microblading Artist

While there are tons of places to get microblading done, Alex Thiersch, founder and director of the American Med Spa Association, recommends doing a good amount of research before committing.

"The biggest thing is to find a provider who is trained and qualified, but also certified," he explains. "Most states require microblading artists to be tattoo artists or to have a license in semi-permanent makeup, which is basically tattooing of the face. It’s important to check someone’s license to make sure that they are in fact licensed to do it."

Once you've confirmed that the provider you're looking into is trained and certified, read reviews and make sure previous customers have been happy with their work. While discount sites like Groupon.com can be great, Thiersch advises against going there for your microblading needs: "In that case, you’re going to get people who aren’t as experienced."

Related: Brows that Wow: 10 Product for Perfect Arches

How Much Does Microblading Cost?

Microblading isn't an inexpensive procedure. You can expect to pay anywhere between $200-$1000, and again, microblading is a "you get what you pay for" situation—meaning the quality will likely go down if you opt for a microblading artist who charges less. If you choose to keep up with microblading, this is the amount you'll pay every one to two years.

How Long Does Microblading Last?

You can expect your microblading procedure to last one to two years after your touch-up. During that time, you may want to tweeze or wax your eyebrows a bit, but the maintenance should be minimal. “Yearly touch-ups are encouraged,
says Byrne. "If for some reason the client does not want a yearly touch-up, the microblading will fade and become undetectable.”

What's the Difference Between Microblading and Tattooing Eyebrows?

Although eyebrow tattoos and microblading can create a similar look, they're not the same thing. Brow tattooing is a lot like regular tattooing, in the sense that it will be more painful and it's permanent—you can expect a brow tattoo to last a lifetime. While brow tattooing can help with creating thickness and is a one-and-done deal, it tends to look less natural than microblading. Plus, if you're more risk-averse and want to create some wiggle room with your brows (you never know when thinner brows might come back in), microblading is probably a better option.

Love a no-makeup look? Check out the best celebrities without makeup pics.

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