Microblading is the hottest new beauty trend that’s taking the internet by storm. It is a semi-permanent procedure that uses pigment and needles to create full and natural looking eyebrows.

If you have sparse or patch eyebrows, microblading might be good for you, but there are a lot of factors to consider before making a decision.

Follow along as we dissect everything you need to know about microblading, so you can determine if it is right for you.

What is Microblading?

Before we jump in, we should first explain what microblading is.

Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that uses very fine needles in the shape of a blade to deposit pigment into the skin. An esthetician or semi-permanent makeup artist uses the blade to hand draw hairs into the skin.

The concept is similar to tattooing, but unlike a traditional tattoo, it uses a manual tool and smaller amounts of pigment.

The goal of microblading is to simulate natural eyebrow hairs that blend in with existing hairs. This process adds color, shape, and fullness to the brow while still looking natural. The procedure is ideal for those with patchy or thin eyebrows to create the illusion of a fuller brow.

Having flawless eyebrows may sound like a dream come true, but many people are hesitant about the procedure due to cost, risks, and permanence. It’s time to break down those factors so you have a better understanding of what the process looks like.

How Much Does Microblading Cost?

In 2022, the average microblading cost is about $600, but the cost ranges widely based on several factors.

Where you live, experience and popularity of the artist, materials used, and local competition can all influence the price. Depending on these factors, microblading can cost anywhere from $250 up to $2,000. 

The equipment used during the procedure and certification process for the artists also factors into the cost. You will also have to consider tax and tips into the equation.

It is also important to consider future costs, since touch ups will be necessary. These touch ups are not as expensive as the initial microblading procedure but can still cost $250 to $500.

How Long Does it take to Heal?

After microblading, your skin should heal in about 25-30 days.

In the first 10-14 days after treatment, your eyebrows will vary in appearance. Expect the color, definition, and texture to change almost daily. Your skin might also feel tender and tight. Those sensations will then turn into itchiness. During this time, it’s normal for the skin to flake and peel as it heals.

After the procedure, the artist should provide aftercare instructions to follow to ensure proper healing. These steps could include:

• Wearing sunscreen to prevent the ink from fading.
• Avoiding wetting the eyebrows for 7-10 days.
• Avoiding makeup on the brow area.
• Using a gentle cleanser over the eyebrows to keep the skin clean.
• Avoiding facial scrubs, peels, or other abrasive treatments for one month after the procedure.

What Risks are Involved?

Since the treatment requires breaking the skin, there are some complications to consider.

• Infection: If the tools and other equipment are not sterilized, there can be a serious risk for transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and bacterial infections. It is crucial that all tools used are sterilized.
• Allergic reaction: It is rare, but still possible, that you may have an allergic reaction to the pigments. If you have known allergies, it is important to ask the artist what pigments they are using and if they have any known allergens.
• Dissatisfying results: The results of microblading are semi-permanent. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you cannot remove the pigment, and it is difficult to cover up. Make sure that the artist you work with has been properly trained.

If you take the necessary precautions in selecting a microblading artist, then these risks will be minimized. When done correctly, the risks of cosmetic tattoos are the same as other tattoos.

What is the Process Like?

Microblading is a rather simple procedure that usually takes place at a spa or salon. The procedure is performed by a semi-permanent makeup artist or licensed esthetician. In most cases, they have received professional training to develop this skill.

How long does it take?

Since the artist is drawing each individual hair, microblading can take two to four hours. The result will last for several years, so it is important that they take their time and are attentive to detail.

Much of the appointment is dedicated to drawing out the eyebrows to make sure they are the perfect shape and symmetrical. The actual microblading process usually takes two hours.

When getting microblading for the first time, it is possible that you will need multiple appointments. These additional appointments help ensure there are no remaining patches that need filling.

Does it hurt?

Microblading involves very minimal pain and is tolerable for most people. Before the procedure, the microblading artist will most likely apply a topical numbing ointment to the brow area.

In some cases, a local anesthesia might be available depending on where you receive the treatment.

During the procedure, you might feel a slight scraping sensation.

What is the Maintenance like?

It is normal for the semi-permanent ink to fade over time, so regular touch up sessions are necessary. Though these touch up sessions might seem like an inconvenience, keep in mind that microblading makes daily life easier by giving you polished eyebrows without the need for makeup.

How long do the results last?

With annual touch ups, microbladed eyebrows can last between 1-3 years. The longevity of the results depend heavily on your maintenance and your skin type.

Like body tattoos, you can protect microbladed eyebrows from fading by applying sunscreen on the microbladed area.

Skin type can also influence longevity. Microblading works best for people with normal skin rather than oily. People with oily skin can still get microblading, but the pigment fades quicker on those with oily skin than on those with normal to dry skin.

How often do you have to get touch ups?

Some people may require a touch-up to finalize the brows 1-2 months after the initial procedure.

Most artists recommend getting touch ups every 12-18 months, depending on how much the pigment has faded.

Does Microblading Ruin your Real Eyebrows?

In short, no. The process does not affect the way the natural hair grows. Microblading simply gives the appearance of fuller brows without interfering with the actual hairs.

Are there Alternatives to Microblading?

Yes, there are several alternatives to microblading, though none of them will produce exactly the same result.

• Brow Lamination: Brow Lamination is a needle-free alternative that has less permanent results. It smooths and lifts existing eyebrow hairs to create a fuller look.
• Henna: Henna is an alternative that uses dye on the surface of the skin rather than underneath the skin. It acts as a temporary tattoo or dye that tints existing hairs and darkens the skin around the hairs but only lasts for a few weeks.
• Microshading: Microshading uses a needle to add pigment to the skin, but rather than creating hair strokes like microblading, microshading uses needle-like dots.

What are the Benefits?

There are definite risks involved in microblading, but there are also benefits. Here are just a few:

• Full eyebrows with minimal effort: With microblading, you can wake up in the morning with perfect eyebrows.
• Less time and money spent on makeup: Microblading gives you perfect brows without the need to apply makeup. No more spending money on brow pencils or wasting time filling in your eyebrows every morning.
• Longevity: Though touch ups are necessary to preserve the pigment, a yearly touch up is a small time commitment in comparison to the daily maintenance needed with brow pencils.

In the end, whether or not microblading is worth it depends on your needs, skin type, and lifestyle. Microblading is worth considering for people with sparse brows looking for a long lasting way to create a fuller, natural, look. For others who may already have full brows or who don’t want to invest the time and money into the process, microblading might not be the best fit.

The decision to get microblading should be taken seriously. It is a semi-permanent procedure that can provide a lot of benefits, but also have certain risks. Whether or not microblading is worth it depends on each individual and the information in this article can help inform your decision.