The truth about Microblading

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a form of cosmetic tattooing. This technique uses a handheld tool with multiple fine needles to implant pigment beneath the skin, creating realistic, hair-like strokes - and that’s why so many people love it.

The result is fuller, more defined brows that can last for years. But here’s the truth: because the pigment stays in the skin, microblading is a permanent procedure, not the “semi-permanent” treatment many clients believe it to be.

Benefits of Microblading 

Microblading remains popular for a reason! Here are some of the key benefits that keep clients interested:

1. Long-Lasting with touch-ups

A perfect microblading result can last about a year. To keep brows looking fresh and defined, most clients need annual touch-ups. This makes it a longer-term option compared to daily makeup or other semi-permanent brow treatments!

2. Natural, hair-like strokes

As you can see in before-and-after photos, microblading creates fine, hair-like strokes that mimic natural brow hairs. The result is brows that look fuller, fluffier, and more balanced. If you wanna compare it to any semi-permanent treatment, it would be a Brow Lamination ↗ !

3. Waterproof & low maintenance

Unlike traditional makeup, microblading won’t smudge or wash off in water. While aftercare is still important, once healed, the brows are largely worry-free - saving time and effort in a client’s daily routine. Imagine waking up every morning ready to conquer the world without the need to spend 20 minutes in the bathroom to get your brows done!

The downsides of Microblading 

1. It's actually a permament brow treatment

Many Brow Artists present microblading as “semi-permanent,” but in reality, it’s a cosmetic tattoo. Pigment stays in the skin long-term, with some clients keeping their microbladed brows for 3 years or more. By contrast, true semi-permanent treatments like Henna Brows ↗ or Hybrid Dye ↗ fade in up to 8 weeks without cutting into the skin.

2. Higher chance of scarring

Unlike Henna or Liquid Dye, microblading requires creating tiny cuts in the skin to deposit pigment. This makes it much more invasive, with a higher risk of trauma, scarring, or uneven healing. Clients must be fully informed before making the commitment.

3. It's difficult to correct

Correcting a tattoo is one of the biggest challenges in the brow industry. While some fading can be managed with pigment correction or color layering, full removal often requires laser treatments, which are painful and not always effective.

Learn how to correct faded Microblading with Liquid Dye

Want to expand your skills as a Brow Artist? Our Mixing Course with Liquid Dye ↗ teaches you how to cover old or discolored microblading. Alexandra from Scottsdale shares her expert color mixes and techniques so you can confidently fix faded tattoos and give clients a fresh, flawless look!

Pro tip: Combine Lamination + Liquid Dye to mimic the crisp, full effect of microblading - without the tattoo. This duo lifts the natural hairs while Liquid Dye adds depth, coverage, and softness. Perfect for clients who want the microbladed look but not the long-term commitment.

The healing process after Microblading 

• 10 - 14 Days: Initial healing

Right after treatment, your brows need 10–14 days to fully heal. During this time, the skin may feel tender, brows appear darker than expected, and some flaking or scabbing is normal. 

Think of it as a shedding phase - your brows may not look their best right now. The pigment is settling, the skin is renewing, and yes, a little like a snake, the top layer peels away before the final result is revealed.

• Up to 6 weeks: Color settling

Brows will continue to lighten over a six-week period as your skin regenerates and naturally exfoliates. Only after this stage will you see the true shade and final look of your brows.

• After 6 weeks: Everyday fading

Even after your brows are healed, everyday factors continue to affect the pigment.

• • Sun exposure is the biggest culprit - your face gets a lot of UV rays, even in winter.
  • Over time, sun damage can cause the pigment to fade faster or shift in tone.

Make sure you protect your skin and brows with SPF. Some clients notice their brows turning orangey, bluish, or even pink due to UV exposure.

Other types of PMU and Semi-Permanent Brow Treatments 

While microblading is the most well-known, it’s far from the only PMU option. There are other techniques that are less permanent, more flexible, and often safer for the skin:

• Powder Brows / Ombré Brows - A machine technique that shades the brows for a soft, powdery makeup effect. Less invasive than microblading and suitable for more skin types! It's probablty the most requested PMU treatment now.
• Nano Brows – Ultra-fine strokes created witha machine, offering a similar look to microblading but with less trauma to the skin. We love the real hair stroke look!
• Henna Brows – A true semi-permanent treatment that stains the skin for up to 2 weeks and brow hairs for up to 6 weeks. Perfect for clients who want to test-drive a new brow look before committing to PMU. You can also create perfect ombre brows with Henna!
• Hybrid Dye (Liquid Dye with Keratin) – A versatile and super nourishing option that lasts up to 11 days on skin and 6 weeks on hair, combining the intensity of a tint with the soft effect of henna.

These treatments can be used to give clients the powder effect of PMU without the long-term commitment of a tattoo.

👉 Want to learn how PMU and semi-permanent treatments work hand in hand? Read our full blog post here ↗

Microblading FAQ 

How long does microblading last?

Microblading can last 1–3 years, but requires annual touch-ups to stay fresh. Unlike henna or hybrid dye, pigment from microblading remains in the skin permanently.

Is microblading semi-permanent?

No - microblading is a cosmetic tattoo, not a semi-permanent treatment. Pigment stays in the skin long-term, even if it fades or changes color.

What is the healing time for microblading?

The initial healing takes 10–14 days, but brows continue to settle and lighten for up to 6 weeks. Aftercare and sun protection are key for best results.

What are the risks of microblading?

Microblading is invasive and can cause scarring, uneven healing, or color shifts (orange, blue, pink) over time. It’s also difficult and costly to correct.

What are the best alternatives to microblading?

Safer, less invasive options include Powder Brows, Nano Brows, Henna, or Hybrid Dye. Treatments like Liquid Dye + Lamination can even mimic the microbladed look without the tattoo.