Frequently Asked Questions

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup technique where an artist uses a special tool to manually create hair-like strokes on the eyebrow to improve fullness and shape. The pigment is deposited into the epidermis and lasts 12 to 18 months, as it will gradually fade.


The result is natural-looking, fuller brows. Microblading is a great option for those with thinning brow hair, those who have over-waxed or tweezed, those with alopecia of the brows where hair no longer grows, or for anyone who just wants to improve the brow fullness and shape.

What is Ombre (Powder Effect)?

A soft, misty, powder filled brow similar to the look of makeup meaning the tails of the brow are darker, and fade into a light start to the brow, giving it a very subtle look.   It's personally, my favorite style!  Over time, pigment fades leaving the skin and your natural brows behind - lighter at the bulb (front) of the brow and going darker towards the tail.

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Microblading vs Ombre (Powder Effect)

Ideal Candidates - Microblading

  • Someone with sparse fine brow hair, over tweezed
  • Goal: wants to add hair/texture back to the brow for a natural appearance (illusion of natural hair strokes)

Ideal Candidates - Ombre

  • Anyone who fills in their brows with makeup and has hair.  Note, if the brow is thinner, artists can add hairstrokes after to add additional texture.

Outcome - Microblading

  • Manual technique (hand tool): Last between 6-18mths. 
  • Digital machine: Last 2-3yrs

Outcome - Ombre 

  • Lasts 2-4 years with artist uses a digital machine with micro-needles
  • Cannot be done using a microblade

Contraindications - Microblading

Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for hair-strokes.  If you answer yes to any of the following below your hair-strokes will either blend or disappear so don't ran the risk of damaging your skin, wasting your money and time.  The Ombre style is best for you!

  • Oily skin 
  • Large pores
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Frequent sweating due to extensive working out, menopause, etc
  • Alopecia
  • Thyroid conditions 

Contraindications - Ombre

  • None, Ombre brow heals on point for almost everyone!

How long is the Microblading/Ombre appointment?

For the first Microblading/Ombre session, the entire procedure should take about 2.5-3 hours. During this session, the brow artist will shape and style the client’s brows for client approval. We then follow with pigment color selection.  Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin the procedure.


The second Microblading/Ombre session (if required) takes place after 4-6 weeks after the initial session which take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.  During the second Microblading/Ombre session, the client will have any minor necessary touch ups

How long does the brow take to heal?

The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure and color will appear very dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The color will fade by up to 40% as it heals. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you will notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the microbladed/shaded area. The eyebrows will lighten up in color as it heals.  It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You'll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.

Can touch-ups session be schedule sooner than 4 weeks?

Touch up sessions should not be done earlier than 4 weeks after initial microblading/ombre session as pigment color has not fully settled into the skin. Most importantly, this is to prevent scar damage as the tissue requires time to completely heal.

Is the Microblading/Ombre procedure painful?

The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none.  Prior to the procedure your brow technician will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area, and also reapplied during the procedure.  Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light paper cut. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine. 


After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal.  Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn.  Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.

What is the difference between Microblading vs Standard Body Tattoing?

The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer and more subtle - it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Body tattoos use ink, while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as client's natural coloration and facial changes occur.

What Happens During a Microblading Procedure

Video of POPSUGAR Kirbie Johnson microblading experience