Microblading Cost and Treatment Guide

If you’ve ever plucked your eyebrows too thin or filled them in too dark, you know the impact that brows can have on your overall look. Whether you’re seeking thicker, more defined brows or prefer a more natural look but are tired of having to fill them in every morning, microblading may be the answer. Read on to see if microbladed brows may be right for you.

What Is Microblading?

Microblading is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses semi-permanent makeup to create a fuller eyebrow look. With traditional microblading, a handheld tool made up of fine needles is used to place pigments under the skin that are designed to resemble individually drawn hairs. The shape and color of the brows can be customized based on your features and desired results.¹

Microblading is an ideal option for those with normal and small pores who are looking to add shape or definition to existing brows.¹ It’s not always suitable for providing full coverage in bare or sparse brows. Microblading is also not recommended for those with oily or mature skin, as the pigment is more likely to spread and blur more quickly.²

Individual providers may also have other restrictions for microblading based on age, being pregnant or nursing, having certain skin conditions or those with particular medical conditions or medications.³

Types

In addition to traditional microblading, there are procedure variations and complementary procedures to consider if you’re looking for ways to accentuate your brows.

• Nanoblading. Also known as nano brows or hair stroke brows, this technique uses a digital machine to create individual eyebrow strokes for more natural-looking results and brow versatility. Nanoblading may be less traumatic to the skin since the machine controls the depth and placement of the pigment, but the shallower pigment may not last as long as traditional microblading.²
• Microshading. Microshading, or powder brows, deposits pigment using a soft, stippling method to create a powdery finish similar to brow makeup. Results can be customized from subtle definition to bold drama. Unlike microblading or nanoblading, microshading may be suitable for those with oily skin, is gentler to the skin and may be easier to maintain.²
• Combination brows. Combining microshading with microblading or nanoblading may be suitable for those looking to gain definition and fullness and fill in patchy eyebrows. The final result can be a more defined and denser eyebrow.²

How Much Does Microblading Cost?

The national average cost* for various microblading treatments ranges from $358 to $640⁴, depending on geographic location and provider. The total overall cost may also be impacted by the make-up artist’s experience, complexity of the procedure, pigment type and number of sessions needed to achieve your desired results.⁴

Average cost of microblading by type

Here’s a look at the average costs* of different types of microblading:⁴

Average cost of microblading by state/district

Here are the average costs* of traditional microblading for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁴

How Does Microblading Work?

Here’s what you might expect before, during and after your microblading appointment. 

Preparation

Since there are different types of microblading techniques and a wide variety of microblading styles, it’s important to research your desired end results before you find your eyebrow technician and book your first appointment. You’ll want to find a practitioner who understands the shape, definition and color of your desired brows.

Once you select a practitioner, you’ll want to book a consultation appointment to review your current brows and desired results. Some practitioners may advise patients to avoid BOTOX® Cosmetic, chemical peels and laser treatments in the month before the procedure, as well as aspirin, alcohol or retinol creams in the week before your appointment.⁵

Treatment

During a microblading procedure, the practitioner will first apply a numbing cream to your eyebrow area to limit any pain during the procedure. Most patients only feel mild discomfort as their new brows are created.⁶

Then the practitioner uses the tool or machine to draw hair-like strokes that mimic real hairs in your brows. As a result, you end up with realistic-looking and fuller eyebrows. Although the microblading itself takes only 30 to 45 minutes, the entire appointment — including eyebrow planning, design and color selection — may take up to two hours.⁶

A secondary touch-up appointment six to eight weeks later is usually required to ensure thorough coverage and saturation of the pigment.¹

Microblading Recovery Timeline and Tips

While complete healing after microblading can take four to six weeks, immediate post-procedure care is important to support the healing, longevity and appearance of your microbladed brows. You’ll want to avoid touching your new brows for the first 48 hours, and you’ll need to keep them dry for one week. That means no sweat-inducing workouts, getting your face wet in the shower, washing your face or getting spa facials for seven days.⁷

You’ll also want to avoid direct exposure to the sun to minimize sun damage that could lead to fading. Avoiding swimming, saunas, excess alcohol, retinol and other exfoliants is also recommended for two weeks post-procedure.⁷

Scabbing, flaking and itching are common. Avoid picking and scratching, which may lead to scarring or infection and instead apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly as directed by your practitioner to support healing and recovery.⁷

4 stages of the microblading healing process

During the healing process, you may expect changes to the appearance of your new brows.

• Stage one. The day or two following your procedure, the pigment may appear darker or bolder than anticipated. Redness, swelling and tenderness are also common in the first two to four days.⁸
• Stage two. After the first few days, your new brows may scab or begin to itch. Follow your practitioner’s recommendations for applying ointment and when you can start washing your brows.⁷
• Stage three. Once healing begins, your brows may look faded, flaky or dry as the surrounding skin regenerates and then sloughs off. This is sometimes referred to as the microblading ghosting phase.⁸
• Stage four. After about 30 days, the final look of your new brows should be revealed. Your touch-up appointment at weeks four to six can address any fading and sparse areas that require additional treatment.⁷

Potential Side Effects of Microblading

As with any form of cosmetic tattooing, there are some potential problems associated with microblading. These include:⁹

• An allergic reaction to the tattoo ink
• Infection if the needles aren’t sterilized
• Nodules and scar tissue that can form around the microbladed brows

Contact a physician if you develop a fever, swelling or discharge from the procedure site.⁷

Microblading Results: What to Expect

Depending on the type of microblading and skin type, microblading can last from one to two years.⁶ Yearly touch-ups are recommended to maintain results as fading occurs due to external factors such as sun exposure and skin exfoliation, as well as internal factors such as how quickly the body metabolizes the pigment.¹

Get the Long-Lasting Brows You Want

If you’re looking for a semi-permanent way to enhance and define your brows, microblading may be a fit. Look for a medical aesthetic or permanent makeup provider to schedule a consultation with. 

Financing Microblading With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting microblading or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women’s Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.