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Short answer: for most people, permanent makeup feels uncomfortable rather than painful. A medical-grade numbing cream is applied before and during the appointment, and most clients describe the sensation as light scratching or pressure.
This is one of the top questions we get here at Elite Permanent Makeup & Cosmetology College, “does permanent makeup hurt?” The short answer is, no and here’s why.
All of the clients that come to us are always pleasantly surprised to find that permanent makeup is not nearly as painful as they imagined. This is because we use a medical grade numbing cream so you won’t feel a thing
Our numbing cream consists of three magic ingredients: Lidocaine, Benzocaine, and Tetracaine. A combination of these three results in a very strong numbing cream which leads to a pleasant experience whether you are getting microblading, lip tinting, or another one of our awesome services!
With all that being said, some clients will feel slightly uncomfortable when getting microblading or a similar procedure done due to the “scratching” sensation.
When getting microblading, a tool called a “microblade” is used to make a small incision into your skin with a colored pigment. The process of microblading tends to have a weird scratching sound that is uncomfortable to some. It gives you the same feeling of nails scratching across a chalkboard.
Overall, permanent makeup and microblading is a very painless procedure if the right numbing cream is used. There might be some uncomfortable sounds involved, but you will be pleasantly surprised about how little you feel. Some clients of ours even fall asleep when getting permanent makeup done.
Which treatments people ask about most
Comfort varies by area. Brows tend to be the easiest, which is why microblading and nano brows are the most common first appointments, while lip blushing and permanent eyeliner get more numbing time. Medical work such as scar camouflage and areola reconstruction is paced around how the skin is healing rather than to a fixed schedule.
The annual refresh is shorter than the first appointment and uses the same numbing protocol, so most clients find it easier. What it costs is set out in our guide to microblading touch up cost in Los Angeles.
How much does each treatment hurt?
| Treatment | What most clients feel |
|---|---|
| Microblading | A scratching sound and sensation as the strokes are drawn. Usually the mildest of the face treatments. |
| Powder / ombré and nano brows | A light vibration from the machine. Many clients find it gentler than microblading. |
| Lip blushing | Lips are more sensitive, so numbing is reapplied during the session. Most clients rate it as manageable. |
| Permanent eyeliner | The lash line is sensitive and the eyes may water, but numbing keeps it comfortable for most people. |
| Scalp micropigmentation | A prickling feeling. The hairline and crown are usually the most sensitive areas. |
How to make your appointment more comfortable
- Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine in the days before, since they can increase sensitivity and bleeding. If you take a blood thinner or other medication, ask your doctor before changing anything.
- Avoid retinol and exfoliating products on the area for at least a week beforehand.
- Get a good night’s sleep and eat before you come in.
- Tell your artist if you feel anything sharp. Numbing can be topped up during the session.
- If possible, avoid booking lip or eye work during your period, when many people are more sensitive.
See our full before-your-appointment checklist.
Is the healing painful?
Most clients feel some tenderness, tightness or mild swelling for a day or two, similar to a light sunburn. Lips and eyeliner can swell a little more than brows. Following your aftercare instructions keeps healing comfortable.
