Microblading

Microblading is a form of semi-permanent makeup for your eyebrows that creates a very natural, hair-like look with a tool called a microblade — a handheld tool with very small, fine needles on the end. It is used to create strokes in the brow area where pigment is inserted to simulate real eyebrow hairs.

Microblading is not the same as a traditional eyebrow tattoo. With microblading, we draw each hair stroke one by one to create a very real looking eyebrow. This is why getting your brows microbladed with Elite can be a life changing experience.

Is Microblading Expensive?

When it comes to microblading, there is a big difference in the skill level and experience of artists in the industry. Not all microbladers are created equally so even though there are thousands of people performing Microblading across the United States, the way it is done by Elite is unlike any other in the industry.

Having sparse, thin, and uneven brows is a challenge that many face today. Even with the rising popularity of microblading, most people don’t know that you can have perfectly fluffy brows that look natural.

When it comes to skin and pigment

Your skin is either like a sponge or a cement wall — it will either accept the pigment or reject it. That is why microblading usually takes two appointments: after the first, your artist sees how your skin reacted and adjusts their approach at the complimentary follow-up. Trust the process!

1. 01

   Consultation

   We talk through the procedure and your expectations, your desired shape and color, and examine your natural brows to choose the best technique.

2. 02

   Brow mapping & design

   Your artist outlines the shape and arch of your new brows in pencil, so the design is even, natural and suited to your facial symmetry.

3. 03

   Numbing for comfort

   Numbing cream is applied to the brow area before we begin, to minimize any discomfort during the session.

4. 04

   Crafting the strokes

   Using fine micro-needles, your artist etches hair-like strokes into the skin, placing each one to emulate your natural brow hair.

5. 05

   Pigment & final touches

   More pigment is applied for a defined, fuller look, with the shade matched to your natural hair.

Two different appointments get called a “touch-up,” and they cost very different amounts. One completes your first microblading result. The other is the refresh you come back for every twelve to eighteen months. Both are booked and paid for separately.

What changes the price of a refresh

• How much is left. A brow at 60 percent strength is a quick refresh. A brow at 10 percent is close to starting over.
• Work by another artist. Going over someone else’s brows is quoted at consultation, after we see the shape, depth and color.
• Color correction. Pigment that healed cool or warm needs neutralizing — a different skill and a longer appointment.
• Skin type. Oily skin holds strokes less crisply and tends to need refreshing sooner.

How long can you leave it?

There is no hard deadline, but there is a practical one. While faded strokes are still visible, an artist can follow them. Once the brow has gone completely, or faded to a grey or warm cast, the work becomes correction rather than refresh. If your brows have shifted color, read about removal and correction first — lightening often gives a better result than layering new pigment over old.

1. 01

   Confirm your appointment

   Double-check the date and time of your appointment and confirm with the studio to avoid any misunderstandings. Being punctual and organized helps you start your PMU journey on the right foot.

2. 02

   Fill out consent forms

   Have all necessary consent forms filled out before your visit. This saves time during your appointment so you can focus on discussing your desired look with your artist. Please be aware that services may be filmed and used for social media marketing (an additional consent form must be signed).

3. 03

   Avoid caffeine and alcohol

   In the days leading up to your appointment, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. They can thin your blood and increase bleeding during the procedure.

4. 04

   Hydrate your skin

   Drink plenty of water in the days before your appointment. Well-hydrated skin holds pigment better and gives a more even color payoff.

5. 05

   Avoid retinol products

   Retinol increases skin sensitivity and thins the skin, making it more prone to bleeding. Avoid retinol on the treatment area for at least one week before your appointment.

6. 06

   Get a good night’s sleep

   Being well-rested helps you feel more comfortable during the procedure and promotes better healing afterward.

7. 07

   Communicate clearly with your artist

   Think about the look you want beforehand and be ready to share your expectations, preferences and any concerns, so you and your artist are on the same page.

1. 01

   The first 10 days

   You may experience some redness, swelling and tenderness. Your brows will look darker and bolder at first while the pigment settles. Keep the area clean and dry, and don’t pick at any scabbing.

2. 02

   Follow-up at 4–6 weeks

   Your artist assesses the healed result and perfects shape and color. This second session is crucial for natural, symmetrical brows.

3. 03

   Long-term results

   Once healed, your brows look more defined and full. With proper care, PMU brows can last 1–3 years depending on your skin type and lifestyle.

The most important thing that goes into a successful microblading or permanent makeup procedure is how well you follow the aftercare. Keep the area moist with Aquaphor all day, 24/7, for at least 10 days. This allows the color to set in and keeps oxygen from changing the color while it settles.

Aquaphor is your best friend

• Use a cotton swab to apply Aquaphor ointment throughout the day for 2–4 weeks — the area should never be dry.
• For the first 4 hours after the procedure, pat the area with a paper towel every 30 minutes to remove excess blood or fluid.
• Do not touch the procedure area with your fingers; they may carry bacteria and cause an infection.
• We suggest Aquaphor because it tends not to cause inflammation. If you are allergic, Vaseline will do just fine.
• Always use a “total sun block” sunscreen until the area has fully healed, to prevent future fading of the pigment.
• Do not use products containing AHAs (for example glycolic or lactic acids) on the procedure area, as they fade the color.

Microblading-specific tips

• Keep your face as dry as possible; avoid heavy sweating or getting the brows wet in the shower.
• Be gentle when cleaning and don’t scratch or rub the brow area for at least one week.
• Avoid makeup, creams or lotions on the area for at least 10 days.
• Always attend your follow-up so your artist can perfect the result.

Tips to extend your results

• Always follow the aftercare instructions provided by your artist.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen to protect your PMU from fading.
• Avoid skincare products with harsh chemicals on or near the treated area.
• Schedule touch-up appointments as recommended to maintain color and shape.

This is one of the top questions we get: does permanent makeup hurt? The short answer is no. Clients are always pleasantly surprised to find it is not nearly as painful as they imagined, because we use a medical-grade numbing cream.

Our numbing cream combines three ingredients — lidocaine, benzocaine and tetracaine — for a very strong numbing effect. Some clients feel slightly uncomfortable with the “scratching” sensation or sound, but most are surprised by how little they feel, and some even fall asleep during their appointment.

A short consultation at our West LA studio will tell you which heals best on your skin.