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Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo technique that uses a hand tool to draw fine, hair-like strokes and deposit pigment in the upper layer of the skin. It fills sparse or thin brows with natural-looking hairs, takes about two hours, and usually lasts one to two years before a touch-up.
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent makeup for your eyebrows that create a very natural hair-like look with a tool called a microblade. A microblade is a handheld tool with very small and fine needles on the end. It is used to create strokes in the eyebrow area where pigment is then inserted, to simulate real eyebrow hairs.
Microblading can last about 1-2 years depending on your skin type and lifestyle.
Many artists do not use the correct pigment which may result in microbladed eyebrows that turn different colors. We use high-quality vegan pigments so our colors won’t turn to another color, but slowly fade over time until you come in for a touch-up appointment.
With Microblading, it will usually take 2 appointments for you to see the final results. After the first appointment, your artist will have to see how your skin reacted to the procedure and then adjust their approach to your touch-up appointment. In between your first appointment and your touch-up, your brows will be healing, so they will look a little odd for those first few days until you get them touched up. Trust the process!
When it comes to skin and pigment, it is either like a sponge, or a cement wall; your skin will either accept the pigment or completely reject it. It is crucial for you to come to your complimentary follow-up appointment for you to see the final results of beautiful and natural microblading.
Thinking about microblading in Los Angeles?
If you are ready to book, our artists perform microblading at our West Los Angeles studio, and many clients compare it against nano brows or powder and ombre brows before deciding which suits their skin. If you would rather learn the technique yourself, our microblading certification course covers brow mapping through healed results, and you can review current training costs before enrolling.
Microblading is not a one-off appointment: there is a free perfecting session four to six weeks later, then a refresh about once a year. We set out what each of those costs in our guide to microblading touch up cost in Los Angeles.
How microblading works, step by step
- Consultation. Your artist talks through the shape and color you want and checks your skin type.
- Brow mapping. The ideal shape is measured and drawn on so both brows match your face.
- Numbing. A numbing cream is applied so the procedure feels like light scratching rather than pain.
- Strokes and pigment. The artist draws individual hair strokes with the microblade and works pigment into them.
- Perfecting session. About 4–6 weeks later, the artist fills any gaps and adjusts the shape or color as needed.
Who is a good candidate for microblading?
Microblading suits people with sparse, thin or over-plucked brows who want a natural, textured look, and it is a good option for normal to dry skin. Very oily skin or large pores can blur fine strokes, so powder or nano brows may heal better. Your artist may recommend waiting if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have recently used isotretinoin (Accutane), are undergoing chemotherapy, or have a skin condition on the brow area. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Microblading vs powder brows vs nano brows
For a deeper look at which technique suits your skin, see microblading vs powder brows vs nano brows by skin type.
| Microblading | Powder / ombré | Nano brows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Hair-like strokes | Soft, filled shading | Fine machine strokes |
| Best for | Normal to dry skin | Oily skin, makeup look | Most skin types |
| Tool | Hand blade | Machine | Machine |
| Price at Elite | $350–$700 | $350–$700 | $650–$850 |
What does microblading healing look like?
For the first few days brows look darker and sharper than the final result. Around the end of the first week they start to flake, and for a short time they can look patchy or lighter as the skin renews. The true color settles over about four weeks, which is why the perfecting session is booked after that point. See our aftercare guide.
How much does microblading cost?
In Los Angeles, microblading usually costs $400 to $1,400. At Elite it costs $350 to $700 depending on the artist level, plus a second session 4–6 weeks later. See the full breakdown in how much microblading costs in Los Angeles, or book at our microblading studio in West Los Angeles.
Want to learn microblading?
Elite teaches microblading in a 5-day hands-on certification course in Los Angeles. See our microblading classes.
