Microblading is a semi-permanent tattooing technique that creates hairlike strokes to fill in sparse or thinning brows. The practice aims to give you an effortless full brow ― no need for expensive brow pencils or gels.

Microblading, the most popular form of permanent makeup, is a fancy name for cosmetic tattoo eyebrows. Instead of the shockingly dark brows, the modern technique simulates individual hair strokes for a natural look. Cosmetic tattoo artists use a super-fine pen to deposit pigment directly under the skin. You may also hear names like brow feathering or micro shading. Other techniques still fall under the umbrella of natural-looking hair strokes, and the important part is to study examples of your artist's work and make sure you are a fan before booking an appointment.

Is microblading a tattoo?

Yes, but also, no. Unlike tattoos that last forever, microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattooing. For microblading, they use a hand tool that lets her create a thinner, more precise, hair-like strokes that are not as deeply ingrained into the skin. The pigment also differs from that of a tattoo because (1) it is only semi-permanent, which means your body eventually ends up metabolizing it, so it fades away, and (2) the dye particles are less concentrated in microblading ink than in the ink of a traditional tattoo.

How long does it last?

Like any tattoo, microblading does fade over time. Expect to return to your artist after 12 to 18 months for a touch-up. Exactly when to come back is up to you: The pigments are designed to slowly fade over time, so it is a personal preference when to come in for maintenance once the colour starts to lose concentration. Some people fade a little bit, and they want more; others let it almost all fade out before they come back. At a maintenance appointment, the artist will add colour concentration to the existing work.

What are the potential risks?

Infection is a potential risk for any permanent makeup tattoo (as well as just about any type of body tattoo). With all of these, they are opening the skin and blood-borne pathogens can be spread, so you want to make sure technicians are using disposable, single-use tools. Your technician should open the single-use tool in front of you. Infection can also occur if clients do not follow the proper aftercare, which means keeping the area dry and staying out of the sun for about 10 days. Your artist should also schedule a follow-up appointment after six weeks or so to ensure the skin has healed properly and that you are happy with the results.

Aside from the medical risks, there is also the chance that you will be unhappy with the finished work and stuck with brows you do not love for over a year. Research your artist to ensure their work resonates with your personal style. Tattooed brows will run you about $600 to $1,000, depending on the artist.