← Back to Blog
Microblading Pain: The Honest Truth Melbourne

Microblading Pain: The Honest Truth Melbourne

Worried about microblading pain? This honest guide covers discomfort levels, how numbing works, and tips for a comfortable experience.

Microblading Pain Level: The Honest Truth

Let's address the elephant in the room: Does microblading hurt? This is one of the most common questions (and biggest concerns) for anyone considering microblading. The good news? For most people, microblading is far less painful than expected—but everyone's experience varies slightly.

In this honest guide, we'll tell you exactly what to expect, what it feels like, how numbing helps, and tips to minimize any discomfort.

The Short Answer: Most Clients Feel Almost Nothing

With our professional numbing protocol—applied at the start AND continuously throughout the entire procedure—most clients rate microblading discomfort at 1-2 out of 10 on the pain scale. In fact, many of our clients actually fall asleep during their appointment!

What our clients typically report:

  • Light pressure on the brow area
  • Barely noticeable sensation
  • So comfortable they can relax or nap
  • Much less painful than anticipated
  • Easier than eyebrow threading or plucking

The key difference: We use premium numbing products and reapply throughout the entire session, not just at the start. This continuous numbing approach means you stay comfortable from first stroke to last.

Important: Everyone's pain tolerance differs slightly, but our numbing protocol keeps virtually everyone comfortable. Results may vary.

What Does Microblading Actually Feel Like?

Rather than sharp, stabbing pain, microblading creates a unique sensation most clients describe as:

Common Descriptions from Real Clients

"Light Scratching"

  • Similar to scratching a sunburn gently
  • Surface-level scraping sensation
  • Not deep or intense

"Cat Scratches"

  • Like tiny, light scratches
  • Mildly uncomfortable but tolerable
  • Brief, intermittent feeling

"Eyebrow Tweezing or Threading"

  • If you've had threading, similar intensity
  • Sharper near inner brow (more sensitive area)
  • More tolerable in other areas

"Paper Cut Sensation"

  • Very surface-level feeling
  • Quick, light discomfort
  • Not sustained or throbbing

"Pressure and Scraping"

  • Feeling of tool against skin
  • Pressure more noticeable than pain
  • Bearable throughout

What It Definitely ISN'T

  • Not like getting a traditional tattoo (much gentler)
  • Not throbbing or sustained pain
  • Not unbearable or excruciating
  • Not deep, sharp stabbing
  • Not like needle injections

How Our Numbing Protocol Works

The secret to a virtually pain-free experience? Our continuous numbing approach—we numb at the start AND keep topping up throughout the entire procedure.

Our Continuous Numbing Process

Phase 1: Initial Numbing (Before Starting)

  • Premium topical numbing cream applied to brow area
  • Left on for 20-30 minutes to fully take effect
  • Significantly reduces sensation before we begin
  • You'll already feel very little when we start

Phase 2: Ongoing Numbing (Throughout the Procedure)

  • We continuously reapply numbing cream as we work
  • Applied directly to the skin for maximum effectiveness
  • Penetrates more effectively as we go
  • You stay comfortable from start to finish

Why This Matters: Many artists only numb at the beginning. We numb continuously throughout, which is why our clients often relax completely—and yes, some even fall asleep!

Numbing Cream Effectiveness

For Most People:

  • Significant reduction in sensation
  • First few strokes slightly more noticeable
  • Quickly becomes very tolerable
  • By mid-session, barely feel anything

Factors Affecting Numbing:

  • Quality of numbing cream (professional-grade is much better)
  • Amount of time it's left on
  • Individual skin sensitivity
  • Timing of menstrual cycle (women)
  • Anxiety levels (anxiety amplifies sensation)

Pain Levels by Brow Area

Not all parts of the eyebrow feel the same during microblading:

Inner Brow (Near Nose) - 3-4/10

Most Sensitive Area

  • Skin is thinner here
  • More nerve endings
  • First strokes most noticeable
  • Numbing helps significantly

Why It's More Sensitive:

  • Close to eyes (naturally protective)
  • Delicate skin
  • Dense nerve concentration

Middle/Arch Area - 2/10

Least Sensitive

  • Thicker skin
  • Fewer nerve endings
  • Most clients barely feel this area
  • Easiest part of process

Tail/Outer Brow - 2-3/10

Moderately Sensitive

  • Similar to middle section
  • Slightly more sensation than arch
  • Still very tolerable

Factors That Affect Your Pain Experience

1. Individual Pain Tolerance

High Pain Tolerance:

  • May feel only light pressure
  • Rate experience as 0-1/10
  • Many of our clients actually fall asleep during the procedure!

Low Pain Tolerance:

  • More aware of sensation
  • May rate as 3-4/10
  • Still tolerable with numbing

Average Pain Tolerance:

  • Slight discomfort, very manageable
  • Rate as 2-3/10
  • Exactly as expected

2. Timing of Menstrual Cycle (For Women)

Week Before Period:

  • Heightened sensitivity
  • Lower pain threshold
  • More awareness of discomfort

Best Timing:

  • Week after your period ends
  • Lowest sensitivity phase
  • Most comfortable experience

Pro Tip: If possible, schedule microblading during low-sensitivity phase of your cycle.

3. Anxiety and Stress Levels

High Anxiety:

  • Amplifies perception of pain
  • Tension increases discomfort
  • Fight-or-flight response heightens senses

Relaxed State:

  • Reduces pain perception
  • Better able to tolerate sensation
  • More positive overall experience

Tips to Reduce Anxiety:

  • Deep breathing exercises before appointment
  • Listen to calming music during procedure
  • Bring a stress ball or fidget item
  • Trust your artist and focus on results

4. Skin Sensitivity

More Sensitive Skin:

  • Fair skin tends to be more sensitive
  • Thin skin feels more
  • May need extra numbing

Less Sensitive Skin:

  • Olive or darker skin often less sensitive
  • Thicker skin feels less
  • Standard numbing very effective

5. Artist's Skill and Technique

Experienced Artist:

  • Lighter touch
  • More efficient
  • Faster procedure = less discomfort
  • Knows how to position for comfort

Less Experienced:

  • May use heavier pressure
  • Takes longer
  • Less aware of client comfort

6. Pre-Appointment Preparation

Consult your practitioner about any medications or supplements before your appointment. Your artist will provide specific guidance on what to avoid in the days leading up to your session, including food and drink that may affect your comfort level or results. Our preparing for your appointment guide covers everything you need to know.

Best Practice:

  • Stay hydrated with water
  • Eat a good meal before your appointment
  • Arrive relaxed and well-rested

Comparison: Microblading vs. Other Beauty Procedures

How does microblading pain compare to other common beauty treatments?

Less Painful Than:

  • Traditional body tattooing (much less)
  • Laser hair removal
  • Deep tissue facials
  • Some waxing (especially Brazilian)

Similar Pain Level To:

  • Eyebrow threading
  • Eyebrow tweezing multiple hairs
  • Light facial dermaplaning

More Painful Than:

  • Regular makeup application
  • Brow tinting
  • Brow lamination

Curious how microblading compares to traditional eyebrow tattoos? Read our microblading vs eyebrow tattoo guide.

Tips to Minimize Discomfort

Before Your Appointment

Do:

  • Get good sleep the night before (fatigue lowers pain threshold)
  • Eat a proper meal 1-2 hours before (low blood sugar increases sensitivity)
  • Stay hydrated in days leading up
  • Schedule during low-sensitivity phase of menstrual cycle
  • Consult your practitioner about any medications or supplements before your appointment
  • Arrive relaxed and on time (rushing increases anxiety)

Don't:

  • Tan or sunburn brow area
  • Work out heavily right before appointment

During Your Appointment

Do:

  • Communicate with your artist (speak up if uncomfortable)
  • Practice deep breathing
  • Listen to music or podcasts to distract
  • Focus on the amazing results you'll have
  • Ask for additional numbing if needed
  • Take brief breaks if necessary

Don't:

  • Tense up (makes it worse)
  • Hold your breath
  • Feel embarrassed about discomfort
  • Try to "tough it out" without speaking up

Mental Strategies

Distraction Techniques:

  • Scroll your phone (if comfortable)
  • Listen to engaging podcast or audiobook
  • Chat with your artist
  • Visualize your beautiful new brows
  • Count backwards from 100

Mindfulness Techniques:

  • Deep belly breathing (4 counts in, 4 counts out)
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Focus on relaxing your jaw and shoulders
  • Remind yourself it's temporary and worth it

What If It Really Hurts?

Speak Up!

If you're experiencing significant pain:

  1. Tell your artist immediately - Don't suffer in silence!
  2. Request additional numbing - Always available
  3. Take a short break - A few minutes can help
  4. Ask artist to adjust technique - Lighter pressure may help

Remember: Reputable artists WANT you to be comfortable. Your comfort is part of their job, so never hesitate to communicate.

Red Flags

Unusual Pain Levels:

If you experience:

  • Extremely sharp, unbearable pain (beyond described discomfort)
  • Pain that doesn't improve with numbing
  • Burning or stinging sensation

This Could Indicate:

  • Allergic reaction to numbing cream
  • Skin sensitivity issue
  • Need for different numbing product

Action: Stop the procedure and discuss with your artist. Your safety is priority.

After the Appointment: Healing Discomfort

Immediately After (First Few Hours)

Normal Sensations:

  • Slight tenderness (like mild sunburn)
  • Light sensitivity in brow area
  • Redness around brows

Pain Level: 1/10 or less

  • Minimal discomfort
  • No throbbing or significant pain
  • Consult your practitioner about appropriate pain relief if needed

Days 1-7: Healing Phase

Normal Sensations:

  • Mild itching (as skin heals)
  • Tightness as scabs form
  • Slight tenderness when cleansing

Pain Level: 0-1/10

  • Generally pain-free
  • Itching more bothersome than pain
  • DO NOT SCRATCH!

Follow our complete aftercare guide for the smoothest healing.

If You Experience Significant Pain During Healing

Seek Help If:

  • Throbbing or increasing pain
  • Excessive redness or swelling
  • Signs of infection (pus, heat, fever)
  • Severe burning or stinging

Contact your artist or doctor immediately

Real Client Experiences

"I was terrified, but it was totally fine!"

"I almost cancelled three times because I was so scared of the pain. It ended up being SO much less painful than I expected—like eyebrow plucking. I actually relaxed halfway through!" — Sarah M.

"Honestly barely felt anything"

"With the numbing cream, I only felt slight pressure and scraping. The inner part of my brows was slightly more uncomfortable, but totally tolerable. Would do again!" — Emma R.

"I have low pain tolerance and managed fine"

"I'm someone who cries during flu shots, so I was really worried. My artist was so patient and reapplied numbing multiple times. It was uncomfortable but never unbearable. The results are SO worth it!" — Lisa K.

"Less painful than my tattoo"

"I have a wrist tattoo and expected similar pain. Microblading was WAY more comfortable—barely felt most of it!" — Amanda T.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microblading more painful than a regular tattoo?

No! Microblading is significantly less painful than traditional tattooing. It's more surface-level, uses manual tools (not electric needle), and is a much smaller area. Check our FAQ page for more common questions.

Can I take pain medication before my appointment?

Consult your practitioner about any medications or supplements before your appointment. They will provide specific guidance on what is safe and what to avoid.

What if numbing cream doesn't work on me?

This is extremely rare. If you have concerns, mention it during consultation. Artists have stronger numbing options and can adjust the process.

Will the perfecting session hurt as much?

Often less! The skin isn't "virgin" anymore, and less work is needed. Many clients find perfecting sessions even more comfortable.

Can I use my own numbing cream?

Use only what your artist provides or approves. Over-the-counter numbing creams are much less effective than professional-grade products.

The Bottom Line: Is Microblading Pain Worth It?

Overwhelmingly, clients say YES!

The brief, mild discomfort is absolutely worth:

  • Saving time every morning
  • Saving on brow products annually
  • Waterproof, smudge-proof brows every day
  • Confidence boost from beautiful brows daily
  • Waking up with gorgeous eyebrows

Think about it: Would you endure 20-30 minutes of mild discomfort (like eyebrow threading) for 1-3 years of beautiful eyebrows every single day?

For the vast majority of people, the answer is a resounding yes! Results may vary. Consult with your practitioner for personalised advice. Still deciding? Read our is microblading worth it analysis.

Ready to Experience Microblading for Yourself?

At Melbourne Designer Brows, we prioritize your comfort throughout the entire process. Our experienced artist uses premium numbing products and gentle technique to ensure the most comfortable experience possible.

What We Do for Your Comfort:

  • Continuous numbing protocol — we numb at the start AND throughout the entire procedure
  • Professional-grade numbing cream (stronger than over-the-counter products)
  • Gentle, experienced technique refined over years of practice
  • Regular comfort check-ins (though most clients are too relaxed to notice!)
  • Option for breaks if needed
  • Calming, spa-like environment where many clients actually fall asleep

Microblading: From $600 | See all pricing

Not sure if microblading is right for your skin type? We also offer nano brows, ombre brows, and combo brows.

Book Your Free Consultation

Contact Melbourne Designer Brows:

Your Comfort is Our Priority

  1. Free consultation to discuss any concerns
  2. Comfortable, relaxing environment
  3. Expert technique for minimal discomfort
  4. Beautiful results that make it all worthwhile!

Don't let fear of pain hold you back from the brows of your dreams. Book your consultation today and discover how comfortable microblading can be! Results may vary. Consult with your practitioner for personalised advice.