What is Microblading? The Complete Guide for Beginners

If you've been dreaming of waking up with perfect eyebrows every single day, microblading might be the answer you've been looking for. This popular beauty treatment has helped many people achieve a semi-permanent solution to sparse, uneven, or overplucked brows.

What Exactly is Microblading?

Microblading is a form of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing that creates the appearance of fuller, more defined eyebrows. Unlike traditional tattooing, microblading uses a manual handheld tool with ultra-fine needles to deposit pigment into the upper layers of the skin, creating delicate, hair-like strokes that mimic natural eyebrow hairs.

The Technical Breakdown

The Process:

Individual hair strokes are manually drawn into the skin
Pigment is deposited into the dermal-epidermal junction
Creates a natural, three-dimensional appearance
Customized to match your natural hair color and skin tone

Key Differences from Traditional Tattoos:

Depth: Microblading penetrates only the upper dermis (vs. deeper skin layers)
Tool: Manual blade with micro-needles (vs. electric tattoo machine)
Pigment: Specially formulated for faces (vs. body tattoo ink)
Duration: Semi-permanent, lasting 1-3 years (vs. permanent)
Appearance: Natural hair-like strokes (vs. solid fill)

Learn more about the differences in our microblading vs eyebrow tattoo comparison.

Who is Microblading For?

Microblading is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their eyebrows, but it's especially beneficial for:

Perfect Candidates Include:

People with sparse or thin eyebrows

Overplucking damage from the 90s
Natural thin or light brows
Medical hair loss (alopecia, chemotherapy)
Age-related thinning

Those seeking convenience

Busy professionals who want to save time
Active individuals (gym-goers, swimmers)
Anyone tired of daily eyebrow makeup routine

People with asymmetrical brows

Uneven natural growth patterns
Scarring that prevents hair growth
Previous bad eyebrow treatments

Anyone wanting definition

Desire for more prominent, defined brows
Wanting to enhance natural features
Looking for a confidence boost

Not sure what shape suits you? Check out our eyebrow shape guide for face shapes.

When Microblading May Not Be Suitable:

Certain Medical Conditions:

Active skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis in brow area)
Keloid scarring tendencies
Blood clotting disorders
Diabetes (requires doctor approval)

Pregnancy and Nursing:

Generally advised to wait until after breastfeeding
Healing and pigment retention may be affected

Recent Procedures:

Botox or fillers near brows (wait 2-4 weeks)
Chemical peels or laser treatments (wait 4 weeks)
Certain prescription medications (consult your doctor)

Very Oily Skin:

May require different technique (powder/ombre brows)
Hair strokes may blur faster on oily skin types

For oily skin, consider reading our nano brows vs microblading comparison.

The Microblading Process: What to Expect

Your First Consultation (30-45 minutes)

During the consultation, your artist will:

Assess Your Brows and Face:
- Analyze your natural brow shape and bone structure
- Discuss your desired look and style preferences
- Evaluate your skin type and coloring
Design Your Perfect Brows:
- Map out your ideal eyebrow shape using precise measurements
- Show you the proposed design with brow pencil
- Make adjustments until you're completely satisfied
Select Your Color:
- Match pigment to your natural hair color and skin tone
- Consider your desired intensity
- Show you color samples and expected healed results
Review Medical History:
- Discuss any medical conditions or medications
- Address concerns about pain or healing
- Explain aftercare requirements

The Microblading Appointment (2-3 hours)

Step 1: Preparation (15 minutes)

Final design approval and marking
Application of topical numbing cream
Waiting period for numbing to take effect

Step 2: The Microblading Process (60-90 minutes)

Artist uses sterile, disposable blade
Creates individual hair strokes following natural hair growth pattern
Continuously applies numbing throughout procedure
Builds depth and dimension stroke by stroke

Step 3: Pigment Setting (15 minutes)

Final layer of pigment applied
Pigment allowed to penetrate and set
Initial aftercare instructions provided

Step 4: Final Assessment (10 minutes)

Review of completed brows
Before and after photos
Detailed aftercare kit and instructions
Discuss the recommended perfecting session at 6-8 weeks

For full preparation tips, read our preparing for microblading appointment guide.

Pain Level: What Does Microblading Feel Like?

Most clients report minimal discomfort thanks to topical numbing creams. The sensation is often described as:

Light scratching or tingling
Mild pressure
Slightly uncomfortable but very tolerable
Pain level: 2-3 out of 10

Factors affecting comfort:

Effectiveness of numbing cream
Individual pain tolerance
Skill and technique of the artist
Time of menstrual cycle (sensitivity may increase)

Get the full details in our microblading pain level truth post.

Microblading Healing Timeline

Understanding the healing process helps you know what to expect and ensures optimal results. For complete aftercare instructions, see our microblading aftercare complete guide.

Days 1-3: Initial Healing

Brows appear darker and more prominent than expected
Slight redness around the area
Minor tenderness
Care: Keep clean and dry, apply aftercare ointment

Days 4-10: Scabbing Phase

Light scabbing and flaking begins
Brows may look uneven or patchy
Color appears to fade dramatically
Care: Do NOT pick scabs, continue gentle cleaning

Days 11-21: Color Return

Scabs fully shed
True color begins to emerge (lighter than day 1)
Skin texture returns to normal
Care: Resume normal skincare, avoid harsh products

Days 22-42: Full Healing

Final color and shape become apparent
Any minor imperfections visible
Ready for perfecting session
Care: Protect from sun, moisturize gently

Microblading Results: What to Expect

Immediate Results (Day 1)

Brows appear 30-50% darker than final result
Very defined and bold appearance
Some swelling and redness possible
Shape is exactly as designed

Healed Results (6-8 weeks)

Natural, hair-like appearance
20-30% lighter than initial application
Soft, flattering definition
Seamlessly blends with natural hairs

Longevity: How Long Does it Last?

Average duration: 12-18 months
Factors affecting longevity:
- Skin type (oily skin fades faster)
- Sun exposure and SPF use
- Skincare products (acids and retinols accelerate fading)
- Age and metabolism
- Touch-up frequency

Maintenance Requirements

Perfecting session: Recommended 6-8 weeks after first appointment ($250)
Annual color boost: Every 12-18 months to maintain vibrancy
Daily care: SPF protection, gentle cleansing
Product awareness: Avoid harsh exfoliants on brow area

Learn tips for maintaining microbladed eyebrows.

Microblading Costs in Melbourne

Price Breakdown at Melbourne Designer Brows

Standard Pricing:

Microblading / Eyebrow Feathering: From $600
Perfecting session (6-8 weeks): $250
Contact us for current touch-up pricing

Why a Perfecting Session Is Recommended:

Perfect the shape and density
Recommended 6-8 weeks after initial session

Why Prices Vary:

Artist experience and skill level
Studio location and overhead costs
Quality of pigments and tools used
Aftercare products and support

For full pricing on all treatments, visit our pricing page. For a deep dive into costs, read our microblading cost Melbourne guide.

Investment Value Comparison

Annual Eyebrow Makeup Costs:

Brow pencils/powders: $200-400/year
Professional shaping: $300-600/year
Tinting services: $200-400/year
Total: $700-1,400 per year

Microblading Investment:

Initial treatment: From $600
Annual touch-up: Contact us for pricing
Potential savings: Significant over time
Time saved: 15-30 minutes daily

Is it worth it? Read our microblading worth it analysis.

Benefits of Microblading

Aesthetic Benefits

Natural-Looking Results

Hair-like strokes that mimic real brows
Customized to complement your features
Enhances without looking "done"

Perfect Symmetry

Balanced, even brows every day
Corrects natural asymmetry
Professional eyebrow mapping for ideal proportions

Fuller, Defined Brows

Fills sparse areas seamlessly
Creates dimension and depth
Enhances facial features and expression

Lifestyle Benefits

Time-Saving

Wake up with perfect brows
Skip daily makeup routine
15-30 minutes saved every morning

Confidence Boost

Never worry about smudged or faded brows
Look put-together at all times
Feel confident without makeup

Waterproof & Smudge-Proof

Perfect for swimming and water sports
Gym-friendly, no sweat concerns
Ideal for hot Melbourne summers

Long-Term Benefits

Cost-Effective

Reduces spending on eyebrow products
Fewer salon visits for shaping and tinting
Long-lasting results for 1-3 years

Low Maintenance

Minimal daily upkeep required
Simple aftercare routine
Natural fading allows for style updates

Microblading Safety Considerations

Choosing a Qualified Artist

Essential Credentials to Verify:

Proper certification and training in microblading
Current first aid and bloodborne pathogen certification
Portfolio of before/after photos (same-day and healed)
Sterile, professional studio environment
Positive reviews and testimonials

Red Flags to Avoid:

Extremely low prices (under $400)
No visible certifications or portfolio
Unwilling to answer questions
Poor hygiene practices
Pressure to book immediately

For tips on finding the right artist, see our guide to the best microblading Melbourne 2026.

Health and Safety Standards

At Melbourne Designer Brows, we follow:

Single-use, disposable tools for every client
Medical-grade sterilization procedures
Strict sanitation protocols
High-quality, safe pigments
Comprehensive patch testing available
Detailed medical history review

Potential Risks and How We Minimize Them

Infection Prevention:

Sterile environment and tools
Pre-treatment skin preparation
Detailed aftercare instructions
Dedicated aftercare support during business hours

Allergic Reaction Prevention:

Patch testing available upon request
High-quality, tested pigments
Review of allergies and sensitivities

Our Commitment to Great Results:

Extensive consultation process
Design approval before starting
Experienced, skilled artists
Perfecting session available ($250)

Frequently Asked Questions

How is microblading different from eyebrow tattoo?

Microblading creates individual hair-like strokes using a manual tool, while traditional eyebrow tattoos use a machine to create a solid fill. Microblading is semi-permanent (1-3 years) and sits in the upper skin layers, while tattoos are permanent and go deeper into the skin. Learn more in our microblading vs eyebrow tattoo guide.

Does microblading damage your natural eyebrow hair?

No! Microblading does not affect your natural hair follicles. The hair strokes are created in areas between your existing hairs or where there is no hair growth. Your natural brows will continue to grow normally.

Can I still shape or tweeze my eyebrows after microblading?

Yes! You can maintain your natural brows by tweezing stray hairs outside the microbladed area. However, avoid plucking within the microbladed zone to preserve the results.

What if I don't like the results?

Microblading is semi-permanent, so it will naturally fade over time. We offer a perfecting session ($250) to make any adjustments. During your initial consultation, we ensure you're completely happy with the design before proceeding. If correction is needed later, we offer a brow corrections service.

Can I wear makeup over microbladed brows?

Once fully healed (after 4 weeks), yes! You can apply makeup over and around your microbladed brows. Many clients find they need less brow makeup or none at all.

Is microblading safe during pregnancy?

We recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hormonal changes can affect pigment retention and healing, and many medical professionals advise avoiding cosmetic procedures during this time.

Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page or read microblading FAQs answered.

Why Choose Melbourne Designer Brows?

Our Commitment to Excellence

Experienced Artists

Professionally trained and certified
Years of experience in microblading
Continuous education in latest techniques

Highly Rated Service

A growing number of happy clients
Featured on A Current Affair
Trusted by Melbourne community

Customized Approach

Thorough consultation process
Personalized design for your features
Color matched to your natural tones

Quality Commitment

Premium, safe pigments
Sterile, professional environment
Perfecting session available from $250

Convenient Locations

Richmond: Level 1, 382A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
Springvale: Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171
Easy parking and access

Learn more about us and read client reviews.

Ready to Transform Your Brows?

Microblading is more than just a beauty treatment -- it's an investment in your confidence, convenience, and daily routine. With natural-looking results that last 1-3 years, you'll save time, money, and the daily frustration of drawing on your eyebrows.

Take the Next Step

Microblading: From $600

A perfecting session is recommended 6-8 weeks after the initial appointment ($250).

Book Your Free Consultation

Contact Melbourne Designer Brows:

Call Anne directly: 0418 188 277
Email: info@mdbrows.com.au
Richmond: Level 1, 382A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
Springvale: Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171

What Happens Next?

Book your free consultation to discuss your goals and see if microblading is right for you
Design your perfect brows with our expert artist
Transform your look with natural, beautiful results
Enjoy wake-up-ready brows for the next 1-3 years!

Results may vary. Consult with your practitioner for personalized advice. Discover the confidence and convenience of microblading at Melbourne Designer Brows.

What is Microblading? Beginner's Guide