Is microblading painful?
One of the most common microblading questions — and the good news is that the pain level is very minimal with an experienced artist. While the procedure involves minor discomfort, it's generally well-tolerated by most clients.
A specialized hand tool delicately etches pigment into the skin to create fuller, more defined brows.
About a 3 out of 10
With numbing cream applied before the procedure, most clients feel only light scratching or mild stinging — many compare it to eyebrow tweezing or threading.
On average, our clients rate the pain level a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10.
What it actually feels like
During the process, some clients experience a sensation similar to light scratching or mild stinging. With a topical numbing cream applied before the procedure, any discomfort is greatly minimized. Many liken the feeling to eyebrow tweezing or threading — manageable for most people.
Bottom line: The brief discomfort is well worth the beautifully enhanced, natural-looking results that last for months. If you're ready to wake up with flawless brows every day, microblading may be the perfect solution.
More questions
What is microblading?
Microblading (or eyebrow embroidery) is a semi-permanent, manual method that uses a very fine blade to deposit pigment into the epidermis. Because the color sits closer to the surface, the strokes appear crisp and very fine. The pigments are matched to your natural color for a flawless, fuller-looking brow. It's ideal for anyone wanting to enhance their brows — including those experiencing hair loss.
Can I get microblading while pregnant?
No. We don't perform microblading during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as the chemicals in the anesthetic and pigments are not recommended.
Who should avoid microblading?
You may not be a candidate if you:
- Are under 18, pregnant, or breastfeeding
- Get keloid scars
- Have been on Accutane within 1 year of the procedure
- Are diabetic, or have HIV, Hepatitis, or other viral infections
- Are undergoing chemotherapy, have epilepsy, a pacemaker or major heart problems
- Have had an organ transplant
- Are sick (cold/flu affects healing — please reschedule)
- Have skin irritation on the area (blemishes, rash, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, sunburn)
- Are on acne medication (be off 7 days before and avoid 30 days after)
- Generally don't heal well or develop infections easily
How do I prepare for my appointment?
For the best results, please follow these steps:
- No alcohol or caffeine before the procedure (at least 24 hrs for alcohol)
- No Advil or blood thinners (Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Ibuprofen) 48–72 hrs prior unless medically necessary — extra-strength Tylenol is okay for low pain tolerance
- Recent tanning affects the healed color
- Schedule injectables 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after
- Avoid exercising the day of the procedure (it opens the pores)
- You'll be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle
- No waxing or tinting 3 days before
- It usually takes 2 appointments for desired results
Aftercare instructions
Following aftercare is very crucial to the success of your brows. Don't let water touch your brows for a long period (a quick rinse 30 minutes after is okay), and keep lotion, soap, and makeup off the brow area for the first 7 days.
Immediately after, the area will be extremely dark and get darker over the next 2 days as a scab forms — 30–50% of the pigment is in the scabs. Over 7–14 days the scabs flake off bit by bit. Do not pick at the scabs.
Once scabbing is over, the color appears foggy and muted, then becomes more vibrant over the following weeks. Complete healing takes at least 6 weeks, when the true color shows. You may take an Advil or apply an icepack after treatment to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- 30 minutes after treatment, rinse with neutral (children's) soap or cold water, remove any lymph, then apply a thin layer of PhiShield aftercare cream
- Repeat 3–5 times during the day (cover with plastic foil overnight if you can't)
- For the next 7 days, apply the cream after washing your face or showering
Ready when you are
Numbing cream, experienced artists, and beautiful results. Book your microblading appointment at M Beauty Studio in Orange, CT.