Does microblading hurt worse than a tattoo?

Author: Dillon Braun Jr.  |  Last update: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Microblading is done with a hand tool which cuts only into the uppermost layer of the skin. This is not only far less painful than tattooing, but causes less damage to the skin and results in a quicker recovery process. Also, less pigment is needed, which prevents color from 'bleeding' into adjacent skin cells.

What is the pain scale for microblading?

Many people ask us: is microblading painful? Most of our clients report little or no pain. Often they say it's a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10, at most.

How badly does microblading hurt?

Because of the word blade, many people thinking about microblading worry the procedure will hurt. In truth, the treatment feels less painful than getting a regular tattoo, but you may experience some mild discomfort. People describe the microblading sensation as a little more painful than waxing or plucking your brows.

Is it better to microblade or tattoo eyebrows?

In summary, microblading provides a more natural, feathered look that lasts for a shorter period of time, while tattooing provides a more permanent, solid look that may appear less natural. Ultimately, the choice between the two techniques will depend on the individual's personal preference and desired end result.

What is the downside to microblading?

Microblading could cause: Infection. If your technician uses dirty water or equipment, they can spread bacteria like staphylococcus (staph). They could also spread viruses like HIV, hepatitis, or herpes.

Does Microblading Hurt? A Hawaii Cosmetic Tattoo Artist Answers

What looks more natural, microblading or tattooing?

Results from microblading are more natural than traditional eyebrow tattoos. Each hairstroke is hand drawn in microblading. To the naked eye, these individual hairstrokes blend right in with a clients' real hair.

What is the dark side of microblading?

The microblading process creates superficial cuts in the skin which, without appropriate care, can increase the risk of infection. This can lead to longer healing times and potential scarring. In the days following the procedure, it's common for the treated area to form scabs.

What is the most natural looking eyebrow procedure?

An eyebrow transplant is the most natural looking eyebrow treatment because it uses your own hairs. Using the FUE technique (which is used for modern hair transplants), hair from the back of your head is transplanted to your eyebrows.

Do you still have to fill in brows after microblading?

6 - 8 weeks after a PowderBrow or Mircoblading Procedure, a touch up session is recommended to fill in any gaps in pigment or darken any areas that lightened too much during the healing process. Long-term care: It is okay and recommended to apply regular moisturizer to your brow area.

Who should avoid microblading?

Anyone with transmittable blood conditions like HIV or Hepatitis. Anyone with uncontrolled high blood pressure or mitral valve disorder. Anyone who has active skin cancer in the area to be microbladed. Anyone that has easily triggered post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What does microblading look like after 5 years?

Five years after microblading, clients often observe certain transformations in their brows, influenced by factors such as type of ink pigments used, skin type and care regimen. After five years, some microblading may show moderate fading on some people, leaving a shadow or remnants of ink pigment.

What do I wish I knew before microblading?

10 Things You Wish to Know Before Getting Eyebrow Microblading
  • 1) Know that it's Semi-Permanent Make-Up Technique. ...
  • 2)Alcohol is a Big No Before the Appointment. ...
  • 3)Threading, Plucking, and Waxing are also activities to be avoided prior to the Appointment. ...
  • 4)Make Sure You Know Exactly How You Want your Eyebrows to Look.

Does microblading look bad at first?

Initially, the color may appear sharp and dark, but it will fade by approximately 40-50% as it heals to reveal the final color. It is usually around the 4-6 weeks mark you can truly see the result that shifts you away from a bad microblading before and after experience to a satisfying result.

What lasts longer microblading or tattoo?

Moreover, microblading typically lasts around one to three years depending on skin type. Eyebrow tattoos, on the other hand, offer more permanency. Tattooing allows pigment to penetrate deeper into the skin, which means color retention is longer-lasting, usually around three to five years.

What is the new technique instead of microblading?

Nano Brows is a permanent makeup technique and form of brow tattooing that utilizes a digital machine with a fine needle. This allows for intricate and precise hair-like strokes, marking a significant advancement from traditional Microblading methods. The result is a more refined, detailed, and natural-looking outcome.

What does Kim Kardashian use on her eyebrows?

Soare is seen in the clip sparingly filling in Kardashian's brows with the Brow Wiz Precision Brow Pencil ($25), but the star of the brow look is how slicked into place they are from end to end, which is courtesy of the brand's Brow Freeze Gel ($26), which Kim says she's “OMG obsessed” with.

What is the least painful eyebrow shaping?

Eyebrow threading is ideal for anyone who has a sensitive skin type. Compared to waxing, "eyebrow threading is less likely to cause any minor swelling, irritation, or an allergic reaction," Orozco says.

Is there a downside to microblading?

The primary (and scariest) problem with microblading is that the procedure cuts the skin in order to deposit the pigment. Any time your skin is cut there is a serious risk of infection and scar tissue.

Why is microblading not recommended for over 55?

Our skin changes as we age, becoming thinner and more delicate. While microblading is generally safe, this can affect the healing process and potentially increase risks. It's crucial to choose a highly experienced technician who understands mature skin and can tailor the technique accordingly.

What happens 2 years after microblading?

It is very possible for it to be PERMANENT. The most important bottom line is that it looks awful after 1-2 years on almost everyone and it is not easily fixable. Even though the obvious thing to do is just cover the old microblading with a powder brow, this is not done so easily.

Is there a better option than microblading?

Yes, Nano Brows is generally less traumatic to the skin compared to microblading. Because it does not involve cutting into the skin with a blade, there is less scarring and reduced long-term damage, making it a gentler option for sensitive or mature skin.

Which is more painful microblading or tattoo?

Eyebrow tattoos are much the same. This is not the case for microblading. Although discomfort is possible, this treatment typically uses lidocaine injections to numb the procedure site. In most cases, microblading therapies tend to be relatively discomfort-free.

Previous article
Is honey OK if it turns dark?
Next article
Can I jump in a cold pool after a sauna?