Microblading

Most people feel a scratching sensation rather than sharp pain. A numbing cream is applied before the treatment starts, and it's topped up during the session if needed. Everyone's pain tolerance is different, but the process is generally well tolerated. Some areas of the brow may feel more sensitive than others, particularly near the arch. If you're anxious about discomfort, mention it during your consultation so your artist can talk you through what to expect and how numbing is managed throughout the appointment.

You should avoid applying makeup directly on the treated area for at least ten days while the skin heals. Makeup can introduce bacteria and interfere with the healing process, which may cause pigment loss or infection. You can wear makeup on the rest of your face as long as you're careful not to touch the brows when applying or removing it. Once the skin has fully healed and any scabbing has naturally fallen away, you can resume your normal makeup routine, though you may find you need less product than before.

You should avoid exercise that causes sweating for at least seven to ten days after your treatment. Sweat can irritate the healing skin and cause the pigment to fade unevenly or become patchy. Activities like swimming, saunas, and steam rooms should also be avoided during this period. Light walking is fine, but anything that raises your heart rate significantly or causes moisture to build up on your face should be postponed. Your aftercare sheet will include a full list of activities to avoid and when it's safe to return to your normal routine.

The shape is agreed and drawn on before any pigment is applied, so you have full control over the final outline. If you're unsure, adjustments can be made at the drawing stage. Once healed, small changes to the shape can be made during your follow-up appointment. If you're unhappy with the result after healing, speak to your artist as soon as possible. In rare cases, pigment can be lightened or adjusted, but it's always easier to add more than to remove what's already there, which is why the consultation and mapping process is so thorough.

The color will lighten slightly as the pigment fades, but it should remain within the same tone family. Exposure to sun, certain skincare ingredients, and your skin's natural exfoliation process all contribute to fading. Some colors may shift slightly depending on your skin chemistry, which is why the pigment is custom blended to suit your undertone. If the color changes in a way you don't like, this can be discussed during a follow-up or maintenance appointment. Most color shifts are subtle and remain natural-looking, but any concerns should be raised early so they can be addressed.

Microblading draws each hair by hand with a manual, disposable tool made of very fine needles shaped like a blade. Nano brows use a machine hairstroke technique. We see nano brows as the new microblading because they suit more skin types and offer more artistic freedom, with less trauma and quicker healing.