10 questions to ask your microblading artist

10 Questions to Ask Your Microblading Artist

Written by: Lisa Henning

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Published:

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Time to read 13 min

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Everything you need to know about Microblading

We were going to stop at 'Ten questions you need to ask a Microblade Artist', but found we had so many more, you'd probably want to ask about permanent makeup, and we've some top tips too!

Who will carry out my treatment?

Check that the person carrying out your microblading treatment is named artist on the salon website, Google or social media pages. Some salon business have multiple microblading artists or a visiting permanent makeup artist that guests or travels


Considering you're having a visible face treatment, it's worth asking the artist if you're a good candidate for the new brows you're asking them for. Let them know your different skin types and if the healing process is best for your new brows makeup

What training have you had?

How do you know if they're a permanent makeup or microblading expert? That's a bit like asking how do you know if your hairdresser is an artist. You just know! Has your artist taken additional permanent makeup training to refine their brows business skills, services and add new techniques


Don't always rule out the new permanent makeup or microblading artist! Little brows experience really can mean great current skills, care and enthusiasm, that's why it's so important to check if your microblading artist has an active social media presence showing current work on their clients


Don't forget the experienced pmu artists who keep putting out consistently good work, microblading artists too. They'll probably have a full diary, are used to working on all different skin types, and you might have to wait several months for an initial appointment. Their client base could be full, with many existing clients faithfully returning for their touch up treatment each year

Who trains microblading artists?

You'd hope it was an experienced training company with experienced pmu artist trainers. Unfortunately with an unregulated industry, and treatment insurance a desire not a requirement for business, just about microblading or permanent makeup artist can start training!


Once a microblading artist has had basic training, which usually involves theory, demo and practical training on models, and often case studies to meet the companies standards, artists often take additional Masterclass and online training via videos to maintain current knowledge


Obvious problems start when less well trained permanent makeup students take further training online rather than in person, when their client skills would be better advanced with in person supervision of an experienced microblading trainer. Be careful to check what to expect will happen in a permanent makeup appointment, making a point of talking with other clients about the industry can reduce worry too

How often do you carry out microblading treatments?

Would you consider someone an expert if your microblading artist carried out services only once a month? An important part of any microblading or permanent makeup treatment is the artistry involved, and for the best results an artist needs to be confident when drawing a new brow shape on different women and men, and skilled with tools and the art technique


Some clients find microblading painful, also having tattooed eyebrow. A confident, kind and experienced artist will look after you and explain the process while creating brows in your desired shape. They'll also discuss your six week touchups

Can I see your portfolio?

Artists from all mediums should have a rich portfolio and present it proudly! So comparing permanent makeup and microblading artists social media pages and website is important. Make a point of identifying the 'before and after' pictures, excellent reviews, consistent work, and quality are imperative


The best microblading artists also show healed photos of their work on clients. Close up photos of the brow area are best results for you to see. Avoid pmu artists who Photoshop pictures of their clients permanent makeup or draw on eyebrows

Find someone with an Instagram page that you literally die over

You'll get to know your permanent makeup or microblading artist better on Instagram, and any beauty blog they write. This will help you decide yourself if you're a good candidate and match for each other! When you contact them for the initial appointment, you'll feel a little more confident they have the techniques and skill to draw your brows on point!

Book a consultation even if you have to pay extra

Each permanent makeup or microblading artist runs their business differently. Before booking an initial appointment with a microblading artist, most will want to see either you in person for a consultation, or a photo of your eyebrows and a quick chat on the phone. This is so they can see if you're a good candidate for the eyebrow treatment you're looking for, but also they'd like to take you on as a client. Some also require their clients to have a patch test or sign a waiver for cosmetic tattooing


An artist will always have eyebrows that they favour, or a new brows shape they feel less comfortable to draw, some do not like working on fashion shapes, and others feel unconfident working on skin with no brow hair, creating a brow shape from nothing. It's worth doing your own research for your potential artist

Can I get my brows microbladed while I'm pregnant or nursing?

We do not recommend microblading for pregnant or nursing clients. There aren't yet any studies to prove that microblading pigments are not harmful to the fetus or breastfeeding babies. The use of topical anesthetic can be harmful as it seeps into a client's skin. You'd find microblading painful and it will not heal as intended

Invest in an artist who suits your style

Microblading and permanent makeup are a cosmetic tattoo, lasting many months or even years. It's well worth investing in an artist who fits your style best. While I completely respect people have wildly different budgets and some artists are much cheaper, take the time to save if the artist whose work you like best has a higher price for their artistry

Does your microblading artist have a particular style of brows?

It's best not to alter your natural shape too much with a microblading treatment. Our body has a unique anatomy, and your natural eyebrows can be tweaked slightly to perfectly compliment your face. The microblading artist should be able to enhance your natural shape with new techniques and shape, the difference can be subtle or look more like makeup

No long hot showers and sweaty exercise for 10 days is usually the rule for most

After a microblading treatment or permanent makeup, it is important to follow all the aftercare advice given by your chosen artist. They've met you and have assessed your skin types, there isn't one aftercare method for the healing process so Google won't be able to offer you the best advice


To prevent redness and infection it is important to keep your eyebrows clean, it is difficult to wash you eyebrows while they are healing, only follow your microblading artists advice. Don't forget to show your artist healed photos of your brows!

Microblading is not permanent

False! - Microblading is a permanent makeup technique. However the pigment will fade and change color over the years, just think how permanent hair colors and dyes fade and change. When pigment has been implanted in the skin, a permanent change has happened to that skin

Are there different types of pigment?

Yes, permanent makeup and microblading artists do use different types of pigment. Microblading using a hand tool requires pigment that is a little bit warmer in color than pigment used for machine work. Not all microblading artists know this, and this is why we often see brows that have healed grey

We also have organic pigment and non-organic, which is iron oxide, and pigments that are designed to naturally fade in a couple of years, over pigments that are made to last forever, more like traditional tattoo pigment. There are new products developed all the time in permanent makeup

Do you use any pharmaceutical grade products?

Not all permanent makeup or microblading products are safe to use. Pigments and needles must be good quality and from a reputable manufacturer brand and supplier


A good brow artist won't risk damaging your skin with poor methods, will use sterilised tools that are only used on you, will ask you what look or style you want and how to do it. They'll also be able to educate you on how they're going to approach the treatment by answering any questions you have. If your microblading eyebrows expert can't answer your questions to make sure the brows they give you are the ones you asked for, then they're not the person to choose

Quality Microblading Pigment

Investing in dependable pigments lines guarantees the right colour and tone to match the eyebrows of your client. The color of your hair will be seen differently when the brows have healed. Occasionally pigments will give you a different result even if they are cheap. List the pigments used in training facilities? 


What about Industry Specialists? Quality products are important factors in their working life. The photos taken before and after are easy to view and share. Keep up with the latest products as they always have better products than the previous versions.

The best Blades for microblading

Blades must be sourced from reputable suppliers, they must also be single use and sterile. The best blades suit the purpose of the particular style of work, and are smooth, with no snagging areas

Disposable Needles

A permanent makeup and microblading artist much strictly implements disposable needles on every client. Needles must never be reused, even on the same clients next visit

PMU machines

Some cosmetic permanent machines allow beginners good work while others are best suited to experienced artists. You can often tell an experienced artist because they have several PMU machines, in a good way, it can almost become an obsession having different tools!

Do you offer discounts on microblading?

Trust your gut and go with what seems like the best option, even if it's a bit more expensive than another option. You can find plenty of great microblading technicians on the internet; but always ask for their qualifications and training before just judging the price they offer you - you might save some money, but sometimes those savings come at a cost, and one you'll be wearing on your face!

Finding the best artist for you

Once you find the best microblading artist for your face, they'll be able to help you with every aspect of the treatment before and after you go ahead with it. This way, when you see them for touch-ups or regular treatments in future, you know exactly what to expect and they've booked your next appointment because you're happy with their work

Is microblading the same as tattooing?

Yes, microblading is tattooing. Any form of implanting pigment into the skin is by definition tattooing. Microblading uses a hand tool, century old body tattoos also used a hand tool, the hand poked method that's still used by artists today

Can microblading help natural eyebrow hair growth?

A popular myth surrounding microblading says this does nothing for hair. Microblading is not harmful to natural hair, and it can sometimes promote hair growth. This is because the brow area has been woken up during the treatment, and this can activate dormant hair follicles

Does microblading hurt?

Microblading uses a hand tool blade of needles, that is bladed through the skin. The term is also confusing used for machine hair stroke method, so do clarify with your permanent makeup specialist if you want hand tool method or machine


There should just be mild discomfort during a microblading session. Most artists use topical numbing cream to avoid pain before the treatment

Does permanent makeup hurt?

Permanent makeup uses a tattoo machine, in powder brows and pigment in natural hair strokes. Some confuse by asking for microblading and are unsure which method will be used, hand tool or machine


Permanent makeup doesn't hurt, at least for those who have been trained in this area. Permanent makeup uses smaller needles than tattoos, because the skin is not as deep in the brow area. Most pmu artist use topical numbing cream to avoid pain during the treatment

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup (PMU) or semi-permanent makeup (SPMU) is a cosmetic procedure involving tattoo needles to create patterns similar to makeup. This tattoo uses special pigments designed for sensitive skin such as face and special techniques which have less sensitivity to trauma than regular tattoos. Permanent makeup is often known as permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation and cosmetic tattoos

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a cosmetic procedure involving a hand tool of needles to create patterns similar to makeup. This tattoo uses special pigments designed for sensitive skin such as face and special techniques which have less sensitivity to trauma than regular tattoos. Microblading is often known as hand tool method or eyebrow embroidery. Whichever method is used, microblading is still a tattoo as pigment is implanted into the skin

How long does it take to heal?

Services are different but generally there will be redness or swelling in certain areas. The redness will subside within an hour or so. Generally the healing is over within two weeks, and the true color of your new permanent makeup or microblading will be visible within 6 weeks

What is the healing process?

Healing varies according to different skin types. Let's discuss this fully in a separate page for Microblading Aftercare

How long does permanent makeup take?

The PMU procedure takes different ties for completions, but in general it takes about two hours. This includes the consultation, numbing cream, drawing the new eyebrow shape and then the microblading treatment and discussing aftercare

Is permanent makeup safe?

Okay, the procedure is safe, but it's all up to the artist you visit. Permanent makeup and microblading does everything under sterile conditions requiring the use of disposable needles. Your artist must also follow the strict guidelines set out by the local council, registering that they offer client treatment using needles

What to Expect from a Microblading Appointment

If you're here for an appointment, or thinking about the next steps after the first appointment with your microblading artist, then I'm glad to help. It's important that you ask questions and there are some good questions in this microblading page

The Artist's Tools: Making Your Magic Come to Life

Also, the conversation relates to your talent a great deal more than anything else. But you can't do anything on your own. Microblading uses tools that can help you achieve your desired results. When you work in art, the tools are more important than their use. That may work, but microblading can work on skin


You should always remember to do so. It's never a painting that can be taken out when work is poor. Microblading has become an extremely permanent product that varies from person to person. The mistake that is made on a client's skin can be re-used over the years. There are also PMU correction options but sometimes work can be done without needing one.

Your skin type can affect results

The microblading technique may be more beneficial to some skin types and it is therefore important to research and determine the proper technique. My research showed the more dry skin types had a better result, as they tend to retain pigment better and have the crispest strokes.” Oilier skin types will be useful also, but tend to heal somewhat softer and more crisp [perhaps from a lack of pigment].

Questions to Ask Your Artist During Your Microblading Consultation

You researched and searched for the best microblade artists near you. There is another step in that journey... talk to your talented Artist at your microblading consultation. Understanding the appropriate information during your Microblading Consultation will allow you to make a final decision when it comes to choosing one of the perfect artists near you. After completing a microblading procedure the technician can calm any doubts and give an informed choice

11 Things to Know Before Trying Microblading

The eyebrows are a big part of the identity of a woman. That's why it took so much time to pluck the hair, wax, thread the hair and make it fit properly. We are also not against anything permanent. Is this really an issue? It is generally observed that eyebrow trend is fluctuation


Therefore permanent tattoos may be an undesirable option if one hasn't been given a lifelong commitment. This is the main reason microblading has quickly developed as an attractive cosmetic procedure that helps people to achieve pronounced eyebrows with minimal effort.

Ask questions!

So ask your own questions, do some research on the person offering treatment to find out just how experienced they are with not just microblading, but also facial contouring work as well. Then let that information help you decide if they're real artist or just someone calling themselves an artist

Conclusion

In conclusion, delving into the world of microblading requires diligence and discernment to ensure a successful outcome. From selecting the right artist to understanding the nuances of the procedure, arming yourself with knowledge is key. By asking the right questions, researching thoroughly, and prioritizing quality over convenience, you can embark on your microblading journey with confidence


Remember, microblading is a form of artistry that requires skill, experience, and attention to detail. Finding an artist who aligns with your style and preferences is paramount to achieving the brows of your dreams. Additionally, understanding the healing process and following aftercare instructions diligently can contribute to optimal results


Ultimately, microblading offers a transformative solution for enhancing your natural beauty, but it's essential to approach it thoughtfully and with caution. By investing in a reputable artist, asking questions, and educating yourself about the procedure, you can embark on your microblading journey with peace of mind

Lisa Henning owner of Botched Ink saline solution

The Author: Lisa Henning

Lisa Henning is the owner and developer of Botched Ink, an industry leading saline removal brand offering comprehensive training, online and in-person, and our exclusive Botched Ink® saline removal solution. Contact Lisa directly on Instagram, Facebook, or by Email