If you’ve been debating microblading, here’s everything you need to know about the treatment
If you’ve been considering getting microblading to boost your thin or sparse eyebrows for years but have always been deterred because of stories from those who say their pigment faded badly over time, it’s well worth taking the plunge in 2025. Microblading is back in trend thanks to a host of celebrities and influencers like Coleen Rooney and Tulisa showing off their semi-permanently pigmented brows, and it’s better than ever.
With new pigments promising to fade naturally and strokes that can be as fine as real hairs, the treatment can have you waking up with full and natural-looking brows every morning with no effort.
So if you have questions before you book in, we headed to see eyebrow expert Liarna Jessica Yearwood, founder of Liarna Jessica London, to find out everything you need to know.
Firstly, what is microblading?
“Microblading is a technique used to create 3D hair strokes. These strokes are made with a small handheld tool featuring a cluster of tiny blades on the tip,” explains Liarna. “The tool picks up ink and implants the colour down in the dermis, the second layer of skin.” Due to the compact size of the tool, microblading provides very accurate strokes which replicate genuine hairs – making it an excellent choice for those with thinning, sparse or fine brows.
Why did it get a bad name for itself?
The horror stories you heard about brows turning pink or orange are definitely in the past. “The pigments used were much more unstable, but now hybrid pigments are used,” explains Liarna. “We use a combination of pigments and inks, and they’re more stable in the skin, meaning they slowly fade to an ashier tone.”
In 2025, the treatment is better than ever; the microblading will last longer and look more natural due to the new pigments and techniques. However, no matter how good your brow artist is, and how high-quality the pigments being used are, if you’re getting repeat top-ups and treatments over the years, your microblading can still fade to a tone it didn’t start as, usually an ashier one.
Liarna continues: “Even on myself, a reset is sometimes needed because you can’t just top up forever. There shouldn’t be a stigma about this, you remove other treatments like filler for a reset, so why not your eyebrows?”
Liarna recommends getting a laser treatment to remove old pigment if your brows are fading a little ashy. “It’s really quick to do with minimal discomfort. Our laser blasts the old pigment away in one to three sessions, then you need to wait around six weeks before coming back to have your microblading done again.”
Are the results permanent?
Microblading shouldn’t be compared to a tattoo, as the pigment doesn’t get implanted far enough into the skin for the results to be fully permanent. For this reason, it’s labelled a semi-permanent treatment.
“We do the initial treatment, then ask the client to come back 6-8 weeks later for a top-up. This is just to correct any fading that might have occurred after the first treatment, and to make sure the ink is properly implanted in the skin,” Liarna says. To maintain results, you should go back to your clinic for a top-up every 1-2 years.
What’s the difference between microblading and microshading?
“While microblading uses that small hand-held tool we talked about earlier, microshading is done with a digital machine where needles – instead of blades – deposit pin-like dots of pigmentation,” says Liarna. Essentially, microblading offers precise strokes, while microshading gives a fuller, “powder-effect” finish.
“Many good technicians will offer a combination of the two. A full consultation with the client first will help determine the best technique for their brows,” she adds.
Does microblading hurt? And is there any downtime?
Numbing cream is applied and reapplied throughout the treatment, so pain is kept to a minimum. Our tester promises it was about 4/10 on the ouch scale. Downtime is practically non-existent – you can leave with fantastic brows.
You’ll need to use a special balm on the first evening if you notice the skin becoming too dry or crusty, and you might be provided with bandages to position over the brows before sleeping on treatment day. This prevents you from accidentally disturbing them. Apart from that, you should steer clear of perspiring and intense exercise for the initial few days, and ensure you don’t cleanse the area with face wash on day one or two.
Am I a good candidate for microblading?
“Microblading can be adapted to work for most. However, you want people with healthy skin; not too thin or it won’t retain the pigment colour. Also, those with inflammatory conditions like rosacea and eczema might not be candidates if a rash affects the brow area,” says Liarna.
How much does it cost?
Liarna provides the treatment at her London clinic from £395. This includes the top-up appointment six weeks later. Laser pigment removal starts from £75.
While microblading is a great option for those who have patchy, sparse or no brows due to alopecia or illness, it might not be a commitment you can make at the moment. After all, you do have to make sure you book in for the touch-up appointments to keep your brows looking pristine. While you’re considering the treatment, you can give yourself a brow boost at home with our pick of microblading-inspired brow pencils.
Microblade-effect pens
NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen, £11.99
Our head of beauty’s go-to pick is this super-fine pen, which gives the skin a lasting tint. You can pick it up in nine shades with warm tones and ashier shades to suit your skin tone and hair colour.
Benefit Mighty Fine Brow Superfine Triple Tip Pen, £26
One of Benefit’s newer launches, this triple-tipped pen is ultra fine and made to give brows realistic hair-like strokes. There are five shades to choose from, with light and dark options.
Revolution Instant Brow Hair Pen, £6.99
This clever brow pen from Revolution mimics real hair strokes for instantly fuller-looking arches. Three shades are available to choose from.