With any cosmetic procedure, there are a few factors to weigh out that can give you a better idea as to whether or not it is the right treatment for you. Apart from the actual process, products used, lifespan, side effects, and downtime, another critical factor to consider is if it sits well within your budget.
At a professional microblading clinic, you can expect to pay anywhere between $400 to $800, with a variety of components affecting how high or low your chosen artist charges.
Below, we talk a little more about how much microblading eyebrows cost nowadays and also break down each of these factors in detail to get a better grasp of what you can expect after your first session.
What is the Typical Cost of Microblading?
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Microblading is a great way to remedy brows that stopped growing. Most professional clinics charge between $400 to $800, averaging at $600 per microblading brow procedure. When we talk procedure, we don’t just mean the application of pigment. This rate should include your initial consultation, the actual microblading of your brows, and the initial touch-up scheduled once your brows get a chance to heal. All of these stages that make up the entire procedure are very important to the success of your microbladed eyebrows.
5 Factors Affecting the Cost of Microblading
The cost of microblading services can have a steep gap depending on which clinic you decide to get the procedure in. There are five main factors that could affect this, which we discuss in detail below.
Licensing
This is a huge factor, not only in the cost but also in your decision-making process. Not all microblading technicians are licensed to practice, and we highly recommend sticking only to those with legal permits.
While regulations may vary depending on which state you live in, most if not all professional specialists work with a license. This ensures you get quality service and also a safer and healthier procedure. Those who opt for novice, unlicensed microblading service providers are at risk of getting poor results that may lead to higher costs and health issues later on.
Experience
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It goes without saying that the more experience an artist has, the higher their rate would be. This would also mean that they are more capable of successfully microblading your eyebrows and accurately guiding you on the best practices for smooth healing. It’s also important to consider that with more experience, the artist will be more well-known in their area, which can rack up demand as well.
Newer artists who work under more experienced professionals will charge less. However, since quality specialists guide them, it does not mean their work won’t be any good. It’s always best to check their past work and reviews to get a better grasp of their capabilities.
Tools and Equipment
Certain tools and equipment can offer much better results, but they would often be deemed a bigger investment for the artist. If your chosen artist puts a lot of resources into getting quality materials, this may increase the overall cost but also increase the overall quality.
Location
Certain cities or towns can have lower costs of services than other areas. This can be due to the cost of renting, getting equipment, and how saturated the microblading market is in the area. For instance, knowing how much microblading costs in California and using this as a basis may not set the right expectations if you seek treatment in New York or other cities.
Competitors
When there is more competition, clinics will want to price in a way that is advantageous to them. They may also use it as a positioning factor, with higher-priced clinics catering to a more premium clientele and competitively priced services targeted at the general public.
Why Does Microblading Cost So Much?
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Apart from the main factors listed above, microblading tends to be costly because of the type of results you can expect. It is a semi-permanent procedure, which means you can reap the benefits of what you pay for even one to two years from now.
Financial Considerations of Regular Touch-Ups
Every microblading procedure comes with an initial touch-up. This is often already included in the package rate and is set to ensure the specialist fills in every part of your brow line. It is also to check how well your brows are healing and if you require special creams.
However, your brows may fade in a year or two even with proper healing. For this reason, regular touch-ups are recommended. These are required every 1 to 2 years and should be considered in your total projected budget before setting an appointment.
Comparing Costs: Microblading vs Other Eyebrow Enhancement Techniques
There are several kinds of eyebrow-enhancing procedures, each catering to different preferences, needs, and budget ranges. Below, we list the average cost you can expect to pay for the most common brow treatments.
Keep in mind that these can fluctuate based on location and specialist. It is also important to note that most listed techniques last an average of 2 years while the more affordable options fade faster.
Microblading:
$400 - $800 (lifespan: 1-2 years)
Powder Brows:
$400 - $800 (lifespan: 2-3 years)
Combo Brows:
$450 - $800 (lifespan: 2-3 years)
Nano Brows:
$500 - $850 (lifespan: 1.5-2 years)
Permanent Tattoo:
$300 - $500 (lifespan: forever)
Henna Brow Tattoo:
$35 - $50 (lifespan: 6 weeks)
Makeup (Pencils, Gels, Pomade, etc):
$6 - $65 (lifespan: 1 day)
Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos:
$9 - $19 (lifespan: 3 days)
Microblading Risks
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While the financial aspect of a cosmetic procedure is an important consideration, another huge factor to weigh out is the risk involved in the treatment.
Microblading has been around for close to three decades as of this writing and is still a widely practiced procedure. This not only means we have advanced tools to boost safety precautions but there is also ample training available for aspiring specialists. Despite there being no frequent complaints about long-term effects of microblading eyebrows, there are still risks involved, including:
- Allergic reactions
- Keloid
- Infections
- Pigmentation
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Swelling
- Poorly shaped brows
What To Expect After Getting Your Eyebrows Microbladed - Is Microblading Painful?
Your brows will go through phases of healing right after getting them microbladed. The treatment can be painful during application since it utilizes a manual tool, however, the degree can vary based on tolerance level. When it starts to heal, the pain should subside within the first few days.
Immediately Following the Microblading Procedure
Immediately after your treatment, you can expect redness, swelling, and in some cases, mild bleeding. Your brows will also look very bold and dark, but these should fade in time. Give it about 3 days to a week for the brows to lighten, the swelling to go down, and the tenderness to subside.
The Healing Process for Microbladed Brows
The first week may be challenging as your brow line will be extra sensitive. However, on your 5th-7th day onwards, you will notice some scabbing and flaking, which is a good sign that your skin is healing well. As this happens, the fullness of your brows starts to stabilize as well. Give this about another week until it fully heals.
Microblading Aftercare Measures
In the two weeks post-treatment, it is important to take aftercare measures for your brows to heal properly. This includes:
- Keep your brow area dry for at least the first 7 days (including in the shower).
- Do not wear makeup or apply skin care on the area for at least 7 days.
- Do not peel, pick, or scratch on the scabs as this can lead to scarring.
- Keep away from saunas, swimming, and activities that cause excessive sweating.
- Keep your scalp hair off your brows.
- Do not expose your brows to too much direct sunlight.
- Religiously apply the medicated cream or balm provided by your specialist.
The Longevity and Maintenance of Microbladed Eyebrows
Microbladed brows typically last 1 to 2 years. Once you notice the pigment starts to fade around this time, you may set an appointment for a touch-up session.
What Happens in a Touch-up Session?
Touch-up sessions are done to enhance microbladed brows and correct any imperfections that may have occurred throughout natural pigment fading. During this session, you can expect your specialist to fill in sparse patches, apply additional strokes, and also reshape your brows if necessary.
What Else Can You Try Instead of Microblading Your Eyebrows?
We have varying preferences and needs. Some require a full treatment for eyebrows that have stopped growing, while others may only need enhancement for thin brows.
If microblading doesn’t fit your requirements, we recommend looking into these alternatives:
- Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos
- Powder Brows
- Combo Brows
- Nano Brows
- Henna Brow Tattoo
- Makeup (Pencils, Gels, Pomade, etc)
- Supplements and OTC Medications
- Brow Growth Serums
Can I Use My Usual Makeup Products After Microblading?
After your microblading procedure, it is advised not to wear any makeup on the area for 14 days, which is typically how long it would take to fully heal. After this period, you are free to start using your usual makeup products again.
Are There Any Makeup Products to Avoid?
Your microbladed brows may fade faster if you apply makeup and skincare products that contain exfoliating chemicals such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, retinol, resin A, Vitamin C, salicylic acid, and other forms of AHA or BHA.
By sticking to all-natural products without any harsh ingredients, you can prevent premature fading and pigment discoloration.
You’re All Set!
With an in-depth look into how much microblading eyebrows cost and the factors that can affect this rate, you can better weigh out if this procedure is the best fit to fix your thinning or absent brows.
If you have yet to figure it out, we suggest trying a sample pack of temporary brows to get a concrete visual of the kinds of brows you want and the level of commitment you’re ready to invest. After all, the best kind of brows are the ones you are happy with!