By Sandhiya Srinivasan, Founder & Lead Artist · Updated
The two questions we hear most before anyone books microblading are how long it will last and whether it hurts. Here are honest answers to both.
How Long Does Microblading Last?
With good aftercare, microblading typically lasts 2–3 years. It does not disappear suddenly. The hair strokes slowly soften and lighten, and many clients choose a colour boost once they notice the strokes losing their crispness, rather than waiting for them to fade completely.
What Makes Microblading Fade Sooner
- Oily skin: Oil breaks pigment down faster and can blur fine strokes. On very oily skin, powder or combination brows usually last better.
- Sun: Daily sun exposure is the biggest cause of early fading, which matters in Chennai's strong sun.
- Skincare: Retinol, acids (AHA, BHA), peels and exfoliating scrubs used on the brows lift pigment out of the skin.
- Smoking: Smoking is linked to faster fading of permanent makeup.
- Skipping the touch-up: The touch-up fills in strokes that did not hold during healing. Without it, results fade unevenly.
How to Make It Last Longer
- Follow aftercare for the first month: Keep the brows dry, do not pick the flakes and use only a thin layer of balm.
- Book your touch-up: Any time between 30 and 90 days after the first session.
- Protect from the sun: Use sunscreen on your brows once they have fully healed.
- Keep active skincare away: Apply retinol and acids around the brows, not on them.
Is Microblading Permanent?
No. Microblading is semi-permanent. The pigment sits in the upper layer of the skin, so your body gradually breaks it down. This is a good thing: brow trends and faces change, and fading lets the shape be updated over the years. On some skin a faint trace can remain for longer, which is why the shape and shade are always agreed with you before we start.
Is Microblading Painful?
Most clients find microblading far more comfortable than they expected. A topical numbing cream is applied and left for about 20 minutes before any work begins. Many people compare what they feel to threading or tweezing, and some feel almost nothing.
- During the treatment: A light scratching sensation and a soft crisp sound as the strokes are drawn, with some pressure from the tool.
- Straight after: Brows can feel tender and look slightly red, a bit like a mild sunburn.
- The next few days: Tenderness settles within a day or two. Later, as the skin heals, brows can feel tight or itchy.
What Can Make It Feel More Sensitive
- Your period: skin is often more sensitive in the days around it, so you may prefer to book another week.
- Caffeine and alcohol, which can also increase bleeding during the treatment.
- Being tired, hungry or very anxious. Eat beforehand and tell us if you are nervous, so we can take breaks.
How Long the Appointment Takes
Plan for around two hours. That includes an in-person consultation, numbing, mapping and drawing your brows for approval, and aftercare instructions. The microblading itself takes about an hour.
Is Microblading Right for You?
Microblading heals crispest on normal to dry skin. If your skin is oily, ombre powder brows or combination brows may last longer and look better healed. Send a photo of your bare brows in natural light on WhatsApp and we will tell you honestly which treatment suits you.