permanent makeup
Microblading
Semi-permanent eyebrow enhancement using fine strokes Offered on-site by Charm Brows & Beauty
Booking for this service continues on the Charm Brows & Beauty website (opens in a new tab).
About this service
Microblading creates individual hair-like strokes in the brow using a fine hand tool, depositing pigment just under the surface of the skin. Done well, the strokes follow the direction your own hair grows, so the result reads as brow hair rather than as makeup.
Offered on-site by Charm Brows & Beauty.
It's semi-permanent: the pigment fades gradually over one to three years rather than staying forever, which is a good thing — brow fashions and faces both change.
The first appointment shapes and builds the brows; a touch-up 6 to 8 weeks later perfects them once healed. Both are part of the process, not a sign anything went wrong.
What's included
- Consultation and patch test discussion before any work begins
- Brow mapping and shaping agreed with you and drawn on before starting
- Pigment colour matched to your hair and skin tone
- Numbing to keep you comfortable throughout
- Hand-tool stroke work built in passes
- Aftercare product and full written instructions
What to expect at your appointment
Allow around two hours. Most of the first part is mapping — your artist measures and draws the shape on your face, and nothing starts until you approve it.
Numbing is applied, then the strokes are worked in gradually with pigment added in passes. You'll be shown the result and given aftercare.
Healing runs in stages: darker and bolder for the first few days, then flaking around days 5 to 10, then a period where the colour looks faint before it settles fully at around four to six weeks. Don't judge the result until then — the mid-healing 'ghosting' stage worries almost everyone and resolves on its own.
Who it's best for
Sparse, over-plucked or patchy brows, and anyone who wants a natural, hair-stroke look rather than a powdered finish. It suits normal to dry skin best — on oily skin strokes can blur, and your artist may recommend Ombré or Combo brows instead. It's not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with certain skin conditions and medications, so discuss your history at consultation.
Caring for it at home
Keep the area dry for the first 7 to 10 days: no soaking, swimming, saunas, steam or heavy sweating, and no makeup over the brows. Don't pick or scratch as the area flakes — pulling the flakes off takes pigment with them.
Apply the aftercare product exactly as your artist directs, sleep on your back where possible, and keep the area out of direct sun. Once healed, sunscreen is the single biggest factor in how long your brows keep their colour.
Tips from our stylists
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and blood-thinning supplements like fish oil for 24 hours beforehand
- Don't wax, tint or tweeze your brows for a week before your appointment
- Skip retinoids on the area for two weeks before and after
- Tell your artist about any medication, skin condition, or previous brow tattoo
- Expect the colour to look too dark at first — that's normal and it lightens
- Book the 6-8 week touch-up when you book the first appointment
Common questions
- How long does microblading last?
- Typically one to three years before it fades, depending on your skin type, sun exposure and aftercare.
- Do I need the touch-up?
- Yes — the 6 to 8 week touch-up is part of the process. Skin heals unevenly and the second session perfects the result.
- Does it hurt?
- Numbing is used throughout. Most people describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful.
- Is it suitable for oily skin?
- Strokes can blur on oily skin. Your artist may recommend Ombré or Combo brows, which hold better.
- Why do my brows look faint after two weeks?
- That's the normal mid-healing stage. Colour returns as the skin settles, usually by four to six weeks.
- Can I have it while pregnant?
- No. Permanent makeup isn't performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.