Microblading is a manual, semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo technique designed to recreate the appearance of natural eyebrow hairs. Unlike a traditional eyebrow tattoo, which uses a rotary machine and deposits pigment deep into the dermis, microblading uses a small hand-held tool fitted with a row of ultra-fine needles. Each stroke is etched by hand into the upper layers of the skin, mimicking the direction, length, and thickness of a real brow hair.

The technique works by depositing iron-oxide and inorganic pigments just below the surface of the skin. Because the pigment sits shallower than a body tattoo, it fades gradually over 12–24 months rather than lasting forever — which is exactly what makes microblading so flattering. Your brows are always tied to current trends, your skin tone, and your face shape, never locked into a decision you made years ago.

Microblading is ideal for women in their late 20s through their 70s who want fuller, more defined brows without committing to daily makeup. It's especially powerful for clients with sparse, over-tweezed, patchy, or asymmetrical brows, those who've lost brow hair due to chemotherapy, alopecia, or aging, and anyone who simply wants to wake up with brows already in place. The best candidates have normal to dry skin — if you have very oily skin or large pores, Katy may recommend Powder Brows or Combo Brows for a result that holds better.

Your first microblading session at Brows by Katy runs about 2–3 hours from start to finish. We begin with a thorough consultation: Katy reviews your medical history, discusses the look you want, and analyzes your bone structure, existing brow hair, and skin type. Next, she maps your brows by hand using precise measurements and a brow pencil so you can see, approve, and adjust the shape before any pigment is applied.

Once you're happy with the design, a strong topical numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes. A second-stage anesthetic is then used throughout the procedure to keep you comfortable. Most clients describe the sensation as light scratching, not pain. Katy then hand-etches each stroke individually, following your natural hair-growth pattern for the most believable result.

Before you leave, you'll receive detailed written aftercare instructions, a healing balm, and your follow-up perfecting session scheduled at 6–8 weeks (included in your investment). Plan to keep brows dry for the first 7 days, avoid sweating, sun, and skincare actives, and let the natural healing process unfold. See full pricing or browse our before & after gallery.

The best microblading candidates have normal to dry skin, are in good general health, are at least 18 years old, and want a natural-looking enhancement rather than a bold makeup look. Microblading works beautifully on every skin tone — what matters most is the texture and oil level of the skin in your brow area, not its color.

If you have very oily skin, enlarged pores, deep wrinkles in the brow region, rosacea, eczema, or active acne in the brow area, microblading may blur or fade faster than expected. In those cases, Katy typically recommends Powder Brows or a Combo (microblading plus powder shading), which heal more crisply on those skin types.

Microblading is not suitable if you are pregnant or nursing, currently on blood thinners or Accutane (must be off for 12 months), have a pacemaker or major heart condition, are undergoing chemotherapy, or have a history of keloid scarring. Diabetics, clients with autoimmune conditions, and anyone with bleeding disorders should provide medical clearance. We screen all of this thoroughly during your free consultation — your safety always comes first.