{"id":38530,"date":"2026-05-28T14:38:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T13:38:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.treatwell.nl/en/treatment-files\/?p=38530"},"modified":"2026-05-28T14:38:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T13:38:43","slug":"microblading-semi-permanent-eyebrows-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.treatwell.nl/en/treatment-files\/microblading-semi-permanent-eyebrows-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Microblading: the ultimate guide to semi-permanent eyebrows"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Everything you need to know about the brow treatment that will replace your morning pencil routine for good. Discover how it works, how it feels, what it costs and how to find a technician who won’t give you brows straight from Instagram 2016.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is microblading?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let us explain: microblading uses a pen-like tool fitted with ultra-fine needles to deposit pigment into the skin in delicate, hair-like strokes. No longer will you spend every morning painstakingly filling your brows only to catch your reflection at lunchtime and realise one of them has silently shifted. Microblading fixes that problem. Semi-permanently, at least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike a traditional tattoo, which goes deeper into the dermis, microblading only penetrates the skin’s upper layers, so the results look natural rather than drawn on. Plus, the pigment fades gradually over time, which means you’re never locked into a shape that felt right two years ago but doesn’t suit you now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The precision is what makes it special. A skilled artist can mimic the direction and thickness of your real brow hairs so convincingly that people won’t clock the difference (they’ll just think you’ve got good eyebrow genes). If you’ve ever looked at someone’s brows and thought “those can’t be real but I can’t work out why”, that’s microblading done well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also hear about microshading, which uses tiny dot patterns for a soft, powdery finish, and combination brows, which blends hair strokes with shading for extra fullness. Your technician can help you figure out which suits you best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book your microblading appointment on Treatwell<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The science behind hair-like strokes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A microblading tool features a row of tiny needles, angled and grouped to create fine incisions in the skin. These cuts need to hit just the right depth. Too shallow and the pigment vanishes within weeks; too deep and you risk scarring or a bluish tint (neither of which is the look anyone’s going for). A skilled artist will understand the interplay of skin type, pigment viscosity and incision depth for each client, and that is how they consistently deliver stunning, natural-looking results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How microblading differs from traditional tattooing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The key distinction is depth. Microblading sits in the epidermis; traditional tattoos penetrate deeper into the dermis. The manual microblading tool creates fine, delicate strokes, while a tattoo machine produces bolder, solid fill. Microblading pigments are also specially formulated to fade over time rather than staying put permanently. The result? Hair-like strokes that move with your expression instead of sitting flat on your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The complete microblading process: step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A full microblading session takes around two hours, and some salons allow up to three hours. It starts with a consultation where you’ll chat through your brow goals, followed by brow mapping and colour selection. After a numbing cream has had 20–30 minutes to do its thing, your technician begins creating hair-like strokes in the direction of your natural growth. Pigment is smoothed on periodically, then wiped away to reveal the work beneath. You’ll hear a light scratching sound. Totally normal and not nearly as alarming as it seems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A microblading touch-up at 4–6 weeks post-treatment is essential. This is when your artist fills any gaps, adjusts colour saturation, and perfects the overall shape now that the healing is complete. Most salons bundle this in with the initial price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The importance of brow mapping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During brow mapping, a technician uses tools to make measurements based on the “golden ratio” to determine where your brows should start, arch and end for optimal symmetry. They’ll then mark these points on your skin and confirm the design with you before making a single stroke. No surprises. This stage often takes longer than the actual microblading, and for good reason: getting the shape right is everything. A good technician won’t rush it (and you shouldn’t want them to).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What happens during the appointment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A microblading appointment flows through clear stages: cleansing the brow area, mapping and drawing the design, applying numbing cream, creating the strokes, and final cleanup. Communication matters. If you feel discomfort beyond mild scratching, speak up and your technician can apply more numbing cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing to know, your brows will look bold and dark immediately afterwards. But they won’t stay that dramatic, we promise. The intensity fades significantly as they heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Find a salon near you on Treatwell<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How long does microblading last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Results typically last 12–18 months, though some people can wait up to two years before needing a refresh. If you have oily skin, your brows might fade faster because excess sebum breaks down pigment more quickly. Sunlight degrades pigment rapidly too (think of how your hair colour fades over summer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people book their first refresh around the 14-month mark, right when brows start looking less defined in photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Factors that affect microblading longevity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beyond skin type, your skincare routine plays a bigger role than you might expect. Products containing retinol, glycolic acid or physical exfoliants speed up skin cell turnover and wear the pigment away. Age plays a role too. Youthful skin that’s constantly regenerating can mean a refresh is needed sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to maximise your microblading results<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Protecting your investment comes down to three habits: apply SPF to your brow area daily (mineral sunscreens work brilliantly for this), avoid retinoids and exfoliants directly on your brows, and remember to book touch-ups every 12–18 months rather than waiting until they’ve completely faded. Freshening up is always easier, and more affordable, than starting over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The microblading healing process: what to expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Healing after microblading takes 4–6 weeks, and it’s a bit of a journey. Brows start bold and dark, then begin to scab or flake around day six. The colour may seem to vanish before stabilising by week three or four. (This freaks people out, but it’s completely normal.) True colour settles by week six, and that’s when you’ll finally see the real results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key thing? Don’t judge your brows during the healing phase. Step away from the magnifying mirror and let them do their thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Week-by-week changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During week one, brows are dark and may ooze clear lymph fluid while forming light scabs. Week two brings scabbing and flaking – resist the urge to pick at all costs or you might introduce an infection or make the pigment patchy. By week three, colour looks significantly lighter and may appear uneven. Don’t panic, it’s all part of the process. Week four onwards is when the final colour and shape emerge as the skin completes its healing cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning signs to watch for<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mild redness and slight swelling immediately after your appointment are to be expected. However, keep an eye out for persistent pain beyond the first day, pus or yellow discharge, severe itching that doesn’t respond to recommended products, or raised, angry bumps around the strokes. If any of these develop, contact your technician or healthcare professional straight away. Most people sail through healing without a hitch, but infections can occasionally happen if aftercare isn’t followed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microblading aftercare: the do’s and don’ts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Proper aftercare is essential if you want the brows of your dreams. Here are the golden rules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n