Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects With Microblading?

Eyebrows can make or break a look. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably spent countless hours shaping, filling, and perfecting your brows to get them just right. That’s where microblading comes in—a game-changer in the world of beauty. This semi-permanent technique promises fuller, more defined brows without the daily hassle. But, just like any cosmetic procedure, it’s not without its risks.

Having worked in the cosmetic tattooing industry for over two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how microblading has transformed the way people approach their beauty routines. While many clients leave feeling more confident with their enhanced brows, there are important considerations to keep in mind before taking the plunge. From minor complications like allergic reactions to more serious concerns like infections and scarring, it’s essential to be fully informed before deciding if microblading is right for you.

In this post, we’ll dive into the potential risks and side effects of microblading—what’s normal, what’s not, and how to protect yourself to ensure a safe, successful experience. Whether you’re considering microblading or simply curious about the process, this guide will give you all the facts to make an informed decision.

What Is Microblading?

Microblading is a procedure that has taken the world of beauty by storm, and for good reason. As someone who’s been in the cosmetic tattooing industry for over two decades, I’ve seen a huge shift in the way people approach eyebrow enhancement. The microblading process involves using a fine blade to implant pigment into the upper layers of the skin, creating delicate, natural-looking hair strokes that mimic your own brows.

Unlike traditional eyebrow tattoos that often leave a solid, blocky appearance, microblading is designed to enhance the natural shape of your brows. The goal? To create a subtle yet defined look, blends seamlessly with your existing brow hairs.

Here’s a little secret from me to you: it’s all about precision. In my experience, creating brows that look effortlessly natural takes not just skill, but a deep understanding of how your individual face and skin type interact with the pigments. That’s why a personalised consultation before any microblading procedure is absolutely essential.

Why Has Microblading Gained Popularity?

When I first started in this industry, people were generally hesitant about semi-permanent eyebrow procedures. But over the years, I’ve watched microblading explode in popularity, particularly here in Australia. Why? Well, it’s simple. The results are low-maintenance, cost-effective in the long run, and provide a fuller, more polished brow without the daily effort of drawing them on.

One client of mine, a busy mother of three, came in for a consultation because she was tired of filling in her brows every morning. A few weeks after her session, she sent me a message saying, “I can’t believe I’m still waking up with beautiful brows after all this time!” Stories like hers are why I continue to do what I do. But while the procedure itself is usually safe and incredibly rewarding, I always make sure clients are aware of the risks that come with it. It’s part of my job to set realistic expectations and make sure everyone is fully informed.

Potential Risks Of Microblading You Should Consider

Microblading is generally a safe procedure, but like any cosmetic enhancement, there are potential risks and side effects to consider. It’s crucial to understand these before deciding whether this treatment is right for you. Let’s break them down.

Microblading Infections: Causes And Prevention

Infections are the last thing anyone wants after a beauty treatment, and thankfully, they’re rare. But they can occur, especially if the aftercare instructions aren’t followed properly or if the technician isn’t up to scratch with hygiene standards. I can’t stress this enough—choosing a skilled, licensed professional is your first line of defence.

When I perform microblading, I always use pre-sterilised, single-use tools and ensure that my work area is as clean as a hospital room. But even then, infection can still happen if clients don’t follow the aftercare instructions closely. For instance, one common issue I see is clients who, while eager to see their brows heal quickly, don’t keep the area clean and dry. This can lead to bacterial or fungal infections.

Here’s What You Should Watch Out For If An Infection Happens:

• Persistent redness and swelling: While a bit of swelling is normal in the first few hours, prolonged redness and swelling (especially around the eyelids) are a warning sign.
  
• Thick, raised scabs: If your brows start to form thick scabs or crusty areas, especially ones that are hard to touch or painful, it’s time to consult with your technician or a doctor.
  
• Pus or unusual discharge: A sign that things are going awry. Healthy healing shouldn’t include discharge beyond the first 24 hours, and it should be clear or lightly tinted pink.

How To Prevent Infection:

• Always choose a technician who follows strict hygiene protocols. They should be using disposable tools, sanitising equipment between clients, and keeping a sterile environment.
  
• Follow aftercare to the letter: Keep the brows clean and dry, and avoid touching them with unclean hands. I also tell my clients to avoid things like hot tubs, swimming pools, or any activities that cause heavy sweating for the first few weeks.

Microblading Allergic Reactions: What You Need To Know?

Allergic reactions to microblading pigments are rare but can happen. As someone who has worked with countless clients over the years, I’ve only seen a handful of true allergic reactions. Most of these were related to red pigments, which can sometimes contain metals that cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Let me tell you about one experience I had with a client who had an allergic reaction. She came to me for a touch-up after her initial microblading, and within a few hours, her brows were swollen and redder than expected. It turned out she had developed an allergy to one of the ingredients in the pigment. After we switched to a different pigment that was metal-free, her healing process went smoothly, but it was a lesson for both of us.

Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction Include:

• Redness, itching, and swelling: These can look similar to an infection but are typically less severe and don’t include discharge or a foul odour.
  
• Rashes, blisters, or burning: The skin might feel tender or ‘burned,’ which is different from the normal discomfort you’d feel during healing.

How To Prevent An Allergic Reaction:

• Always ask your technician about the ingredients in the pigments they use. If you’ve had previous reactions to tattoo inks or pigments, let them know ahead of time.
  
• Patch testing is key: I always recommend patch testing any pigment or numbing cream before the procedure, especially for clients with known sensitivities. A small amount is applied behind the ear or on the inner elbow, and we monitor for reactions over 48–72 hours.

The Risk Of Scarring And Keloids With Microblading

Scarring is a serious concern, and while it’s not something that happens often, it’s definitely something to consider. I’ve been asked by clients with previous keloid scarring whether microblading could make their situation worse. Keloids are thick, raised scars that form when the skin overreacts to injury, and people with a history of keloids are more prone to them.

Scarring usually occurs if the technician goes too deep into the skin or if there’s an infection. For example, if a client doesn’t follow aftercare instructions, the risk of infection increases, and untreated infections can result in scarring. I’ve had clients who had to stop microblading halfway through their sessions because their skin began reacting negatively to the incisions.

Preventing Scarring:

• Choose a technician who understands how deep to go with the blade. Too shallow, and the pigment won’t implant; too deep, and it can cause scarring.
  
• Stick to the aftercare plan. Keep your brows clean, avoid touching them, and use the aftercare ointments sparingly. I always advise my clients to be patient; it’s tempting to 

Unsatisfactory Results: Why They Happen and How to Prevent Them?

While the goal of microblading is to create natural, symmetrical, and fuller brows, it’s important to set realistic expectations. As someone who’s been in the industry for over 20 years, I’ve encountered many clients who came in with the hopes of achieving perfection, and while we aim for that, there are some factors that can affect the final result.

Inexperienced practitioners can sometimes produce uneven or unnatural results, especially if they don’t have a solid understanding of how eyebrow shapes should complement different face structures. In some cases, the pigment may not take well, especially on those with oily skin, or the pigment may spread or blur, giving the brows an indistinct, powdery look.

A recent example comes to mind—one client came in because her first microblading session with a different artist left her with brows that were far too dark and uneven. After discussing her concerns, I decided to adjust the shape, lightening the colour and refining the strokes to give her a softer, more natural look. This adjustment helped her feel more confident, and she was thrilled with the outcome.

Causes Of Unsatisfactory Results:

• Inexperienced practitioners: Some technicians may not have the expertise to create results that are proportionate to your face shape.
  
• Pigment issues: The wrong pigment for your skin tone or a poor-quality pigment can lead to colours that look unnatural or fade prematurely.
  
• Skin type: Oily skin tends to cause faster fading and a more blurry appearance of the strokes, as the pigment doesn’t hold well.
  
• Incorrect aftercare: Over-washing, scratching, or picking at scabs can cause uneven healing and pigment loss.

How To Prevent Unsatisfactory Results:

• Do your research: Choose a technician with a solid portfolio and plenty of client reviews.
  
• Set realistic expectations: Microblading isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Be open to slight adjustments as the skin heals.
  
• Communicate clearly: Talk through your expectations with the technician during your consultation. What shape and colour are you hoping for? Be specific.

Pain And Discomfort: What To Expect?

One of the most common concerns I get from first-timers is: “Will it hurt?” In short, it depends on your pain tolerance. When I perform microblading, I always use numbing creams to ensure that my clients are as comfortable as possible. For most, the discomfort is minimal and more like a light scratching or tingling sensation.

However, some people feel more sensitive during the procedure. For example, I had one client who was particularly sensitive to the numbing cream and felt more pressure than usual. Despite this, she was still able to get through the procedure, and the result was worth it. Afterwards, she reported mild discomfort that felt similar to a sunburn, which is completely normal for the first day or so.

What You Might Feel:

• During the procedure, A slight scratching sensation as the blade moves across your skin. The numbing cream should prevent any intense pain, but you may still feel some discomfort, especially in the first few minutes.
  
• Post-procedure: Some swelling and tenderness are common. Expect mild soreness for about a day after the procedure, but severe pain is a red flag.

How To Manage Discomfort:

• Numbing creams: These are applied before the procedure to ensure you’re comfortable. They don’t completely numb the area, but they significantly reduce pain.
  
• Over-the-counter pain relief: If needed, you can take a mild pain reliever, but avoid blood thinners (e.g., ibuprofen) as they can increase swelling and bleeding.
• pick at scabs, but doing so can damage the skin and leave scars.

Microblading Healing Issues: What’s Normal And What’s Not?

When it comes to healing, it’s essential to know what’s part of the natural process and what might signal a problem. Over the years, I’ve worked with countless clients who were initially concerned about their healing progress. Some even thought something had gone wrong when, in fact, what they were experiencing was completely normal.

Here’s a timeline of what you can expect during the healing process, along with signs that something may be amiss:

Day(s) After Procedure	What You Should Expect	Signs of Possible Issues
Day 1–2	Mild redness, slight swelling, and tender brows.	Swelling that persists or worsens beyond 2 days.
Day 3–5	Scabs begin to form as the skin starts to heal. Mild flaking is common.	Thick, raised scabs or fluid that turns yellow/green.
Day 6–10	Flaking continues as the pigment settles in. Redness fades.	Oozing that continues or has a foul smell.
Day 14	Most scabbing should fall off naturally. Healing is almost complete.	Severe itching, swelling, or noticeable pigment loss.

As I’ve often told my clients, mild redness and swelling are completely normal right after the procedure, but they should start to subside within a few days. If the swelling doesn’t go down, or if your brows develop large, raised scabs that seem to be growing instead of shrinking, it’s time to check in with your technician. Remember, no one wants to deal with an infected brow.

How To Deal With Microblading Fading And Colour Changes?

It’s important to note that microblading is semi-permanent, which means your brows will naturally fade over time. On average, results last anywhere between 12 to 18 months before you need a touch-up. That said, fading is a normal part of the process, and I’ve had clients who’ve asked me why their brows didn’t look the same months after their procedure. Here’s what happens:

The pigment used in microblading is deposited into the superficial layers of the skin. Over time, your body breaks down and absorbs the pigment, which leads to fading. Some people will see their brows fade to a lighter, softer colour, while others may experience colour changes.

For example, some fair-skinned clients may notice that their brows turn redder or orange during the healing process, especially if the pigment wasn’t chosen carefully for their skin tone. One of the most common questions I get is: “Why are my brows orange?”

Here are a few factors that can affect how your microblading heals and fades:

1. Skin Type: Oily skin types tend to cause the pigment to fade faster as excess oil pushes out the pigment more quickly.
   
2. Sun Exposure: UV rays break down pigment more rapidly, causing faster fading.
   
3. Skin Care Products: Some ingredients, like retinoids, exfoliants, and acids, can strip the skin, affecting the pigment’s longevity.

How To Manage Fading:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure: Protect your brows from the sun by wearing a hat or using sunscreen once the healing is complete.
  
• Opt for an appropriate pigment: As a professional, I always ensure I’m using the right pigment for your skin tone to minimise colour changes.
  
• Follow aftercare: Applying a healing ointment as recommended and avoiding harsh skincare products can help retain the colour for longer.

Oozing And Scabbing (Normal Vs. Abnormal)

One of the first things I tell my clients post-procedure is: don’t panic if you see a little oozing. It’s entirely normal to see a small amount of lymph fluid and pigment discharge for the first 24 hours. This is the body’s natural way of healing. However, if you notice excessive or abnormal oozing, it’s time to take a closer look.

Here’s what you should know about oozing and scabbing:

Type of Oozing or Scabbing	Is This Normal?	When to Seek Help
Clear fluid or a light pinkish discharge (first 24 hours)	Normal – part of the healing process.	N/A – Just continue with the aftercare routine.
Yellow or green discharge (after 2–3 days)	Not Normal – Indicates possible infection.	Seek professional help immediately.
Heavy scabbing or crusting after Day 5	Mild scabbing is normal; heavy scabbing is not.	Consult your technician if scabs remain after 2 weeks.

I’ve had clients in the past who were concerned when they saw some yellowish fluid on their brows. This was a warning sign that their aftercare wasn’t up to par. In such cases, a quick follow-up consultation was enough to address the issue and prevent an infection. If you’re unsure about what’s normal, don’t hesitate to ask your technician. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your skin.

Who Should Avoid Microblading?

While microblading works for most people, there are certain conditions that might make it a less-than-ideal procedure. As part of my commitment to keeping clients safe, I make sure to provide clear advice on who should avoid the treatment.

Conditions And Medications That Increase Risks

Certain conditions can interfere with the healing process or increase the risk of complications. Here’s a quick checklist of who should avoid microblading:

Condition/Medication	Reason for Avoidance
Pregnant or breastfeeding	Hormonal changes can affect pigment retention.
Blood thinners (e.g., Aspirin)	Increases bleeding, making pigment implantation difficult.
Autoimmune diseases	Compromises skin healing and pigment retention.
Diabetes	It can affect healing and increase infection risk.
Recent chemotherapy	Weakens the skin and immune system, increasing risks.
Skin conditions near the brow	Conditions like psoriasis or eczema can affect healing.

For example, I’ve had clients in the past who were on blood thinners and weren’t sure if they should proceed. I always tell them that if you’re taking medication that affects your blood’s clotting ability, you’ll need to speak with your doctor first. It’s just a precautionary measure, but one that can make a big difference.

Is Microblading Safe?

In my opinion, microblading is generally a safe procedure, especially when performed by a skilled, experienced, and hygienic technician. Of course, as with any cosmetic treatment, there are inherent risks. But by choosing a reputable technician, discussing any medical concerns beforehand, and following the aftercare guidelines closely, you can minimise those risks.

In my years of experience, I’ve seen thousands of happy clients leave with gorgeous brows. And when something doesn’t go quite right, I work hard to address it promptly, ensuring that no one leaves dissatisfied. But these situations are rare when proper care is taken at every stage of the process.

Microblading can provide amazing results when done by a professional. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks, such as infection, allergic reactions, and scarring. By understanding these risks and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of semi-permanent eyebrows with minimal worries. Always choose a skilled, licensed technician, follow the aftercare instructions, and set realistic expectations to ensure a successful outcome.