Microblading is a semi permanent eyebrow tattoo technique that uses a manual hand tool to draw fine hair like strokes of pigment just beneath the surface of the skin. In short, most microbladed brows last one to three years before a touch up is needed, though your exact timeline depends on skin type, aftercare, and which brow technique you choose. Below, we break down how microblading works, what actually controls how long it lasts, and how it compares to nano brows, ombre brows, and powder brows.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a form of permanent eyebrow makeup that creates the look of individual brow hairs. A trained technician uses a handheld tool tipped with a row of tiny needles to make shallow, precise strokes in the top layers of skin, then deposits pigment into each stroke.
Because the strokes are drawn by hand rather than by machine, microblading is often called eyebrow embroidery or hair stroke brows. It is classified as a semi permanent cosmetic tattoo, not a lifetime tattoo, since the pigment sits closer to the surface than traditional tattoo ink and fades on its own over time.
- Technique: a manual hand tool with a cluster of fine needles, not a machine
- Depth: pigment sits in the upper layer of skin, shallower than a standard body tattoo
- Session length: about 120 to 150 minutes for the first appointment, including numbing and brow mapping
- Classification: semi permanent permanent eyebrow tattoo, not a onetime, lifelong tattoo
Anna Burns Permanent Cosmetics performs microblading and every other permanent eyebrow technique in this guide at both of its studio locations, Atlanta, Georgia and Knoxville, Tennessee, so clients across both markets can book with the same SPCP certified specialist rather than searching for a new artist in each city.
How Long Does Microblading Last?
Most microblading results last between 12 and 30 months, with many clients averaging about one to three years before the color fades enough to need a touch up. This range shows up consistently across dermatology sources and permanent makeup studios alike.
Your own timeline depends heavily on skin type. Normal to dry skin tends to hold pigment the longest, sometimes past the two year mark, while oily skin pushes pigment out faster because excess sebum breaks the strokes down from underneath.
| Factor | Effect on longevity |
| Oily skin | Fades faster, often within 12 to 18 months |
| Normal to dry skin | Holds pigment longest, often 18 months to 3 years |
| Sun exposure without SPF | Breaks down pigment faster and can cause uneven fading |
| Retinol, AHA, or glycolic acid near the brows | Speeds up skin cell turnover, which fades pigment sooner |
| Aftercare compliance | Following aftercare instructions closely preserves color and stroke definition |
Microblading vs Nano Brows vs Ombre Brows vs Powder Brows: Longevity Compared
Microblading is only one of several permanent eyebrow tattoo techniques, and each one fades at a different rate. If longevity matters more to you than the hair stroke look, it is worth comparing microblading against nano brows, ombre brows, and powder brows before you book.
| Technique | Tool | Look | Typical longevity |
| Microblading | Manual hand tool | Hair like strokes, the most natural finish | 1 to 3 years |
| Nano brows | Fine needle machine | Crisp hair like strokes, works well on more skin types | 1 to 3 years |
| Ombre brows and powder brows | Machine, shading technique | Soft, filled in, makeup like finish | 2 to 5 years |
| Combo brows | Manual strokes plus machine shading | Strokes at the front, soft shading through the tail | 18 to 24 months |
Anna Burns Permanent Cosmetics performs all four of these permanent eyebrow tattoo techniques at its Atlanta and Knoxville studios, and pigment color matched to your natural hair and bone structure typically lasts two to five years across the ombre and powder options. Because one specialist offers the full range of microblading, nano, ombre, powder, and combo brows, you can compare techniques honestly at your consultation instead of hearing a sales pitch for whichever single technique a studio happens to specialize in.
What Determines How Long Your Results Last
Longevity is not random. A handful of factors, some in your control and some not, decide whether your brows fade in a year or hold strong past two years.
- Skin type: oily and larger pored skin fades pigment faster than dry or normal skin
- Sun exposure: unprotected UV exposure breaks pigment down and can shift its tone over time
- Skincare ingredients: retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, and glycolic acid all speed up fading near the brow area
- Aftercare compliance: skipping aftercare instructions during the healing period shortens how long results hold
- Technician skill and pigment depth: pigment placed too shallow fades quickly, while pigment placed too deep can blur or migrate
Microblading Touch Ups: When and How Often
Microblading is never a onetime visit. A continuation visit, often called a touch up, is scheduled about six weeks after your first session so your technician can fill in any spots where pigment did not fully take during healing.
After that, most clients return for a touch up every 12 to 18 months to keep their brows looking fresh. Pricing for the initial session and follow up touch ups varies by studio, so it is best to confirm current rates directly with Anna Burns Permanent Cosmetics in Atlanta or Knoxville before booking.
If your brows have faded significantly and it has been longer than 18 months since your last visit, you may need a full new microblading session rather than a simple touch up, since heavily faded pigment can be harder to build back up evenly.
Is Microblading Safe?
Microblading is a form of tattooing, and the FDA classifies the pigments used in tattoos, including permanent makeup, as cosmetics rather than approved injectable products. According to the FDA’s guidance on tattoos and permanent makeup, no color additive is currently approved specifically for injection into the skin, which is one reason choosing a licensed, sterile studio matters so much.
Working with an SPCP certified artist, such as Anna Burns, who is an active member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, means your technician follows strict sanitation standards and sources pigments from reputable, documented suppliers rather than unverified imports.
Why Book Microblading With Anna Burns in Atlanta or Knoxville
Not every artist offering microblading has formal training behind the tool. Anna Burns studied art, design, and color theory at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, before building a career in permanent cosmetics, which shows in the symmetry and color matching of her brow work.
- Credentials: holds more than 50 certifications across permanent makeup and paramedical tattoo techniques, including CPCP through the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals
- Two convenient studios: serves clients at Sandy Springs in Atlanta, Georgia and Papermill Drive in Knoxville, Tennessee, so residents of either metro area get the same specialist
- Every technique under one roof: microblading, nano brows, ombre brows, powder brows, and combo brows are all offered, so your consultation can compare options honestly instead of upselling one method
- Built in follow up care: every microblading package includes a continuation visit about six weeks after your first session so your results are refined, not left to chance
Ready to find the brow technique that fits your skin and lifestyle? Book a consultation at Anna Burns Permanent Cosmetics in Atlanta or Knoxville to compare microblading, nano brows, ombre brows, and powder brows in person. While you are there, it is worth asking about our other permanent cosmetics services, including lip blush tattoo for fuller, all day lip color, permanent eyeliner for smudge free eyes, our dedicated permanent cosmetics for men, and saline tattoo removal if you need to lighten or correct older permanent makeup before starting fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microblading permanent or semi permanent?
Microblading is semi permanent, not permanent. Pigment sits in the upper layers of skin and fades naturally over time, usually within one to three years, unlike a traditional eyebrow tattoo, which places ink deeper in the dermis and is intended to last a lifetime.
How much does microblading cost?
Microblading typically costs between $500 and $800 for the initial session, plus a follow up touch up about six weeks later. Exact pricing varies by studio, so confirm current rates directly with Anna Burns Permanent Cosmetics in Atlanta or Knoxville.
Does microblading hurt?
Most clients describe microblading as mild discomfort rather than real pain, similar to a light scratching sensation. A topical numbing cream is applied before and during the procedure, which keeps the sensation manageable for the large majority of clients throughout the session.
How long is the microblading healing process?
Initial healing takes about seven to fourteen days, during which brows may look darker and begin to scab or flake lightly. Full color settling, once pigment reaches its true healed shade, can take up to four to six weeks after your appointment.
Can microblading be removed or lightened?
Yes. Saline removal is the most common method used to lighten or remove microblading pigment, since it is gentler on the surrounding skin than laser removal in the delicate brow, eye, and lip areas. Multiple sessions are usually needed for a full result.
Which lasts longer, microblading or powder brows?
Powder brows generally last longer than microblading. Because powder and ombre brows use denser pigment saturation applied by machine, results often hold for two to five years, while microblading strokes typically fade within one to three years and need more frequent touch ups.