It’s one of the biggest beauty trends of the past few years, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. Microblading is a cosmetic procedure which involves tiny needles applying semi-permanent ink with thin, hairline strokes throughout the eyebrows to achieve a fuller brow look. Microblading is less painful than a traditional tattoo, and the ink does not bleed over time.
An increasing number of salons, parlors and boutiques offer this service due to its affordability, but not all services are created equal. Even though microblading is a cosmetic procedure, there is very little regulation for the industry. While microblading is less invasive than traditional tattooing, it has many of the same risks. Be sure to your research and ensure you are safely getting the look you desire.
BBB offers the following tips when considering microblading:
- Ask for recommendations. Friends and family are a great place to start when looking for a microblading professional. Ask how happy they were with their results and the atmosphere and cleanliness of the business.
- Check with BBB. View a business’s BBB Business Profile at BBB.org to get background information, history of complaints, read customer reviews and see if they are an Accredited Business. Do a general search for the name of the company online along with “Complaint”, or “Review” to find different results.
- Visit your state health department’s website. There are no federal regulations for cosmetic or traditional tattooing, so each state has their own requirements for businesses and their employees.
- Understand the healing process. Healing can take up to 14 days and there are steps to follow after the procedure. Be sure to follow all of your provider’s recommendations.
- Know the risks. While rare, microblading can cause infection, allergic reaction, keloids, and granuloma. It can also present problems when getting an MRI.
- Remember, microblading is an art. As with traditional tattooing, microblading takes skill and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Ask about the artist’s certifications and training. Look at before and after pictures of their work. When asking questions about their technique and processes, do they seem knowledgeable in their answers?
For More Information
Find a microblading business near you on BBB.org. Only make purchases from businesses who adhere to the BBB Standards for Trust. Read more about BBB’s Accreditation Standards.
