Microblading

Microblading is a form of eyebrow tattooing — but unlike traditional tattoos, it’s a semi-permanent makeup technique. Using a microblade eyebrow maniple (a fine maniple pen tool) fitted with micro-needles, the microblading technician creates delicate hair strokes that mimic your natural eyebrow hairs. These strokes are shallow and sit in the top layers of the skin, giving a realistic look without the harsh outline of older-style eyebrow tattoos.

The pigment choice matters too. In my Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati, I use high-quality pigments that are fade-friendly and tailored to your skin types and skin texture. This makes a huge difference in how well your permanent eyebrows age over time.

Microblading delivers far more than convenience. It can completely transform the eyebrow zone without looking artificial.

• Natural-looking results – Strokes follow your natural hair growth pattern.
• Custom fit – Every design considers your face shape, eyebrow shaping goals, and skin tone.
• Low-maintenance – No more daily brow pencils or powders.
• Water and sweat-resistant – Ideal for Melbourne’s active lifestyle and humid summer days.
• Confidence boost – Well-proportioned brows lift and balance facial features.
• Supports skin health – Avoids repeated product application that can irritate sensitive skin.

Even the best cosmetic tattooing treatments have considerations:

* Fading – All semi-permanent makeup fades; sun, skin type, and skincare routines (like frequent chemical peels or skin peels) will speed this up.

• Healing time – You’ll have to go through a flaking stage before you can see the final result.
• Not for everyone – Certain skin types and medical conditions make microblading not suitable.
• Tattoo removal is possible but not immediate. If you change your mind, it may take multiple laser sessions.

stant – If you change your mind, it may require multiple laser sessions.

Microblading is not suitable if:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders or on blood thinners.
• Active eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis in the brow area.
• Recently had chemical peels, skin peels or aggressive facials.
• Keloid scarring history.

You’re a good candidate for eyebrow microblading if:

• You have sparse or overplucked brows.
• Want permanent brows without daily makeup.
• Can follow aftercare to protect cosmetic tattoo results.
• Understand it’s an enhancement, not a full brow transplant.

Example: A client in her 40s came in with brows thinned by overuse of wax and tweezers. We used machine techniques combined with manual strokes to restore a youthful soft frame to her face.

Good results start before your appointment:

One week before:

• No facials, skin peels, chemical peels or treatments that increase collagen production near brows
• Stop brow growth serums
• No tanning and sunburn

24 hours before:

• No alcohol and caffeine
• Hydrate
• No heavy workouts
• On the day:
• Arrive with makeup-free skin
• Bring photos if you like

Pro tip from Olha Po: In Melbourne’s humid summer months, skin can be more oily, so following pre-care strictly is even more important to avoid pigment slipping during healing.

Here’s what happens during your microblading appointment at a professional Melbourne cosmetic tattoo studio, Face Figurati. Every step is designed to ensure precision, comfort and long-lasting natural-looking results.

1. Consultation – We discuss your brow goals in detail, including fullness, arch height and how your natural brow hairs grow. We also assess your skin tone, skin type and skin texture to decide the best cosmetic tattooing method.
2. Mapping – Using specialist tools, I measure and outline your brow area according to your face shape and bone structure. This ensures symmetry while respecting natural proportions.
3. Numbing – A Topical anaesthetic is applied to reduce discomfort. Most clients rate the sensation as 2–3 out of 10.
4. Hair strokes – Using a microblade eyebrow maniple or tattoo device (depending on your skin type and desired look), I create fine, realistic hair strokes that mimic your natural growth. This is where artistry meets technique — the strokes are placed in a specific microblading pattern for the most natural result.
5. Pigment setting – High-quality pigments are worked into the strokes for even colour saturation. I use fade friendly, vegan options that suit a wide range of Australian skin tones.
6. Aftercare instructions – You’ll receive a healing balm and a personalised aftercare guide. This includes do’s and don’ts for the first 7–10 days, such as no makeup, no swimming, and no touching the area so your cosmetic tattoo heals perfectly.

Client insight: Many of my Melbourne clients are surprised by how relaxing the session can be once numbing kicks in. It’s not unusual for someone to nearly fall asleep during the hair stroke stage — proof that permanent eyebrows don’t have to be painful!

Healing isn’t instant, and it’s normal to go through colour changes before settling.

2025 beauty trend data shows that over 78% of PMU clients in Melbourne report the final results exceed their expectations — if they follow aftercare.

Think of this as your brow’s recovery window. In this period, your skin is sealing in that carefully implanted pigment.

• Keep brows dry — No showers, swimming, saunas or steamy facials.
• No makeup on the brow zone — Foundations, powders and brow pencils can introduce bacteria or disturb healing skin.
• Avoid heavy sweating — Gym sessions, hot yoga or long runs can cause salt in sweat to pull pigment out.
• Apply healing balm lightly — A rice-grain-sized amount is plenty; over-moisturising can suffocate the skin.

Olha’s tip: Clients often ask if they can “just dab a little concealer” to hide flaking. Please resist. This is the stage where less is more.

Once your brows have settled, you’re in the maintenance phase. These steps help your results last 12-24 months or more.

• Daily SPF on brows — UV is the biggest pigment-fader, especially in Melbourne’s summer sun.
• Avoid harsh exfoliants — Products with glycolic acid, retinol or strong scrubs can thin the pigment layer.
• Book touch-ups on schedule — Whether that’s every 12 months for crisp brows or every 2-3 years for a softer fade, consistent upkeep prevents full re-do sessions.

When microblading is performed by a qualified microblading technician using high-quality pigments and sterile tools, risks are minimal. Still, every skin type reacts differently.

Common, short-term effects:

• Light swelling or redness for 1-2 days.
• Mild itching as skin heals (a sign of normal recovery).
• Temporary uneven pigment during the peeling stage.

Rare but possible reactions:

• Allergic reaction to pigment – While rare, it can happen. A patch test at least 48 hours before treatment greatly reduces the risk.
• Excess scabbing – Usually caused by not following aftercare, over-washing or scratching the area.
• Infection signs – Redness spreading, oozing or intense swelling are not normal. Contact your cosmetic tattoo artist or a medical professional ASAP.

From the treatment room: The clients who heal best are the ones who don’t check their brows in the mirror all day. The less you touch, the better the pigment retention.

Not all skin types respond to Microblading the same way. As a microblading artist, I adjust the method, stroke pattern and pigment depth to your skin texture and oil production.

• Oily skin – Strokes will blur faster due to excess sebum. Machine techniques like nano brows or powder brows will give longer-lasting, natural-looking results.
• Normal/dry skin – Best retention and crisp definition. You’ll get sharper hair strokes and slower fading.
• Textured or mature skin – May need gentler passes with the microblade eyebrow maniple to avoid trauma and even pigment distribution.

Tip: Our climate — especially in summer — means even “normal” skin can behave oilier due to heat and humidity, so aftercare like SPF and minimal sweating in the first week matters even more.

Melbourne’s Climate

Our four seasons in one day can affect healing:

• Winter: Dry skin heals predictably but needs hydration
• Summer: UV speeds up pigment fade — SPF is essential on healed brows
• Spring/Autumn: Best seasons to book — stable weather means even healing

Microblading results last 12-24 months, but this is not set in stone. Longevity depends on:

• High sun exposure – UV rays break down pigment faster, so daily SPF is a must.
• Frequent chemical or skin peels – These will accelerate fading.
• Naturally oily skin – May need earlier touch-ups.

Real client insight: I have had Melbourne clients whose brows still looked great at 18 months because they used SPF daily and didn’t exfoliate the brow zone.

Touch-ups are where your permanent brows really shine — they keep colour, definition and symmetry in top shape.

• 6-8 week touch-up – Your perfecting session. We fill in any lighter spots, adjust tone and balance the brow shape if needed.
• Annual refresh – Keeps the strokes sharp and the colour vibrant.

At Face Figurati, many of my Melbourne clients treat their annual brow refresh the same as they do their haircut appointment — non-negotiable in their beauty calendar.

Pro tip: Booking your touch-up in advance ensures you keep your preferred PMU artist and avoids the risk of pigment fading past the ideal correction point.

Pigment technology in means:

• Fade-friendly formulations — pigments break down evenly, avoiding colour shifts
• Vegan & hypoallergenic options — safer for sensitive skin
• Digital shade matching — ensures colour suits your undertones

Tool upgrades:

• Finer microblade configurations for more realistic hair strokes
• Lightweight maniple pens for better control
• Disposable cartridges for top-tier hygiene