Is Microblading Safe? Everything You Need to Know
- Anna Nguyen
- Jun 7
- 6 min read
Microblading is one of the most popular semi-permanent beauty treatments in London — but it's also one that raises a lot of questions before booking. Is it safe? Does it damage your skin? Can anything go wrong?
These are sensible questions to ask before any cosmetic procedure, and they deserve straight answers rather than reassuring marketing copy.
The short answer: yes, microblading is safe — when performed by a trained, experienced artist in a hygienic environment, on a suitable candidate. The longer answer involves understanding what the risks actually are, how to avoid them, and what to look for when choosing a studio.
What Does Microblading Actually Involve?
Microblading uses a fine, manual hand tool to create small incisions in the upper layers of the skin, into which pigment is deposited to create hair-like strokes. It is a form of cosmetic tattooing — which means it does break the skin, and all the hygiene and safety standards that apply to tattooing apply here too.
Understanding this is important. Microblading is not a surface-level treatment like tinting or lamination. It requires sterile equipment, proper training, a clean studio environment, and a thorough pre-treatment consultation.
Is Microblading Regulated in the UK?
This is where things get more complicated — and where many clients don't realise the risk they're taking.
In England, microblading currently falls under local authority licensing rather than national regulation, which means standards vary significantly between studios and areas. There is no single national body that certifies microblading artists or enforces minimum hygiene standards across the board.
What this means in practice: the barrier to entry is lower than many clients assume. Not every artist offering microblading has undergone rigorous training or works to the same safety standards.
What to look for:
Local authority or council licensing for skin piercing / cosmetic tattooing (required in most London boroughs)
Accreditation from a recognised industry body such as PhiBrows, Nouveau Contour or similar
Evidence of formal training and ongoing education
A studio that requests a full medical history before treatment
Transparent hygiene practices — single-use, sterile equipment as standard
At Brow Master London, Anna holds PhiBrows accreditation, has over 10 years of experience, and works to strict hygiene standards at our licensed Notting Hill studio.
What Are the Risks of Microblading?
When performed correctly on a suitable candidate, serious complications from microblading are rare. The risks that do exist are worth understanding:
Infection
Because microblading breaks the skin, there is a risk of infection if equipment is not sterile or aftercare is not followed properly. Signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, swelling or discharge after day 3 of healing. If you suspect infection, contact your artist and your GP.
This risk is almost entirely preventable with sterile equipment and proper aftercare.
Allergic Reaction
Some clients may react to the pigment used. This is rare but can happen — particularly with pigments containing certain ingredients. A patch test before treatment reduces this risk significantly, and at Brow Master London we conduct patch tests where appropriate.
Poor Healing
Individual healing varies. Some clients retain pigment very well; others may experience more patchy or uneven results after the initial session. This is why the perfecting touch-up at 6–8 weeks is an essential part of the process — not an optional add-on.
Pigment Migration or Colour Change
If pigment is deposited too deeply, it can migrate or change colour over time — often turning blue, grey or red. This is a technique issue, not an inherent risk of microblading itself. Choosing an experienced artist significantly reduces this risk.
Scarring
Microblading done too aggressively or too frequently on the same area can cause scarring. This is rare with a skilled artist but worth being aware of, particularly if you're considering very frequent colour boosts.
Who Should Not Get Microblading?
Microblading is not suitable for everyone. We may advise against it — or recommend an alternative — in the following cases:
Medical conditions:
Diabetes (can affect healing)
Blood disorders or clients on blood-thinning medication
Active skin conditions in the brow area (eczema, psoriasis, rosacea)
History of keloid scarring
Autoimmune conditions (assessed case by case)
Active cancer treatment or recent chemotherapy
Skin-related:
Very oily skin (nano hairstrokes or ombre brows are usually recommended instead)
Very thin or compromised skin
Heavy previous brow tattooing that hasn't sufficiently faded
Other:
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Sunburned or recently tanned skin in the treatment area
Use of certain acne medications (including Roaccutane — a minimum 12-month gap is typically required)
This is not an exhaustive list. At Brow Master London, a thorough medical history is taken at every consultation to assess individual suitability. If microblading isn't right for you, we'll say so — and suggest an alternative that is.
Is Nano Blading Safer Than Microblading?
Nano hairstrokes (nano blading) use a digital machine with an ultra-fine needle rather than a manual blade. In some respects, nano is considered gentler than microblading:
The machine creates less mechanical trauma to the skin than a manual blade
Pigment is deposited more precisely and at a more consistent depth
This can result in more predictable healing and less risk of pigment migration
For clients with more sensitive, oily or mature skin, nano hairstrokes are often the safer recommendation — not because microblading is inherently dangerous, but because nano is technically better suited to a wider range of skin types.
You can read more in our full comparison: Microblading vs Nano Hairstrokes: Which Is Right for You?
How to Choose a Safe Microblading Studio in London
The safety of microblading depends more on the artist and studio than on the technique itself. Here's what to check before booking anywhere:
Check their credentials: Does the artist hold accreditation from a recognised industry body? PhiBrows, Nouveau Contour and similar organisations set training and technical standards that go beyond the minimum required by local licensing.
Look at healed results — not just fresh ones: Fresh microblading always looks sharp and defined. The real test is healed results at 6–8 weeks. Ask to see healed photos, not just day-one images.
Read reviews carefully: Look for mentions of the healing process, the consultation experience, and how the studio handled any concerns — not just whether the client liked the result on the day.
Ask about hygiene practices: A reputable studio will be happy to explain their hygiene protocols. Single-use, sterile blades and needle cartridges are non-negotiable. Equipment should never be reused between clients.
Expect a proper consultation: Any studio that books you in without asking about your medical history, skin type and previous brow work is skipping steps that matter. A thorough consultation is not just good practice — it's part of how serious complications are prevented.
Be cautious of unusually low prices: Microblading done well requires high-quality pigments, sterile single-use equipment, significant training and ongoing education. Prices that seem too low often reflect corners being cut somewhere.
What Makes Microblading Safe at Brow Master London?
At our Notting Hill studio:
All blades and needle cartridges are single-use and sterile — opened in front of you at every appointment
Anna holds PhiBrows accreditation and has over 10 years of experience including competition and judging at industry level
A full medical history is taken at every consultation
Patch tests are conducted where appropriate
We use high-quality pigments from trusted, reputable brands
We work in a licensed, clean studio environment
We will always advise honestly if microblading is not the right option for your skin — and suggest a safer alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
Does microblading damage your skin? When performed correctly at the right depth, microblading does not cause lasting damage to the skin. Overly aggressive technique or very frequent treatments in the same area can cause issues, which is why choosing an experienced artist matters.
Can microblading cause scarring? Scarring from microblading is rare but possible if the treatment is performed too aggressively or if the client has a predisposition to keloid scarring. This risk is reduced significantly by a thorough pre-treatment consultation and skilled technique.
Is it safe to get microblading while pregnant? No — we do not perform microblading on clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is standard practice across reputable studios.
Can I get microblading if I have sensitive skin? Sensitive skin does not automatically rule out microblading, but it does require a more thorough consultation and, in some cases, a patch test. Nano hairstrokes may be a gentler alternative for very sensitive skin.
How do I know if my microblading studio is hygienic? Look for single-use equipment opened in front of you, a clean and organised studio environment, and an artist willing to answer questions about their hygiene protocols. If anything feels rushed or unclear, trust your instincts.
Ready to Book a Safe, Professional Consultation?
At Brow Master London we take safety as seriously as aesthetics. Every appointment begins with a thorough consultation, and we'll always be honest about whether microblading — or an alternative like nano hairstrokes — is the right choice for your skin.
