How Much Does Microblading Cost? Find Out if It’s Worth It Before Your Wedding

It's not uncommon for to-be-weds to indulge in a few prewedding beauty treatments that can leave them feeling their most confident. Microblading is often among these, and if you're interested, you might wonder how much does microblading cost. An eyebrow treatment also known as a permanent makeup technique, microblading can transform the look of your brows without leaving you to fuss with beauty products. The treatment consists of a professional using a super-fine pen to deposit pigment into the skin, essentially making it a semi-permanent tattoo that enhances your eyebrows.

This one-time approach to great brows is appealing to many nearlyweds, but it's sometimes pretty pricey. It's important to fit the cost into your overall wedding budget to make sure it's something that can work before the big day. To find out everything about the cost of microblading, including how it varies and if it's worth it, we consulted experts for valuable insight.

In this article:

• On Average, How Much Does Microblading Cost?
• Microblading Cost Comparison to Other Brow Treatments
• Brow Treatments in Order of Cost
• What to Know if You Want Microblading Before Your Wedding

On Average, How Much Does Microblading Cost?

Microblading is done by a skilled technician in a professional setting and shouldn't be attempted at home. Because of this, it's going to cost a significant amount more than, say, buying some eyebrow makeup. The average cost of microblading in the United States is anywhere from $400 to $900. There are a bunch of factors that can affect the cost, including the location and region you're in, the technician you choose, the pigment quality and additional services required.

"Treatment prices can vary, but my advice is, do not go for the cheaper option simply based on price alone," advises Laura Kay, permanent makeup expert and founder of Laura Kay London. The technician's level of experience and amount of certificates and licenses they have can affect the price of the treatment (i.e. more skilled technicians will charge more), which is why Kay recommends fully researching the studio and technician before opting for a low price. "Make sure you get treated by a reputable and well-trained practitioner," she says. "Many good practitioners charge upwards of $500." Higher prices are also often attributed to better quality products used, like pigments that last longer, as well as the studio's reputation—well-known studios can be more expensive than smaller ones.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Microblading touch-ups are often necessary, adding another cost you may need to factor in. According to Kay, this cost is often included in the original price, but that's not always the case, so it's an important question to ask when setting up your first appointment. Touch-ups are common about six weeks after the initial appointment to fill any tiny gaps, Kay says. "This is commonplace especially if you haven't had microblading in the past," she explains. "The cost of this should be included in the one price you paid originally." She adds that you might need another appointment six months to a year after your original appointment, which she says is usually half the price of the original cost.

How much does microblading near me cost?

Location is another big factor in the price of microblading. "Popular or major cities will of course command a slightly higher price," Kay says. In big cities, microblading costs can be anywhere between $500 and $1,500 for a treatment. In smaller towns and more rural areas, microblading usually costs less, between $300 and $800.

Do you tip for microblading?

Like many other beauty services, it is common to tip a technician for microblading, so that's something else that should be added to the overall cost. According to Kay, tips can be between 10% and 20% of the overall price. Some people will even tip as much as 25% for a service they're really happy with. At the end of the day, it's up to you how much you want to tip someone—you can tip what you feel is consistent with the service you've received. But it's definitely a good idea to factor it into the overall price so you know exactly what you need to spend.

Microblading Cost Comparison to Other Brow Treatments

There are other eyebrow treatments out there that deliver similar results to microblading. In some cases, the price range can be pretty different, but according to Kay, it's usually fairly similar. Similar treatments include powder brows, which uses mineral-based powder instead of tattoo ink like microblading for a more natural look; eyebrow tattoos, which are more like a traditional tattoo that doesn't tend to look as natural as microblading; and brow lamination, which basically softens, straightens and shapes your brows in a more long-lasting way.

Brow Treatments in Order of Cost

• Microblading: The average cost is between $400 and $900
• Powder brows vs. microblading: Powder brows cost between $300 and $800 on average
• Eyebrow tattoo vs. microblading: Eyebrow tattoos cost between $300 and $500 on average
• Brow lamination vs. microblading: Brow lamination costs between $50 and $200 on average

What to Know if You Want Microblading Before Your Wedding

For to-be-weds who are unhappy with the look of their natural eyebrows, microblading can seem like an ideal treatment before their wedding. But remember that there are some important things to keep in mind before scheduling a session.

Remember that healing time is part of the process. Keep in mind that microblading is essentially a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo with needles involved—that means healing is a big part of the whole thing. "Your tattooed area will change during your healing period and may look much darker straight afterward," Kay warns. "New permanent makeup may develop dry, flaky skin or sometimes heavy scabbing on top of the treated area." She says that healing could take anywhere from four to six weeks and that throughout that time, it's important to take proper care of your eyebrows. That means you want to give yourself plenty of room in your prewedding beauty timeline when scheduling your first session.

A session should take place months before your wedding. Healing and aesthetics are two reasons to avoid scheduling a microblading treatment in the weeks leading up to your wedding. "I generally recommend avoiding it right before a big event like your wedding," says Dionne Phillips, celebrity esthetician and lash expert. "Microblading is semi-permanent, lasting a few years, and there's always the possibility that you might not love the final shape or color." Phillips recommends scheduling a first session at least six months to a full year before your wedding (or even waiting until after the wedding) so that you have time to make adjustments if needed.

Consider the timing of your makeup trial before you book a session. If you're set on getting microblading done before your wedding, Kay recommends getting it done—and letting it heal properly—before your makeup trial so that you have a better idea of the final look. Microblading changes the way you do your brow makeup. "If you have naturally sparse brows, it can fill them in and give you a more polished look without the daily work of filling them in yourself," Phillips explains. Note that microblading can also make your brows appear darker and much fuller, which can make a big difference.

Think about a touch-up if you've already done microblading in the past. If you've already done microblading before, consider whether or not you need a touch-up before the wedding. If so, Kay recommends scheduling one at least three months before the big day.

Research the technician thoroughly before selecting one: Once you decide you definitely want to do microblading before your wedding, make sure you pick a technician who can give you the results you want. According to Phillips, microblading may only be worth the money and time if you choose the right artist. "It is a tattoo after all, so you need to be absolutely sure about the shape and the color tones that suit your skin," she says. "I always advise my clients to work with an artist who understands your style and vision and to keep it simple. If you go too thick or long, you may regret it later." You can also look for a wedding makeup artist who does microblading by using The Knot Vendor Marketplace. This free tool allows you to find beauty professionals in your area. Just enter your location, then filter by beauty services.

Make sure the overall cost fits your budget. Remember that brow microblading costs are often hundreds of dollars and maybe even more than $1,000. Factor it in with everything else you have to pay for before your wedding to make sure you can afford it. The Knot's free budget tool is an easy way to learn more about the cost of wedding beauty services and weigh it against everything else you'll owe.