What Is Microblading? Everything You Need to Know (Brixham, Devon)
- Katy Northey
- Jan 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Microblading has become one of the most popular ways for women to achieve naturally fuller brows — especially for those who have over-plucked, thinning, or sparse brows. But what exactly is microblading, how does it work, and what does it look like years later? Here’s your full guide.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a form of permanent makeup that uses a manual hand tool to create delicate, realistic hair strokes in the skin. Each tiny stroke mimics the appearance of natural brow hair, helping to rebuild shape, definition and density.
Unlike body tattooing, microblading uses cosmetic pigments and sits more superficially in the skin for a soft, natural finish.
Perfect for:
✔ Sparse or uneven brows
✔ Overplucked brows from the 90s/2000s
✔ Thinning brows due to age or medical reasons
✔ Fair/blonde brows that lack definition
✔ Women who want youthful, effortless brows
What Does Microblading Look Like After 5 Years?
Microblading should fade naturally over time — not migrate, blur or turn the wrong colour.After around 3–5 years:
Your brows will look softer and lighter
The strokes may fade into a soft wash of colour
Your natural brow shape remains enhanced
Many clients choose a colour boost every 12–24 months
Good microblading shouldn’t last forever — long-term brows should be adaptable as your facial features mature.
Addressing Over-Saturation and Longevity
In some situations, brows may hold onto too much pigment or fail to lighten properly, making laser removal worth considering—especially when routine touch-ups aren’t enough to fix the issue. This is often the case when the color heals into an unwanted tone or simply doesn’t fade as it should. Laser treatments offer a reliable way to lift or fully remove stubborn microblading pigment, whether someone wants to restore their natural brow look or correct results they’re unhappy with. Anyone thinking about this option should speak with a qualified specialist to understand what the treatment involves, what to expect, and how to care for the skin afterward.
What I Wish I Knew Before Microblading
Women often tell me:
“I wish I’d done this sooner.”
“I didn’t realise how natural it would look.”
“I didn’t expect it to boost my confidence so much.”
The biggest surprise? You still look like you — just fresher and younger looking with great brows.
What Is Replacing Microblading?
Machine-based natural hair-stroke brows are becoming increasingly popular because:
They heal softer
They are suitable for more skin types
They cause less trauma
They are less painful
They fade even more beautifully over time
I offer both techniques, and during your consultation we discuss which will give you the most natural result.
Microblading vs. Hair-Stroke Brows — What’s the Difference?
Both styles create a natural hair-like effect, but:
Microblading
✔ Uses a manual blade ✔ Creates crisp strokes ✔ Best for normal to dry skin
Machine Hair-Strokes (Nano)
✔ Uses a digital tattoo machine ✔ Softer strokes ✔ Best for sensitive, mature or combination skin
What Is the Most Natural-Looking Permanent Brow?
For women 40+, the most natural results usually come from machine hair-stroke brows or a combination of microblading & shading for softness.
I specialise in hyper-realistic, elegant brows that look like your own hair — not like makeup.
Ready for Natural, Timeless Brows?
If you’re still unsure whether permanent makeup is right for you, a consultation allows us to talk through your skin, lifestyle and goals — with no pressure to book.
Brixham, Torbay, Devon
Useful Links
Want lips too? → Read: Lip Blush for Women Over 40
Want to understand brow design? → Read: Brow Mapping Explained
Does microblading hurt? → Read: Does Microblading Hurt?
