First Semi-Permanent Brow Appointment: What to Expect

Summary

Interested in semi-permanent brows? Here’s what your first appointment involves, plus preparation tips and healing stages. Learn if microblading is worth it for gorgeous, natural eyebrows.

What to Expect at Your First Semi-Permanent Brow Appointment

Your first semi-permanent brow appointment might make you feel nervous. You probably have lots of questions. What happens during the appointment? Does this hurt? How long does it take? What do you need to do before and after?

We’ll explain everything you need to know in this blog before your visit.

Understanding Semi-Permanent Brows

Before we dive into what happens during your appointment, let’s quickly cover what semi-permanent brows actually are.

Semi-permanent brows (or microblading) add pigment to the top layer of your skin. This creates natural-looking hair strokes. Unlike regular tattoos that last forever, these brows fade slowly over time.

In the end, you’ll have Fuller, perfectly shaped eyebrows that look completely natural. No more daily brown makeup routines.

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about what your first appointment will look like.

How Long Does a Microblading Appointment Take?

One of the most common questions people ask is: how long does a microblading appointment take?

It depends, but most probably, it will be about 2.5 to 3 hours for your first session. This might sound like a long time, but each step is important for achieving the best results.

Here’s how the time will more likely go:

Consultation and brow mapping: 20 to 30 minutes
Numbing cream application: 30 to 45 minutes
The actual microblading procedure: 1 to 2 hours

Your technician takes their time with each step. They make sure your brows look right, and you feel comfortable the whole way through.

Don’t forget, you’ll need a second appointment 4 to 6 weeks later for touch-ups. This visit is quicker and usually comes with your package.

Knowing how long it takes helps you plan your day better, so you’re not stressed or in a hurry.

How To Prepare for Semi-Permanent Eyebrows?

Proper preparation makes a huge difference in your final results. Here are the most important things to do before your appointment:

What to Avoid:

Stop taking aspirin or ibuprofen 48 hours before. They cause bleeding that stops the pigment from setting properly.
Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine for 48 hours before. They thin your blood, and the pigment won’t stay as well.
Skip workouts 24 hours before your appointment. Sweat opens your pores and messes with the procedure.
Don’t wax, thread, or tint your brows for 7 to 10 days before. Your artist needs to see your natural hair to shape it right.
Avoid sun and tanning for one week. Sunburned skin won’t heal well.

What to Do:

Sleep well the night before. Rested skin heals faster.
Wear your normal brow makeup so your artist sees what you like.
Bring photos of brow styles you want.
Come on time, or a bit early, so you feel calm and ready.

These steps prepare your skin for the best results and make the pigment last longer.

What Happens During Your First Appointment

Here’s what to expect at your first brow session.

Step 1: Consultation and Design

Your appointment begins with a chat. Your technician asks about your brown goals, daily life, and any worries. They’ll check your medical history to make sure this treatment is safe for you.

Then comes brow mapping. Your technician measures your face and draws the perfect brow shape with a special pencil. They look at your face structure and natural brows to create a flattering design.

You’ll get time to check the mirror and request changes. Speak up if something feels off. These are your brows, so you should love how they look.

Step 2: Numbing

After you approve the design, your technician puts numbing cream on your brows. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to work.

While you wait, you can talk about colors or just relax. The cream makes sure you don’t feel much pain during the procedure.

Step 3: The Microblading Process

Once you’re numb, the main work starts. Your technician uses a small tool with tiny needles to create hair-like strokes. They follow the design you agreed on and work carefully.

Most people say it feels like light scratching, not real pain. Some spots, like the outer brow, might feel more sensitive, but the numbing cream helps.

Your technician picks a pigment color that matches your skin and hair. They add the color in layers to make it look even and natural.

The whole process takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how detailed your brows are.

Step 4: Aftercare Instructions

Once the procedure is finished, your technician will give you detailed aftercare instructions. Following these instructions is absolutely critical for achieving beautiful, long-lasting results.

You’ll also receive a healing ointment to apply during the first week. Your technician will explain exactly how and when to use it.

Before you leave, you’ll schedule your mandatory touch-up appointment for 4 to 6 weeks later.

Critical Aftercare: The Rules You Must Follow

Your aftercare decides how good your brows look. Here’s what to do:

First 10 Days:

Keep brows completely dry. No water, sweat, steam, or swimming.
Put a thin layer of healing ointment on 1 to 2 times daily with clean hands.
Don’t use makeup on or around your brows.
Stay away from the sun and tanning beds.
No gym or sweaty activities.
Use a clean pillowcase and avoid sleeping on your face.

After 10 Days:

You can wash your face normally, but be gentle on your brows.
Keep using sunscreen to stop the color from fading.
Avoid strong skincare products near your brows for a few weeks.

These rules seem tough, but they matter. Good aftercare means beautiful brows instead of bad results.

Are Semi-Permanent Brows Worth It?

So after learning all this, you might wonder: are semi-permanent brows actually worth the effort?

The big question: are semi-permanent brows worth it?

The answer depends on your priorities and lifestyle.

Semi-permanent brows are worth it if you have sparse, thin, or uneven natural eyebrows. They’re great if you spend a lot of time every morning filling in your brows. If you want to wake up looking polished without makeup, this helps. They work well for active lifestyles where makeup doesn’t stay on.

You need to be willing to commit to regular touch-ups and have a budget for the initial work and maintenance.

They might not be worth it if you like changing your brow style often, as this isn’t ideal. People with extremely oily skin see pigment fade faster. If you’re not comfortable with a 1 to 3 year commitment, think twice.

For many people, the time saved and confidence boost make semi-permanent brows absolutely worth the investment.

No more worrying about smudged makeup or uneven brows. Just wake up, and you’re ready to go.

Conclusion

Getting your first semi-permanent brow appointment is an exciting step toward effortless beauty. Now you know what to expect from start to finish.

Remember the key points. Your first appointment takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Avoid blood thinners and alcohol beforehand. The healing has several stages, and the “ghosting phase” is normal. Follow strict aftercare for 10 days. You’ll need a touch-up after 4 to 6 weeks. Maintenance every 12 to 18 months keeps brows fresh.

Choose an experienced technician, follow all instructions, and you’ll get beautiful, natural brows that boost your confidence and save time daily.

Finding an experienced technician can be tough. That’s where O’some Brows comes in. We have years of experience in semi-permanent brows, and we make sure you leave with brows you absolutely love.

Click here to book your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Does microblading hurt?

Most people feel very little pain because of the numbing cream. You might feel light scratching, but it’s easy to handle. If you can do eyebrow threading, microblading is no problem.

Q2. How long do semi-permanent brows last?

Semi-permanent brows last 12 to 18 months before needing a refresh. With good care and regular touch-ups, they stay beautiful for years.

Q3. What if I don’t like the shape or color?

This is why consultation and brow mapping matter. You approve the design before any work starts. If you’re unhappy after healing, you can get touch-ups, color adjustments, or removal.

Q4. Is microblading safe?

Microblading is very safe when done by a licensed technician using sterile tools and quality pigments. Always check their work and reviews first.

Q5. Will my natural brown hair still grow?

Yes. Microblading doesn’t hurt your hair follicles. Your natural brows keep growing normally, and you can still pluck strays.

What to Expect During Your First Semi-Permanent Brow Appointment