microblading
Welcome to I Tried It Month, where every day we’ll bring you fresh stories of fashion, beauty, and wellness adventures, each featuring a personal account of breaking old habits, stepping outside comfort zones, or simply trying something new. Over the next 31 days, expect captivating tales, from testing out beauty treatments to recreating the boldest runway looks of the season.
I still remember when I first learned about filling in eyebrows—it wasn’t that long ago, embarrassingly enough. I’ve always had a casual approach to makeup, so it’s no shock that I was a latecomer to the brow game. Growing up, I leaned toward a more natural look and didn’t really bother with makeup until friends, social media, and curiosity pulled me in. By the time I started wearing makeup in secondary school, my experiments were, well, all over the place.
When I finally discovered brow makeup, it was during a particularly interesting time: I was recovering from a botched hair-color job that left me with a shade best described as yellowish-orange. And as for my brows? Let’s just say I approached them with a little too much enthusiasm. I didn’t know the technique for creating natural, hair-like strokes, so I filled them in to the max. My sister even joked that they reminded her of the thick, dark brows I sported while playing Julius Caesar in a school play. She wasn’t wrong—they definitely had a costume-like quality.
Since then, I’ve refined my brow skills a bit, and I’ve (thankfully) improved. But, ever since becoming a mom, I’ve noticed my brows thinning, making it even more challenging to fill them in naturally. Despite not touching a pair of tweezers or visiting a brow professional in over five years, I’m dealing with sparse spots that seem to change from day to day. It’s like I wake up with new brows every morning.
My True “I Woke Up Like This” Brows
(Image credit: Alyson Boragno)
One of the best things I learned from discovering brow makeup was just how much your brows can define your face. As mine seemed to be disappearing day by day, I knew I needed a solution. I didn’t have the time or patience to fill them in every morning, nor the skill. While I’d found a few products that worked well enough, I could never quite nail the right shade.
Determined to achieve the natural, full, and symmetrical brows of my dreams—without the daily upkeep—I decided to seek professional help. My first stop was our US beauty director, Erin Jahns. When I mentioned I wanted to do something about my brows, she immediately suggested I reach out to Alix Capparelli, founder of Hairy Little Things. With over 11 years of experience, Alix is, in Erin’s words, a “bona fide fairy godmother” when it comes to brows.
After Erin introduced us, I sent Alix a picture of my bare brows, and she confirmed I was a perfect candidate for microblading. I had suspected this might be the solution (thank you, years of reading Who What Wear Beauty), but I was nervous. Not because of the pain, but because I didn’t want bold, dramatic brows, which I had always associated with microblading. My goal was not to recreate my middle school Julius Caesar look. While I admire statement brows on others, they’re just not my style.
However, after scrolling through Alix’s Instagram and seeing her work, I was sold. She’s worked with some impressive celebrity clients, but more importantly, she’s perfected the art of creating subtle, natural brows for people like me. I knew I was in good hands, and I booked my appointment.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Hairy Little Things)
The team at Hairy Little Things provided me with everything I needed before my microblading appointment, including prep instructions (more on that soon), a super helpful infographic on what to expect in the weeks following (managing expectations is key), and detailed aftercare steps (to follow religiously). If you’re tired of filling in your brows every day, lack the skills to get it just right, or are simply considering microblading, keep reading to see how the process went for me and whether I think it’s worth it.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a technique where a trained specialist uses a blade and custom pigment to create tiny strokes that replicate natural brow hairs. It’s ideal for those with sparse, uneven, over-tweezed, over-waxed, or thinning brows. At Hairy Little Things, their microblading treatment includes brow reshaping or symmetry correction, followed by a touch-up session six to eight weeks later. The result is semi-permanent, natural-looking brows. You can find more details about the process on the Hairy Little Things website.
The Prep
As expected, I had tons of questions before the treatment. I wanted to understand what aftercare would look like and how much downtime there might be, so it was crucial to get all the details before booking. While prep instructions may vary depending on the specialist, here’s what I was advised:
- Avoid caffeine before your appointment (if you’re a morning coffee person like me, you might want to book an early slot).
- Skip alcohol for 24 hours beforehand.
- Stay away from tanning or sunbathing for at least three days prior.
- Avoid chemical peels or harsh exfoliating treatments for at least a week before.
- Refrain from using Retin-A, retinoids, retinol, filler, or Botox for two weeks prior.
- Steer clear of fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin, and other blood thinners for 24 hours before your appointment.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Hairy Little Things)
In addition to avoiding the pre-treatment guidelines mentioned earlier, I recommend keeping your schedule clear for the rest of the day. Don’t plan on attending any events where you’d rather not show up with red brows. While my redness subsided in just a few hours, your brows will look a bit raw right after the procedure, so be prepared for that. If you have sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions, it’s always wise to consult with a doctor or dermatologist before booking any treatment.
I had a wedding four days after my microblading session, and based on the timeline HLT provided (mentioned earlier), I was concerned my brows might be scabbing or flaking by then. I checked in with Alix, and she reassured me that, while they might appear slightly darker than the final result, they wouldn’t look too dramatic.
The Process
When I arrived at the salon, Alix applied a numbing cream to my brows while she prepped for the treatment. Then she brushed them up and handed me a mirror, which I assumed was for a sentimental goodbye to my patchy, uneven brows before she worked her magic.
But I quickly realized it was a strategic move. Alix asked if I had a “favorite” brow and why. My first thought was “neither,” but the question made me reflect on what I liked and disliked about my brows. This conversation helped us get on the same page about the look I was going for. She also asked if I wanted a completely new look or to stay within the natural shape of my brows. I opted for the latter. It was a great mix of me explaining my preferences and trusting her professional expertise to find the best shape for my face, features, and hair color.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Hairy Little Things)
Alix then took a brown liquid and began outlining my brows, focusing on enhancing my natural shape. She clarified that this step was just to define the shape and wasn’t representative of the final color. I was surprised when she pointed out that I had a natural arch—something I’d never noticed before. Sure enough, when I looked in the mirror, there it was! (This is exactly why I leave the semipermanent makeup to the experts—I had no clue.) It was a bit too arched for my taste, so she subtly adjusted by filling in underneath, and just like that, the shape was perfect. Time to commit.
Once she applied some lidocaine, Alix began the microblading process, carefully staying within the outline she’d drawn. The sensation felt like tiny scratches—not exactly painful, but definitely uncomfortable. She worked over each brow three times, reapplying lidocaine between passes. Despite the discomfort, we kept chatting, and surprisingly, my eyes barely watered (though I skipped mascara that morning just in case). The microblading itself took around 25 minutes, though that’s just my guess. Afterward, Alix mentioned that I had bled a bit, but it wasn’t a surprise, and it had stopped by the time I left.
Immediately After Microblading
(Image credit: Alyson Boragno)
When she handed me the mirror, I was stunned. My brows looked exactly how I’d always imagined when attempting to fill them in each morning—perfectly shaped, natural (aside from the redness around them), and subtly defined. “You’re a magician,” I think I said, and I genuinely wanted to hug her.
After applying some ointment, she gave me strict aftercare instructions to follow to the letter. This included avoiding excessive sweating, pools, sun exposure, jacuzzis, and saunas. Remember that wedding I mentioned? The one just four days away? Oh, and did I mention it was in the desert, where the temperature was forecasted to hit over 38ºC? A real challenge.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Hairy Little Things)
The Aftercare
Right after the procedure, my brows were, as expected, quite red. Alix warned me they’d feel like a mild sunburn, and she was spot on. That sensation faded after about 30 minutes, and the redness disappeared within a few hours. I had anticipated the aftercare to be more demanding, thinking I’d need to constantly apply ointment and deal with discomfort. However, it was more about leaving the brows alone and avoiding certain activities for the first 10 days.
During this period, besides avoiding sun, exercise (no sweating), and water, Hairy Little Things advises against laser or chemical treatments, using creams with Retin-A or glycolic acid, and picking or scratching the brow area. They suggest only applying Aquaphor when necessary, like during showers or if the brows start itching or scabbing toward the end of the healing phase. I was careful to keep my face away from the shower stream, used Aquaphor only when washing my hair, and made sure not to touch or wet my brows while washing my face.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Hairy Little Things)
The desert wedding weekend turned out to be much easier than I anticipated. Alix gave me the green light to enjoy the pool as long as I kept my head above water and always wore a hat in the sun. She also suggested wearing sunglasses in the pool since the sun’s reflection on the water could impact the pigment—a handy tip! I made sure to retreat to the air conditioning at the first sign of sweat, which was probably smart, fresh brows or not.
By day seven, I’d hardly experienced any itching or discomfort since the treatment. Honestly, if I wasn’t constantly checking them in the mirror, I might have forgotten I had just gotten my brows done. Of course, this was just my experience, and some peeling, itching, and scabbing are typical during the healing process. Additionally, due to skin regeneration, the brows may appear lighter than expected during those first 10 days. That’s why Hairy Little Things recommends a touch-up after six to eight weeks. I found the infographic they sent to be incredibly useful for managing my expectations and understanding the healing stages.
Final Thoughts
The Results One Month Later
(Image credit: Alyson Boragno)
It takes about 30 days for the brows to fully settle into their final look, and so far, I’m absolutely thrilled with the results. I can personally vouch for Alix’s magic—whether you call her a wizard, magician, or fairy godmother, she’s all of those things. Erin, too, has visited the Hairy Little Things salon in West Hollywood for various treatments and had only great experiences.
For transparency, I was able to get this done as part of my job, which meant access to one of the best brow specialists out there, and I felt incredibly comfortable because of that. Microblading prices vary depending on where you go, and even within Hairy Little Things, the cost depends on the specialist. It can range from $400 to $800 (or £200 to £600 in the UK), and yes, this includes the touch-up appointment, but it’s still a significant investment.
So, would I pay for it myself? The short answer is yes. Before microblading, I always felt incomplete if I didn’t fill in my brows. Now, as a new mom, I value anything that simplifies my routine, especially in the mornings. I also love how much more polished I feel, even without makeup. For me, that’s worth it. I don’t typically indulge in many beauty treatments beyond haircuts and highlights (I even do my own nails, thank you very much), but this one feels worth the splurge. That said, the cost is probably at the top end of my comfort zone.
If you’re unhappy with your brows and feel it’s important to address, I highly recommend microblading if it fits your budget. Just make sure to find a trusted, trained professional and communicate clearly about your goals. Check out their website and social media for examples of their work, and bring photos of yourself or others whose brows you admire for reference. Work with the specialist to find what suits you best, and if you’re nervous, maybe opt for a lighter or smaller look. The procedure can be perfect for those wanting a subtle enhancement or a completely new brow shape.
If you’d rather stick to at-home brow products, here are some of my favorites that are easy to use, even for makeup beginners.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Brow Wiz Ultra-Slim Precision Brow Pencil
£17
Brow Wiz makes it nearly impossible to mess up when filling in your brows.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Ombre Effect Long Wearing Brow Powder Duo
£24
This powder duo requires a bit more finesse, but once you master the technique, it creates stunning brows with a lovely natural ombré effect.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Instant Lift Brow Pencil
£3
If you only have about 30 seconds to fill in your brows in the morning, try this pencil from the beloved drugstore brand E.l.f. It’s incredibly easy to use, and you really can’t beat the price!
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Ultra Precise Brow Pencil
£6
This is my favorite brow product so far! I own both this one and Brow Wiz, and before getting microblading, I reached for the E.l.f. pencil almost every day. Like its thicker counterpart, the Instant Lift pencil, it’s super easy to use and creates more natural, hair-like strokes.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel
£23
Sometimes, a quick swipe of clear brow gel at 8:59 a.m. is all it takes to freshen up your look just in time for that 9 a.m. Zoom meeting.
