Nano brows
The machine alternative. $750, lasts 18–36 months, works on all skin types.
See nano brows →
Permanent Makeup · West 3rd Street, LA
Microblading in Los Angeles
Microblading at MUA Salon costs $500 and takes about 2.5 hours, including the 6-week perfecting touch-up. Performed by trained PMU artists at our studio at 8336 West 3rd Street in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, microblading is the hand-tooled hair-stroke brow technique that reads as your most natural, most-rested brows.
Overview
What microblading actually is
Microblading is a manual permanent makeup technique. A trained artist uses a hand-held tool fitted with a fine micro-blade — really, a row of ultra-thin needles — to deposit semi-permanent pigment in hair-fine strokes within the upper skin layer. Done well, the strokes mimic the natural growth pattern of your own brow hairs. Done poorly, microblading is the cautionary tale you scroll past on social media.
At MUA Salon, every microblading appointment includes a one-on-one consultation, a custom color match, hand-mapped shape design, the procedure, and a 6-week perfecting touch-up. We do not freehand without mapping, and we do not start any pigment work until you've signed off on the pre-tattoo brow drawing in the mirror.
For category-wide context — pricing, comparisons, and pre-care — start with our full Permanent Makeup page. For services beyond PMU, see the service menu.
Candidacy
Who microblading is for
Microblading is built for clients with sparse, over-tweezed, or naturally light brows — anyone whose existing brows could use more density and definition without reading "drawn on." It also works beautifully for asymmetry, gaps from past waxing accidents, and hair loss from chemotherapy or alopecia.
Best skin type: normal to dry. Microblading reads cleanest on skin that holds a fine line. Clients with very oily skin, large pores, or mature skin often get longer-lasting and sharper results from nano brows instead, because the machine technique places pigment more precisely without spreading.
We do not perform microblading on: clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, on blood thinners, recovering from chemotherapy, with active skin conditions in the brow area, with diabetes that's not well controlled, or with a history of keloid scarring. A short health screening is part of every consultation.
Price & duration
- Price
- $500 — includes 6-week perfecting touch-up
- Duration
- ~2.5 hours, single session
- Touch-up
- 30–45 min, 6 weeks after initial
- Healing
- 7–14 days surface · 6 weeks full settle
- Lasts
- 12–18 months before color refresh
- Numbing
- Topical, before and during
- Deposit
- $150 non-refundable
- Best skin type
- Normal to dry
The process
What a microblading appointment looks like
- Consultation & health screening (10–15 min). We talk through what you want, review the health questionnaire, and check candidacy.
- Color match (10 min). We test 2–3 pigments against your brow hair and skin tone in natural light.
- Mapping & shape design (20–30 min). We measure facial symmetry and pre-draw the brow shape with a removable pencil. Nothing happens with pigment until you sign off in the mirror.
- Numbing (20 min). First-pass topical numbing cream goes on. We let it set fully.
- First pigment pass (45–60 min). Hair strokes are placed one at a time, following the mapped shape and your natural brow direction.
- Secondary numbing & second pass (30–40 min). A secondary numbing gel is applied to the broken skin, then we refine, sharpen, and finish.
- Aftercare (10 min). We clean, photograph, send you home with the aftercare kit, and book the 6-week touch-up.
Plan for roughly 2.5 hours start to finish. We pause anytime you want a break. Eat before you come, drink water, and skip alcohol and caffeine 24 hours beforehand — both thin the blood and can affect pigment retention.
Healing & aftercare
The 6-week microblading healing timeline
Days 1–3: bold & dark
Brows look 30% darker than the final result. Some lymph fluid weeping is normal — blot with clean tissue.
Days 4–7: light scabbing
Tiny scabs form along strokes. Do not pick — let them shed naturally. Skip the gym, sauna, steam, and pool.
Days 8–14: ghost phase
Pigment appears to fade by 30–50%. This is normal and expected. Most flaking is done; resume makeup around (not on) the brow.
Weeks 2–4: color emerges
True healed color settles in. Begin daily SPF on the brow area. Avoid retinol, glycolic acid, and direct vitamin C in the brow zone.
Week 6: perfecting touch-up
The included touch-up sharpens any soft spots and adjusts color. After the touch-up, the result is "set."
10-day rules
- No water on the brow.
- Sleep on your back, clean pillowcase.
- Apply provided balm twice a day.
- No makeup on the brow.
- No sweat, sauna, sun, or pool.
Longevity
How long microblading lasts
Microblading at MUA Salon lasts 12 to 18 months before a color refresh is recommended. By design, the pigment is semi-permanent — it fades gradually so the brow shape stays current with age and trend, instead of locking you into one look forever.
What slows fade: daily SPF on the brow, no retinol or exfoliating acids directly on the area, gentle cleanser, no chlorinated pools the first 30 days, and showing up for the 6-week perfecting touch-up.
What speeds fade: oily skin, frequent sun exposure, smoking, sweat-heavy workouts, and active skincare like glycolic acid or strong retinoids applied directly to the brow zone.
Touch-ups
Touch-ups, refreshes, and what's included
Two kinds of follow-up appointments matter for microblading: the perfecting touch-up at week 6 (included in the $500 price) and the annual color refresh (booked separately as the original work fades).
The 6-week perfecting touch-up is part of the package. It's where we sharpen any strokes that healed soft, add density to areas that lifted more pigment than expected, and lock in the final color. Without the touch-up, the work is technically incomplete — please plan for it.
Annual color refresh is billed at a reduced rate. Most clients come back at month 12, 15, or 18 — exact timing depends on skin type and sun habits. If you wait beyond 24 months, the refresh may be billed as a fresh microblading session.
Compare
Microblading vs. nano brows vs. strong brows
Microblading is one of three brow techniques offered at MUA Salon. Each finishes differently — and the right choice usually depends on skin type and the look you're after.
| Technique | Microblading | Nano Brows | Strong Brows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Hand tool, fine blade | Digital machine, single needle | Digital machine, soft shading |
| Finish | Crisp hair strokes | Hair-fine, ultra-natural | Soft-powder, makeup-look |
| Best skin type | Normal to dry | All skin types | All, especially oily |
| Lasts | 12–18 months | 18–36 months | 2–3 years |
| Price | $500 | $750 | $750 |
Curious about combining brows with lip blush in one session? See the lip blush page or the BLD Signature Trio on the PMU page.
FAQ
Microblading, asked & answered
How much does microblading cost at MUA Salon?
Microblading at MUA Salon is $500. The price includes the initial 2.5-hour session and the 6-week perfecting touch-up. A non-refundable deposit of $150 secures the appointment.
How long does microblading last?
12 to 18 months before a color refresh is recommended. Skin type, sun exposure, and aftercare adherence change longevity. Oilier skin tends to fade microblading faster.
How long is the appointment?
About 2.5 hours, including consultation, mapping, color match, the procedure itself, and aftercare instructions. Plan for an additional 30–45 minutes for the 6-week touch-up.
Does microblading hurt?
Most clients describe it as a 2–3 out of 10. We use a two-stage topical numbing protocol — a primary cream before the procedure, then a secondary gel that activates on broken skin. We pause anytime you want a break.
Is microblading right for oily skin?
Generally, no. Microblading reads cleanest on normal-to-dry skin. Oily, large-pored, or mature skin tends to get longer-lasting, sharper results from nano brows. We'll talk through which fits your skin during the consultation.
How does microblading heal?
Days 1–3: bold and dark. Days 4–10: light scabbing and pigment shedding — color appears to fade 30–50%. Weeks 2–6: true healed color emerges. The 6-week touch-up sets the final result.
Is the touch-up included?
Yes. The 6-week perfecting touch-up is included in the $500 price. Color-boost touch-ups beyond that are billed separately at a reduced rate.
What's the difference between microblading and nano brows?
Microblading is hand-tooled with a small blade. Nano brows use a single-needle digital machine. Nano lasts longer (18–36 months versus 12–18), heals more predictably, and works on a wider range of skin types — including oily and mature. See the nano brows page.
Can I get microblading if I've had it done elsewhere?
Yes — send photos before booking. Existing pigment may need to fade or be removed before fresh work. Heavy-saturated old microblading sometimes requires saline lightening first.
How do I book?
Call (323) 775-3637 or email hello@muasalon.com. A $150 non-refundable deposit secures the appointment. We'll review your health history, color match, and shape map before the procedure. See the general FAQ for booking and cancellation specifics.
Related
Pair microblading with
Lip blush
Soft, kissed-from-within lip tint. $750, 2.5 hours, lasts 2–5 years.
See lip blush →Bridal styling
Brows healed by the wedding date. Time microblading 8+ weeks before the day-of.
Bridal planning →Ready to map your shape?
Free 20-minute phone consultation before you book.