Is Microblading Safe?
Microblading is safe when performed by a licensed, experienced technician using single-use tools and proper sterilization protocols. The main risks include infection, allergic reaction, scarring, and poor results—but all are rare in a professional setting. In my own practice, I’ve had zero infections across over 3,500 treatments and nearly 10 years.
But that wouldn’t be the whole truth.
Here’s what IS true: over nearly 10 years and more than 3,500 microblading treatments at my studio in Shorewood, IL, I’ve had zero infections. Zero serious complications. Zero trips to the ER.
But microblading involves breaking the skin. That comes with real risks. And you deserve to know every single one of them before you sit in my chair—or anyone else’s.
I’m not writing this to scare you. I’m writing it because I believe informed clients make better decisions, have better experiences, and get better results. Real results, honest care, clear communication—that’s what I’m about.
So let’s talk about what can actually go wrong, how likely it is, and what separates a safe procedure from a risky one.
The Real Risks of Microblading
Let me break these down honestly—no sugarcoating, no minimizing, but also no fearmongering.
1. Infection
The risk: Any time the skin barrier is broken, bacteria can enter. Microblading creates tiny incisions in the brow area to deposit pigment, which means infection is theoretically possible.
How common: Extremely rare when proper sterilization protocols are followed. In a professional, licensed setting with single-use tools and sterile technique, infection rates are very low. In my own practice—zero in over 3,500 procedures.
What it looks like: Redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness that gets WORSE after the first 48 hours instead of better. Pus, fever, or spreading redness are red flags.
The honest truth: Most “infections” people post about online are actually normal healing responses—redness, slight swelling, mild tenderness. Real bacterial infections from professional microblading are rare. Real infections from unlicensed, unsanitary setups? Much less rare.
2. Allergic Reaction
The risk: Some people react to pigment ingredients. This can range from mild irritation to more significant swelling and itching.
How common: Uncommon, especially with high-quality, organic pigments. But it does happen.
What it looks like: Persistent itching, raised bumps, redness, or swelling around the brows that doesn’t follow the normal healing timeline.
The honest truth: This is why patch testing exists. If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions, I do a patch test behind the ear or on the inner arm 24-48 hours before your appointment. It takes two minutes and could save you a lot of misery.
3. Scarring
The risk: If the blade goes too deep, or if your skin doesn’t heal well, scarring can occur.
How common: Rare with an experienced technician. More common with inexperienced artists who apply too much pressure, use improper technique, or don’t understand skin depth.
What it looks like: Raised, textured skin in the brow area that doesn’t smooth out after healing.
The honest truth: This is the risk that separates experienced technicians from beginners. After nearly 10 years and thousands of treatments, I know exactly how deep to go for each skin type. There’s no shortcut for that knowledge. No shortcuts, no assumptions—that’s my approach to every face.
4. Poor Results (Color, Shape, Symmetry)
The risk: This isn’t a health risk, but it’s the risk clients fear most. Brows that are the wrong color, wrong shape, too dark, too thick, uneven, or just don’t look natural.
How common: More common than any of the medical risks above, unfortunately. This is where the difference between a skilled technician and an inexperienced one really shows.
What it looks like: Orange or blue-toned brows as pigment fades. Brows that don’t match your face shape. One brow noticeably different from the other. Results that look drawn-on rather than natural.
The honest truth: Poor results are almost always a technique problem, not a product problem. This is why I do one thing—and I do it exceptionally well. I’m not splitting my attention between lashes, lips, and a hundred other services. Microblading is my entire focus.
5. MRI Interference—Let’s Clear This Up
You’ve probably seen something online about microblading and MRI machines. Let me address this directly.
The claim: Microblading pigment contains iron oxide, which could react during an MRI scan.
The reality: Modern microblading pigments contain trace amounts of iron oxide—far less than traditional tattoo ink. The FDA and radiologists have addressed this. While it’s theoretically possible to feel slight warmth or tingling during an MRI, serious reactions are extremely rare with cosmetic tattoo pigments.
What to do: Tell your MRI technician about your microblading beforehand. They’ll note it and monitor during the scan. That’s it. This is standard practice and NOT a reason to avoid microblading.
How I Mitigate Every Single Risk
Knowing the risks is step one. Eliminating them as much as humanly possible is step two. Here’s exactly what I do—and what any responsible technician should do.
Sterilization & Sanitation
- Single-use blades. Every blade is opened in front of you, used once, and disposed of in a medical sharps container. No exceptions. Ever.
- Single-use pigment cups. Pigment is poured into a fresh cup for each client. Nothing is ever double-dipped or reused.
- Single-use gloves. Changed multiple times during a single procedure.
- Hospital-grade surface disinfection. Every surface you or I touch is wiped down with medical-grade disinfectant between clients.
- Autoclave-sterilized reusable tools. Anything that isn’t single-use goes through an autoclave sterilization cycle.
Patch Testing
If you have sensitive skin, a history of allergies, or you’re just nervous—I’ll do a patch test. A tiny amount of pigment applied to a discreet area 24-48 hours before your appointment. It’s simple, it’s free, and it answers the allergic reaction question before I get anywhere near your face.
Proper Technique
This is the one you can’t fake. Nearly 10 years of focused expertise means I understand skin depth, pressure, and angle for every skin type. Thin skin, thick skin, oily skin, mature skin—they all require different approaches. Over 3,500 treatments have taught me things no certification course alone can teach.
Thorough Consultation
Before I pick up a blade, I sit down with you. I assess your skin type, discuss your medical history, review your medications, and set realistic expectations. If something in your history raises a concern, I address it. If microblading isn’t right for you, I’ll tell you—check my candidate checklist to see where you stand.
Comprehensive Aftercare
Aftercare is part of the result. I don’t just hand you a sheet of paper and send you home. I walk you through every step, explain WHY each instruction matters, and make myself available for questions during your healing process. You can reach me if something looks off. For the full breakdown, see my pre & post care guide.
Illinois Licensing: What It Means and Why It Matters
In Illinois, microblading falls under the regulation of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Here’s what that means for you:
What’s required:
- A valid Body Art license (covers tattoo and permanent cosmetics)
- Completion of bloodborne pathogen training
- Annual facility inspections
- Compliance with sanitation and sterilization standards
- Proper documentation and record-keeping
Why this matters to you:
Licensing isn’t just paperwork. It means the artist has been trained in infection control. It means their workspace has been inspected. It means there’s accountability if something goes wrong.
The uncomfortable truth: Not everyone doing microblading in Illinois is properly licensed. Some people operate out of homes or salons without the proper body art credentials. They may have a cosmetology license, an esthetician license, or even a “certification” from a weekend training course—but none of those are the same as a body art license issued by the state.
Always ask. Always verify. Your face is worth the thirty seconds it takes to ask, “Can I see your license?”
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
I’d rather you go to a different licensed, skilled artist than come to me if the alternative is an unqualified one. Seriously. Here’s what should make you turn around and leave.
Walk Away If…
There’s no visible license. Every licensed technician in Illinois should be able to show you their body art license. If it’s not displayed and they can’t produce it when asked—leave.
The workspace looks dirty. I don’t mean “not Instagram-perfect.” I mean unclean. Stains, clutter around the work area, no obvious sanitation station, tools sitting out in the open rather than in sealed packaging.
They reuse tools. If you don’t see fresh, sealed packaging being opened in front of you—leave. Blades, pigment cups, and gloves should all be opened fresh for every single client. This is non-negotiable.
There’s no consultation. If someone is ready to start cutting into your skin without asking about your medical history, medications, allergies, skin type, or expectations—they don’t know what they’re doing. Or worse, they don’t care.
They’re working out of a home without a proper setup. Home studios CAN be done right—with proper licensing, dedicated sterile rooms, and all the same protocols as a standalone studio. But many aren’t. If the “studio” is someone’s kitchen table or a spare bedroom with a ring light, that’s a problem.
They pressure you. “Book today or lose the discount.” “Everyone’s doing it.” “Don’t overthink it.” A good technician wants you to be confident and informed, not pressured. I’d rather you go home, think about it, and come back in a month than feel rushed into a decision about your face.
Their portfolio is inconsistent. Every client has a different face, sure. But if the results in their portfolio vary wildly in quality—some great, some clearly off—that tells you they haven’t mastered their technique yet.
They can’t explain their process. If you ask “what pigment brand do you use?” or “how do you sterilize your tools?” and they get vague or defensive, that’s information they should be happy to share.
Green Flags: What to Look For
The flip side. Here’s what tells you someone takes their work—and your safety—seriously.
You’re in Good Hands If…
License is displayed proudly. Visible, current, legitimate. This is the bare minimum, not a bonus.
They insist on a consultation first. A real consultation—not five minutes of small talk. They should assess your skin, discuss your medical history, talk about your goals, and manage expectations before anything else happens.
Their portfolio shows consistent quality. Not just one or two incredible results. A pattern of natural-looking, well-healed work across different skin types and face shapes.
They’re willing to say no. This is a big one. If a technician tells you “microblading might not be the best fit for your skin type—let’s look at combination brows instead,” that’s someone who cares about your results more than your payment.
Everything is opened in front of you. Sealed blade package? Opened while you watch. Fresh gloves? On right before they start. New pigment cup? Poured in front of you. Transparency isn’t extra credit—it’s standard.
They explain aftercare thoroughly. Not a rushed handoff. A detailed walkthrough of what to expect, what to do, what NOT to do, and how to reach them if something concerns you during healing.
They have insurance. Liability insurance means they take their business seriously and there’s recourse if something goes wrong.
They answer your questions without getting annoyed. You should feel comfortable asking anything. If they make you feel stupid for asking about safety, they’re not the right fit.
When NOT to Get Microblading
Avoid microblading if you’re pregnant, nursing, on Accutane, using retinoids, on blood thinners without doctor approval, or have active skin conditions in the brow area.
Some situations mean “not right now.” Others mean “this might not be for you.” Here’s the honest breakdown.
Temporary Hold—Wait Until…
You’re no longer pregnant or breastfeeding. The numbing agents used during microblading haven’t been studied enough in pregnant or nursing women for me to feel comfortable. Plus, pregnancy hormones affect how your skin holds pigment. Wait until you’re done nursing, then let’s talk.
You’ve been off Accutane for at least 6-12 months. Accutane thins the skin significantly. Microblading on Accutane-thinned skin dramatically increases scarring risk. This is a hard no until enough time has passed.
You’ve stopped retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin) for at least 2 weeks. Retinoids thin the top layer of skin. You need to pause them before the procedure and during healing.
You’re off blood thinners (with doctor approval). Blood thinners increase bleeding during the procedure, which pushes pigment out and reduces retention. Only pause these with your doctor’s explicit approval.
Any active skin condition in the brow area has healed. Eczema, psoriasis, active acne, rashes, sunburn—if your skin isn’t healthy in the brow area, you’ll need to wait.
Your recent Botox has settled (2+ weeks). Botox can affect the positioning and movement of the brow. Things need to settle before I map and blade.
Longer-Term Considerations
Active chemotherapy or radiation. Your immune system is compromised and focused on fighting something much more important. Wait until your oncologist clears you—usually 6-12 months after treatment ends. When you’re ready, microblading can be an incredible part of reclaiming your confidence.
Autoimmune conditions affecting wound healing. Conditions like lupus or severe autoimmune disorders can make healing unpredictable. This requires a detailed conversation and possibly clearance from your doctor.
Hemophilia or severe bleeding disorders. Excessive bleeding during the procedure prevents proper pigment retention and increases complications.
If you’re unsure whether your specific situation is a go or a no-go, my candidate checklist walks through every scenario in detail—or take the 2-minute Candidate Quiz for a quick answer.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Contact your artist first with a photo if anything looks concerning after day 3. See a doctor immediately for fever, pus, or redness spreading beyond the brow area.
Even with the best artist and perfect technique, healing is biological—and biology isn’t always predictable. Here’s how to know whether you’re experiencing normal healing or something that needs attention.
Normal Healing (Don’t Panic)
- Redness and tenderness for the first 24-48 hours
- Swelling that peaks on day 1-2 and then steadily decreases
- Brows looking darker than expected for the first 7-10 days
- Itching and flaking around days 4-7
- Color appearing to “disappear” around days 7-14 (this is normal—it comes back)
- Slight unevenness during healing (one brow may heal faster)
Contact Your Artist If…
- Redness or swelling is getting worse after day 3 (not better)
- You see yellowish discharge that doesn’t look like normal lymph fluid
- Itching is severe and doesn’t respond to the recommended aftercare
- You develop bumps or a rash specifically in the brow area
- One brow looks significantly different from the other after full healing (4+ weeks)
- You’re worried about anything at all—seriously, reach out. I’d rather answer a “silly” question than have you suffer in silence
See a Doctor If…
- You develop a fever after your procedure
- There’s significant pus or the area feels hot to the touch
- Redness is spreading beyond the brow area
- You experience severe swelling or hives (possible allergic reaction)
- Symptoms are getting progressively worse despite following aftercare
The bottom line: When in doubt, call your artist first. If you can’t reach them or their advice doesn’t sound right, see a doctor. Don’t Google your way into a panic spiral.
My Personal Safety Protocols
I want to be specific about exactly what happens at Nirvana PMU in Shorewood, IL—because “we follow safety standards” is vague, and I don’t do vague.
Before your appointment:
- Full medical history review during consultation
- Medication and allergy screening
- Patch testing offered for sensitive skin
- Honest assessment of candidacy—I’ve turned people away when microblading wasn’t right for them
During your appointment:
- Hospital-grade surface disinfection before every client
- All single-use items opened from sealed packaging in front of you
- Fresh gloves for every phase of the procedure
- Medical-grade sharps container for blade disposal
- Proper skin preparation with antiseptic before first incision
- Sterile technique throughout—no touching phone, face, hair, or anything non-sterile without re-gloving
After your appointment:
- Detailed aftercare walkthrough (not just a handout)
- Direct access to me during your healing period
- 6-8 week follow-up where I assess healing, address concerns, and perfect the results
- Honest feedback if anything needs correction
Over 3,500 treatments. Zero infections. That’s not luck—it’s protocol. It’s nearly 10 years of treating every face like it’s my own. I treat your face like it’s my own. And I don’t cut corners on my own face.
The Bottom Line on Microblading Safety
Is microblading safe? Yes—when it’s done right. By a licensed, experienced, meticulous technician in a clean environment with single-use tools, proper technique, and thorough aftercare.
Is it risk-free? Nothing is. But the risks are small, manageable, and largely preventable when you choose the right person.
Here’s what I want you to take away from this:
- The risks are real but rare in professional settings
- Most “horror stories” come from unlicensed or inexperienced artists—not from the procedure itself
- You have the power to reduce your risk by choosing carefully, asking questions, and following aftercare
- An honest artist will tell you about risks upfront—not hide them to close the sale
- If something feels off, trust your gut and walk away
Your face is the one thing you can’t return. Don’t hand it to the lowest bidder or the first person with an Instagram page. Do your homework. Ask the uncomfortable questions. And choose someone who welcomes those questions instead of dodging them.
Ready to Ask Your Questions?
I mean it—every question. The ones you think are silly. The ones you found on Reddit at 2 AM. The medical ones, the practical ones, the “am I overthinking this?” ones.
During your free consultation, I’ll cover:
- Your specific medical history and any risk factors
- Exactly what happens during the procedure
- My sterilization and safety protocols—in detail
- Honest assessment of your candidacy
- Aftercare expectations and healing timeline
- Anything else that’s on your mind
No pressure. No rush. Just the information you need to decide if this is right for you.
If you’re still in research mode, I’ve also written about whether you’re a good candidate, the honest truth about pain, and a full breakdown of the microblading service including pricing and process.
I work with clients from Downers Grove, Oswego, Lisle, Yorkville, Shorewood, and communities across the southwestern Chicago suburbs. Safety isn’t a selling point for me—it’s the baseline. Every client, every time.
Have a specific safety concern or medical question before booking? Contact me—I’d rather answer it now than have you worry about it later.
