How to Know If You're a Good Candidate for Microblading

The Question I Get Asked Every Day

“Am I a good candidate for microblading?”

It’s usually asked with a hint of hope and a touch of anxiety. Because here’s what people are really asking:

“Will this work for me?” “Am I too old/young/different?” “Will I regret this?” “Is there something wrong with my skin/brows/situation that makes this impossible?”

So let me save you some time and anxiety: Most people ARE good candidates for microblading.

But - and this is important - not everyone. And some people need modifications to the standard approach.

Below, I’ve created a comprehensive self-assessment checklist based on over 3,500 clients I’ve worked with. This will help you determine where you fall on the spectrum and what questions to ask during your consultation.

Part 1: The Green Light Indicators

If you check YES to most of these, you’re likely an excellent candidate:

Brow Situation

You have at least some natural brow hair to work with
Your brows are sparse, thin, or patchy (but not completely absent)
You’ve over-plucked and they won’t grow back fully
You have gaps from scars, aging, or genetics
Your brows are naturally uneven or asymmetrical
You spend significant time filling in your brows daily

Skin Health

Your skin in the brow area is healthy (no active rashes, infections, or wounds)
You don’t have severe acne or dermatitis in your brow area
Your skin isn’t extremely oily (a little oily is fine)
You’re not currently using Accutane or Retin-A on your face
You haven’t had Botox in your forehead in the last 2 weeks

Overall Health

You’re not currently pregnant or nursing
You don’t have uncontrolled diabetes
You’re not on blood thinners (or can safely pause them with doctor approval)
You don’t have an autoimmune condition affecting wound healing
You’re not currently going through chemotherapy

Realistic Expectations

You understand microblading creates hair-like strokes, not a solid filled-in look
You know the color will fade over 1-3 years and need refresh
You’re okay with a 6-8 week healing process
You can follow aftercare instructions for 2 weeks
You understand everyone’s results vary based on skin type

Lifestyle Readiness

You can avoid swimming/heavy sweating for 2 weeks post-procedure
You can skip makeup in the brow area during healing
You can avoid direct sun exposure on your face for 2 weeks
You’re not planning any big events in the next 4 weeks
You have time for both initial appointment and 6-8 week touch-up

If you checked 15+ boxes: You’re very likely an excellent candidate. Book that consultation!

If you checked 10-14 boxes: You’re probably a good candidate with some considerations. Definitely worth a consultation to discuss specifics.

If you checked fewer than 10: Don’t rule it out yet - read the next sections.

Part 2: The Yellow Light Situations

These don’t automatically disqualify you, but they require honest discussion during consultation:

Skin Type Considerations

Oily Skin Not a dealbreaker, but:

Pigment may fade faster (expect 1-2 years vs. 2-3 years)
May need more frequent touch-ups
Consider combination brows (microblading + shading) for better retention

Mature Skin (50+) Absolutely can still work, but:

Skin may be thinner and more delicate
Healing might take slightly longer
May need modified technique
Often yields beautiful, natural results

Darker Skin Tones You’re an excellent candidate, and I love working with diverse skin tones!

Color matching is crucial (not a concern, just needs expertise)
May have different healing timeline
Risk of hyperpigmentation is real but manageable with proper technique
Find a technician experienced with your skin tone

Previous Permanent Makeup Can work, but depends on:

How old is the existing PMU?
What color is it now?
How much is left?
You may need color correction first
Might need removal or lightening treatment

Medical Considerations

Controlled Diabetes Often fine if:

Your blood sugar is well-managed
You have doctor clearance
You understand healing may take longer
You’re vigilant about aftercare

Keloid Scarring History Possible concern:

Discuss your scarring history in detail
Small keloids elsewhere might be okay
Large or multiple keloids = higher risk
Consider a test spot first

Alopecia or Hair Loss Conditions Can work beautifully, but:

If you have no brow hair at all, microblading alone may look unnatural
Combination brows (microblading + shading) often better
Need to discuss realistic expectations
May need more frequent touch-ups

Medications Some medications need discussion:

Blood thinners (may need to pause with doctor approval)
Immunosuppressants (affects healing)
Retin-A/retinoids (must pause 2 weeks before and during healing)
Accutane (must be off for at least 6-12 months)

Lifestyle Factors

Very Active Lifestyle Not a problem if:

You can modify workouts for 2 weeks (no swimming, no excessive sweating)
You’re okay with potential faster fading from future sweat/workouts
You commit to aftercare during healing

Sun Exposure/Outdoor Work Manageable if:

You can avoid direct sun during healing (2 weeks)
You’ll wear SPF on brows long-term (helps prevent fading)
You understand sun exposure = faster fading

Frequent Flyer/Traveler Totally fine, just plan around it:

Don’t get microblading right before a big trip
Avoid pools/beaches during healing period
Schedule 6-8 weeks before or after travel

Part 3: The Red Light Situations

These typically mean “not right now” or “microblading may not be the best option” - but alternatives might exist:

Temporary Disqualifiers (Wait Until…)

Pregnancy or Nursing

Wait until you’re done nursing (numbing cream concerns)
Hormones affect pigment retention anyway
Your skin changes during pregnancy
Alternative: Great makeup routine for now, microblading after

Active Accutane Use

Must be off Accutane for 6-12 months minimum
Skin is too fragile while on it
Risk of scarring is too high
Alternative: Wait it out, skin will be in better condition after

Recent Botox (Less Than 2 Weeks)

Botox can migrate during healing
Can affect brow shape
Wait 2+ weeks after Botox
Or get Botox 2+ weeks after microblading heals

Active Skin Condition in Brow Area

Eczema, psoriasis, severe acne, rash
Heal the condition first
Can damage results and worsen condition
Alternative: Treat skin condition, then reassess

Chemotherapy or Radiation

Wait until treatment is complete and doctor clears you
Often 6-12 months post-treatment
Your body needs to focus on healing from treatment first
Alternative: When ready, microblading can be amazing for rebuilding confidence

Permanent or Long-Term Concerns

Extremely Oily Skin If you have very oily skin that doesn’t respond to mattifying products:

Microblading alone may not retain well
Pigment can “blur” or fade very quickly
Alternative: Combination brows (microblading + powder shading) or just powder brows

No Brow Hair Whatsoever If you have complete brow hair loss:

Microblading alone will look like strokes on bare skin (unnatural)
Skin has nothing to “blend” the strokes into
Alternative: Combination brows or powder/ombre brows for more natural look

Keloid Prone Skin If you develop large keloids easily:

Higher risk of scarring
May not be worth the risk
Alternative: Excellent brow makeup techniques, possibly brow tinting/lamination

Certain Autoimmune Conditions If you have conditions that severely affect wound healing:

Lupus, severe rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Discuss thoroughly with both doctor and technician
May heal unpredictably or poorly
Alternative: Case by case - sometimes modified techniques work

Unrealistic Expectations If you expect:

Completely perfect, identical brows (brows are sisters, not twins)
Makeup-thick, drawn-on look (that’s not what microblading does)
Zero healing period or aftercare
Color that never fades (it’s semi-permanent, not permanent)
Alternative: Honest consultation to align expectations with reality

Part 4: Special Situations

”I Have [Specific Concern] - Can I Still Get Microblading?”

Scar in Brow Area

Often microblading can help camouflage it!
Scar tissue holds pigment differently (may need extra care)
Results can be excellent

Alopecia (Brow Hair Loss)

Combination brows often work beautifully
Creates the illusion of both hair and fullness
Many successful clients with alopecia

Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)

Microblading can help reduce urge by providing “done” brows
Combination approach usually best
Aftercare includes not picking at healing area

Very Sparse or Blonde Brows

Perfect candidates!
Microblading adds definition sparse brows don’t have
Color matching is key

Male Clients

Absolutely! Microblading works great for men
Often desire more subtle, natural results
Very common and very successful

Age Concerns (Too Young or Too Old)

Minimum age: Usually 18+ (some states require 21+)
Maximum age: No maximum! If you’re healthy, age doesn’t matter
I’ve had amazing results with clients in their 70s

Part 5: The Self-Reflection Questions

Beyond the physical checklist, ask yourself:

Motivation Check

Why do you want microblading?

To save time on daily makeup
To feel more confident without makeup
To have even, symmetrical brows
To restore brows after medical treatment
To avoid the daily frustration of brow makeup

Good reasons! You’re likely ready.

Are you getting it because:

Someone else thinks you should
You saw it on Instagram and acted impulsively
You’re hoping it will fix something unrelated to your brows

Pause and reflect. Make sure it’s for YOU.

Commitment Check

Can you honestly commit to:

Following aftercare instructions religiously for 2 weeks
Avoiding water, sweat, makeup on brows during healing
Coming back for 6-8 week touch-up appointment
Accepting that results vary and may need adjustments
Maintenance/refresh every 1-3 years

If you hesitated on any of these, think about whether now is the right time.

Financial Check

Are you financially comfortable with:

Initial cost ($400-700 depending on location/artist)
Touch-up cost 6-8 weeks later (often included or $100-150)
Future annual refreshes ($200-400)
Potential color correction if you have old PMU

Make sure this fits your budget without stress.

Timeline Check

Do you have:

2-3 hours for initial appointment
1-2 hours for touch-up appointment 6-8 weeks later
2 weeks where you can modify your activities (no swimming, heavy workouts)
No major events/photos/weddings in the next 4-6 weeks

Timing matters. Don’t rush this around big life events.

Your Next Steps

Based on your checklist results:

“I Checked Most Boxes - I Think I’m Ready!”

Great! Here’s what to do:

Research artists in your area
- Look at their portfolios (do their style match what you want?)
- Read reviews from multiple sources
- Check credentials and certifications
- Verify they follow proper sanitation protocols
Book a consultation (ours are free!)
- Bring photos of brow looks you like
- List any medical conditions or medications
- Ask ALL your questions (seriously, all of them)
- See if you vibe with the technician
Prepare for honest conversation
- We’ll assess your skin type, brow hair, face shape
- Discuss realistic expectations
- Show you before/afters of similar clients
- Create a customized plan

Book Your Free Consultation

”I’m On The Fence - Not Sure Yet”

That’s completely normal! Here’s what helps:

Book a consultation anyway
- It’s free and there’s no obligation
- You’ll get professional assessment of your specific situation
- You can see what’s possible before committing
- You’ll leave with information to make an informed decision
Do more research
- Look at before/after photos of people with your skin type
- Watch the healing process videos
- Join microblading groups to see real experiences
- Read about aftercare requirements
Give yourself time
- It’s okay to not decide immediately
- Consultations are pressure-free
- You can always come back when you’re ready

Book a Free Consultation or Contact Us with Questions

”I Have Red Flags - It Might Not Work For Me”

Don’t give up hope yet:

Get professional assessment
- What seems like a disqualifier might not be
- Or there might be alternatives (combination brows, powder brows, etc.)
- Medical conditions can sometimes be worked around with doctor clearance
Explore alternatives
- Brow tinting + lamination
- HD brows or brow mapping services
- Professional brow shaping
- High-quality makeup technique coaching
Revisit in the future
- Many temporary disqualifiers become non-issues with time
- Skin conditions heal
- Medications change
- Life circumstances shift

Contact Us to discuss your specific situation - we’re here to help, even if that help is pointing you toward a better alternative.

The Bottom Line

Here’s the truth I tell every potential client:

Microblading is amazing for the right people at the right time.

If you’re a good candidate, committed to the process, and have realistic expectations, it can genuinely change your daily life and boost your confidence.

But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s okay.

The goal isn’t to convince everyone to get microblading. The goal is to help you figure out if it’s the right choice for YOU, right now.

And sometimes the best answer is “yes, but not yet” or “yes, but with modifications” or even “no, here’s a better option for your situation.”

You Deserve Honest Guidance

I’ve turned away clients before because microblading wasn’t the right fit for them. And you know what? They appreciated the honesty more than if I’d taken their money and given them mediocre results.

Your safety, satisfaction, and realistic expectations matter more than making a sale.

So whether this checklist gave you the confidence to move forward, or helped you realize you need to wait, or made you think “I have questions” - that’s a success.

Because informed decisions are always the best decisions.

Ready to Find Out For Sure?

The only way to know definitively if you’re a good candidate is a professional assessment.

During our free consultation, we’ll:

Examine your natural brows, skin type, and face shape
Discuss your medical history and lifestyle
Show you what’s possible with realistic before/afters
Answer every single question you have
Give you an honest assessment - even if that means recommending you wait or try something different

No pressure. No obligation. Just honest, professional guidance.