Does Microblading Hurt? What to Expect During Your Appointment

Written By Maree Galouzis

If you’re thinking about getting your brows microbladed, one of the first questions that usually pops up is:
“Does it hurt?”

At Beauty Bubble, we get it — the idea of a tattoo on your face can sound a little daunting!
The good news? With the right technique, a gentle touch, and proper numbing, microblading is very manageable — and most clients are surprised at how little discomfort they actually feel.

Here’s what you can really expect during your appointment:

First Things First: Everyone’s Pain Tolerance is Different

Pain is such a personal thing. Some people describe microblading as feeling like little scratches, while others say they hardly feel anything at all.

Most clients report the sensation as mild to slightly uncomfortable — much less intense than they imagined. It’s definitely not like getting a body tattoo!

How We Minimise Discomfort at Beauty Bubble

At Beauty Bubble, we take extra care to make sure your experience is as comfortable as possible:

  • We apply a high-quality, compounded numbing cream, specifically scripted and prepared by a professional chemist.

  • Our numbing is the highest strength we can legally use without being a healthcare professional, ensuring maximum comfort while staying within Australian cosmetic tattooing guidelines.

  • We top up the numbing throughout the process to maintain comfort.

  • We work with a light, expert touch to avoid unnecessary trauma to the skin.

    Our goal is to create beautiful results while keeping you feeling relaxed and at ease the whole time.

What the Microblading Process Feels Like

Here’s a little breakdown of what you might feel:

During Mapping:
 This part is completely pain-free. We measure and design your perfect brow shape using specialised tools, pencils, and a little patience to make sure it’s just right.

During the First Pass:
 You may feel light scratching or a slight tickling sensation as we create the first set of hairstrokes. Some clients say it’s more of a weird feeling than a painful one.

During the Touch-Up Passes:
 As we go over the strokes to build depth and detail, you’ll be even more numb. Most people barely feel anything by this stage.

After the Appointment:
 You might experience mild tenderness, similar to a slight sunburn, for a few hours. Most clients return to their normal activities straight after.

How to Make It Even Easier

Here are a few simple tips to make your appointment even more comfortable:

  • Avoid caffeine or alcohol 24 hours before your session (they can make you more sensitive).

  • Stay hydrated and well-rested.

  • Trust the process — the more relaxed you are, the better your experience will be!

Microblading isn’t completely sensation-free, but it’s absolutely tolerable — and most clients find the results far outweigh any brief discomfort.

At Beauty Bubble, we create a calming environment and use techniques that prioritise your comfort every step of the way.
With a professional-grade numbing cream, expert technique, and a personal touch, you can feel confident knowing you’re in the best hands.

If you have any more questions or want to chat about whether microblading is right for you, we’re always here to help!

Maree Galouzis
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