In the past decade, microblading has become one of the most popular cosmetic services around.
Non-invasive, non-permanent, it’s a great way to switch up your look without worrying about harmful surgeries or the commitment that comes along with results that last for years.
When you’re getting any type of service, it’s nice to know what you’re in for.
And, while it’s easy to watch videos and read anecdotes on other people’s experiences with microblading itself – after all, we all want to know whether or not it’s going to hurt or if you’ll still have eyebrow hair after, you may still find yourself at a loss for whether or not you should tip for your service – and how much you should tip.
Tipping is a great way to express appreciation for the time, effort, and skill that is involved in a service.
For microblading, the minimum tip is 10% for a first time-appointment and 15% for touch-ups, which are often less expensive than initial procedures. For a $700 appointment, then, the minimum tip would be $70. However, for professional microblading, higher tips, such as 15% to 20% ($105 to $140 in the above scenario) are much more common.
The best way to learn more about why you should tip for microblading is to learn more about the service itself.
This guide is designed to help you do so by not only introducing you to why you should tip but also by answering some of the most frequently asked questions out there revolving around the service.
Why Should You Tip For Microblading?
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a cosmetic tattoo procedure – although you’ll find below that it’s not quite the same as an eyebrow tattoo – that is designed to help shape and define your eyebrows.
Popularized by celebrities in the past decade, microblading has become an everyday option for anyone looking to help fill in their thin brows or maintain their appearance for longer periods of time with less maintenance.
As described by Dr. Manjot Marweh, “microblading is a form of superficial micro-pigmentation, wherein the pigment is deposited till the papillary dermis, with the help of a manual device and a blade consisting of stacked needles”.
This means that your microblading artist will use a handheld microblade with needles similar to those used in tattoo work to deposit small amounts of ink into the shallow parts of your skin.
The special technique used in microblading, which can actually be traced back to ancient history, allows for your artist to create thin strokes which mimic your natural hairs.
The result is a semi-permanent tattoo that helps maintain a flattering shape with less grooming while also working to correct thinness or balding.
With regular care and maintenance, the results from your microblading appointment can last up to three years.
You can expand their longevity by planning regular touch-up appointments with your artist.
Microblading is a relatively safe procedure, which is one reason why it’s such a popular option for cosmetic procedures.
However, this doesn’t mean it’s risk-free – any time you break your skin, such as with the microblade’s needles, you are at risk for infection.
Hygiene is one of the most important components of a successful microblading experience.
Since the FDA doesn’t regulate microblading, it’s important to be careful when choosing the right artist.
Microblading Eyebrows
The Importance Of Tipping For Microblading
In order to maintain a safe environment with satisfactory results, the skills needed are tremendous.
While microblading isn’t the exact same as tattooing, the process is very similar, and it takes an equal amount of training and skill.
Despite this, there’s a surprising amount of discourse on whether or not you should tip for a microblading service.
Some people believe that microblading is like any other service, such as those offered by salons or spas, and so you should tip for at least the initial appointment.
Other people, however, believe that with a service in the same price range as microblading that you shouldn’t tip.
However, tipping for microblading is important because there is such a high standard of skill and professionalism required to produce results that not only meet but exceed your expectations.
Whether you’re getting a haircut or visiting a spa, it’s often customary to tip for the services you receive.
Oftentimes, the prices of each of these services vary, with some being pricier than others, but you’ll still find many people tipping at least 15% depending on whether or not they were satisfied.
Should You Tip For Tattoos As For Microblading?
The same goes for tattoos, which is one of the best perspectives to view microblading in since they’re so similar. Tattoos can be both costly and time-consuming.
As a result, the general consensus is that you should also tip your artist around 20%. However, some pieces take more time or skill than others, so you should adjust your tip for that.
As a result, you should tip for microblading because it is a service requiring skill and experience just like salon services or tattoos.
While there is no set amount of how much you should tip, you should always take into consideration the work, time, and skill involved.
To help you prepare before you plan, here are some calculations for how much to tip based on different percentages (for an average $700 service):
| Tip (%) | Tip (USD) |
| 10% | $70 |
| 15% | $105 |
| 20% | $140 |
| 25% | $175 |
These percentages will vary based on the overall price of your appointment.
However, $700 is the average price as of now, and so basing your tips off of that can be a beneficial way to make quick calculations.
Other Microblading Questions You May Have
1.What Is The Difference Between Eyebrow Tattoos And Microblading?
While it’s common to see microblading referred to or compared to a tattoo, that’s not exactly true.
In fact, there are actually a few differences between traditional eyebrow tattoos and microblading.
First, since microblading is not a true tattoo, it’s not permanent. Less ink is put closer to the surface of your skin, which means it will fade over time.
Thankfully, though, microblading does tend to age well by lightning while still remaining its hue.
Eyebrow tattoos, however, are permanent and involve more damage to your skin.
They’re done with a tattoo machine rather than by hand, and these procedures are prone to hue changing and ink bleeds.
While one isn’t necessarily better than the other, it’s important to know the major differences between both so that you can make the right decision for yourself.
2.How Much Does Microblading Cost?
It’s true! Microblading can be on the pricier side of things.
While price varies depending on where you live, and exactly how many appointments and touch-ups you’re wanting to set up, you can expect your microblading service to cost anywhere from $700 and up.
However, with a little time and research, you’ll be able to explore a wide variety of options to find the best service for you.
Some people have even been able to find quality service for as little as $300.
Just remember that you get what you pay for, and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. With a procedure like microblading, research is everything.
3.Do You Still Need To Get Your Eyebrows Done After Microblading?
Since you’ll still have hair after microblading, you will still need to keep up maintenance (a bummer, we know).
Thankfully, many people who have had microblading done have said that it makes grooming easier.
This is because microblading provides a thin line as the border of your eyebrow so all you have to do is pluck any areas that grow outside of the “tattoo”.
Depending on your rate of hair growth, you may wish to wax instead of plucking.
Of course, at the end of the day, grooming and how much hair you have is a personal choice.
As a result, you should do what makes you most comfortable, whether that involves regularly plucking or allowing your hair to remain more natural.
4.Does Microblading Hurt?
This is probably the most frequently asked question when it comes to microblading – or any kind of less common cosmetic procedure.
One of the first things to realize is that pain is relative.
Every person handles pain differently, and, as a result, their experiences with microblading will be far different than yours.
This means that it may hurt you more or less compared to other people who have had it done.
As a general rule of thumb, however, microblading won’t be the most comfortable or pleasant experience.
Microblading is similar to a tattoo, and since it’s done almost directly on your brow bone where the skin is thin, there is a possibility for more intense pain than in other areas where there is more fat.
If you’re nervous about the pain during the experience, make sure to reach out and talk to your artist.
They may be able to offer advice to make the experience better for you and may even be able to apply a numbing cream prior to your appointment to help reduce pain.
Final Verdict
Microblading is a professional service that utilizes years of skill and experience in order to give you results you’ll love.
In fact, you can think of it just like the other cosmetic services you receive: from salons to tattoo shops.
As a result, it’s important to leave a tip at the end of your microblading appointment just like these other services you may receive.
However, microblading can be expensive, costing hundreds of dollars per appointment.
As a result, you may find that a traditional 20% may not be the best choice for you. No matter how much you are able to leave, tipping is a great way to show your artist that you appreciate their time and work.
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.