Why Microblading is on Its Way Out in 2025 (and What You Need to Know Before Booking Your Brows)

When most clients call me at Radiant Ink Beauty Studios in Torrance, the first thing they say is: “I want microblading.”

But here’s the thing — “microblading” has become an umbrella word. Many people use it to describe all brow techniques, when in fact it’s just one very specific method. As a permanent makeup trainer and brow correction specialist with 7+ years of experience, I think it’s important you understand the differences before you commit.

Your artist should always explain these options to you — but not everyone does. That’s why I want to share my professional insight into why microblading is on its way out, what the alternatives are, and how healed results (not just same-day results) are what really matter.

What Microblading Actually Is

Microblading uses a manual blade to cut tiny lines into the skin. The artist dips the blade into pigment and scratches it into the surface layer of the skin to mimic hair strokes.

On the day of your appointment, the strokes may look crisp and defined. But here’s what often happens afterward:

• Oily skin types push the pigment out quickly, leaving little to no retention.

• Mature or sensitive skin struggles to hold strokes without blurring.

• Artists who don’t know depth properly end up with fuzzy, blurred strokes instead of clean lines.

• Repeated touchups can cause scar tissue buildup.

So while microblading might look nice when you leave, by your 6-week touchup many (if not most) of those strokes have faded, blurred, or completely disappeared.

My Own Story: Why I Stopped Offering Microblading

When I first entered the PMU industry over 7 years ago, I was trained in microblading. Naturally, that’s what I started offering. But very quickly, I realized something was wrong.

My clients weren’t coming back with good retention. Their results looked great on day one but faded far too fast. I had a choice: keep taking money for a service I knew wouldn’t last — or stop offering it altogether.

Ethically, I couldn’t continue. So I walked away from microblading and focused on techniques that actually healed well and lasted: powder ombré brows and eventually nano brows.

The Truth About Healed Results

In the world of brows, it’s not about how your brows look right after your appointment — it’s about how they look once healed. Healed results are the real test of quality.

That’s why I shifted my entire focus:

• Powder Ombré Brows became my specialty because they consistently heal soft, shaded, and flattering for every skin type.

• When Nano Brows came onto the scene, I was thrilled — I could finally offer hair-like strokes with a machine, without the trauma of a blade.

The best part about nano? It works on all skin types — oily, sensitive, mature — without the risks of microblading.

What I’ve Seen as a “Brow Doctor”

Over the years, I’ve corrected countless bad brows from microblading. Some of the most common problems I see are:

• Blurred strokes that have merged into one solid block of color.

• Over-packed strokes crammed too close together, leaving no room to heal properly.

• Fuzzy brows caused by artists cutting too deep into the skin.

• Discoloration from pigment not being retained evenly.

Often, clients come in thinking they still have “microbladed strokes,” but in reality, their brows now just resemble a faded powder brow — with no crisp lines to be found.

Why Many Artists Still Offer Microblading

Here’s the hard truth: some artists continue offering microblading even though they know it isn’t ideal for most clients. Why? Because it’s what they were taught, and they haven’t invested in learning modern machine techniques.

But as a trainer, I believe we owe it to our clients to offer the best possible options — not just what’s easiest or most familiar.

Nano Brows: The Better Option

Nano Brows are created with a digital machine and fine needle cartridges. They mimic hair strokes while being:

• Gentler on the skin (no cutting required)

• Suitable for all skin types (including oily + mature)

• More consistent retention compared to microblading

• Customizable (strokes, shading, or both)

Now, to be fully transparent: even nano strokes will fade and soften over time — that’s normal. Brows aren’t meant to be permanent like body tattoos. But nano offers a safer, more predictable, and more ethical way to give clients the results they’re asking for.

Final Thought

Microblading had its moment, but in 2025 it’s no longer the best choice for most clients. Healed results matter, and techniques like Powder Ombré and Nano Brows give you softer, longer-lasting results with far less risk to your skin.

At Radiant Ink Beauty Studios in Torrance, my priority has always been healthy, beautiful healed brows that age well. If you’ve been searching “microblading near me” in Los Angeles — it’s time to ask for powder or nano instead.