Transform Your Brows: The Complete Guide to Microblading
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique that creates beautifully natural-looking eyebrows, hair stroke by hair stroke. Unlike traditional tattooing, microblading uses a specialised manual tool (not a tattoo gun) with ultra-fine needles to deposit pigment into the upper layers of your skin, mimicking the appearance of real brow hairs with stunning precision.
Think of it as artistry meets science. Each stroke is carefully hand-drawn to follow your natural brow pattern, creating dimension, shape, and fullness that looks completely authentic. Whether you have sparse brows, over-plucked brows, gaps from hair loss, or simply want to wake up with flawless brows every morning, microblading offers a transformative solution that can last 12-18 months before requiring a touch up.
The technique is perfect for those seeking a natural enhancement rather than a bold, makeup-like finish. You'll get brows that look like you were simply born with them—only better. No more spending 20 minutes each morning trying to draw symmetrical brows, no more anxiety about your makeup smudging at the gym or pool, and no more feeling self-conscious about sparse or uneven brows.
The Honest Truth: Does Microblading Hurt?
Let's address the question everyone wants to know: you will be pleasantly surprised by the lack of pain! Most clients (after numbing cream being applied) say they're super relaxed & enjoy the experience. Here's a realistic breakdown:
The sensation feels like light scratching It's not painful, especially with professional grade numbing cream, and many clients describe it as more of an annoying pressure than a painful experience.
Pain management makes all the difference. Professional artists use topical numbing creams that significantly reduce sensation. The process typically begins with an initial numbing application, and additional numbing is applied throughout the procedure to keep you comfortable. Most clients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the experience is.
Everyone's pain tolerance is different. Some clients barely feel anything and even doze off during the appointment, while others are more sensitive. Factors like your menstrual cycle, anxiety levels, and general pain threshold all play a role. The good news? The actual microblading portion typically takes 30-45 minutes, so even if you're sensitive, it's a relatively short window of discomfort.
After the procedure, your brows might feel slightly tender or tight for a day or two—similar to a mild sunburn. This quickly subsides, and most clients resume normal activities immediately with minimal restrictions.
The bottom line? While microblading isn't always painless, it's absolutely bearable, especially when you weigh it against the life-changing confidence boost and daily time savings you'll gain. Thousands of clients go through the process every day and come back for touch-ups, which speaks volumes about how manageable the experience truly is.
Why Emily at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics Is Your Best Choice
When it comes to something as important as your face, you need an artist you can trust implicitly. Emily at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics has built an exceptional reputation that sets her apart in the permanent makeup industry. Here's why clients travel hours to see her—and why 99% or more recommend her to friends and family:
Unmatched Expertise and Natural-Looking Results
Emily specialises in creating brows that look real, not makeup-like. Her signature approach focuses on subtle, realistic enhancements that compliment your unique facial features, skin tone, and personal style. She understands that the goal isn't to have "obvious" permanent makeup—it's to look like yourself, only better. Her portfolio showcases consistently stunning transformations that prove she has the technical skill and artistic eye to deliver the natural results you're dreaming of.
With extensive training in microblading, ombré brows, combination brows, nano brows, and lip blush techniques, Emily offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs. She doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, she listens carefully to understand what you want and customises every aspect of your treatment—from pigment selection to stroke pattern—to suit your individual goals.
A Calming, Confidence-Building Experience
Many clients arrive at Nixie feeling anxious, nervous, or apprehensive. After all, it's completely normal to feel hesitant about a semi-permanent procedure on your face, especially with so many horror stories circulating online. But here's what sets Emily apart: clients consistently report that their nerves disappear within the first ten minutes of meeting her.
Emily's warm, down-to-earth personality immediately puts you at ease. She takes time to explain exactly what will happen during your appointment, walking you through each step so nothing comes as a surprise. She listens to your concerns, validates your feelings, and reassures you with her extensive knowledge and genuine care for your wellbeing. You're not just another appointment—you're a valued client whose transformation matters deeply to her.
As one client shared: "I entered the clinic feeling anxious and apprehensive, but those feelings disappeared almost immediately. Emily's expertise and calming presence made all the difference. I left feeling confident and thrilled with my results."
Proven Track Record and Outstanding Reviews
Numbers don't lie. Emily boasts a remarkable 99% referral rate from satisfied clients who enthusiastically recommend her to friends and family. Her Google, Facebook, and client testimonials consistently highlight her professionalism, knowledge, passion, and ability to deliver results that exceed expectations.
One particularly moving success story involved a client who had lost all her brow hair due to medical reasons and had been drawing them on daily. After her microblading transformation with Emily, the client was moved to tears of joy, describing the experience as genuinely life-changing. She went from feeling self-conscious and wanting to hide in the background to feeling confident and beautiful. These are the kinds of transformations Emily creates every single day.
Professional, Yet Personable
Emily strikes the perfect balance between professional expertise and approachable personality. She's not stuck-up, arrogant, or intimidating like some artists can be. Instead, she's relatable, remembers your personal stories, and follows up on conversations if you've visited her before. She genuinely cares about you as a person, not just as a source of income.
Her clinic reflects this unique blend of professionalism and personality—it's not the typical beige, clinical spa environment. Instead, Nixie Permanent Cosmetics has a stylish, welcoming atmosphere with personality and flair, more reminiscent of a boutique tattoo studio than a sterile medical office. You'll feel comfortable and at home from the moment you walk in.
Comprehensive Support Throughout Your Journey
Your relationship with Emily doesn't end when you leave your first appointment. She's committed to supporting you throughout your entire permanent makeup journey, ensuring you achieve—and maintain—the beautiful results you deserve.
Here's what you can expect:
- The transformation appointment: Emily discusses your goals, assesses your natural features, and designs a bespoke treatment plan just for you. When you're 100% happy, she moves on to the microblading session where the magic happens
- Follow-up touch-up (4-6 weeks later): A perfecting session to ensure your results are flawless and long-lasting
- Annual top-ups: Emily wants to see you back every 12-18 months for maintenance, keeping your brows looking fresh and fabulous for years to come
Emily's goal is for you to be a client for life, not just a one-time visitor. She's invested in your long-term satisfaction and confidence.
Addressing Your Concerns Head-On
Emily understands the fears and misconceptions that stop people from booking. She knows you're worried about:
- Looking fake or unnatural: Emily specialises in realistic, subtle results that enhance rather than overpower
- Choosing the wrong color: She's an expert in pigment selection and creates custom blends that perfectly suit your coloring
- The procedure hurting: She uses effective techniques and products to minimise discomfort and keep you comfortable throughout
- Your brows being too dark initially: She educates you on the healing process and what to expect, so there are no surprises
- Regretting your decision: Her consultation process ensures you're both aligned on expectations before any work begins
Emily has seen it all and addressed every concern imaginable. She's patient, thorough, and committed to making sure you feel completely confident in your decision.
Real Results, Real Lives Changed
Emily's work goes beyond aesthetics—it transforms lives. Here are just a few ways her clients have benefited:
Time Freedom: No more waking up 20 minutes early to draw on symmetrical brows or worrying about your makeup smudging throughout the day. Imagine gaining back 2+ hours per week that you can spend sleeping, exercising, or enjoying your morning coffee.
Cost Savings: While microblading is an investment upfront, it eliminates the need for expensive brow products, tinting appointments, lamination services, and HD brows. Over 12-18 months, you'll likely save money while enjoying superior results.
Confidence Boost: Whether you're attending a wedding, job interview, or simply living your daily life, you'll feel confident knowing your brows look perfect 24/7. No more checking mirrors constantly or feeling self-conscious in photos.
Stress Relief: For those with medical conditions like Parkinson's, MS, arthritis, or poor eyesight that make makeup application challenging, microblading provides a reliable solution that restores independence and dignity.
Emotional Healing: For clients recovering from chemotherapy, managing alopecia, or dealing with other forms of hair loss, microblading offers visible restoration that helps them feel like themselves again.
Your Next Step: Book Your Consultation
Ready to experience the Nixie difference? Whether you're looking for microblading, ombré brows, combination brows, nano brows, or lip blush, Emily has the expertise to deliver the stunning, natural-looking results you've been dreaming of.
All treatments are priced at £350 and include your initial appointment plus your essential follow-up touch-up session (4-6 weeks later). This comprehensive pricing ensures you achieve optimal, long-lasting results without hidden costs or surprises.
What Happens When You Book:
- Consultation: We'll discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations in detail. Emily will assess your natural features and recommend the best technique for your desired outcome.
- Custom Design: Emily will map out your new brows or lip shape, ensuring perfect symmetry, proportion, and alignment with your unique facial structure. You'll approve the design before any work begins.
- The Transformation: Using her expert technique and attention to detail, Emily will create your beautiful new brows or lips in a comfortable, calming environment.
- Aftercare Guidance: You'll receive comprehensive instructions & aftercare package so you're 100% confident and comfortable on how to care for your permanent makeup during the healing process to ensure optimal results
- Follow-Up Touch-Up: After your skin has healed (4-6 weeks), you'll return for a perfecting session that ensures your results are flawless and long-lasting.
- Ongoing Support: Emily is available to answer questions and provide support throughout your journey. She'll see you again in 12-18 months for your annual refresh to keep your results looking fresh.
Don't Let Fear Hold You Back
If you've been hesitating about permanent makeup because you've seen bad examples online or heard horror stories, know this: Emily is not every other artist. Her proven track record, outstanding reviews, and genuinely caring approach mean you're in the safest, most capable hands possible.
Your face deserves an expert, and your confidence deserves to shine. Whether you have sparse brows, uneven brows, no brows at all, or simply want to enhance what nature gave you, microblading with Emily can be truly life-changing.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward waking up every morning with the brows you've always wanted—naturally beautiful, effortlessly perfect, and entirely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does microblading last? Microblading typically lasts 12-18 months before requiring a refresh. Your lifestyle, skin type, sun exposure, and skincare routine can all affect longevity. Emily recommends annual top-ups to maintain optimal results.
Will microblading work with my skin type? Emily works with all skin types and will recommend the best technique for your specific needs. Combination brows or powder brows might be better for very oily skin, while microblading creates beautiful results on normal to dry skin.
Can I still pluck or shape my brows afterward? You can maintain any hairs outside your microbladed area, but you should avoid plucking the brows themselves. The goal is for your microblading to be your complete brow solution.
What if I don't like the results? Emily's thorough consultation and design approval process minimises this risk. However, microblading pigments do fade over 12-18 months, so results aren't truly permanent. Emily is also experienced in colour correction if needed.
Can I work out after the procedure? You should avoid heavy sweating, swimming, and excessive sun exposure for about 10 days while your skin heals. Most clients resume normal activities immediately otherwise.
Will people know I've had permanent makeup? Not unless you tell them! Emily's specialty is natural-looking results that enhance rather than look like obvious "work." People will just think you have great brows.
Ready to transform your confidence? Contact Nixie Permanent Cosmetics today to schedule your consultation with Emily and discover why clients travel hours to experience her renowned expertise.
Frequently asked questions
What is Microblading?
Microblading is an eyebrow enhancement.
Microblading is the most natural looking form of permanent make-up, whereby hair strokes are implanted into the skin. I use a powerful topical numbing cream, so the pain is minimal. Microblading is best suited for people with dry or normal skin. I recommend a top up between 12-18 months, but Microblading can last for in excess of 2 years.
Hair strokes are created by using a hand held tool for ultimate precision, & to create a look specifically designed to your face shape & desired outcome.
Where are you located?
My clinic is in Retford, 108 Carolgate, DN22 6AS 📍
How long does it last?
If applied by a highly skilled PMU Artist, & properly cared for, Microbladed brows can last in excess of 2 years.
When will I need a top up?
I recommend a top up between 10-18 months, but Microblading can last for in excess of 2 years.
How much does it cost?
In the UK, Microblading prices range from approx £200 - £450. This depends on your location & other factors such as the Artisits overheads, level of skill & more.
The total cost for Microblading treatment with Emily at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics is £350.
I offer split payments for my clients, whereby you pay either £25 or £50 deposit depending on which service you've chosen, you pay £250 on your Application appointment, & you pay £50 on your Top Up. I offer this service for convenience & ease.
How many appointments will I need?
The process is split over 2 appointments for your complete eyebrow transformation, & is 1 appointment for your top up.
How long does it take?
I usually allow 30 mins for your Consultation, 2-3 hrs for your Application & 1-2 hrs for your Top Up.
If you're having a full eyebrow transformation (2 appointments), you will need to book in approx 6 weeks from your Application for your Top Up.
What happens at my Application appointment?
I usually allow 2-3 hrs for a full transformation, or 1-2 hrs for a touch up. We would discuss this at your Consultation, so you can plan your time out. Your application consists of completing consent forms, mapping out your new brows or lips, choosing your desired colour & the application itself. You will also receive your complimentary aftercare pack, & we will thoroughly discuss your responsibilities for aftercare, so you get the best results from your treatment.
What happens at my Top Up appointment?
Your Top Up will take place 4-6 weeks after your initial Application. This is to ensure the area has healed fully. Your Top Up consists of discussing the healed results & touching up any areas in which we feel require it. This appointment will cost £50.
How do I best care for my new brows?
By following the aftercare instructions that I provide to you on your Application appointment. Aftercare is so important & will be the make or break of your new eyebrows. Your body needs time to heal, without proper healing, your results won't be as good (been there, done that!)
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
You're welcome to bring a companion to your Consultation appointment, but unfortunately, you must attend your permanent make up appointment alone. Also, due to insurance reasons, under 18's are not permitted in my clinic at any time.