Author: expert Ella Pill
Instagram: @ella_permanentmakeup
21 years in the beauty industry. An expert in permanent makeup for Eyebrows, Lips, and Eyeliner.
In New York City, microblading has exploded in popularity – from SoHo to Williamsburg, everyone wants those perfect, Instagram-ready brows. But microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo that breaks the skin, so it’s not safe for everyone.
Even the best microblading artists in Manhattan or Brooklyn will turn away clients who fall into high-risk categories. Here’s exactly who should avoid microblading (or at least get doctor clearance first).
Hormonal fluctuations can cause unpredictable healing, pigment rejection, or color changes. Most reputable NYC studios (including those in Midtown, Chelsea, and Park Slope) have a strict “no pregnant or nursing clients” policy – no exceptions.
New York state law and insurance requirements prohibit permanent makeup on minors. You must be 18+ with valid ID.
High blood-sugar levels slow healing and dramatically increase infection risk. Controlled diabetes may be okay with a doctor’s note, but uncontrolled = automatic no.
This includes:
Infection risk is simply too high.
The epinephrine in most numbing creams can raise heart rate or interfere with pacemaker function. Many top artists in NYC refuse clients with pacemakers outright.
Excessive bleeding makes it impossible to implant pigment properly and raises hematoma risk.
If you keloid easily (especially people with deeper skin tones), microblading can trigger thick, raised scars that are worse than the original problem.
The stress of the procedure or bright studio lights can trigger a seizure in some clients.
You must be at least 6 months post-chemo and have oncologist approval. Radiation to the face area is usually a hard no.
Open wounds + pigment = high risk of spreading bacteria (including MRSA, which is common in New York).
These make the skin texture uneven and healing unpredictable. Many artists in Manhattan will patch-test first, but most will refuse active cases.
Oil pushes pigment out, causing brows to blur or fade in 6–12 months instead of 18–24. Artists in Brooklyn often recommend powder brows or nano brows instead.
Usually seen in clients over 60 or after significant weight loss. Thin skin bleeds heavily and holds pigment poorly.
You must wait 4–6 weeks minimum.
| Medication / Treatment | Required Waiting Period Before Microblading |
|---|---|
| Accutane / Isotretinoin | 6–12 months after last dose |
| Blood thinners (prescription) | Often permanent contraindication |
| High-dose aspirin or fish oil | Stop 7–14 days prior (with doctor OK) |
| Topical retinoids (Retin-A, Tretinoin) | Stop 2–4 weeks in brow area |
| Chemotherapy | Minimum 6 months + doctor clearance |
| Botox or fillers in forehead/brow | Wait 2–4 weeks |
| Facial laser or microneedling | Wait 4–6 weeks |
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