FAQ

Everything You Need to Know

Answers from the team trusted by 15,000+ clients.

General Questions

We offer Nano Brows, Combo Brows, Powder Brows, Lip Blush, Permanent Eyeliner, and Laser Tattoo Removal. All procedures are performed at our Woodland Hills studio by experienced master artists.
You can book online or call us at (818) 305-6112. Every new client starts with a consultation where your artist evaluates your skin, discusses your goals, and recommends the best technique for you.
Yes — you can pay over time with Cherry. Checking your eligibility takes about a minute and won't affect your credit score. Get approved with Cherry, then book online and choose Cherry at checkout — it's $0 to book (you save a card for our no-show policy, and it isn't charged). We'll send a Cherry checkout for your session at your appointment. Prefer not to use Cherry? Afterpay is also available at online checkout for brows, lip blush, laser removal and touch-ups — it covers your session in full when you book, and you pay Afterpay back in installments. Payment plans are also available for MLA Academy training. See how payment plans work.
We apply a topical numbing cream before and during every procedure. Most clients describe the sensation as mild pressure or light scratching — far less painful than expected. Lip Blush tends to be the most sensitive, while brow procedures are generally very comfortable.
No. Our policy is to wait until after breastfeeding is complete. There is very little scientific research on the effects of tattoo pigments during pregnancy, and while the risk is thought to be low, waiting eliminates it entirely. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect skin and make results unpredictable.
There are 21 conditions that can affect eligibility, organized into three tiers: absolute ineligibility (under 18, pregnant/nursing, pacemaker, Accutane in the last year, prone to keloids), eligible with doctor clearance (diabetes, chemotherapy, high blood pressure), and case-by-case (oily skin, existing tattoos, cold sore history). Read the full eligibility guide with all 21 conditions.
Brow procedures (Nano, Combo, or Powder) take 2.5–3 hours. Lip Blush takes 2.5–3 hours. Permanent Eyeliner takes about 2.5 hours. This includes consultation, brow/lip mapping, numbing time, and the procedure itself. We never rush — precision and artistry take the time they need.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and over-the-counter blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, niacin) for 48 hours before your appointment. If a doctor prescribed a blood thinner, don't stop it — call us and check with your doctor first. Stop retinol and exfoliating products on the treatment area 7 days prior. Arrive with clean skin — no makeup on the treatment area. See our full pre-care instructions and aftercare guide for complete details.
Please give at least 72 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule (we’re closed Sundays). With less notice, or if you arrive more than 10 minutes late, your deposit is forfeited. We understand that life happens — just give us as much notice as possible so we can offer the slot to another client. Read the full cancellation policy.

Brows: Nano, Combo & Powder

Nano Brows are MLA's flagship brow technique — the evolution of traditional microblading. According to founder Lindsey Ta, 2016 World Microblading Champion, nano brows use a digital machine with an ultra-fine single needle to create precise, hair-like strokes. The result is more consistent depth, less skin trauma, and faster healing than manual microblading. Nano Brows work on all skin types, including oily skin. Learn more about Nano Brows.
Microblading uses a manual hand tool with a blade to create hair strokes. Nano Brows use a digital machine with a single needle — more precise, less trauma, and better results on all skin types. MLA has evolved to nano brows as the primary technique because they are gentler on the skin, hold up better on oily skin where microblading often fails, and create finer, more natural strokes. See the full comparison.
Nano Brows create individual hair-like strokes for the most natural look — ideal if you want brows that look like real hair. Powder Brows create a soft, filled-in look similar to wearing brow makeup every day — great for all skin types. Combo Brows combine hair strokes around the edges with powder fill throughout the body for the fullest result. Nano Brows typically last 1–2 years; Combo and Powder Brows typically last 2–3 years. Your artist will recommend the best technique based on your skin type, existing hair, and desired look. Nano · Combo · Powder
Powder Brows and Combo Brows perform best on oily skin. Nano Brows also work well — significantly better than traditional microblading, which is NOT recommended for very oily skin (strokes can blur and spread). If you have oily skin, your artist will evaluate your skin during consultation and recommend the right approach. Read our complete oily skin guide.
Nano Brows last 1–2 years and are refreshed with a touch-up. Because the strokes use less pigment placed more shallowly, they fade evenly and keep looking like hair; blade microblading traps pigment deeper, so it can stay for years but stops looking like hair strokes. Combo and Powder Brows last 2–3 years because shading is a solid field of pigment that fades evenly, while nano hair strokes have untouched skin between them, so once they fade there isn't enough pigment left to read as a full brow. Longevity depends on your skin type (oily skin fades faster), sun exposure, skincare routine, and aftercare. Periodic paid touch-ups keep your brows looking fresh.
Initial brow sessions range from $600–$1000 depending on the artist. Touch-ups start from $200 (up to 8 weeks) and increase based on time since your last paid appointment, up to $900 (3+ years). View complete pricing for all artists.

Lip Blush

Lip Blush is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo that enhances your natural lip color, defines your lip shape, and creates the appearance of fuller lips. It's not a solid lipstick look — it's a soft, natural tint that you wake up with every morning. Learn more about Lip Blush.
Days 1–3: Lips appear bold, bright, and slightly swollen — this is normal. Days 4–7: Peeling and flaking begins — do not pick or pull. Weeks 2–4: Color lightens significantly, fading 40–50% from the initial intensity. Final result settles at 6–8 weeks. See full Lip Blush aftercare instructions.
Lip Blush typically lasts 2–3 years depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. Sun exposure, exfoliating products, and certain skincare ingredients can accelerate fading. A paid color refresh as it fades keeps results looking vibrant.
Lip Blush sessions range from $600–$1000 depending on the artist. View complete pricing.
Yes. If you have any history of cold sores, you must start taking antiviral medication prescribed by your doctor (NOT over the counter) 48 hours before treatment to prevent an outbreak. Lip Blush is not performed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you have dark lips or are prone to hyperpigmentation, please send photos of your bare lips for evaluation before booking — in some cases we cannot work over dark pigmentation.

Permanent Eyeliner

We offer two styles: Eyelash Enhancement — subtle pigment between the lashes for natural definition. Winged Eyeliner — classic wing shape for a polished, defined look. Your artist will help you choose based on your eye shape and lifestyle. See all eyeliner styles.
Anyone who wants defined eyes without daily application — especially people with active lifestyles, contact lens wearers, or those with unsteady hands. It's not recommended with an active eye infection or recent eye surgery; glaucoma requires doctor clearance. Contact lenses come out for the procedure — wait at least 72 hours before wearing contacts again.
Permanent eyeliner typically lasts 3–5 years depending on the style, your skin type, and sun exposure. Eyelash Enhancement tends to last longest since it's placed within the lash line. Oilier skin types may see faster fading. A touch-up every few years keeps your liner looking fresh.
Eyelash Enhancement starts at $500. Winged Eyeliner starts at $600. View complete pricing.

Laser Tattoo Removal

The laser breaks down pigment particles beneath the skin into smaller fragments that your body's immune system absorbs and eliminates naturally over time. We perform all laser removal in-house at our Woodland Hills studio — we do NOT refer out to third parties. Laser removal at Microblading LA is performed by a nurse practitioner. Learn more about our laser removal process.
Most clients need 1 to 6 sessions, depending on the pigment and how deep it sits. Sessions are spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow healing, and results vary. Dark pigments respond best; nude, red, pink and white pigments can darken under the laser, so they are assessed first. Laser removal at Microblading LA is performed by a nurse practitioner.
Laser removal is a flat rate of $250 per session. Most clients need 1 to 6 sessions, depending on the pigment and how deep it sits. Your first visit includes a custom treatment plan.
Yes — and many of our removal clients do exactly that. Once the old pigment is sufficiently lightened, you can get Nano Brows, Combo Brows, or Powder Brows. Think of removal as a fresh start for beautiful new brows.

Touch-Ups & Aftercare

No. All touch-ups are priced separately. Touch-up pricing is based on time elapsed since your last paid appointment and your artist. A touch-up within 8 weeks costs less than one at 2 years because there's more pigment to work with when it's fresh.
Brow touch-ups range from $200 (up to 8 weeks) to $900 (3+ years) depending on artist and time since your last paid appointment. Lip Blush touch-ups start from $200 and follow the same tiers. Eyeliner touch-ups range from $200 to $500 (1–2 years) with either artist. After 2 years, an eyeliner touch-up is the regular price of your original style: $500 Eyelash Enhancement or $600 Winged Eyeliner. See the complete touch-up pricing schedule.
All permanent makeup follows a similar pattern: the treated area appears darker and bolder immediately after the procedure, then goes through a peeling/flaking phase (days 4–10), then color lightens significantly (weeks 2–4), and finally settles into its true shade by weeks 4–8, depending on the service. Detailed instructions for each service: Brow aftercare · Lip Blush aftercare · Eyeliner aftercare.
For 14 days after your procedure, avoid: getting the treatment area wet (brows: keep them completely dry for the first 7 days), direct sun exposure, makeup on the treated area, swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms, and heavy exercise that causes excessive sweating. Following aftercare instructions closely is the single biggest factor in how well your results heal. If you notice fever, spreading redness, red streaks or pus, seek medical care immediately, then let us know.

Still Have Questions?

Call us at (818) 305-6112 or book your session — your artist will walk you through everything before you begin.

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