By Erica Johnson, Master Artist at DAELA Portland and DAELA Vancouver and Master Trainer at DAELA Academy

If you told me back in the early 2010s that microblading would ignite a worldwide beauty movement and help shape an entire industry—I would’ve believed you. Why? Because from the very first brow I microbladed, I knew it was something special.

Here in Portland, I’ve had the honor of working with thousands of clients who have trusted me—and now my team of talented artists—with one of the most defining features on the face: the eyebrows. As one of the first artists to bring microblading to Portland, I’ve watched it evolve, flourish, and stand the test of time. And I’m thrilled to say: microblading isn’t going anywhere.

The Evolution of Microblading

Microblading took the beauty world by storm because it offered something we’d all been searching for: a realistic-looking brow tattoo that mimicked natural hair strokes. For people with sparse brows, patchy growth, or none at all—thanks to over-plucking, aging, alopecia, or trichotillomania—microblading in Portland quickly became a must-have solution.

In those early days, we relied on foundational knowledge, a steady hand, and artistic intuition. Since then, the industry has grown. Pigments have improved. Tools have gotten more refined. Techniques have become more sophisticated. And with each evolution, I’ve fallen deeper in love with the art of cosmetic tattooing.

Is Microblading Right for Everyone?

As a master trainer and experienced artist, I’ve learned that microblading isn’t always a one-size-fits-all solution. While it’s absolutely ideal for clients with normal to dry skin and a decent amount of natural brow hair, I’ll sometimes recommend other techniques depending on your skin type, lifestyle, or desired look.

Here’s when I might suggest another style:

• Ombre Powder Brows: Perfect for clients who want a soft, filled-in makeup look that fades beautifully over time. Great for all skin types—especially oily skin.

• Combo Brows: A hybrid of microblading and powder brows—best of both worlds. You get natural hair strokes in the front with a soft shaded tail.

• Machine Nano Brows: These are the evolution of microblading itself! Created with a machine and a single needle, nano brows offer hyper-realistic strokes that are gentler on the skin and longer-lasting for some clients.

The best part? You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. That’s what our DAELA Portland team is here for. We customize every brow based on your skin, your goals, and your vibe.

Microblading Has Stood the Test of Time

Despite the emergence of new techniques, microblading is still one of our most requested services at DAELA Portland—and for good reason. It delivers beautifully natural results when done by an experienced artist and can transform someone’s entire face with just a few delicate strokes.

I love how far we’ve come, but I also love that the art of microblading has stayed true to its purpose: to give people back their confidence.

Cosmetic tattooing is no longer a trend—it’s a permanent fixture in beauty. The introduction of techniques like ombre powder brows and nano brows only confirms what we’ve known all along: this industry is here to stay, and it’s only getting better.

Final Thoughts from Erica

I’ll always have a soft spot for this technique. It was my first love, the gateway to DAELA’s growth, and the foundation of what we now call the DAELA difference—a luxurious, inclusive, and expertly curated approach to permanent makeup in Portland.

If you’re considering DAELA in Portland, or if you’re curious whether a different brow technique is best for you, come see us. We’ll help you choose the style that fits your skin, lifestyle, and natural beauty—because you deserve brows that feel effortless and look incredible, 24/7.