Korean studios screen for contraindications including pregnancy, blood thinners, Accutane, active skin conditions, and keloid tendency. Some restrictions are temporary (wait and reschedule), others are permanent. Honest disclosure ensures your safety.
Quick Answer
Should you avoid microblading? Korean studios will advise against the procedure if you're pregnant/breastfeeding, on blood thinners or Accutane, have active skin conditions in the brow area, are prone to keloids, or have certain health conditions affecting healing. Many restrictions are temporary—you can often get microblading once the condition resolves.
Why Korean Studios Screen So Carefully
When you book microblading in Korea, you'll notice that reputable studios ask many questions before confirming your appointment. This thorough screening isn't bureaucracy—it's a core part of what makes Korean microblading safe and successful.
Korean artists understand that not every client is a good candidate at every moment in their life. By identifying contraindications early, they protect you from complications and ensure those who do proceed get optimal results. It's this commitment to safety that's built Korea's reputation as a world leader in semi-permanent makeup.
Korean Consultation Philosophy
Korean studios believe it's better to postpone a procedure than to proceed when conditions aren't ideal. If you're not currently eligible, they'll explain why and often help you plan for when you can safely return. This honest approach protects both your health and your results.
Absolute Contraindications: Who Should Not Get Microblading
These conditions mean Korean studios will decline to perform microblading. Some are permanent restrictions, others are temporary:
Pregnancy Wait
No Korean studio will perform microblading on pregnant clients. Effects of pigments on fetal development are unknown, and pregnancy hormones can affect healing and pigment retention unpredictably.
Breastfeeding Wait
While less risky than pregnancy, Korean studios recommend waiting until you've finished breastfeeding. Hormonal fluctuations can still affect results, and trace amounts of lidocaine could theoretically pass through breast milk.
Accutane (Isotretinoin) Wait
Accutane thins skin significantly and impairs healing. Microblading while on Accutane or shortly after risks scarring, poor pigment retention, and prolonged healing.
Blood Thinners Wait
Warfarin, aspirin therapy, and other anticoagulants increase bleeding during the procedure. Excessive bleeding pushes out pigment and can affect results. Korean studios require you to be off blood thinners.
Retinoids (Tretinoin, Retinol) Wait
Topical retinoids thin the skin in the treatment area. Continued use near the brows increases sensitivity and can affect healing.
Keloid Scarring Tendency Caution
If you form keloid scars, microblading carries risk of raised, abnormal scarring in the brow area. Korean studios may decline or recommend a small test patch first.
Chemotherapy/Radiation Wait
Cancer treatment compromises the immune system and affects healing. Korean studios require you to complete treatment and have medical clearance.
Uncontrolled Diabetes Consult
Poor wound healing associated with uncontrolled diabetes increases infection risk. Well-controlled diabetics may be eligible with medical clearance.
Autoimmune Conditions Consult
Conditions like lupus can affect healing and increase sensitivity. Korean studios evaluate on a case-by-case basis with medical consultation.
Active Eczema/Psoriasis Wait
Active flare-ups in or near the brow area make microblading risky. Wait until the skin is calm and healthy.
Rosacea in Brow Area Wait
Active rosacea increases sensitivity and can cause unpredictable reactions. Some clients with mild, controlled rosacea may proceed with caution.
Sunburn/Irritation Wait
Any active irritation, sunburn, or broken skin in the brow area must heal completely before microblading.
Active Acne in Brow Area Wait
Open acne lesions or pustules near the brows increase infection risk. Wait until the breakout clears.
Not Sure If You're Eligible?
AMORJ Studio offers free pre-consultations to assess your eligibility before you travel to Korea. We'll review your situation honestly.
Temporary vs. Permanent Restrictions
Understanding the difference helps you plan appropriately:
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
- Currently on Accutane
- Active skin conditions
- Recent Botox/fillers
- Sunburn or irritation
- Illness or cold sores
- Blood thinner use
- Recent facial treatments
- Severe keloid tendency
- Certain autoimmune conditions
- Severe pigment allergies
- Hemophilia or bleeding disorders
- Certain skin conditions (rare)
- Some chronic health issues
Good News for Most
- Most contraindications are temporary and resolvable
- Many clients initially ineligible get microblading later
- Korean studios help you plan for when you CAN proceed
- Waiting for the right time leads to better results
How Korean Studios Screen Clients
Here's what to expect during the Korean consultation process:
Pre-Booking Questionnaire
Before confirming your appointment, Korean studios send a health questionnaire. Be completely honest—this protects you and ensures the studio can prepare appropriately.
Medical History Review
Your Korean artist reviews your responses and may ask follow-up questions about medications, conditions, or previous procedures. Video consultations are available for international clients.
In-Person Skin Assessment
On your appointment day, your artist examines your skin condition, brow area, and discusses any concerns. This is your opportunity to ask questions.
Final Confirmation
If everything checks out, you'll sign informed consent forms and proceed. If concerns arise, your Korean artist will explain options—which may include postponing.
Additional Factors Korean Artists Consider
Beyond medical contraindications, Korean studios also evaluate:
| Factor | What Korean Artists Check | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Botox | Botox in forehead/brow area | Wait 2-4 weeks after treatment |
| Fillers | Dermal fillers near brows | Wait 2-4 weeks minimum |
| Chemical Peels | Recent facial treatments | Wait 2-4 weeks for skin to recover |
| Laser Treatments | Any laser near brow area | Wait 4-6 weeks minimum |
| Waxing/Threading | Recent brow hair removal | Wait at least 3 days |
| Tanning | Sun exposure or self-tanner | Wait until tan fades; no sunburn |
| Alcohol | Recent alcohol consumption | No alcohol 24-48 hours before |
| Caffeine | Caffeine intake day of procedure | Minimize caffeine morning of |
What If You're Declined for Microblading in Korea?
If a Korean studio determines you're not currently eligible, here's what to expect:
- Honest explanation: Your artist will explain exactly why and what needs to change before you can proceed.
- Timeline guidance: For temporary restrictions, they'll advise when you can likely reschedule.
- Alternative options: Korean studios may suggest non-permanent brow treatments as alternatives.
- No pressure: Reputable studios won't push you to proceed if it's not safe.
- Refund policy: Most Korean studios have clear policies for cancellations due to medical reasons.
Be Honest During Consultation
Some clients hide contraindications hoping to proceed anyway. This is dangerous and counterproductive—if complications occur, results will be poor and your health may be at risk. Korean artists ask these questions to help you, not to reject you. Honesty protects you and ensures the best possible outcome.
Korean Alternatives If You Can't Get Microblading
If microblading isn't right for you now (or ever), Korean studios offer excellent alternatives:
Brow Lamination
Korean brow lamination creates fluffy, lifted brows without pigment or needles.
Brow Tinting
Vegetable dye colors your existing brow hairs. No skin penetration required.
Henna Brows
Natural henna stains both skin and hair for defined brows without microblading.
Brow Makeup
Korean brow products are renowned. Your studio can recommend the best options.
Planning Around Temporary Restrictions
If you have a temporary contraindication, here's how to plan your Korea trip:
Pregnancy
Plan your Korean microblading trip for 3+ months after delivery and after you've finished breastfeeding. Many new moms treat themselves as a postpartum self-care celebration.
Accutane
Mark your calendar for 6-12 months after your last dose. Use this time to research Korean studios, save for your trip, and let your skin fully recover.
Active Skin Conditions
Work with your dermatologist to get the condition under control. Once the brow area is clear and calm, you can proceed with microblading in Korea.
Recent Treatments
Schedule microblading BEFORE Botox, fillers, or other treatments—or wait 4+ weeks after. Plan your Korean beauty treatments in the right order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microblading Eligibility in Korea
Korean studios advise against microblading for: pregnant or breastfeeding women, those currently on or recently off Accutane (within 6-12 months), people taking blood thinners, those with active skin conditions in the brow area (eczema, psoriasis, rosacea flare), individuals prone to keloid scarring, those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, diabetics with poor wound healing, and anyone with known pigment or numbing agent allergies. Your Korean studio will screen for all these during consultation.
No, Korean studios will not perform microblading on pregnant clients. This is a universal safety standard due to unknown effects of pigments on fetal development, increased skin sensitivity during pregnancy that affects results, hormonal changes that can cause unpredictable pigment retention, and the precautionary principle when pregnant. Wait until at least 3 months postpartum, or until you've finished breastfeeding for best results.
No. Korean studios require you to be off Accutane (isotretinoin) for 6-12 months before microblading. Accutane significantly thins the skin and impairs the healing process, which increases risks of scarring, very poor pigment retention, prolonged and problematic healing, and unpredictable results. Your Korean artist will specifically ask about Accutane history during consultation. Most recommend waiting the full 12 months for optimal results.
Yes, reputable Korean studios conduct thorough consultations before any procedure. They'll send you a health questionnaire before booking, ask about current medications and supplements, inquire about chronic health conditions, assess your skin condition in person, and discuss any allergies or sensitivities. This screening is a key part of Korean safety standards and protects both your health and your results. Be completely honest during this process.
Yes! Many contraindications are temporary. Once the condition resolves—pregnancy ends, you stop a medication, skin heals, or treatment completes—you can safely get microblading in Korea. Your Korean studio can advise on specific waiting periods: pregnancy (3+ months postpartum), Accutane (6-12 months), blood thinners (consult doctor), active skin conditions (until resolved), Botox/fillers (2-4 weeks). Planning your Korea trip around these timelines ensures you're eligible when you arrive.
Korean studios may suggest several alternatives for those who can't have microblading: brow lamination (lifts and sets brow hairs, lasts 4-6 weeks), brow tinting (colors existing hairs with vegetable dye, lasts 2-4 weeks), henna brows (stains skin and hair naturally, lasts 2-6 weeks), or high-quality Korean brow makeup recommendations. These temporary options provide enhanced brows without the contraindication concerns of semi-permanent procedures, and many Korean beauty clinics offer all of these services.
