Dear Matzav Inbox,
I was deeply concerned upon reading recent advertisements and witnessing the growing trend of microblading within the frum community. While it may be marketed as a beauty procedure, it raises serious halachic questions that should not be overlooked, as I will outline. I hope Matzav readers and others will take notice.
Microblading, for those Matzav readers who may not be familiar, involves the semi-permanent tattooing of eyebrows using fine needles to deposit pigment into the skin. At best, this procedure is a shailah in halacha, and at worst, it may be outrightly assur according to leading poskim.
Several prominent halachic authorities have clearly expressed their disapproval of permanent or semi-permanent tattoos, which is a major concern in the context of microblading. The Torah forbids tattoos, as stated in the posuk (Vayikra 19:28), “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, nor shall you tattoo any marks upon you.” The Gemara in Makkos (21b) and Rashi’s explanation (ad loc.) further clarifies that the prohibition includes any form of body modification, which would extend to tattooing of any kind.
The gedolei haposkim have similarly condemned tattooing and related procedures. Hagaon Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, in Igros Moshe (Yoreh De’ah 2:173), ruled that tattooing is prohibited by the Torah, and this prohibition applies to any permanent body modification. Hagaon Rav Shmuel Halevi Wosner zt”l, in his Shevet HaLevi (vol. 9, siman 259), also emphasizes the prohibition, noting that it applies to permanent tattoos as well as those that may fade over time.
Although microblading may not be as permanent as a traditional tattoo, it still involves the insertion of pigment into the skin, which may present the same halachic issues. Even if the procedure is not considered a “tattoo” in the conventional sense, it is still a form of body alteration that may fall under the prohibition of tattooing. Additionally, some poskim argue that any form of permanent marking, even for cosmetic purposes, is forbidden.
In light of these sources and the halachic concerns raised, it is troubling that microblading is being advertised to members of the frum community.
And honestly, how is it that women in our community can just ignore halacha like this? How can they just do whatever they want, without a care for what poskim say or what the halacha is? It’s time we stop pretending that halacha doesn’t matter when it comes to how we look or what we do. Are we really going to let this slide, or are we going to wake up and take a stand for what’s right?
Very Bothered
 
Boro Park, Brooklyn
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