Imagine the convenience of not needing to define your brows daily.
Eyebrows play a crucial role in defining your facial features. Whether you overplucked in the '90s and the brow grow-back didn't quite go as planned, or you're simply tired of penciling in your eyebrows each morning, here's a solution: microblading. Even though "microblading" is commonly used nowadays, the salon procedure (and the eyebrow transformation that follows) can still be mystifying to some. This semi-permanent technique promises full, well-shaped, and natural-looking eyebrows.
So, what exactly is eyebrow microblading?
Understanding Eyebrow Microblading
Contrary to an eyebrow pencil you wash off, eyebrow microblading employs a sophisticated technique using a superfine row of needles to insert pigments into the skin, crafting thin, hair-like strokes.
Microblading is ideal for creating full and realistic-looking eyebrows and is becoming a popular method in permanent makeup. The procedure is akin to hair stroke cosmetic tattoos using the machine method, although the strokes are finer and aren't implanted as deeply into the skin.
Therefore, eyebrows designed with microblading look more natural but are not permanent and usually last about two years with proper care.
Technicians create hair-like cuts using very small blades to introduce pigment into the epidermal skin layer. The incisions mimic hair strokes. Depending on the client's desired outcome, these strokes are added to the newly shaped brow, and the area is gradually denser with more strokes and pigment.
Who is Microblading For?
While many eyebrow products are in the market, those who prefer microblading desire fuller, natural-looking eyebrows without the bother of daily touchups or the anxiety that the color might not last the whole day. If you find a brow pencil beneficial, you'll likely appreciate microblading; however, if you have oily skin, existing permanent makeup tattoos on your eyebrows, or if you're pregnant or nursing, Hartman suggests abstaining from microblading.
This procedure doesn't work well for people with oily skin since they tend not to retain the pigment as effectively. If you have old permanent makeup tattoos, an artist won't be able to create hair strokes because the existing pigment must be removed before applying new strokes.
How Long Does Microblading Last?
While microblading isn't a permanent solution, it's notably more durable than your typical waterproof eyebrow gel. Specialists note that the effects of microblading can persist for as long as two years, contingent upon factors such as skin type, lifestyle, exposure to the sun, and your choice of skincare products. Yet, it's advisable to plan for annual touchups, especially for individuals with oily skin, due to a quicker rate of ink fading and blurring.
Preparing for Your Microblading Appointment
In the lead-up to your appointment, avoid plucking or waxing your eyebrows, as your technician will design your new brow shape based on current measurements they'll take before starting the procedure. You should also refrain from using exfoliators 72 hours before the application, like skincare products containing glycolic acid, Retin A, Renova, and alpha-hydroxy acids, as they may inflame the skin, and avoid taking blood thinners. The goal is for the skin to be as desensitized to the procedure as possible to minimize bleeding.
Your Microblading Appointment Experience
During your consultation, your microblading artist will discuss your expectations, assess your skin sensitivity, and explain the procedure. They will then start mapping out your brows. However, the shaping of your brows is left up to your technician, who measures it based on your facial structure and shape to give you the most natural-looking result.
The brow shape is decided by considering six fundamental measurements on the brow bone using a protractor designed for this procedure. Clients can decide on the brow thickness while maintaining a natural state (Not overly thick, not too thin).
Once the client approves the design, the brow area is numbed before beginning the procedure. Upon numbing, the artist starts crafting the strokes in the brow and applying the pigment. Throughout the process, the artist should check on the client's comfort and monitor for swelling or adverse reactions to the pigment.
When the brow strokes are completed, the artist presents the new brows to the client and explains the aftercare procedure. A touchup appointment is scheduled for four to six weeks following the initial appointment.
Aftercare for Microbladed Brows
After undergoing the microblading procedure, adhering to the aftercare instructions is vital for achieving the desired results. Aftercare includes dry healing for the initial few days, gentle cleansing, and applying the provided cream. Immediately after the treatment, the brows will be darker and slightly red, which will fade as the brows heal.
As part of the healing journey, your brows will develop scabs. When these scabs naturally shed, you can discontinue the use of the cream provided. Only applying additional products to your brows is essential once the healing process is entirely concluded.
For at least ten days post-application, you should refrain from using skincare products or makeup or touching the treated area. It's important to resist the urge to pick, peel, or scratch the area, except when delicately rinsing and applying the client-specific aftercare cream using a cotton swab.
Other things to avoid:
Tanning
Direct sunlight
Swimming
Increased sweating
Exercising for up to 10 days following the procedure.
Once you're healed, continue to care for your skin by staying hydrated and applying an SPF 30-50 sunscreen on your brows before stepping out in the sun to prevent fading.
Do You Still Need to Use an Eyebrow Pencil?
The choice to use an eyebrow pencil after undergoing microblading is completely up to you. If you're inclined towards a bolder brow, consider our Ombre Brows service, which delivers a more styled, 'done-up' appearance. Some clients opt for just the hair-like strokes during the pigment deposition stage and then enhance them with makeup afterward. Others, however, favor the understated elegance that microblading offers. Before the procedure, we always discuss your anticipated results to ensure we deliver the best service tailored to your preferences.
Who Can Perform Microblading?
Microblading is commonly offered at beauty salons or specialized eyebrow boutiques, and microblading artists usually undergo some form of training. We suggest clients research to ensure they'll get the brows they desire. An experienced, reputable technician should possess all the appropriate licenses and certificates. They should willingly answer all of the client's questions and provide as much information about the procedure as possible. We recommend checking if the technician has previous photos of their work with contactable references. And, of course, the procedure should always be performed in a clean, sterile environment.
What Does Microblading Cost?
Your location, the artist's skill level, and how much microblading your eyebrows need can all affect the final price of your procedure.
Keep Realistic Expectations
You may hope to attain Cara Delevingne-like thick brows, but it might take several appointments before you achieve your ideal brows.
Microblading is a two-step process, and it is not permanent. Expect to see only partial results after a single treatment. The strokes are incredibly sharp initially but will soften and blend into the skin over time. Different skin types can affect results, including those with excessively oily skin, larger pores, thicker skin, and eyebrow keratosis, as these factors can influence the pigment's absorption.
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