Everything You Need to Know About Microblading

Hi, everyone! Happy Holidays! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

This time last year, I took the leap and invested in having my eyebrows microbladed. I had been considering it for months but had not found the right microblading artist for me. I naturally have very sparse and uneven eyebrows. I spent many months following a few artists on Instagram trying to find the right artist. Finally, my hairdresser recommended Brows by Barbie. I started following her on Instagram @browsbybarbie and instantly knew that she was the one who I wanted to do my brows. As it turned out, it was one of the best decisions that I have made for my appearance. Having my eyebrows on point every single day has really boosted my confidence in the way that I look. No more filling in or drawing on eyebrows for me!

Since this was such a wonderful experience for me, I thought that I would dedicate a blog article to microblading. I get a lot of questions about microblading from my clients when they find out that my eyebrows are microbladed. This blog will answer most of those questions and will explain exactly what microblading is.

For most of us women, eyebrows are an important part of our facial identity. This is why we spend so much time and money plucking, waxing, threading, and filling them in. (3) I was very self conscience about my eyebrows before I had them microbladed. They were very sparse and a little lopsided no matter how I shaped or filled them in which I spent a lot of time doing. I also felt that I had to put on a full face of makeup when I filled them in because without the supporting makeup, my eyebrows just looked over done. Now that they are microbladed, I have more confidence and do not feel that I have to put on a full face of makeup to support my brows because they look like natural brows.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions and facts about microblading:

What is microblading? Manual microblading is a process that involves tiny, fine-point needles, instead of a tattoo gun, that make up a small disposable blade. This blade is used to scratch and deposit pigment simultaneously under your skin. The result is realistic looking brow hairs that don’t wash off. (1)

Is microblading a tattoo? Unlike tattoos that last forever, microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattooing. For microblading, a hand tool is used that helps create thinner, more precise, hair like strokes that aren’t as deeply

ingrained into the skin as compared to hair like strokes created by a tattoo gun. The pigment of microblading also differs from tattoo pigment in two ways. The first is that it is semi-permanent, which means your body eventually ends up metabolizing it so it fades away. The second is that the dye particles are less concentrated in microblading ink than in the ink of a traditional tattoo. (1)

How long does microblading last? Microblading usually lasts 1-3 years depending on your skin type (oilier skin types tend to fade the fastest). Clients should revisit their microblading artist four weeks after the initial appointment for a touch up and to ensure that they are happy with the end result. After that four week check up, most people will not need another touch up for 12 months. (1)

How much does microblading cost? Depending on where you live and where you have the procedure done, you can expect to pay $500-$2000. (1)

What is the process?

1.  The microblading artist will consult with the client to determine the best brow shape for their face.

2.  A brow color is then selected which matches the natural hair color and skin tone.

3.  The brow area is then cleansed and numbed for treatment.  (2) A topical anesthetic cream is used for numbing. It usually takes about 15 minutes for the numbing to occur.

4.  Instead of a tattoo machine, a small handheld tool is used to manually draw on the hair strokes. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes depending on how full you would like your eyebrows to be.

5.  An ointment, such as Tattoo Goo, is then applied to the brows to promote the healing process.

6.  The first couple of days, the pigmentation is definitely noticeable as it is bolder, darker, and sharper. Around day four or five, you may start to experience some flaking. The entire healing process takes about thirty days because it takes the skin a complete thirty days to regenerate itself. After the thirty days, the true color will show itself. (3)

7.  A follow up appointment at 4-6 weeks is suggested to ensure that you are happy with your brow shape and for a touch up. (2)

Will it stop my natural hair growth? One of the top myths circulating about microblading is that it will stop hair growth. When done correctly, microblading has no effect on your natural eyebrow hair growth. (3) Unfortunately, you will still need to tweeze those pesky, unwanted hairs.

How do I choose a microblading artist? The common misconception is that all microblading artists are the same. Piret Aava, celebrity makeup artist and brow specialist (a.k.a. the Eyebrow Doctor) warns that many artists only took a two day course to get certified. She suggests asking the artist that you are considering how often they attend brow conventions and classes in order to stay up to date on the latest microblading technology. She also suggests reading reviews and looking at before and after photos of the artist’s work. (2) I really took my time before selecting my microblading artist, Brows by Barbie. I began following many San Antonio and Austin microblading artists on Instagram and really studying their work. Finally, my hairdresser, Juahnn Torres at the Lab, recommended Brows by Barbie to me. I started following her on Instagram and fell in love with her work. Her before and after photos were beautiful and she was very professional and knowledgeable when answering all of my questions.

Not everyone is a good candidate for microblading. Liz Carey, Esthetician, and owner of Mascot Aesthetic, says that women who are nursing or pregnant are not good candidates. Those undergoing chemotherapy are recommended to finish treatment as the risk of infection could be much greater. Those being treated by a physician or taking medications such as blood thinners are recommended to speak with their doctors to make sure the procedure is right for them. (3)

Tips on microblading after care:

1.  For the first few days following your procedure, you should wipe down your brows with a little lukewarm water and a cotton swab a few times a day. This keeps the brows clear of any lymph fluid that may collect due to the fresh little wounds. (3)

2.  For a week after you get your brows done, avoid getting your brows wet or sweaty. If you absolutely must work out, you should cover them with an antibacterial ointment to protect the pigment and to keep the cuts clean and bacteria free. (1)

3.  Use an antibacterial ointment on your brows for the first twenty four hours and then a Vaseline-like ointment for a week. (1) I use Tattoo Goo every night as part of my nightly skin care routine. This can be purchased on Amazon for about $8.00.

4.  Avoid picking at any scabs that could form from the tiny cuts. Picking at the scabs or flakes prematurely can pull out the pigment and lead to loss of or no color in those spots. (3)

5.  Avoid using makeup close to the area for one week. (2)

6.  Avoid using any acids or retinoids while the brows heal since they could fade the pigments. (1)

7.  Using sunscreen helps extend the longevity of your brows and prevents against fading from the sun. (2)

Are you sold on microblading yet? It’s hard not to be if you dislike filling in or drawing on your brows every day. It really has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made for my appearance. If you are considering it, go for it! You will not regret it!

References:

1.“Microblading 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Appointment”. Brook Shunatona and Carly Cardellino. www.cosmopolitan.com.

2. “What is Microblading?” Audrey Noble. www.hapersbazaar.com

3. “Everything You Need to Know Before Microblading Your Eyebrows”. Jessie Quinn. www.dermstore.com