8 Things You Need to Know About Microblading Your Eyebrows

The latest trend in eyebrows is thick and bold brows rather than the thin, over-plucked look that was hot a few years back. Don’t believe us? Open any fashion magazine and you will find the likes of Cara Delevingne and Brooke Shields with beautiful, full eyebrows. Then stroll by any beauty counter and you will find rows and rows of eyebrow products designed to wax into place, fill in and darken our rebellious brows.

But as bad as we may want these voluminous brows; all that waxing, shaping, plumping and filling take up a lot of valuable time. Women are busy and don’t want to spend that amount of time every single day to get the brows of their dreams.

Lucky for us, the newest trend in eyebrow maintenance is natural, relatively cost-effective and gives the wearer long-lasting semi-permanent results. This technique is called microblading, but is also known as eyebrow embroidery, tattooing or semi-permanent makeup.

Before you rush out the door to the nearest tattoo parlor, you’ll need to know these 8 things about microblading:

1. It’s a Two-part Process

There are two procedures as part of your redefining experience, and it’s crucial that you follow through with the second step. The first step is your initial appointment with your microblading specialist, where you get to design your new eyebrows. Think of this step as the creative consultation, where you get to choose the shape, color, curve, and definition of your brows. After this, you undergo the initial microblading procedure. The second part of the process is a follow-up consultation, completed four to six weeks after the initial session. As your skin heals and a new layer of skin forms, the original pigmentation fades significantly. The touch-up session is used to go over the penned lines and make any alterations or color adjustments as needed. The two-part process ensures you love your new standout brows, and that they last!

2. Microblading Isn’t Permanent

You’ll love your new lines so much, you’ll wish they were permanent, but unfortunately, the microblading procedure lasts from one to three years, depending on care and maintenance.

3. Most Everyone Is a Candidate

Everyone is a candidate, there are a few contraindications that may require a doctor's note in order to perform the treatment. A couple of examples where a doctor's note would be needed are Cancer, Hemophilia, and Hepatitis. One of the most common questions asked is, “Can I get microbladed while I am pregnant?” You should not get the service if you are pregnant or nursing.

4. It’s Not the Same as a Tattooing

Luckily, you won’t hear the whirring of traditional tattoo guns or have to deal with any painful ink scars. Sure, the word ‘blading’ might be a little disconcerting to you beautiful and bushy-browed hopefuls, but not to fear, as the process is relatively easy and painless. Microblading is the process of implanting pigment into the basal membrane which divides the epidermis from the dermis layer of the skin to create fuller looking brows. Eyebrow tattoo is done with a motorized device whereas microblading is done used a hand-held tool, also known as a pen. When it comes to the term microblading the hand tool is used to simulate hair strokes in the brow. Microblading artists also use pigment vs ink. Pigment has a thicker consistency while ink is more watery in texture and tends to have more staying power. Most pigment will last in the skin between 1-3 years, keeping in mind different skin types and the use of skin care products. There is no “spilling” under the skin which leaves the strokes fine and crisp. Naturally, the pigment will exfoliate out of the skin over time causing the pigment to lighten. (Please note: If you are opposed to tattooing in any way - microblading does pierce the skin and leaves behind a pigment.)

5. The Process Takes 2 - 3 Hours

Two to three hours is a long time to be under the gun, but luckily, microblading doesn’t entail traditional needle tattoo guns and the majority of the lengthy session is actually spent on you choosing your perfectly perched points. The microblading procedure is timely and meticulous in order to choose the best-customized shape for you. That’s right, it’s a customized process! Microblading artists pay incredible attention to detail as these results will show on your face for (potentially) years to come!

6. It’s Virtually Painless

Before the microblading begins, a topical numbing cream is applied to the area to minimize discomfort, followed by a liquid anesthetic. You might feel a slight discomfort but it is almost painless. In fact, the most agonizing part of the procedure is choosing your brows!

7. Daily Maintenance is Minimal

Wake up and get out of bed! The benefit of this procedure is the always ready and au natural appearance of your eyebrows. Many women claim to not touch their brows at all in the months following the microblading, while some women still tweeze, pluck and fill their brows in after the procedure. Others may choose to routinely visit their technician to touch up their brows every six months for peak performance. - the good news is - it is totally up to you!

8. There is No Downtime

You do not have to hide from the world after your service. Many clients can walk right out the door, ready to show off their new brows. Initially stronger in color, your new brows will soften in 2-3 weeks.