Microblading eyebrows has become a household name among permanent makeup treatments. It’s a perfect way to enhance the look of your brows and give them density and fullness. But did you know that hairline microblading is also a thing? It is becoming more and more popular among people who have benefited from it.
Keep reading to find all about this treatment.
What Is Hairline Microblading?
Hairline microblading, also known as scalp microblading or hairline embroidery, is very similar to microblading eyebrows.
A hand-held tool (or a nano machine) is used to create incisions that resemble hair strands in the spot where the hair is sparse, to create the appearance of more volume. It is a cosmetic tattoo, done with pigments inserted shallow into the skin, not as deep as traditional body tattoos which last forever, but don’t look natural. The effects are much more subtle and last for a certain amount of time – approximately a year.
It makes the receding hairline look less prominent since the microbladed hair strands are barely distinguishable from the real hairs.
Image source: Instagram @yubeautybar
Who Is It for?
Hairline microblading is a great treatment for people who have experienced hair loss due to alopecia in the area, as well as anyone who wants to get the appearance of fuller hair.
It is also very popular among people who just want to contour their face. Some people with a receding hairline camouflage it with makeup. With hairline microblading, the results last longer – they won’t come off or smudge when you sweat or get your hair wet.
Who Shouldn’t Get It?
Hairline microblading is not for everyone. Here’s who should avoid it:
- People with very oily skin probably won’t get the desired results. Pigments tend to migrate because of excessive sebum production. With oily skin, the individual strands of hair don’t look very good. They can become blurry and too powdery, losing the natural look.
- People with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis in the area shouldn’t get hairline microblading.
- Some people may be allergic to the pigments used. To avoid an allergic reaction, a patch test should be done before the appointment.
- You need to have some hair in the hairline area, for natural results. Microblading for the hairline doesn’t look very good if there’s barely any natural hair in the area. So, a microblading artist should estimate whether you are a good candidate for hairline microblading or not.
Image source: Instagram @yokototalbeauty
What Does the Treatment Look Like?
The treatment lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. It doesn’t require any special preparation and it includes the following steps:
- Consultation and pre-draw – the artist will determine which pigments to use to match your hair color. They will pre-draw the hair strands with a pencil and show you what it will look like. Once you approve the look, they start the treatment.
- Cleaning the area – the hairline is very oily so it has to be cleaned properly.
- Applying numbing cream to minimize the discomfort. It takes 20-40 minutes, so most artists use this time to do the paperwork with clients.
- The first round of blading – drawing the hair strands with the microblading tool.
- Some artists add more numbing at this point.
- The second round of blading, if necessary.
- You will wait for some time for the pigment to settle – your upper forehead will be covered in plastic wrap.
- Cleaning, checking the results, and taking photos.
Does It Hurt?
The hairline area is sensitive, but artists use a numbing solution to make the treatment less painful. It is possible that the numbing solution will wear off during the treatment, so it can become a little uncomfortable, but not unbearable.
Is There Downtime?
Not really. You can continue with your normal activities, but be careful to follow the aftercare tips given by the artist and listed below.
Hairline Microblading Aftercare
The aftercare is not complicated or hard to follow. It includes:
- No washing your hair for at least 7 days.
- No shower for 2 days, or a quick shower but without too much steam and no water near the area.
- No sweating for 2 weeks. Exercise, saunas or steam baths are not allowed for 1 week after the treatment. Wait 4 weeks before you go swimming.
- No hair dying for 4 weeks (and 2-3 weeks before the treatment).
- The area can be Itchy – don’t scratch it.
- A healing balm may be recommended – apply it as prescribed.
Image source: Instagram @tanyabeautycare
Hairline Microblading Cost
The price of the hairline microblading treatment depends on many factors, one of them being which part needs to be treated. If you just need temples or a portion of the hairline done, the price goes from $700 upwards. For the full hairline area, you can expect to pay $1000 – $3000.
The price also depends on the popularity of a salon and the artist, location, materials used, etc.
How Long Does Hairline Microblading Last?
Hairline microblading lasts shorter than eyebrow microblading because the area is washed with shampoo often, which speeds up the fading process. On average, hairline microblading lasts up to 1 year. Then, a touch up is done to prolong the effects and add more pigment.
Why Is Hairline Microblading Problematic?
The treatment is controversial because the properties of the skin of the hairline can cause the strokes to blur and merge together into a shade that doesn’t look natural. So, there is a possibility that healing results don’t look as good as right after the treatment.
Does Hairline Microblading Stop Hair Growth?
No. The pigment is inserted superficially, which means it doesn’t go as deep as the hair follicles. Therefore, it won’t inhibit hair growth.
Hairline Microblading vs Hair Transplant
Hairline microblading is a faster process that gives immediate effects. Maybe it doesn’t look as natural as a hair transplant, but transplanting hair is a pricey and long treatment, with a long recovery period and special aftercare. Plus, no one can guarantee it will work.
Conclusion
Choosing a skillful and experienced artist is the most important factor for the success of the treatment. Choose wisely – check out all the online reviews and recommendations. And don’t forget to speak up about your wishes and expectations. You want the results to look as natural as possible.
Cover image source: Pexels
