Microblading Mapping Pencil – The Ultimate Guide
Learn everything about how to use the microblading mapping pencil, plus check out our product recommendations and possible alternatives.
Image source: Freepik
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How natural microbladed eyebrows will end up looking depends on correct mapping or pre-drawing.
To achieve brow symmetry, microblading artists use a variety of tools like calipers, compasses, or even sticky rulers, but the tool that makes mapping possible is the microblading pencil.
In this detailed guide, you will find all the important information about the microblading mapping pencil, how to use it, and how to keep it clean. Plus, we’ve collected some of the best-reviewed products for you to try out.
Let’s get to it!
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Why Do You Need a Microblading Mapping Pencil?
Before the microblading procedure begins, artists should first and foremost consider pigment placement and the eyebrow shape that will suit their clients’ features best. To help them do this, several mapping tools and techniques were created.
Using a microblading mapping pencil can act as a guide through which artists will implement pigment.
Working between the lines they sketched out is extremely important for precise results. It also allows clients to better understand and see the final shape of their eyebrows.
Image source: Instagram @blushbeautybylauren
What Types of Microblading Mapping Pencil Exist?
Microblading mapping pencils come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are most commonly made out of wax and wrapped with easy-to-peal paper.
The most popular color choices among microblading artists are white and brown. A white microblading pencil is used to map outlines and provide a clear picture of the eyebrow shape. But a brown microblading mapping pencil is used to simulate hair strokes and shading.
You can also use a regular wax pencil instead of a flat, paper-wrapped one, but these can be quite tricky to sharpen into the desired shape for precise mapping. More on this is in the segment below.
They Provide More Precision
Peel-off pencils are easier to sharpen into a very fine, flat tip which is optimal for microblading mapping.
Their tip remains consistent throughout the life of the pencil and doesn’t easily break off which is the case with regular sharpening colored pencils.
They Last Longer
Peel-off microblading pencils tend to last longer than regular ones, due to the way in which they are sharpened. As a result, this is also a more cost-effective method of microblading mapping.
What’s the Best Brow Pencil for Microblading Mapping?
After some considerable research, we’ve collected a list of products that fall into the best brow pencil for microblading mapping category. You can get a more in-depth review of these products here, but here’s a quick view:
How to Use a Microblading Mapping Pencil?
Before you start eyebrow mapping, remember to first apply your topical anesthetic or numbing cream. The reason for this is that numbing creams can interfere with your pre-draw and create a mess, so you will most likely have to do it all over again.
Wait about 15-20 minutes, or however much time is needed for your numbing cream to sink in, then wipe it off. Once the treated area is completely dry, proceed with mapping out the outline.
Since pre-drawing eyebrows with just a pencil can be quite tricky, here’s an easy step-by-step guide:
Step 1
Begin by identifying your client’s eyebrow front, arch, and tail.
Step 2
To mark the front of the brow correctly, run the end of your eyebrow mapping pencil vertically from the client’s nose dimple to the inner corner of their eye, marking where the pencil crosses their brow.
Step 3
To identify the arch, draw a line from the dimple of the nose to the brow. This time, you should bend it slightly diagonally so that it’s in line with the outside of the iris of the eye — this is where the arch should be the tallest.
Step 4
Angle your pencil from the side of your client’s nose to the outer corner of their eye to determine where the tail of their eyebrow should end.
Step 5
The last step is to connect these points to trace the top of the brow. Then, draw a similar curve around the bottom of your client’s brow. This step is also very important for determining the final thickness of the brow.
How to Sharpen a Microblading Mapping Pencil?
Sharpening your microblading mapping pencil takes some time and patience to master. Before you begin sharpening, the first thing to do is unwrap your mapping pencil lead.
Remember that the tip of your pencil should always be perfectly thin and flat, which can’t be done with your regular pencil sharpener. Instead, you will be able to sharpen your pencils with a specialized blade.
Sharpening is done by carefully shaving off one side of the pencil until flat, then turning it and repeating the process until you have two evenly flat sides. If you’re concerned with safety, you should definitely give duckbill sharpeners a try.
How to Clean Brow Pencil Before Brow Mapping for Microblading?
As a microblading artist, you should always strive to provide your clients with the best quality service. So sanitizing your tools and your salon is a big must.
To keep your microblading mapping pencil in tip-top shape and to prevent the spread of infection between clients, just sharpening it won’t be sufficient.
You should also clean your microblading pencil with a disinfectant solution after each use. This will kill any potential bacteria and other pathogens that may be present.
Before putting away your pencil, remember to let it completely air dry. Store it in a clean, dry place, away from any source of contamination. If you notice any damage on your microblading mapping pencil, throw it away and grab a new one.
Image source: Freepik
Alternative Products for Eyebrow Mapping
Pencils are a popular choice for eyebrow mapping because they offer optimal control and precision.
Still, there are some alternative products on the market that some artists find extremely useful, and claim to be more precise when outlining their clients’ eyebrows. Let’s take a look at some microblading mapping pencil alternatives:
Microblading Mapping Marker
Microblading mapping markers or even surgical markers have a fine tip that allows precise outlining. They are most commonly alcohol-based, which makes the markings easy to clean, plus they are less likely to cause skin irritation.
Mapping markers come in several different colors, but most artists recommend using white or purple. The reason for this is that dark markers can affect the color of strokes if their ink gets into the incisions.
Image source: Freepik
Which Marker Should I Get?
Before purchasing a microblading marker, it is important to make sure that it is safe to use on the skin. That’s why opting for disposable markers is your best bet.
Remember to always follow proper sanitation procedures before and after using your microblading marker to prevent infection.
Brow Mapping String
Brow mapping string or thread can be a great alternative to mapping pencils for its ability to create ultra-thin, crisp lines. It comes in various sizes and colors, with the most popular choices being white and brown.
Image source: Freepik
Which Mapping String Should I Get?
Most mapping strings on the market come pre-inked with charcoal, which is very convenient and time-saving. The only drawback is that it can become quite messy while applying, so keep a set of q-tips at hand and you’ll be good to go.
White Brow Paste
The white paste is used by many permanent makeup artists to highlight the contour around eyebrows and lips. It can be a very useful and long-lasting mapping tool when applied with a flat or angled makeup brush.
White eyebrow paste for mapping has a creamy, thick consistency that doesn’t tighten the skin or weigh it down. It is, however, easy to smudge so some microblading artists tend to avoid it.
Image source: Freepik
Which Paste Should I Get?
You need something that’s easy to apply, creamy yet not smudged easily, highly pigmented but non-irritating. This kit is a good option:
Microblading Mapping Pencil – Main Takeaways
Microblading mapping pencils are specifically designed to help artists create a blueprint of the desired eyebrow shape before they begin microblading.
They have a fine, flat tip that makes for precise lines – which are important for creating natural-looking brow strokes. Mapping pencils come in a range of colors, with the most popular ones being white and brown.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TOOLS & PRODUCTS FOR MICROBLADING
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