Microblading Eyebrows
Microblading Eyebrows: The Ultimate Guide
Beauty industry is something that always changes and improves. Innovations involve various skin treatments, lip fillers, lashes extensions, liposuction but one of the most popular treatments, for a couple of years now, is eyebrows treatment well known as microblading eyebrows.
Eyebrows are one of the most prominent features of a person’s face and have the power to completely change the look of the face. Sadly, not everyone is born with perfectly shaped eyebrows. Also, the trend always changes and dense, bushy and natural looking brows are in fashion for quite some time now. Microblading treatment enables you to have them, all natural looking, so more and more women and men, as well, are interested in the procedure.
In this ultimate guide about microblading we will thoroughly explain everything you need to know about this highly-requested cosmetic procedure by answering the common questions. Look for your answers in the sections below.
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ABOUT MICROBLADING
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup technique, similar to eyebrow tattooing but applying advanced tools and pigments. It is done manually, by using a tool which looks like a blade consisting of 10-12 tiny needles, and some specially created pigments. The blade delicately scratches the surface of the skin, much like a paper cut, mimicking the hair strokes so realistically. Once the eyebrows are ‘mapped’, the microblading pigment is gently inserted into the scratches, making them look like genuine hairs. The entire process gives the brow a thicker, fuller and more natural look.
Unlike tattooed eyebrows, which go even seven layers deep into the skin, microblading requires only two layers. The purpose of microblading is to enhance what you naturally have and the final result is natural-looking, trendy eyebrows.
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Who is Microblading for?
The best candidates for getting microbladed eyebrows are people who already have their own eyebrows but want to add some shape, color or density. It is enhancing what you already have so if you spend some time on doing your eyebrows with a pencil every morning, this is a great solution for you.
Also, it is perfect for people with alopecia, or hair loss caused by a number of reasons (natural hair loss, invasive treatments such as chemotherapy, etc.). The treatment is mainly convenient for people with normal to sensitive skin, while oily skin types are the least convenient ones, since the pigment is often ‘rejected’ by the skin.
Source: YouTube – PhiAcademy
ABOUT MICROBLADING PROCEDURE
How Long Does Microblading Treatment Take?
The whole microblading treatment usually lasts for 2-3 hours and it usually starts like this:
- First it involves consultations with the artist who performs the treatment. You should be able to ask everything you want to know about the treatment itself and the aftercare.
- Then you choose the desired shape and pigment color together. The artist first draws the shape of your brows with a pencil.
- Then you choose the color and the density of your eyebrows.
- Once you are satisfied with the choice, the microblading process starts.
The microblading procedure itself is approximately an hour and a half long.
What Does Microblading Procedure Look Like?
The actual treatment consists of several steps that usually look like this:
STEP 1: Shaping the brows
Consists of preparing the area around brows by threading the hair and cleaning up the area.
STEP 2: Numbing
By using a topical ointment the eyebrows area is covered and set for approximately half an hour, until it kicks in.
STEP 3: Choosing a pigment
Choosing a color of your eyebrows according to a hair and skin color.
STEP 4: Measuring
The area of the eyebrows is measured, taking into account face shape, symmetry, facial features etc.
STEP 5: Needling process
Process of creating fine strokes and covering them with pigment. If there is any discomfort at this stage another quick layer of numbing cream is added to the area.
STEP 6: Implementing pigment
A final layer of pigment is added, after which the eyebrow area is cleaned.
STEP 7: Touch up
Filling in the gaps where the pigment hasn’t taken or healed properly.
Is Microblading Painful?
Even though it sounds scary since there are blades and scratches involved, microblading treatment does not really hurt.
In order to lessen the amount of pain a customer feels, the artist applies the numbing gel on the area, so the actual process is more uncomfortable than painful. It is a little bit more unpleasant than plucking your eyebrows, but definitely less painful than getting a tattoo.
Is Microblading Safe?
Microblading is a sensitive treatment, and since it involves incisions, it carries certain risks.
First of all, there is a list of conditions that are forbidden in combination with microblading. Some of them include pregnancy, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies and others your artist should ask you about in order to establish whether you are allowed to have the treatment or not.
Besides that, there is always the risk of infections. This is because the treatment is very popular and there is a great number of microblading artists, some of which use unsterile equipment. Even though it can happen, infections are not that common.
If you choose a certified artist who is proved to work with sterile equipment and follow their instructions, there is nothing to worry about!
PREPARATION
How to Prepare for Microblading Treatment?
The most important thing you need to do first is to carefully research all the estheticians in your neighborhood or town and choose the one that has a certificate, experience, and positive reviews.
Before and after pictures are also very important, since you want to have an insight into the artist’s work. The best option is a recommendation by someone who has already had a microblading treatment. But if you cannot find anyone that way, rely on the internet reviews.
Feel free to ask your microblading artist anything you want to know about the microblading procedure. They need to give you detailed information about the preparation and the aftercare.
Things You Should Avoid Before the Treatment:
- Don’t go sunbathing or tanning and try not to work out on the day of the treatment
- Stop using any retinol or Vitamin A products one month prior
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, aspirin and fish oil supplements for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment
- Don’t pluck or wax your eyebrows at least a week before the treatment
- Also, don’t do any facials at least two weeks before the treatment
Source: YouTube – World Microblading
AFTERCARE
What Does Microblading Aftercare Entail?
Microblading aftercare is a very important part of the treatment. If you don’t follow the advice given by your esthetician, some complications might emerge.
Most artists advise keeping the treated area dry for at least ten days after the microblading treatment. Others, on the other hand, claim that it is not true that washing your brows after the treatment is forbidden. You must remove bacteria, but make sure to do that by gently washing your face and the treated area with an antibacterial soap recommended by your esthetician.
Also, check with your artist which products are strictly forbidden and avoid using them. After washing your brows, dry them by gently patting with a clean tissue. You will need to do this for at least a week.
Besides that, there is a list of things you need to avoid after the treatment.
Activities You Should Avoid After the Treatment:
- Exposure to the sun
- Going to the swimming pool
- Sleeping on your face
- Working out and sweating
- Having long and hot showers
Also, you mustn’t touch your brows and remove the scabs on your own.
Follow these steps religiously if you want perfect microbladed brows that will last.
Can I Wear Makeup After Microblading Treatment?
The treated area is very sensitive and prone to infections right after the treatment. So, it is forbidden to wear makeup on the treated area. You are allowed to apply it on the other parts of your face. However, since makeup can get to the treated area easily, it is risky to wear it at all during the healing period. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid wearing makeup at all for about two weeks.
It can be a problem if you have a big event coming, so plan the date of your microblading treatment carefully!
For a comprehensive day by day overview + extra tips for all skin types head out to Microblading aftercare guide.
HEALING
How Long Does it Take for Your Microbladed Brows to Heal?
The healing process lasts for about a month.
1st week: Your eyebrows will probably be swollen and too dark at first, but after the healing period is finished, they will start getting the desired shape and color. It is vital to follow the aftercare steps during the healing period.
2nd week: After two weeks, your microbladed brows will start to look very light and you might feel as if they are disappearing. It is normal, since your skin is regenerating and naturally exfoliating. There’s no need to worry – your eyebrows will regain the color after some time.
4-6th week: Four to six weeks after the treatment, your eyebrows might seem a little bit patchy and uneven, which is why you need to have the mandatory touch-up. The first touch up is done after the color to fully set in, which is not earlier than a month after the treatment. Its purpose is to fill in the gaps and fix anything you don’t like or want to change.
You will finally be satisfied with the look of your eyebrows after about six weeks.
For a complete day by day overview + what to expect physically, mentally and emotionally in healing process visit Microblading healing process guide.
TOUCH UP
When Should I Get a Microblading Touch Up?
Touch ups also make an essential part of the microblading treatment. The first follow-up appointment is non-negotiable. If you try to skip it, the final result might not be as good as you expected. Therefore, 4-6 weeks after the microblading treatment, your artist should schedule your first touch up. This way you will fix all the irregularities on your eyebrows. For example, if your skin didn’t take the pigment in some spots, there is the touch up to fix it.
Other touch ups are not as obligatory as the first one. However, if you want your microbladed eyebrows to last longer, you should get one at least every 6 months.
Also, if you have oily skin, it is more likely that your microbladed brows will fade faster. That’s why you should book an appointment more often.
EFFECTS
How Long Will My Microbladed Eyebrows Last?
Unlike traditional tattooing, which is permanent, microblading is a semi-permanent procedure. The estimated time is 2-3 years, after which the brows fade away.
Factors that Affect the Longevity of Your Microbladed Eyebrows:
- First of all, it is very important how you treat your microbladed brows. If you don’t follow the instructions given by the microblading artist, it is very likely that something will go wrong.
- Furthermore, your skincare routine is an important factor. The lifespan of your microbladed brows depends on the cosmetic products you use since there are certain components that speed up the process of fading.
- Skin type is also something that plays an important role. People with dry skin are not only perfect candidates for microblading treatment, but they can also expect their brows to last longer. People with oily skin might need frequent touch ups if they want to prolong the duration of their microbladed eyebrows.
The best thing to do is to book a touch up appointment as soon as you notice that your microbladed brows are fading. If you wait for too long, you might need to repeat the microblading process, which requires more time than a touch up, the healing process is longer and it is more expensive.
SIDE EFFECTS
Are There Any Side Effects of Microblading?
Your freshly microbladed eyebrows will look swollen and too dark at first, which is normal. The pigment will gradually fade away and they will look good after a couple of weeks. Also, they can be a little bit itchy at first, but you mustn’t scratch them. Besides that, prepare for scabbing after the treatment, which might be a little bit annoying, especially because you mustn’t touch the scabs.
Learn more about effects of scabbing + extra maintenance tips in Microblading scabbing guide.
If you have larger pores or oily skin, the final outcome might not be as good as you expected. The pigment will fade away faster.
Besides that, there is a risk of incorrectly done eyebrows or an infection. These are the risks you are taking if you don’t choose a certified and experienced esthetician. If your eyebrows are not even or they might look unnatural, or you just don’t like them, you might need to find someone more qualified and skilled to fix them. Luckily, this is a semi-permanent procedure, so they will not stay like that forever.
For a full overview on how a microblading procedure can go wrong, what to do when it does, and what precautions to take to avoid an unsatisfactory result, visit our Microblading gone wrong page.
Potential Side Effects You Might Encounter:
- Swollen eyebrows
- To dark eyebrows
- Itchiness
- Scabbing
- Quick pigment fading (oily skin)
- Irritations
- Infections
- Allergy
Can You Be Allergic to Microblading?
Unfortunately, yes, some people claim to have had allergic reactions to microblading treatment. If you are allergic to the tattoo ink, you will probably be allergic to microblading pigment, too.
Also, the numbing cream or the pigment itself can get into a client’s bloodstream thus leading to allergic reactions. Some pigments contain Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is used in the hair dye and some people are allergic to it. Luckily, there is a wide range of pigments, so you need to warn your artist about the allergies and make sure they don’t use pigments with PPD.
If you are not sure whether you are allergic to certain pigments or not, the best thing to do is to test the area you want to cover. There are patch tests that are recommended for people who are not sure if they are allergic to a pigment or not. Besides doing the patch test, you can also pay a visit to an allergist, in order to make sure that the microblading treatment is safe for you.
It is also vital not to apply any cosmetic products or make-up right after the treatment, i.e. before the healing period is finished, because that can lead to an allergic reaction as well.
Does Microblading Affect Hair Growth?
Microblading neither encourages nor prevents hair growth. Don’t be afraid that you are going to lose your natural brows because of microblading – it is perfectly safe.
Source: Giphy
CORRECTION
Can Microbladed Eyebrows Be Removed?
The procedure of microblading eyebrows is done in the dermis, or the second layer of the skin, thus making it semi-permanent. Naturally, microbladed eyebrows are going to fade in time. It is not really possible to undone or remove them in one move.
How to Speed Up the Process of Fading?
- Skip touch ups, your microbladed brows will regain its original shape and size after less than 8 months. If you think that is too long, then there are other ways.
- There are some exfoliating facial products, like those that contain retinol, that might help you. Also, facials and cleansers are going to speed the fading process up.
- You can break the rules of the aftercare, meaning, you can wash your face regularly right after the treatment. In addition, if you sweat a lot, it will affect your microbladed eyebrows. So, if you want them away, start working out or go to the sauna.
- There is always the option of laser therapy. However, it is not recommended since it is too invasive and can seriously damage your skin.
However, don’t decide to get rid of you microbladed eyebrows right before the treatment. Remember that they are too dark and dense at the beginning and they reach their final shape and color after more than a month. Also, you might need some time to get used to your new look. Besides, if they still don’t look good after a month, maybe you can correct them at your first touch up appointment.
Be patient until the recovery period is finished. It is important not to rush. If you still aren’t satisfied with your brows, then try to remove them.
COST
How Much Does Microblading Cost?
The price of microblading treatment varies, depending on the location and competition as well as the popularity of the academy and the artists. The average price of a microblading treatment is $400, but it can go up to $1000.
Also, some additional costs of touch ups might be included. The first follow up treatment is usually included in the price, since it is obligatory. Other touch ups are optional, and they are usually not included. Each of them costs around $100.
MAIN TAKEAWAYS
Microblading is a popular form of permanent makeup for a reason. It has a lot of advantages, such as saving you the time spent on doing your eyebrows every morning. Once you do the treatment, you will always have perfect and even eyebrows that look like you are wearing makeup. A lot of celebrities have also opted for microbladed eyebrows and they have made the treatment even more popular.
Another significant benefit of microblading is that can help you achieve a positive body image and feeling good about yourself by correcting something in your look you were insecure about for the longest time.
Therefore, microblading treatment is something that is recommended for anyone who wants trendy eyebrows, but also to get over certain appearance insecurities and self-consciousness.
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