Microblading

Are eyebrows one of your biggest insecurities? Or maybe you tired filling them every day to look stunning? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you should try microblading. This technique is getting more and more common among women from different countries. Have you ever heard of it? Do you know how it works? Stay with us and learn everything you need to know about microblading!

What is microblading?

Microblading is a tattooing technique used to enhance, create or reshape the appearance of the eyebrows. It is performed with a small handheld tool that consists of tiny needles that add pigment to the skin by drawing strokes which mimic real hair. Unlike eyebrow cosmetics, such as pencils or pomades, microblading provides you with both fuller and more natural-looking eyebrows that don’t need any corrections. The procedure can be compared to having a regular tattoo done with only one small difference – less concentrated ink.

Is it a real tattoo?

The answer to this question may be a bit tricky. Although the procedure is similar to tattooing, its results are not permanent. The tool used in microblading allows to create thinner and more precise strokes than the in case of standard tattoo equipment. What is more, the pigment ink is placed in the upper region of the dermis and it fades away more rapidly. The particles of dye are less concentrated so the colour is not that intense as in the case of regular tattoos.

Microblading – who should choose it?

The procedure is mostly aimed at women who have natural thick and faint brows. It can also be performed on clients suffering from eyebrow alopecia. The appearance of the tattooed brows is natural and mimics original brows. It is not exaggerated and does not look fake. A professional microblader is able to precisely match brow colours and create the ideal eyebrow shape so there are no visible signs suggesting that microblading was done.

How long does it last?

Unlike regular tattoos, microblading will not last forever. It is made with semi-permanent ink that can last from one to three years. The durability of the procedure depends on various factors such as: skin type, ink type, lifestyle, medications, cosmetics used, sun exposure, etc. To make the results visible for a longer period, touch-up sessions are recommended. The first should take place 6 weeks after the initial procedure, and then once a year. This is particularly important in the case of people with oily skin.

What to expect during the appointment?

At the beginning of the appointment you may expect a little chat with a microblading artist. They will ask you about your needs, preferences and desired look. You should also be prepared for questions concerning your health condition and medicines that you take. Once the artist knows all your answers, it is time to measure the brow placement. This is a multi-step process that is needed in order to determine what the shape of your new eyebrows should be. The specialist sketches out brows to give the client an idea of what they will look like after the microblading.

Drawing new brows

When the client accepts the shape of the new brows, it is time for the beautician to choose the appropriate pigment. This is based on the natural colour of the brows and the skin’s undertone. After that, the microblading artist starts drawing the strokes with a microblading pen. This usually takes 30-40 minutes. Once this is done, they apply a special ointment that fosters healing. The follow-up appointment should be scheduled within 6 weeks. This will be occasion to check if the skin healed properly and if some delicate touch-ups are needed.

Is it safe?

You should be aware that safety precautions for microblading are almost the same as in the case of any other tattooing technique. The method is invasive and that is why the procedure should be only performed in professional beauty salons with certified microblading artists. Complications that may appear can include: misapplication of the ink, pigment migration or an unexpected colour change. The procedure may also cause some serious health issues such as the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C. Luckily, these are very rare side effects and the introduction of proper hygiene measures can successfully limit them.

Contraindications

Although for the majority of clients microblading is safe, there is a long list of contraindications to the procedure. You should not tattoo your brows if you are underage, pregnant or breastfeeding. What is more, this procedure is not recommended for people suffering from: diabetes, glaucoma, skin diseased, transmittable blood conditions, haemophilia, healing disorders, skin cancer, epilepsy and heart diseases. If you take blood thinning medicines and steroids or are undergoing radiotherapy, you should consult your doctor before the appointment. You should also not receive any Botox in the past month.

Where can I book microblading?

If you want to be sure the results of microblading will be satisfactory, book an appointment with a certified and experienced microblading artist. The technique is invasive and involves the direct contact of needles with your skin, so appropriate hygiene should be one of the top priorities. Avoid mobile beauticians that offer microblading in your home! Choose only reliable beauty salons with good reviews. If you are still uncertain where to go, search for some photos presenting the examples of microblading procedures performed in the salon you are interested in.

Aftercare

The microblading procedure comes with a hefty price tag. That is why you should do your best to make the results last long. Luckily, proper aftercare is really simple and does not take too much time. For a week after the initial appointment, you should avoid getting your brows sweaty and wet. To do it, you shouldn’t work out excessively or spend time in high temperatures. You can cover the brows with protective antibacterial ointment and Vaseline.

Is it painful?

As we have already said, microblading can be compared to an actual tattoo. Fortunately, the procedure is not that painful and shouldn’t be scary. You may be surprised how delicate the needle stings are. The procedure can be compared to threading. It is of course a bit uncomfortable, but it is definitely not super as painful as you probably imagine it to be. What is more, microblading take about an hour. You won’t be exposed to needle stings for too long.

Microblading vs. brow tattoo

The results of microblading are more natural than in the case of a brow tattoo. Since the procedure is performed on the surface of the skin and the ink is semi-permanent, the effects usually fade within a year and a half. This means that you won’t have problems erasing the tattoo in the future, e.g. in a couple of years of the microblading was done. The tattoo will simply disappear with time. If you like the results, you can always go for fill-in sessions.

Do you want to have perfect brows, but are still unsure about microblading or have some contraindications? Don’t force things! Book an appointment with a microblading artist only if you feel comfortable with the procedure.