5 Things to Know About the Microblading Technique
Have you ever seen some serious #browgoals?
If you’ve ever admired a face with perfectly arched brows, you know that eyebrows can make or break your look.
Some people have eyebrows so perfect that they almost look artistically drawn. Well, sometimes they actually are!
Chances are that if you’ve seen a perfect pair of brows, microblading is the reason. Even some of our celebrity eyebrow crushes are actually rocking microblading treatments.
Don’t let the word “blade” freak you out. The microblading technique uses a special pen to draw small, precise, hair-like strokes. Microblading gives you the long-lasting look of perfect brows.
But we get it. The microblading technique is still new. You probably have a few questions about it.
With any cosmetic treatment, you want to be sure that you fully understand it.
So put down those tweezers and listen up! Here’s what you should know about the microblading technique.
1. The Basics of the Microblading Technique
The microblading technique gives your eyebrows fullness in a natural way.
Think of it as a form of semi-permanent tattooing that gives you natural looking fuller brows. If you’re a victim of untamed or sparse brows, microblading can help.
Skilled artists use a special tool dipped in pigment to achieve a fuller, darker set of brows. Since the tip of the microblading pen is thin, it mimics eyebrow hairs.
A microblading technician makes precise strokes to create your killer eyebrows.
How long will it take?
The microblading technique typically takes 1-2 hours to complete. This will depend on the density of the desired eyebrow shape.
Yes, microblading takes longer than a typical eyebrow wax. But your results will last longer as well.
Every face is unique, and you want your technician to take their time to get your brows looking perfect.
Will it hurt?
Most would describe the microblading experience as more discomforting than painful. The technician will apply anesthetic to your eyebrow area to help relieve any pain.
What can I expect during my service?
Here’s a typical rundown of a microblading procedure:
- Before the appointment, your artist may request a quick consultation to discuss expectations.
- The artist will do a test on the skin to make sure your skin doesn’t react in a negative way.
- The artist outlines the eyebrow shape. Brow designs are unique and customized to complement your face shape and size.
- Your artist chooses the perfect brow pigment color.
- Local anesthetic is applied to reduce any discomfort.
- The pigment is worked into each stroke to define the brow.
- Once the treatment is over, the artist cleans the area.
- You walk out looking fabulous!
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my service?
There are a few things you should do to make sure your treatment runs smoothly:
- Avoid drinking coffee, alcohol or energy drinks on the day of treatment.
- Don’t take pain medications like aspirin, niacin, or Ibuprofen 24 hours before treatment.
- Wait at least 3 days after having intense sun exposure or a getting a tan.
- Wait at least 3 days after receiving an eyebrow wax
- Wait 2 weeks after having any chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser or any other intense treatments.
2. Am I Eligible for Microblading?
Most people can get the microblading technique without any issues. However, there are certain conditions and/or illnesses that could cause issues. If you have any of the following conditions, microblading may not be best for you:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding (the microblading technique uses a local anesthetic that is not recommended for pregnant women)
- Diabetic
- Serious diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders – Ask your doctor if you can have microblading done
- You have any severe skin condition.
- You’ve recently had cosmetic procedures such as Botox.
- Sunburn
- You received an eyebrow wax recently
Another condition that could alter your microblading experience is iron-deficiency. The pigments used with the microblading technique are iron oxide based. If your body isn’t producing enough iron, the ink may not retain as well.
If you have low iron levels or are anemic, you must take iron supplements before and after your treatment. Start taking your iron pills 6 weeks before your appointment. Continue taking them 6 weeks afterward.
Additionally, skin types will determine how your microblading treatments turn out. If you have drier skin, your results will be more crisp and defined.
If you have oily skin, you might have to follow special aftercare instructions. For example, you might need to blot your forehead several times a day to remove excess oils.
You should hire an experienced professional to avoid health complications.
3. What Is the Post-Treatment?
After your treatment, you will need to keep your eyebrows as clean and dry as possible for seven days. During this time period, the ink will darken. You will see a more visible difference each day.
After seven days, you will see those luscious dark brows framing your face!
Can I still use my eyebrow makeup after the procedure?
After a proper microblading treatment, you won’t need eyebrow makeup! The microblading technique provides a natural, full look on its own.
However, after your brows have fully healed, you are able to use makeup if you desire.
How long will it last?
The microblading treatment is semi-permanent. Unlike traditional waxing or threading, your brows will keep their appearance for months!
Microblading is a great option for getting fuller brows without needing frequent attention. Your brow artist can give you touchups from time to time, but the results will last for months.
What should I avoid after receiving the treatment?
To keep your brows looking perfect for months, avoid the following activities.
- Activities that produce sweat like exercise, sports, swimming, hot tubs, tanning, etc.
- Laser or chemical treatments and/or any creams containing Retin-A or Glycol Acid on the face or neck.
- Picking, peeling or scratching of the eyebrow area. This could cause scarring or removal of the pigment.
- Contact with a lot of airborne debris. Avoid heavy household cleaning on areas with high pollution like attics or basements.
- Riding or driving in open air vehicles like convertibles, boats, bicycles or motorcycles.
- Excessive contact with the eyebrow.
- Once completely healed, apply a layer of sunscreen on your eyebrows when exposed to the sun. Intense sun exposure might cause the color pigment to fade more quickly.
A touch up is recommended 4-6 weeks after your initial treatment. During this time, your artist will fill in any marks that have faded. They could also darken the lines to make sure your eyebrows stay fresh.
Microblading post-care is crucial to keeping the appearance and longevity of your eyebrows.
You should talk to your eyebrow artist if you have any questions about your treatment. Call a physician if any serious symptoms develop.
4. The Healing Process
Immediately after the procedure, your eyebrows will look very sharp and dark. Don’t let this alarm you. After the procedure, the pigment is still laying on top of your skin and has not settled completely.
The color of the pigment will before softer as it settles.
Your eyebrows will appear the lightest 5-12 days post-treatment. During this time, the color is absorbed deepest in the skin. Later on, your skin cells will push it back to the surface.
Your eyebrows will initially look dark, then light. After they’ve healed, they will be just right!
You will be able to see the final results of your microblading treatment 3-4 weeks after its done. At this time, it’s also recommended to do touch-ups and/or correction.
Proper post-care for your microblading treatment will also affect your health. Ensuring that you follow proper care instructions will help keep your skin healthy.
5. Pick the Right Artist
The key to getting a perfect microblading treatment is picking the right artist. Look at your artist’s work examples to ensure that their work is up to your standards.
Don’t settle for any artist that has the cheapest deal.
Microblading is a precise treatment that takes experience from a qualified artist. This is one beauty treatment that you want to do right.
Trying to use at-home microblading kits are a huge no-no. You could get an infection or make a mistake that could take months to fix.
The most important thing you can do to prevent a microblading mishap is to research your artist. All technicians are not licensed and/or qualified.
When choosing your artist, you should ask to view their license. If they aren’t licensed, request their occupational license or health department inspection. If they have proper documentation, they are more likely to be a qualified artist.
You should also ask questions about the tools used for the microblading treatment. The tool used should always be a one-time use, disposable instrument.
If your artist doesn’t open an unused instrument for your appointment, leave immediately!
Microblading: Wrap Up
If you want to add more oomph to your brow, microblading will make a huge difference. The eyebrows are the frame of your face. Get them in picture perfect shape!
Ready for fabulous brows? Make your appointment today to get those eyebrows on fleek.