When you first heard of microblading, maybe you cringed at the thought of a “tattoo” on your face. I mean what if something happened? Granted, there are horror stories to be found in any beauty trend, but if you spend a little time on research and finding the RIGHT person/expert, you’re on the right track! Your microblading experience doesn't actually have to be scary. I'm here to break down the entire process, answer frequently asked questions, and inform you of the ins and outs of all things brows.
What is microblading?
Microblading is a manual method of implanting pigment in hair-like strokes in the epidermis to create the look of fuller brows. The natural-looking results are achieved with a sharp, hand-held manual blade made up of micro needles. Because the pigment sits so superficially in the skin the strokes are sharp, crisp, and they mimic the look of real hair!
Will microblading hurt?
Pain threshold levels vary from person to person, but most clients find the procedure to be pain manageable. A topical anesthetic gel is used during the procedure.
How do I prepare for the service?
Preparation is key! Avoid anything that causes your blood to thin-- coffee, painkillers, fish oil, retinol, alcohol, working out-- 24 hours (preferably 48 hours) before your appointment. While some bleeding can happen, profuse bleeding pushes out pigment so that it doesn’t stick as well or last as long. Some other important tips are no sun or UV beds for 4 weeks before, no plastic surgery, lasers, or peels within 3 months before, no botox less than 2 weeks before and discontinue use of brow/eye serums 8-12 weeks before.
How often is maintenance required?
Other than the initial touch up at 8-12 weeks, color boosts schedules vary person to person. While results are long-lasting and can be seen for up to three years, most clients return anywhere between 12-24 months for a touch-up, and is mainly based on personal preference. The pigment naturally fades to a lighter softer version, and some like it touched up sooner. Plus, based on oiliness of the skin and how quickly the body metabolizes pigment, the timelines very with each person.
What is the aftercare?
This is an ESSENTIAL part of the healing process for any microblading experience. This is what determines how long your brows last for (seriously – I’m not being dramatic). After an appointment, I walk all of clients through the process, but basically it’s important to treat the brows like an open wound, avoiding skincare products, makeup and moisture.
For the first 24 hours (especially during the first 4 hours), you should gently blot the area to remove fluid with a clean tissue. Removing this fluid prevents hardening of any lymph fluids and avoids scabbing.
If you get your fresh brows wet, the flakey skin can come off too quickly, taking pigment with it. Avoid workouts, sweaty activities, full-on-face-washes, swimming, etc. Use a clean, disposable tissue to pat dry the area if you do happen to get it wet.
While brows usually look great right away, there can be some slight redness or swelling. Within a few days, the pigment fades, but don’t worry, it will come back again! Some mild itching will occur, but don’t scratch. Most do not find it too bothersome, but an aftercare cream is given to help alleviate the discomfort, and make sure you’re only using a very sheer amount of aftercare cream, so you don’t suffocate the treated area, and delay healing process. Really though, it seems more daunting that it is. Once the shedding process (averages around 10-14 days) is complete, it is okay to do everything as normally.
What’s also crazy is at about a week after the treatment, parts of the pigment almost look like it disappears. Then at about day 14, the color comes back… so don’t freak out if it seems like the color fades right away… it will show back up!
Ok, so what's the process like?
Let's break it down. While every artist's routine is different, here's an idea of what your appointment should entail. When you arrive to your appointment, you will fill out extensive paperwork, numb, and do a consultation. This is where you discuss your brow goals and talk color theory and shape. Once you're numb, we remove numbing and go straight into brow mapping! This is where everything is tailored to your exact face shape to make sure the brow is most flattering for YOU. It takes all your bone structure, eye shape, natural brow into account. This typically takes longer than the actual procedure because it is the most important part of the entire service. Once mapping is complete, you can sit up, feel them out, and adjust as needed. The fun begins with the first pass, strokes are placed as the outline to layout where the boundaries are within the brow mapping. Once the first pace is done, a secondary numbing is applied to help relieve any uncomfortable sensations and numb from within. While before you may have felt a little, after this, you'll feel next to absolutely nothing. Second pass is done and the brow is completed. Easy peasy!
Don't forget-- microblading is an investment. Though you can find prices that range from very low to very high, find an experienced technician who is properly licensed and certified in your state. Hope to see you in studio soon! Xo
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