If you’re not blessed with naturally full eyebrows – and would like to have them – you might want to consider microblading eyebrows. Microblading – aka tattooing your eyebrows – has quite a few benefits: for example, you don’t have to trim your eyebrows anymore and you don’t run the risk of them melting off your face during a hot and sweaty day.
Microblading is becoming increasingly popular. And that’s not for nothing: not only does it stay beautiful for an incredibly long time, it’s also an option that looks very natural. That doesn’t mean it can’t seem a little creepy, a (semi-permanent) tattoo right on top of your head. To be on the safe side, I’ve found out everything you might want to know about microblading and have put it all together for you.
What is microblading anyway?
Microblading is a technique where semi-permanent makeup is applied manually to the eyebrows. Using wafer-thin needles shaped like a knife, lines of natural pigment in the form of hairs are applied one by one, just under the top layer of skin. Unlike a tattoo which is done by machine, microblading is done entirely by hand. Eyebrow master creates strokes in the form of hairs which gives a natural and subtle result.
The shape, color, and intensity of the eyebrows are determined together in advance on the basis of what best suits your skin, hair, and face. Also, the growth direction of the hairs is taken into the consideration, and strokes are tattooed in this direction so the end result is as natural as possible.
A microblading treatment consists of initial treatment and a post-treatment. The after-treatment takes place after about 6 weeks. During this treatment, any faint and lighter spots are filled. The eyebrows can also be made more intense during the after-treatment. A microblading procedure itself takes a total of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
The treatment
After a detailed discussion of how the eyebrows will look, the eyebrows are cleaned and the drawing starts on the face, also called brow mapping. Using a special measuring technique, the ideal shape is determined. Then the strokes are applied. The pigment is well applied in the small scratches that are made and in between cleaned with a special tonic that prevents bleeding and reduces crusting. After treatment, the eyebrows are cleaned with a nourishing skin cleanser. Exclusively, an emollient ointment is applied which you will need to use daily afterward during the healing process.
Is microblading a good idea for You?
Microblading can be used for a variety of purposes. It can help fill in gaps in irregular eyebrows, lengthen brow hairs, change the shape of the eyebrows and help the uneven eyebrows look more symmetrical. Microblading can also help reconstruct thinning eyebrows. Even people with little or no eyebrow hair can benefit from microblading. As such, microblading artists regularly work with cancer patients who have lost their eyebrows while undergoing chemotherapy.
There are different forms of microblading
The technique has continued to evolve over the years. For example, nowadays you also can hear of microfeathering, which involves adding hairs to the natural shape of your eyebrows with a very light hand, and microshading, which mimics the look of eyebrow powder. If you don’t like following eyebrow trends, the classic technique is the best option.
Does microblading look natural?
There are a variety of looks you can achieve with your semi-permanent treatment, from very natural brows like Meghan Markle’s or thick, full brows like Cara Delevigne’s. In addition, microblading doesn’t ruin the growth of your natural brows, making it look a lot more natural.
Your preparation is half the battle
There are a few things you should know before you get your brows microbladed. Avoid anything that will make your blood thin and your skin more vulnerable: drinking alcohol or taking aspirin before treatment, or putting retinol on your face. Retinol actually makes your skin thinner and causes you to bleed more. This in turn will cause the pigment to disappear from your skin more quickly because of the bleeding. So also avoid blood thinners, aspirin, caffeine, and alcohol during the healing process.
It doesn’t hurt very much
Pain is also relative. Some people feel it more than others. It feels a bit like little scratches on your skin. You feel it, but it is not unbearable. Often some numbing cream is applied to the skin beforehand to ease the pain. If you have a very low pain threshold, you can apply numbing cream to your eyebrows an hour beforehand. Some people claim that this type of cream promotes inflammation and causes it to make you less able to microblade accurately, but this has not been proven.
Microblading takes time
Often you’ll be in the chair for up to two hours anyway. But hey, after that you have almost no need to worry about your eyebrows. Pretty convenient first thing in the morning.
Is there any kind of so-called downtime involved?
No, there is no downtime when it comes to microblading eyebrows. The treatment is not surgery and no needles are used in the process of creating your new brows. So there is no heavy recovery required either. You can, however, expect to experience red skin and/or sensitive skin for the first day after the treatment, and then a period in which your tattoo will heal. Because the tattoo heals itself, you will experience minor flaking for about five days after treatment.
What aftercare is required with microblading?
The initial healing process takes up to ten days. As with eyebrow tinting, the color will be quite dark at first – but don’t you even worry, I promise you it will fade into a more natural shade. It takes about 14 days for your eyebrows to look the way they will in the long run. Addicted to taking care of your skin? Then beware: it is advised by professionals to always keep all products away from their new eyebrows for at least ten days. Including cleansers, moisturizers, makeup, and excess water, which means a daily bathing session is out of the question. Nope, no swimming either, no saunas, jacuzzis, or hot showers during the week, up to ten days.
Your specialist will provide a healing balm to be applied to the eyebrows three to four times a day, very lastingly: you only need the size of a grain of rice. In addition, it is advisable not to sweat, because the salt in sweat makes the pigment fade much faster. Although the area is likely to be very itchy, it is important to make sure that you do not scratch or pick, as this will interfere with the healing process and possibly damage the pigment.
Finally, having microblade eyebrows is just one extra reason for your long list of reasons to get away from the tanning bed. UV light is everything but good for your new facial tattoos. Avoid exposure to the direct sun for the first 14 days and apply a high SPF to the treated area for the first ten days.
How long will your “new” eyebrows last?
Microblading is semi-permanent. This means you can expect your new eyebrows to last up to a year. After this period, you can have your eyebrows touched up so you can enjoy the results for longer.
It depends a bit on your skin type and lifestyle, but the results can last up to three years. If you want to keep your eyebrows in top shape, you can return to the salon every six months for a small touch-up.
The intensity of the pigment does change
It’s a treatment you can enjoy for a long time, but with realistic expectations of your own eyebrows, you’re doing yourself a favor. Your body may break down the pigment faster than you expect, and also if you have oily skin the color disappears faster. The drawn hairs often become a little fuzzier and softer over time. It doesn’t stay looking as sharp as it did in the beginning.
Microblading is an investment
Microblading costs a few hundred dollars in most cases. You can get the treatment for less – but cheap really is expensive in this case. Your eyebrows are in the middle of your head, so do research before choosing a salon.
Can microblading be removed?
Your microbladed eyebrows will begin to fade naturally after 6-8 months if you don’t come back for a retouch. If you’ve decided to say farewell to your microbladed eyebrows earlier, there are a few things you can do to speed up the fading process. This is when professionals often suggest laser treatment. This is similar to the process for tattoo removal, during these sessions technology is used that breaks down the pigment in the brows into particles that can be naturally shed from the body.
Alternatively, you can opt for facial microdermabrasion. Deep exfoliation of the skin fades the pigment. Looking for a less expensive option that is also the easiest way to get back to your good old eyebrows? Spread a saline solution on your eyebrows that will naturally break down the pigment.
Do explore the following eyebrow salons in NY and remember that you are absolutely beautiful!
