Microblading is exactly how you get the perfect eyebrows. You know, the dark, slightly feathery, and naturally arched kind.
Not everyone was blessed with them, but many people spend so much time and ($$$) trying to achieve them with expensive brow gels and concealers.
And that has probably been working, but if you’re honest, wouldn’t you rather wake up with them looking all snatched up and arched?
If you do, then you probably want off the struggle bus and are considering microblading.
However, if the idea of microblading gives you shivers (there’s something about permanent solutions that feel too, you know…permanent), don’t fret.
According to experts, the process is not only harmless, but the results don’t also last forever – which is fantastic news if you’re still mulling over your options.
Not sure what we’re talking about?
Here’s everything you need to know about this eyebrow architecture.
What Exactly Is Microblading
If you thought microblading was tattooing, you weren’t too far off from the truth.
The process imparts an ink pigment under the skin, and this pigment can take up to three years to fade, but that’s about where the similarities end.
When microblading, the artist uses a razor-like tool with tiny needles to draw hair-like strokes just under the skin.
The needle doesn’t go as deep as during regular tattooing, which allows the pigment to break down and fade a lot faster.
So good people, this procedure is semi-permanent.
The Microblading Process Itself
Unlike going in for waxing or threading, microblading isn’t something you should do on a whim. You need to research and find the right person for the job.
It’ll be a person with experience, a good eye for detail, and as many glowing references as possible.
You don’t want to walk in with perfectly filled eyebrows, only to walk out looking like a scarecrow.
After identifying the expert, you need to sit down and discuss what you expect from the process and how you want your brows to look.
It’ll give them the information they require to draw a template on your face based on your expectations, existing brow shape, and facial bone structure.
After agreeing on the brow shape you want, the artist will apply some numbing cream on your brows and then start drawing those fine hair-like strokes on your face – you can skip the numbing cream if you’d like, but keep in mind that the process can take anywhere between one to two hours.
What To Do When You Get Home
When the procedure is over and your eyebrows have achieved that Oscar-worthy look, there are things you need to do to ensure that your brows heal properly. These include:
• Resisting the urge to reach for your painkillers before and right after the procedure is done. Most painkillers feature blood-thinning qualities that can be harmful
• Ensuring your brows have minimal contact with water. You can dab your brow with antibacterial soap and rinse with your fingers. However, long soaks under the shower and swimming should be avoided in the first week. Maybe even avoid washing your hair for the first week
• Avoiding exercise for a week or so
• Staying out of the sun – this means no tanning or unnecessary exposure to the sun during the first four weeks
• Not using heavy cosmetics or products with retinol during the healing process. Instead, clean the eyebrows with soap and water, followed by the aftercare cream provided
• Not itching or pulling at the scabs. If you have had any experience with tattoos, you know that the skin will itch and peel during the first few weeks.
So, ensure that you resist the urge to rub your brows or flake off the skin during the healing process
The Healing Stage
To achieve the perfect look and have long-lasting effects, most professionals recommend two microblading sessions, the second coming about four weeks after the first one.
It’s because it tends to take your skin about a month to recover after the session.
Right after the first procedure, your brows will look very dark due to the pigment, but they might also seem a bit inflamed and red. They’ll then start to look lighter as the brows begin to heal.
When this happens, your ‘once award-worthy eyebrows’ will return to their semi-natural form (microblading doesn’t stop the natural hair growth).
So, the second procedure, or the touchup appointment, will help you maintain the desired brow.
When Might It Not Be A Good Idea To Have This Procedure
It’s essential to note that microblading isn’t for everyone. Some of the people recommended to avoid this eyebrow shading option include:
• Pregnant women
• Nursing mothers
• Individuals undergoing chemotherapy
• Those under heavy medication
• Individuals taking blood thinners
• Commitment phobes
If you fall into this camp, make sure you speak to your doctor and the artists before making any decisions.
Removal If Necessary
Microblading, unlike tattooing, doesn’t permanently impart the pigment under your skin. So, suppose you want it to have the pigment erased before it has completely faded.
In that case, you’ll have to go through laser tattoo removal, saline removal, or using a topical chemical solution.
The laser and saline removal procedures can be pretty invasive and painful, so if you’re not a pain junkie, the topical chemical solution should be your best bet.
As you can see, the process of microblading is a little more complicated than what meets the eye. Now that you know the ins and outs, are you willing to give it a go? Let us know!
