If you’re tired of constantly using pencil, powder, gel, dye, or a stencil to fill in your thin or sparse eyebrows, then microblading may be the perfect solution. Microblading is an increasingly popular cosmetic tattooing technique that can partially or fully camouflage missing eyebrow hair with the application of hair-like strokes using cosmetic tattoo pigments. The result is full, even, and smudge-proof eyebrows.
Curious to learn more?
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about microblading:
What is microblading?
Microblading, also known as eyebrow embroidery or microstroking, is a form of natural-looking, semi-permanent tattoo artistry that is perfect for reconstructing, defining, extending, or filling-in over plucked or sparse eyebrows. A trained esthetician uses a handheld microblading tool to implant semi-permanent micropigments under the skin. Using the tool, the esthetician will draw individual, hair-like strokes in the brow region to mimic the look of natural brow hairs. The microblading technique allows the esthetician to control the shape, colour, and density of the completed brows.
How does microblading differ from permanent makeup (aka cosmetic tattooing)?
Microblading is a form of permanent makeup since pigment is implanted under the dermis (the inner layer of the skin). However, the pigment used in microblading is not implanted as deep as for a regular tattoo or cosmetic tattoo. Furthermore, the needles used in microblading are finer in diameter than traditional cosmetic tattoo needles.
Who is microblading suited for?
Microblading is an excellent semi-permanent cosmetic solution for:
anyone who would like to enhance their eyebrows without having to apply makeup everyday
anyone with thin or sparse eyebrows due to over-tweezing or various health issues
anyone with allergies or sensitivities to traditional makeup anyone who has difficulty applying makeup due to poor eyesight or dexterity issues
anyone who is regularly active and does not want to worry about sweating off makeup
How should I prepare for my microblading appointment?
Clients should follow these guidelines in preparation for their microblading appointment:
Avoid drinking alcohol for one week prior to the appointment
Avoid taking aspirin (which thins the blood) for one week prior to the appointment
Avoid using retinol products (which thin the skin) for one week prior to the appointment
What can I expect during my microblading appointment?
The microblading treatment begins with a consultation between the esthetician and the client. During the consultation, the esthetician and the client will discuss the desired appearance of the eyebrows, the colour of pigment to be used, and the overall procedure. In a follow-up appointment either immediately following the consultation or at a later date, the esthetician will draw in the desired shape of the brow with removable pencil and then will apply a topical anesthetic to temporarily numb the skin. The pigment will then be applied to the brow area. At least one or more follow up appointments are required in order to evaluate the overall appearance of the brows and the colour of the pigment.
How long does the microblading process take to complete?
The entire microblading process takes approximately two hours to complete. Prior to the treatment, the esthetician will make client records, take photos of the brows, and discuss the desired design and colour of pigment to be used. In the first hour of the treatment, the esthetician will draw in the desired shape of the brow with removable pencil; this is the most time-consuming but important step of the microblading process. In the remainder of the treatment, the esthetician will fill in the outlined area by drawing in individual hairs with the hand-held tool using needles the same size as the individual brow hairs for a customized and natural look. Following treatment, the esthetician will discuss the aftercare required for optimal results. Colour touch ups and refreshing appointments are usually shorter than the initial microblading appointment.
What can I expect in terms of discomfort during the treatment?
Like with regular tattoos, microblading clients will feel a slight sting each time the needle penetrates the skin. Clients can expect to feel some discomfort, but the process in relatively painless. However, each individual will react differently based on their individual pain threshold. Prior to the treatment, the esthetician will apply a topical numbing cream to the brow area to minimize discomfort and will follow with an application of liquid anesthetic.
What are the long-term results of microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent form of makeup; results can last for up to three years. However, as with any tattoo or pigment, fading can and usually does occur over time. Microbladed brows often require periodic maintenance which is referred to as colour re-enhancement or colour refreshing. While cosmetic tattoo pigment remains in the dermis after application, the longevity of the tattoo can be influenced by several factors such as the amount of pigment used, the colour of pigment used, skin colour of the treatment area, sun exposure, and the use of topical products applied to the skin.
How can I maintain my microblading results?
There is no recovery time required following the microblading process; brows will be camera-ready immediately following treatment. However, some clients may experience itching, redness, or mild swelling in the week following the treatment. The esthetician will provide clients with aftercare ointments to aid with healing following the appointment. It is important to protect freshly bladed brows from all moisture (i.e. avoid face washing with water and sweating profusely). Immediately following treatment, brows will look slightly darker than anticipated, but the colour will fade approximately 30-50%. Therefore, it is recommended that clients schedule a follow-up touch up appointment approximately one month after the initial treatment, as well as brief annual touch ups for maintenance. After the initial healing period, microblading is very low maintenance; clients can touch or rub their eyebrows and get their brows wet without any issues.
Is microblading safe?
When the esthetician follows proper sterilization and disinfection guidelines, microblading should be completely safe. The following safety guidelines should be followed:
1.All needles used for microblading must always be sterile and single use. New and sterile needles should be opened in the presence of the client.
2.Sterilized one-time use equipment should be disposed of in an appropriate sharps container immediately after use.
3.The esthetician must disinfect the skin of the desired treatment area prior to treatment.
4.Clinical grade, single use equipment and materials (ex. hand piece, skin wipes, saline, micro-brushes, and dressing packs) should be used during the treatment.
5.New protection equipment including disposable one-time use aprons and sterile gloves should be used by the esthetician and replaced by new ones during the procedure as required.
6.A disposable one-time use chair covering should be new for each client.
7.The treatment room should be clean and contaminant-free. 8.The esthetician should be clean and have good personal hygiene.