If you keep up with the latest beauty trends, you know that trends come and go all the time, including eyebrow trends. The shape and thickness of brows, even the color all go through trend cycles. Over the past handful of years, microblading trends have joined the mix. A quick search on Pinterest or Instagram will show the various variations of microblading available and the level or commitment and maintenance required to keep your newly enhanced brows on point.
While eyebrows are intended to help sweat and depri from reaching your eyes, they are also meant to frame your face and enhance facial features and expressions. Naturally, they’re one of the first features you notice, so it makes sense that grooming and maintaining them is part of your beauty routine.
Luckily, if you’re not blessed with naturally full brows, or you simply dread the thought of having to painstakingly pluck, draw or color them in daily, microblading might be the solution.
You’ve probably already heard about microblading and you might have a general idea of what it is, but you might also have a lot of unanswered questions that have prevented you from researching further and deciding if it’s something you’d like to try.
Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision:
What exactly is microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent pigmentation procedure which uses tiny blades (microblades) to deposit pigment underneath the skin of your eyebrows. It’s semi-permanent because the colour pigment isn’t deposited nearly as deeply under the skin as tattoo ink.
What’s the purpose of microblading?
It helps create definition, enhances brow fullness and, if done by a highly trained technician, can alter the shape and thickness of your brows.
How does microblading work?
Using small incisions or scratches, microblading, sometimes called eyebrow embroidery, bleeds pigment into the epidermis of the skin to create fine hair-like lines meant to mimicking strokes of hair. The overall look is natural and realistic, especially when done by a highly trained professional. Before beginning the procedure, your technician will first draw, then fill in your brows to show you what the final result will look like.
What’s the cost?
Prices will vary depending on the salon you choose and their level of expertise, but be prepared to spend $200+. While this might seem pricey at first glance, think about all the time and money you’ll save when you no longer have to purchase brushes and eyebrow pallets. You’ll be saying goodbye to worrying about eyebrow touch ups, plus they’re waterproof once they’re fully healed!
Who is microblading for, and is it right for you?
Anyone can try microblading. Whether you have naturally thin or thinning brows, alopecia or you’re craving more definition and a different shape, microblading might be what you’ve been looking for.
What do microbladed brows look like?
As with any beauty service, results will vary based on your natural brows, the experience of your brow tech and your commitment to aftercare.
Does it hurt?
A topical numbing cream is applied to your brows to help minimize pain, but the procedure is not completely pain-free.
While the procedure is totally bearable, immagine tiny blades scratching your eyebrows. The appointment will be over pretty quickly, and the pain will be forgotten once you take a peek at your new brows.
After your appointment you might feel some discomfort as your brows heal, but that too will quickly pass.
How important is aftercare?
Your microblading technician will provide you with detailed instructions about how to take care of your fresh brows, and it’s important to follow their aftercare tips to make sure your newly done brows heal properly and last. If aftercare instructions are unclear, always ask for clarification.
Microblading aftercare instructions:
-Avoid getting your brows wet for 7-10 days after your appointment
-Use a healing balm 2-3 times per day for the first 7-10 days: apply with a cotton swab rather than with your fingers
-Don’t apply any makeup on your brows for 7-10 days
-Avoid swimming, steam showers, hot tubs and saunas for 7-10 days
-Within the first 4-6 weeks, don’t schedule any facials, skin peels, laser treatments, etc.
-Don’t pick, scratch, or peel your brows: let them heal naturally
-Avoid direct sun for 14 days after your appointment
-It’s safe to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher 10 days post appointment
Long-term care: during the summer months or when you’re on vacation somewhere hot or humid, protect your brow area with a sun hat or large sunglasses.
The Healing Process:
Newly pigmented and fresh, your eyebrows will look fantastic right after your appointment. A few days afterwards, you’ll start to notice the pigment darkening, which is completely normal as the ink settles. 3-5 days after your appointment, your brows will begin to flake and peel, which is also part of the healing process. Avoid the urge to pick or peel off dry skin. Instead, continue applying aftercare balm to keep the skin moisturized. Flaking can last about 10 days, and the colour might appear to fade to a much lighter colour than you expected.
About 2 weeks after your appointment, your brows will look how they’re supposed to, but keep in mind the importance of long-term care and continue keeping your brows moist and away from direct sunlight as much as possible.
Follow-up Appointments:
You’ll need a follow-up appointment about 4-6 weeks after your initial one to top up the pigment and to make any small adjustments to the fullness and shape of your brows.
How long will microbladed brows last?
As mentioned, this depends on how thick or full your natural brows are and your goal brow shape and fullness. How well you follow aftercare instructions will also determine how long your brows will last. Typically, microblading is meant to last about 1-3 years.
If there was a magic treatment that could reverse aging, or bring back all those brows we over-plucked in our teen years, we’d definitely look into it! Microblading is the next best thing and can be a total beauty routine lifesaver if you’re finding that your brows are thinning or if you want to switch things up and achieve more fullness.
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