Full, fluffy brows are all the rage these days and the trend doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. So, what are we to do when our eyebrows just won’t grow back? Enter microblading! Microblading is a semi-permanent form of eyebrow tattooing that uses fine needles to deposit pigment into the skin. The result is a more natural-looking brow, as opposed to traditional tattooing methods that create bolder and thicker lines. The procedure creates hair-like strokes on the eyelids and brows, giving them definition and shape. The process takes about 2 hours and involves creating individual strokes for each hair follicle in your desired shape.
Afterward, you can expect some redness and swelling for about 24 hours; however, you should be able to resume your normal activities within 48 hours after treatment! While microblading will fade over time (like any tattoo), it lasts longer than other cosmetic procedures because it doesn’t require touchups like other permanent makeup options do.
Usually you’ll need 2-3 sessions before you get the desired result, so prepare for an extended healing time (usually about 4-6 weeks) before the final result. Here are a few things you must know BEFORE you book your appointment.
Finding a Qualified Professional
While it’s important to find a qualified professional, it’s also vital that you feel comfortable with the person who will be working on your brows. You want to make sure that they are someone who listens to what you want and isn’t going to push any unwanted services on you.
When interviewing potential microblading professionals, ask them about their training and experience. If they claim they’ve done hundreds of procedures but don’t have any photos or references from previous clients, be wary! Also ask how long each procedure takes–you probably don’t want someone rushing through the process just so they can squeeze in another client later in the day.
Your Brows Will Require Touch-ups
Keep in mind that microbladed brows require maintenance and touch-ups. Also make sure your professional is using a high quality ink, as some low quality inks may fade to an undesirable color. Touch-ups can run $300 and up, so be prepared for the on-going maintenance expense at least once a year, sometimes more.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before you get your eyebrows microbladed, there are a few things to do. First, make sure that your skin is in good condition and free of any infections or rashes. You should also remove all makeup from the area around your brows so that the artist can see what shape they should be creating for you.
If possible, avoid using any products on or near your face for at least 24 hours before having this procedure done–including retinol creams and exfoliants (like glycolic acid). If this isn’t possible for whatever reason (for example, if it’s an emergency), make sure that those products have been fully absorbed into the skin before going in for an appointment with an artist who will be working on them!
Finally: take care not only during preparation but also afterward. Your new brows may feel sensitive after being microbladed–so keep them protected by wearing sunscreen every day and applying an antibiotic ointment while they heal over time.
