The makeup industry, much like anything else in the world, has taken a deep dive into technological advancements. We now hear of makeup enhancements that can last for a while without you having to touch it up or putting in the effort to do your makeup, again and again, every day. That perfect lip color you always wanted? You can have it. Your desired eyebrow shape? You can get it microbladed.

Let’s discuss, in detail, all there is to know about microblading and different terms used when it comes to brow treatments, like digital microblading, micro-pigmentation, semi-permanent makeup, etc. you’re going to find multiple such treatments, but they mean more or less the same thing.

If you’re someone who has been suffering from hair loss or just has sparse, over plucked, patchy brows, semi-permanent makeup is a godsend for you. You could also simply want to add color and definition to your brows, whether it is in the form of the “Instagram brows” or an understated natural hair simulation brow. You’re going to roll out of bed with perfect eyebrows, with little to no time wasted on making sure both look like identical sisters as you’re running late for work.

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a type of eyebrow enchancement service that strives to create the best shape suited to your face and eye shape. The process uses a sloped blade with 10 to 12 little needles at the end of a pen-like structure. The needle is thin but blunt enough to not penetrate the skin but just scratch the surface, similar to a paper cut.

The needles gently graze the top of the skin, with a medical-grade pigment being transferred onto the epidermis layer of the skin that creates realistic, fine, and natural-looking hair strokes.

How is it Different from Tattooing?

People often confuse microblading with tattooing, it one of the most popular questions asked by those interested but skeptical about the treatment- what is the difference between microblading and tattooing?

The main difference is that microblading is semi-permanent, while tattooing is permanent . It the world of makeup, the term permanent and semi-permanent are used interchangeably because while microblading fades in a few years, it still penetrates into the first layer of your skin.

After microblading has started to fade, you’re still going to see traces of pigment left in the skin tissue. There are makeup artists who use a traditional tattooing method to draw your eyebrows, and unlike microblading, the tattoo ink remains in the dermal layer forever.

To avoid confusion and make a more permanent decision than you intended, always make sure to ask the makeup artists and ask if they are offering eyebrow tattooing using inks or cosmetic tattooing using pigment.

How Long does it Last?

Although we brushed on this in the previous section, it is important to reiterate that microblading does fade over time. Without re-touching, the pigment will fade and will almost not noticible after 2 years.

While you might go for a tpuch up after some time, microblading pigmentation is designed to fade slowly. Thus, you can choose to prolong another appointment. Rest assured, the fading phase will not make your eyebrows look patchy, as the pigmentation usually fades away evenly enough for you to rock it without having to worry.

The most that you’ll have to get done at the maintenance appointment is adding a color concentration to the existing work.

microblading technique

What is the Microblading Procedure?

The process of getting something even semi-permanently done to your face can be nerve-wracking. This is a step-by-step guide to walk you through a typical microblading appointment, so you can get a better understanding

1-     Consultation

Before you choose any procedure, it is important that you have a consultation with the makeup artist to discuss what is involved and the style and shape you’re looking to achieve. This gives the artist enough information about what you want and how they can achieve it, keeping your face and eye shape in mind.

2-     Analysis

Some artists skip this step, but it is important that they perform a full skin tone analysis to determine what pigments to use to achieve your desired brows, especially taking your hair color into consideration. You can also look for more information on pigments and color theory to be better prepared for the appointment in case the artist skips this step.

3-     Preparation

After they have fully examined the situation, artists will use a guide color pencil to draw on the shape of your new brows using calipers to perfect your measurements. After they are done, you can look at the brow shape and approve it before they start the process of microblading. They will administer a topical anesthetic around your brow area to minimize any discomfort.

4-     Procedure

The procedure will take from 60 to 90 minutes. There will be a scratchy sensation at the start, but as the anesthetic starts to work, you’ll stop feeling anything. After the artist has checked the brows for any final adjustments, aftercare is applied.

5-     Top Up Appointment

You will most likely have to come back to the artist, so they can check the shape and color of the healed brow and make any adjustments if necessary. This happens after your skin is healed, which takes around 4-6 weeks after the first procedure.

Your brows do not completely fade after they are healed; rather, the color of your brows will be at least 50% lighter after the initial scabbing comes off. The pigment heals under your skin, not on top of it, thus the fade.

6-     Maintenance

As discussed earlier, you’re going to have to come back after a year or so to refill your brows, as the semi-permanent pigment used for microblading fades over time due to exposure to the sun and your skin tone. These reasons also determine when you’ll require a color boost.

How Much does it Cost?

Semi-permanent microblading will cost $450.0 for the intial procedure (including one complimentary touch up sessions within 2 months)  and $80-$200 per touch up depending on  how long do you wait between touchups.

What are the Potential Risks?

The first thing to note when getting your brows micro bladed is to see if the artist is using sterile equipment. Infection is a potential risk for any permanent or semi-permanent makeup procedure.

You’re opening the skin and inserting pigment into it, the needles come in contact with blood, and if they aren’t properly sterilized, you might end up with inflammation or something worse.

Make sure your technician is either opening up a single-use tool in front of you or properly sterilizing it. We would suggest opting for a single-use tool so that you’re sure, after all, it is your face!

There can also be infection during the aftercare, especially if you don’t follow what your artist tells you. They recommend keeping the area dry and staying out of the sun for about 10 days.

Can you Remove Micro-bladed brows?

Saline Solution

Yes, you can. As the pigment leaves no scarring or discoloration, a trained professional can use a salt and saline solution to remove micro-bladed brows. However, before you make that decision, you need to understand that brows are at least 50% darker in the first few weeks during the healing process. So, if you’re intimidated by the brow color, give it time; you’ll see them beautifully fade in just a few weeks!

Laser

You can get semi-permanent makeup of any kind removed or lasered off. The laser breaks up the pigment into microparticles to allow the body’s lymphatic system to carry it away. As the saline solution, the laser is quite effective in reducing the amount of pigment in the skin.

Dos and Don’ts of Microblading

If you’ve gotten your eyebrows microbladed, chances are you paid a pretty penny for them. You can botch your eyebrow work if you’re not careful with it, especially during the healing period.

  • Do not use any cleansers containing acids or exfoliants from day 1 to 7 of you getting your eyebrows done.
  • Apply coconut or rosehip oil to each brow in small quantities every morning and night.
  • Use a clean pillowcase.
  • Avoid long, steamy showers or 10 days.
  • Avoid swimming for 10 days.
  • Don’t wear makeup or use skincare on your brows until they have healed.

You can also prepare yourself in advance, so the eyebrow work comes out perfect.

  • Do not tweeze, thread, wax, or have electrolysis after one week before the procedure.
  • Do not use any type of facial peel two weeks before.
  • Do not use sunbeds or sit in direct sunlight for two weeks before.
  • Using retinol or Vitamin A can reduce the effectiveness of microblading and make your skin hurt more, as it is sensitive if you’re using these products regularly.
  • Fix your Botox appointment for after, make sure you haven’t gotten Botox in the past 3 weeks as you come for a microblading appointment.

To conclude

While there are alternatives to microblading, itis one of the least invasive procedures that is guaranteed to turn heads if done properly and requires little to no maintenance. There is little to no pain, with perfectly shaped brows all the time, that fade after a year so that you can try a trendier brow look. A perfect package that you won’t regret!