Microblading For Perfect Brows!!

Have you heard of microblading? Maybe "microstroking" "eyebrow embroidery" or "3D / 6D brows"? Microblading is a relatively new cosmetic tattoo procedure sweeping the beauty industry, offering women (and men) a solution to the need for makeup, or non-existent hair growth to have the most realistic brow tattoo possible!! Read on for more information on the technique and some helpful hints for choosing an artist!

Is Microblading a Tattoo?

YES! Microblading is a form of manual tattooing (i.e. using a hand tool instead of a traditional machine). Just like traditional tattooing, microblading places pigment into the dermal layer of the skin which holds the pigment there permanently.

Permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/microstroking, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup, are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time color is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process as defined by many well-informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources.

Is Microblading Permanent?

YES! Microblading is a tattoo, and tattoos, by their nature and definition are permanent. Some practitioners advertise microblading as a "semi-permanent" procedure, and while this procedure tends to change and fade over time, that does not make it semi-permanent. All tattoos fade with sun exposure, and the eyebrows, being in a position where sun exposure is a daily occurrence will endure some fading with time. There isn't a reliable or steadfast rule to gauge if / when / or how the procedure will fade or change over time, but a general guideline is that people who receive microblading should expect to need a touch up every 12-24 months.

Is a blade used for the procedure?

NO! Contrary to the misleading title, microblading does not actually use a blade to perform the procedure, instead, a grouping of needles is used to create the fine hairstroke lines of the brows. Needles come in different groupings and configurations and chosen based on the artist's needs.

*ALL needles and hand tools are ONE TIME USE ONLY!!*

The only exception to this are autoclavable hand tools (where the handle can be sterilized with an autoclave and re-used with new needles). When choosing an artist make sure they use either fully disposable tools, or autoclavable tools, a general disinfectant is NOT a proper sanitation method for ANY microblading or tattooing tools.

Some artists are very expensive, and others are not, how do you find a good artist?

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The first thing to ask any artist is about their TRAINING!! A great training course is the fundamental keystone to a great microblading artist. There are certainly exceptions to this theory, however, the microblading & tattoo industry is often loosely regulated, and with the uprising in popularity of microblading, there are people who are self-teaching or learning via youtube tutorials and 1 or 2 day trainings! A solid foundation begins with bloodborn pathogen control, color theory, THEN microblading and these subjects cannot be fully learned and digested in 1-2 days.

As a consumer, don't be afraid to ask where your artist had their training and how long it was. Ask for not only photos of their work but for HEALED photos, most microblading looks wonderful after the first procedure, but you have to live with the healed result. An artist who shares healed results openly is a great indicator of their talent and honesty. You can also use the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals website to find an SPCP approved artist.

If you're thinking about learning this art, make sure to find a great trainer, this industry is an investment in your future, so make it a good one and find a 6 day or 100 hour training course to FULLY learn this art so you can give the BEST results possible.

What is the process like?

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The process of microblading can take up to 3 hours for the initial appointment. You may have a consultation on a separate date or at the same time of the tattoo procedure. When you go to your tattoo appointment make sure to not drink alcohol or take ibuprofen / aspirin unless directed to by a physician, anything that thins the blood makes microblading more difficult to achieve good results. Your artist should sit and talk with you about after care and answer any questions you have, and discuss your desires for shape and color. A great artist will draw your new brow shape by hand (not stencil or stamp) to create a shape that's a great fit for your face and desires, sometimes using a special ruler that uses the Golden Ratio to create the perfect brow. Once the shape is determined, you will lie down as the artist prepares their station and begins their procedure to numb you (yep, usually you will get numbed with a lidocaine product for any permanent makeup procedures!). After numbing, your artist will mix a custom color for you and have you agree on the shade, then they will take the microblading tool and start adding the hairstrokes to the brow area, following their pattern. Once the strokes are in place a pigment mask is often used to help darken the pigmentation. Then this is cleaned up and the artist will see if any changes or additions need to be made. Once you're finished you'll have some amazing looking brows and will follow aftercare as directed!

Will it Hurt?

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OF COURSE!... But a better question would be "How MUCH will it hurt?" And the answer to this varies significantly from person to person. Most technicians will use a lidocaine based numbing solution to numb the area which can cut the pain, in some cases, to zero. Others won't use numbing, and sometimes the numbing doesn't work all the way. Remember to breathe through it, the process of the actual tattooing takes an average of 30-45 minutes (which is pretty short when we're talking about tattooing). Some clients describe the pain as merely annoying, or like intense tweezing, for others it's more intense, and some just fall asleep through the whole thing! Do everything you can to minimize pain - don't drink alcohol, don't drink coffee / caffeine, and try to schedule your appointment at least a week before or after your menstrual cycle.

What's the healing process like? Is there any downtime?

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There is virtually no downtime with microblading but there can be some redness, slight swelling or 'weepiness' of the tattoo for a few days following the procedure. If you have more sensitive skin you'll probably see more redness right after. An honest artist won't use instagram (or other) filters before posting results, seeing some redness after a new procedure is normal, and it's important to have a good gauge of what to expect at your visit. Depending on your artist's preferences you'll be given explicit directions on how to care for your healing brows. Usually they will form scabs and look darker than desired for about 7-10 days, then the scabs will fall off and they can look a bit awkward or patchy and light, the full healing time is 4-6 weeks after the first procedure, this is the amount of time it takes for the wound to heal and regenerate new skin completely. After the healing is complete you will usually need a touch up to fill in any places which didn't heal correctly or alter anything else that's needed, and the healing process is the same for this.

Can anyone get microblading?

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ALMOST. People of any ethnicity, hair color and skin color can get microblading, even blondes! But the colors do need to be a certain level of depth to show up on the skin tone, so if you're very fair and have very light hair and are worried about having brows too dark, it might not be a good fit. Other than that only certain medical or skin conditions will waive your eligibility for microblading - such as (and not limited to) - pregnancy / breast feeding, diabetics, hemophiliacs (or other blood clotting disorders), previous permanent makeup tattoo (please consult with your artist), anyone with a disease / disorder which prevents or slows healing, anyone undergoing significant medical procedures, certain medications, any burns or open wounds / acne in the area to be tattooed, there can be other conditions which may make you an undesirable candidate for microblading and you should consult with your artist or doctor if there is any questions.

When in doubt - Follow the strokes & Healed Results!

Kos Angel / Via Instagram: @kosangel13

Choosing an artist can be tough! But in all reality, the saying 'you get what you pay for' can ring very true in the world of microblading. Microblading is quite literally, a tattoo on your face, the eyebrows are one of the key features of the face, so it's important to find a great artist and make your investment in a person and product you can trust. Going a cheaper route or with less trained / talented or experienced artist (or a friend who wants to 'try it out' on you) can sometimes mean needing to spend even more money later on to remedy mistakes. A great artist has a solid training (100 hours or more), has impeccable stroke patterns, and will show you healed result photos without any hesitation.