What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent form of cosmetic tattooing. But unlike traditional tattoos, which use a tattoo gun, microblading is used with a hand tool with a blade formed with tiny needle in which pigment is scratched & deposited into the skin in fine, short strokes resembling hair. This technique helps fill in gaps, sparse areas & also can make brows look fuller and add a more desired shape.
How long does Microblading results last?
With microblading, the pigment is applied superficially to your skin, rather than placed into skin’s deeper layers like tattooing where it becomes permanent. Generally, results can last from 12-18 months depending on your skin type & lifestyle. People with slightly more oily skin tend to need a touch up sooner than someone who has normal to dry skin. Without a touch up your body will metabolize the pigment until it eventually fades away. Applying SPF to your brows once they are fully healed will help keep the color from fading faster & keep them vibrant longer.
Who is a good candidate for Microblading?
Microblading is great for those with thin, sparse brows to get some definition & fullness to correct undesirable eyebrow shape. However, it might not look as natural as someone who does have hair behind the microbladed strokes. A good candidate for microblading isn’t necessarily just based on how little brow hair you may have but also your skin type. As I mentioned before, oily skin can make microblading fade faster, so you may have less result time, or your brows may not retain the pigment as well.
Some contraindications for microblading are patients who are currently using Accutane and may have to wait a couple of months after finishing treatment. Accutane can make your skin prone to excessive sensitivity & bleeding.
Anyone who has an allergy to nickel or dye may not be a candidate as well.
Old dye or pigment from previous microblading or brow tattooing.
How are the pigment colors chosen?
Many different factors go into choosing the right pigment color such as hair color, eye color and skin tone. There are many different pigment shades to choose from and can be customized for each patient.
What happens during a microblading appointment?
A full consultation is done prior to microblading. During this time, I will discuss your color options and style preferences (don’t forget to bring inspo images of what you do and don’t want). I will also discuss what to expect post-treatment and aftercare instructions.
Step 1 – If needed, brows are cleaned up by tweezing any stray hairs & trimmed. Pre-treatment photos are taken.
Step 2 - Measurements are done & shape is drawn on to your brows. Keep in mind I will not start microblading until you are 100% satisfied with what is drawn on.
Step 3 – Numbing cream is applied to brows & will sit for 30 minutes.
Step 4 – Numbing cream is removed from brows and the first pass of strokes are made. (Keep in mind that microblading process isn’t just a few single strokes – it requires a few rounds of numbing, pigment, and strokes).
Step 5 – Pigment is applied to brows for 5 minutes (this allows the pigment to penetrate into the scratches).
Step 6 – Numbing cream reapplied to brows for 15 mins then removed.
Step 7 – Second pass of strokes to brows.
Step 8 – Pigment applied to brows for 5 mins then removed.
Step 9 – Post-treatments photos are taken.
Step 10 – Post-treatment ointment applied to brows.
Step 11 – Post-treatment instructions are reviewed with patient.
What should I expect for the first 24hrs post-microblading?
Please note that good aftercare is key to having good results. 50% of the final result is related to a good aftercare routine. After your microblading is completed, healing ointment is applied to brows. The ointment will help protect the pigment and keep the cuts clean and bacteria free. Nothing else should be applied to the brows for 24 hours & avoid getting your brows wet. Keep in mind that your brows will appear 30% darker immediately after your treatment. After a few days they will become their true color. After 24 hrs. you may gently cleanse brows with a gentle cleanser & apply aftercare serum to brows. Serum should be applied with a clean Q-tip to prevent any infection. It is especially important to not sweat post-treatment (sweating may cause the pigment to be pushed out).
What should I expect Days 1-14 post-microblading?
After 24 hrs. you may gently cleanse brows with a gentle cleanser & apply aftercare serum to brows twice a day. The aftercare serum helps promote natural healing & reduces levels of microorganisms. The serum is antibacterial & antimicrobial to inhibit the growth of microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, E.coli, VRE, candida albicans, aspergillus niger & Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Redness, swelling, and scabbing are all common during the first 5-7 days of microblading. It is very important to not pick at the scabs which can lead to infection & pulling the pigment out.
Avoid exercising, hot tubs, sauna, steam rooms, pools, and ocean during the healing process.
Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds.
Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive when cleansing brows.
Do you still have to tweeze or wax your eyebrows after microblading?
Yes, you will still have to tweeze or wax your eyebrows after microblading, if you’re someone who prefers a clean, groomed look. Your eyebrow hairs will continue to grow like normal, so if you like to touch-up stray hairs or shape your brows, you’ll still need to tweeze, wax, or thread.
