Microblading is a highly accurate, semi-permanent form of cosmetic tattoo. It fills in sparse eyebrows in a natural-looking way, creating the illusion of more hairs on the brow.
Rest assured: there won’t be any of grandma’s sharpie-esque eyebrows with a properly done microblading job.
The procedure is a meticulous one. It is done with a hand tool that resembles an exacto knife. The hand tool has a multi-needle blade that makes tiny and shapely hair-like scrapes as it inserts pigment into the outermost layer of the skin. This process is known as micropigmentation.
Microblading is a form of cosmetic tattoo. It usually last less than permanent makeup, with results lasting between 1 to three years, depending on the person.
You should know that this is a technique exclusive to eyebrows. However, it is possible to get micropigmentation or permanent makeup on your eyeliners or your lips.
Microblading and other forms of cosmetic tattoo are meant to look natural. and enhance your features in a subtle way. A properly done job will look so natural, not even your friends will be able to tell!
Origins
Microblading is the newest kid on the block in the cosmetic tattoo realm. But for decades skilled permanent makeup technicians have been achieving a similar look with the hair stroke technique.
The result is very similar to microblading and generally lasts longer. Permanent makeup machines deposit a greater amount of pigment into the brow area than the microblading hand tool. A greater amount of pigment means it will last longer.
When researching microblading, you might come across many names: microstroking, feather touch, hair-like strokes, 3D eyebrows, 3D microblading, micro hair technique, or eyebrow embroidery.
It’s generally all the same, so long as the esthetician is using the microblading handtool, which ensures the pigment is applied in the outermost layer of the skin.
Why Get Eyebrow Microblading?
There are many reasons why someone would want to get microblading on their eyebrows, but whatever the reason, it almost always boils down to enhancing facial features. Someone might consider microblading if they don’t have a lot of hair on their eyebrows, whether as a result of incessant plucking or waxing, or as a result of health conditions like cancer or alopecia, which usually cause hair loss.
Eyebrows are of immense importance to your face, and keeping well shaped makes you look fresh, neat and beautiful. Remember Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries? Remember how much she changed once they got those bushy eyebrows of her in check?
Just like that, a good eyebrow makeover can make someone look and feel completely different. The problem is, not everyone has a good pair of bushy eyebrows to start with, and even if they did, getting eyebrow microblading will ensure whoever shapes your eyebrows from there on will have a blueprint to follow and never overly pluck or wax.
Microblading Price
Microblading is usually not cheap: it can range anywhere between $300 – $1,600, depending on several factors like location, the esthetician’s experience, and whether he or she is accredited by any certain board. You should keep in mind that microblading is an investment in your self-esteem, your physical appearance and most of all, in how much more time you will have every morning when you don’t have to fill in your eyebrows anymore.
It is an investment that not everyone can afford, however, but if you have decided to invest in microblading or other permanent cosmetics, make sure price is not the defining factor on choosing an esthetician to perform your procedure.
The Procedure
The standard microblading procedure is usually booked in advanced once you have chosen an esthetician you trust. Please don’t rush in choosing an esthetician, because the success of your procedure depends greatly on who does it.
The esthetician should place numbing ointment on your brow area a few minutes before starting to microblade. Never allow anyone to inject local anesthesia, as this is not standard procedure for cosmetic tattoo. Topical ointments work just as well in ensuring the process is done with minimal discomfort and are much less invasive.
When both of you are comfortable, the microblading will begin. The extremely meticulous process usually lasts anywhere around 2 hours. You don’t want to rush a work of art! Especially one that will stay on your face for up to 3 years. You will feel small scrapes on your brow area but it shouldn’t hurt so much that it becomes intolerable. Some people even fall asleep sometimes!
After the Procedure
One of the best parts about this technique is that you will have new, natural eyebrows immediately after the process is done. Go ahead and show off!
Of course as with any cosmetic procedure, it has a healing process. It is of utmost importance that you adhere to the recommendations your esthetician will recommend. The success of your investment will depend on how well you follow these aftercare recommendations.
The healing process is different for everyone, but your eyebrows should have completely healed after about 20-30 days. You might be instructed to return to your esthetician for a touch-up following the healing process. This ensures the job will last longer.
After your eyebrows have completely healed, there are more good news: this requires little to no maintenance. Gone are the days you slaved away filling in your eyebrows every morning. Sleep an extra 15 minutes! 🙂
Interested in becoming a Microblading Technician? Check our our post on How to Become a Microblading/Permanent Makeup Artist here.