What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent form of cosmetic tattooing technique – also termed sometimes as embroidery, feather touch, micro stroking, 3D eyebrow embroidery, or hair-like strokes. The purpose is to sculpt the eyebrows - basically to enhance the shape and fullness of your eyebrows, or to reshape the appearance of the eyebrows.
It involves using a manual handheld blade-shaped tool with a row of tiny, fine-point needles to create hair-like strokes along your eyebrows while depositing pigment into your skin. Microblading can be great for those with thin, sparse brows to get some definition and fullness.
Since the pigment is deposited into the upper region of your dermis, the colour lasts for about 18 to 30 months and as such, it is a semi-permanent alternative to applying makeup, like brow gel, on your eyebrows. Microblading can also act as a solution if you have lost eyebrow hairs (a condition known as madarosis) due to various reasons, such as overplucking, vitiligo, chemotherapy, skin injections etc.
Read on to learn how the procedure works and what you can usually expect after going through it.
How Microblading works
Before the procedure, the microblading artist will run you through a detailed consultation to determine your style preferences viz. how natural or bold you want your eyebrows to look. He/she will take into consideration your natural eyebrow colour, your skin tone and other facial features to determine what will best complement your face.
Using an eyebrow pencil, the artist will then create an outline of your desired brow shape. A topical numbing cream will be applied onto the eyebrow area and after letting it sit for about 30 minutes, the technician will dip the microblading tool into the pigment and make tiny cuts resembling eyebrow hairs within the natural brow.
Once the technician finishes making strokes in the first eyebrow, they will smear the pigment over the entire eyebrow and let it set while they repeat the process on the second eyebrow. The procedure is detailed and may take up to two hours. When the entire process is done, the technician will remove the smeared pigment to reveal thicker, fuller, more precisely shaped eyebrows.
Aftercare post Microblading
Since microblading involves tiny cuts in the skin, it is important to understand how the healing process works
It usually takes 7 to 14 days for the pigment to settle into the outermost layer of skin and for that part of the skin to heal. However, deeper layers of the epidermis continue rebuilding for several weeks after the procedure.
After a microblading session, certain precautions should be taken to prevent irritation and complications:
Avoid using makeup, moisturizers, creams, facial peels, and ointments on the eyebrow area.
As the skin scabs and flakes off, the area may become itchy. But do not pick at or scratch the brows to avoid any infection.
Keep the eyebrows dry, which means limiting exposure to sweat and water from the shower or swimming pool for at least 7-10 days post the procedure. Avoid activities that may cause sweating like going to the gym or sauna.
Avoid direct light or tanning for at least four weeks after the procedure.
Do not let your hair rub against the eyebrows.
Do not sleep on the face for at least 10 days after the procedure.
The side effects may include a little bleeding, tenderness in the area, mild bruising and a darker appearance than intended for the first 6-10 days. See a doctor immediately in case of any noticeable symptoms of infection like redness, increasing pain, pus, open sores, painful red bumps forming within the tattoo area or having fever or chills.
The entire microblading healing process generally takes 25 to 30 days. The time taken for the healing process depends on factors like your skin type, age, and overall health. Once the skin has healed, a person can protect their eyebrows and help prevent the colour from fading by applying sunscreen on the micro-bladed area. The results of microblading typically last for a period of 18 to 30 months. Again, the longevity of the results will depend on your skin type and your lifestyle. The skill of the technician etc. Touch-up sessions may be required every 12 to 18 months to maintain the shape, colour and definition of your eyebrows. Each touch-up session involves some healing time as well.
Merits and Demerits of Microblading
Since microblading has become very popular as a cosmetic treatment, a quick look at the merits and demerits of microblading would be in order:
Merits
Aesthetics - The shape of the eyebrows is important in facial expression and beauty. Microblading by giving a definition and fuller look to the eyebrows enhances the natural beauty of your face.
Convenience - Microblading eliminates the need for drawing on or filling in the eyebrows, which will save you time.
Immediate results - The results of the microblading procedure are apparent immediately.
Low Cost - Once the microblading procedure is done and your eyebrows have healed properly, no other treatment is required until the pigment starts fading and you want a touch-up.
Painless procedure – Unlike other methods of eyebrow tattooing, before the microblading procedure, the technician applies a numbing agent that does away with any pain during the process.
Demerits
Risk factor – The risks associated with other tattoos hold for eyebrow microblading also. Proper research would be advisable before the procedure concerning the credentials of the artist, safety, hygiene standards etc.
Infection – Since microblading breaks the skin, any faulty sanitation procedures may bring in the chance of infection. This, however, can be avoided by adherence to aseptic sterile procedures and maintenance of hygiene.
Allergic reaction - While allergic reactions to organic pigments used for the procedure are rare, they can happen. Do check with the technician regarding the nature of the pigments used and how they confirm allergies.
Unsatisfactory results – In case the microblading artist has not mapped your eyebrows carefully, they may not match up and the results may not be to your liking. While this can be fixed up in a touch-up session, it is still possible you could have a result you do not like for some time.
Who should avoid microblading their eyebrows?
It is advisable to discuss your treatment in detail and share your concerns with the microblading artist before the procedure. Some of the cases where microblading is not advisable are listed below.
If a person:
Is under 18 years of age.
Is allergic to metal or certain dyes.
Has undergone an organ transplant.
Is pregnant or nursing
Has a major heart problem or needs a pacemaker
Has a pre-existing skin condition on or near the eyebrows
Has an autoimmune condition, such as Lupus or Multiple Sclerosis.
Microblading is a very effective tattooing technique that can provide natural-looking results for eyebrow enhancement. Do, however, take out some time to do some research and look for a reputable and experienced practitioner to ensure that you achieve satisfactory results and reduce the risk of complications.
Are you tired of pencilling in your eyebrows every day or dealing with the pain and upkeep of microblading? If so, you may want to consider a different solution for your cosmetic needs - scalp micropigmentation. While microblading is a popular choice for those seeking fuller eyebrows, SMP is an innovative treatment that can help individuals with hair loss or thinning hair achieve a fuller, more natural-looking hairline.
At our scalp micropigmentation company, we offer a range of services to help our clients regain their confidence and feel great about their appearance. From scalp micropigmentation for men and women to scar camouflage and hairline restoration, our team of experienced technicians is dedicated to providing exceptional results that look and feel natural.
So if you're searching for "microblading near me," consider exploring the benefits of scalp micropigmentation.
With our state-of-the-art equipment and personalized approach to treatment, we can help you achieve the look you desire in a safe, comfortable environment. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
