9 Things You Need to Know Before Getting Microblading

Since eyebrows have become a big trending part of our identities, many of us women have put a BIG focus on how our brows look. This generally involves a lot of time (and money) plucking, threading, waxing, or the use of makeup to fill them in. It's no wonder that we want to save more time and money with a more permanent option.

The only issue with that is that eyebrow trends and of course our own personal preferences tend to change, so it can be a difficult decision to go with a semi-permanent option like permanent makeup and microblading. It's such a wonderful feeling to just wake up and have perfectly shaped and filled in brows with hardly any effort on your own part. This is why hundreds of thousands of women choose to get their eyebrows microbladed each year.

If you're curious if microblading is right for you, we have compiled all the things you should consider before committing to this procedure.

1. It takes two sessions

The first session is about two hours give or take from start to finish. First, we discuss the type of eyebrows you're looking to have, taking into account your facial structure and features. After mapping out the eyebrow design, and double checking with the clients to ensure they are satisfied with the shape and size then the actual microblading process takes place.

After the initial session, we then schedule a perfecting "touch up" session to see how the skin has healed, and then perform any needed adjustments such as color and density about 6-8 weeks later. We also recommend an annual touch-up appointment to maintain the desired brow look.

2. It involves technique similar to traditional tattoo, but is still very different

Just like when getting a traditional tattoo, microblading uses very small needle to deposit pigment into your skin. A handheld tool is used to deposit the pigment into the upper layers of the skin to create natural hair-like strokes.

The difference between traditional tattooing and microblading involves both the depth of the pigment, and the tool used to complete the procedure. With many types of permanent makeup, it's actually semi-permanent since the pigments used and only being on the upper layers of skin, are designed to break down over time to fade away unlike traditional tattoos.

3. Skin type may affect results

It's so important to do your research and find the right technique to achieve the type of brows you want. Microblading can benefit certain skin types better than others. For example, oily skin types often will not maintain the crisp lines as much as drier skin types do.

4. Some say it hurts, others say it's just a little discomfort

Generally, there is little to no discomfort, but each person has different thresholds of pain tolerance. Many artists use topical numbing creams before the procedure to lessen the pain or discomfort. Of course, this process does involve needles scraping the skin.

Afterwards, there may be slight redness, swelling, or discomfort. This is why it's important as well to follow the aftercare instructions to ensure the healing process goes smoothly.

5. Microblading is not for everyone.

It’s important to mention that not everyone is an ideal candidate for microblading. Pregnant women or nursing mothers are not good candidates. Also those that have certain medical conditions such as cancers, diabetes, transmittable blood diseases, or certain skin conditions. Also medical conditions requiring the use of medications that thin the blood should speak with their physician to make sure the procedure is right for them.

6. Microblading doesn't affect natural hair growth.

A huge myth about microblading is that it will cause your natural hair to now grow. That's simply not true. In fact, actually in some cases it stimulates hair growth by stimulating your hair follicles, which can help create a fuller look. But otherwise, it will not cause any new hair growth to be stunted.

7. Your microblading artist can make or break your look.

It is very important to do your research when deciding on a microblading artist or facility. Many states have different laws, regulations, and certifications needed. Not only is safety a huge factor, but also so is the artists portfolio. You want to ensure you choose someone who follows all safety measures and that is experienced.

Microblading is doing something [semi]permanent to your face. Do your homework and ensure the artists you are looking at have a wide portfolio of before, after, and healed images to help you make your choice.

8. The healing process can take up to a month.

We often tell our clients to "trust the process." It can be quite the roller coaster over the course of the two months after the initial procedure. After the first couple of days following the first session, the pigment is definitely noticeable and can appear very bold and dark. Around the fourth or fifth day slight skin flaking may start to occur. It is VERY important to NOT pick at it. When flakes or little scabs get picked at prematurely, it can cause the pigment to come out with it which will lead to loss of or no color in those areas.

After about 30 days, the new skin has fully regenerated and the true color is now defined. Again, it takes two sessions, so you will go through two healing processes.

9. Follow after-care instructions

During those first 4-6 weeks during healing, it is advised to avoid excessive sweating and water. Therefore, you should avoid working out, excessive sun exposure, and swimming. Of course you will want to keep the area clean, but avoid excessive water during the healing process.

After the skin has fully healed we recommend to use sunscreen and keep your brows out of direct sunlight or tanning beds. Certain topical products designed to exfoliate or speed up cell turnover rates can also cause your eyebrows to fade for quickly, so for extended longevity avoid those types of products.