Microblading is the NEWEST REVOLUTIONARY eyebrow trend that spans from America to Malaysia for women and men. Microblading is also known as Embroidery, 3D Brows, 6D Brows, & Hair Stroke Brows. All of the above are a permanent cosmetic tattoo technique done with a manual pen that penetrates the top layer of skin with pigment, offering a realistic, dimensional and natural brow consisting of fine hair like strokes instead of a “block of color”. A new year is on the horizon, though, as new trends are exploding in the beauty industry. The forecast is, that 2018 will be the year for microblading domination. The technique of inserting pigment after the creation of fine incisions in the skin may date back thousands of years. The trend towards using the technique for eyebrows emerged in Asia and was known as feathering or embroidery prior to becoming known as microblading. The lip, eyelid, and eyebrow are just a few places that microblading can be done. Microblading is an incredible solution to a beautifully natural, fuller brow no matter how wonderful your brow situation. Cosmetic tattooing has been around for a really long time, but microblading has become very popular because it looks so natural and a more sophisticated brow trend that has developed. Various celebrities state, “Indeed the way to get a soft, natural-looking set of arches is the semi-permanent microblading feather tattooed arch”.  In real life, many of us have to turn to stencils, pencils, gels and powders to achieve a look that is nowhere near the perfect brow of microblading. However, the latest trend in permanent makeup finally offers the solution to effortless full brows (wake up and go).

Microblading started thriving at the end of 2016, and it is becoming more mainstream. Be advised, those considering it; please do your research beforehand, in advance. Microblade eyebrows have little to no maintenance, so you don’t have to be concerned about your brows washing off with water, smudging throughout the day or waking up extra early to draw them on. This technique is a process that may be used to improve or create eyebrow definition, to cover gaps of hair lost, to extend the tail of eyebrows, or may be used as a fully detailed restoration if the brow has little to no hair at all. Each and every microblading stroke is applied individually, allowing the tattoo artist / beauty therapist / makeup artist / esthetician to control the shape, color and density of the finished eyebrows. The treatment begins consulting with the client on developing the desired shape, then mixing the right pigment of color, then using individual tattoo strokes or ‘feathers’ in the area to plot the shape and style requested. The color choice is client specific and is mixed using a natural selection of micropigments to complement hair color and skin tone.

Yes, microblading involves a sharp needle object, but it is in no way, shape, or form scary, or a high risk.  It’s a form of cosmetic tattooing, but it’s not the old-school method involving blocks of ink, that fades off like an old tattoo, does with age. There is no machinery involved, although an electrical pen or manual pen can be used to achieve the results. The certified microblading specialists use a manual, non-vibrating tool with a tiny, wispy blade that deposits pigment under the skin to mimic the look of individual hairs. It goes nowhere near as deep as a regular tattoo, and the tool allows for more control to achieve those thin, hair-like strokes and leave behind a dreamy set of brows. It is very natural, but it doesn’t last forever, which makes it great for someone who’s scared of the commitment physically or financially. It’s a great way to enhance your natural beauty and shorten your everyday makeup routine. If you think your brows are just the worst and have no hope, think again. Microblading is a great solution for clients who want to fill in sparse or over-plucked eyebrows, improve their eyebrow shape, cover up scars, or define their eyebrows. Amazingly, it can restore the confidence in clients with alopecia and provide hope in patients that are cancer survivors.

The procedure itself, takes about two hours, and is painless, as your brows are numbed with a cream before the procedure, with a short 30-minute follow-up in four to six weeks after the initial treatment. The prices can range from around $300 and up to $1500, depending on the city and the place you’re getting them done. It’s not a cheap service, but nothing worth it is ever free. During the two hours, the specialist discusses the before care regimen, maintenance care regimen and after care regimen. Then the specialist analyzes your facial structure, eyebrow hair pattern, hair, skin tone and takes detailed measurements. Based on the analysis, your shape is freely drawn on without the use of a stencil however, using a facial ruler. The specialist discusses your desired results, then draws out your brows and gets the client’s confirmation. They then mix pigment to match your hair and then do the actual microblading. Pigmented color corrector can be used at later visits to adjust the coloring of the brows, if needed. A bolder look is more suitable for someone who wears lots of make-up all the time and someone who barely wears make-up would be more suited to a natural hair stroke brow. To achieve the most natural-looking results, the integrity of your natural eyebrow is made a subtle facial enhancement that makes a semi-permanent big difference.

Feedback is encouraged from the client, and the microblading process will only start once the client is completely comfortable with the shape and color. Once the client gives the final ok, the projected brow goals are just one hour away from completion. Healing time will vary for different cultures, after about a week or two; you will slowly start to see and appreciate the beautifully created arches of your eyebrow goals. It takes approximately a week or so for them to heal, during which the brows must be kept dry from water due to the chlorine and sweat. A healing topical must be applied daily such as a triple antibiotic cream, A & D ointment or petroleum jelly. During this healing process, some areas of the brows will retain pigment more than others. There will be minor scabbing and a mild itching feeling, so the client should be forewarned not to panic with great fear if the brows are a bit off and not to pick at the scab, as this can easily be fixed during the second treatment appointment.

For the first three to four days, brows usually look bold and intense as some of the pigment oxidizes at the superficial surface before shedding off. After five to eight days, the client may be able to see some light shedding off the extra pigment. After shedding, the client’s brows will appear lighter and softer, and some areas may have lost more pigment than others; which is why it is very important to come back for a one month touch up. The final results will vary, the pigment will gradually fade over the span of one to three years, and annual touch-ups are a good idea practice and highly recommended, if your new arches are in need of sprucing up. Everyone’s skin is unique and holds the pigment differently depending on skin type, skincare regimen, and lifestyle.

Unquestionably, first and foremost, it is urged that anyone looking to try microblading should do extensive research. Due to the growth in this trend’s popularity, many people, or should I say anybody can get a license to practice in a matter of days, without prior experience as a tattoo artist or licensed skin care professional. There is currently no minimum microblading training requirement in the state of Illinois, besides a three-hour blood borne pathogens course that can be taken online and tattoo license registered by the city. Safety and sanitation is a major factor to prevent cross-contamination from client to client. Microblading requirements & regulation vary from state to state.

Microblading is a highly technical and artistic skill that takes years of practice to master. It is imperative to choose a reputable and experienced professional who is board certified, licensed, and insured and operating in a safe, clean clinical environment. Short term courses are not enough training. If considering microblading look for someone who has been specializing in eyebrows, skin care, and knowledge of tattoos for a long time. Do your research and look at pictures of before and after  healed results.

Doing your research is vital. Check all training credentials, view the artist’s portfolio and don’t be afraid to verify that the work is that of the artist’s and not courtesy of the company they had training with. Microblading is not a technique you can learn to master in one day, but with a well-trained specialist and certified professional school there should be low- to no-risk. A properly trained specialist will send notice prior to your appointment so you will know what is needed to prepare and consider any contraindications. On the day of your visit, your artist should initiate a patch test, conduct a thorough consultation discussing shape, color and expectations. Afterwards, they need to take you through the appropriate aftercare and schedule the next appointment 4 weeks out.

Recommended Aftercare Products used:

Aftercare consulting is done on every client, but set on an individual basis after each treatment, A & D ointment and petroleum jelly is used as a soothing balm which is immediately given to clients to apply to post-treatment which assists with the healing process.

 

Eyebrow Before Care (Prior to Appointment):

  • No waxing or tinting 3 days before
  • Highly sensitive during your menstrual cycle
  • Do not exercise or work out the day of the procedure
  • No alcohol or caffeine on the day of the procedure
  • Do not take Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin, or Vitamin E 24-hours prior to procedure.
  • Do NOT tan or have a sunburned face.

 

Eyebrow Aftercare:

  • NO water, cleansers, creams, makeup or any other products on treated area for 10 days
  • DO NOT scratch, pick, or rub the treated area (Picking causes scarring). Allow scabbing or dry skin to naturally exfoliate off.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 3-4 weeks after procedure
  • Avoid heavy sweating for the first 7-10 days
  • NO facials, botox, chemical treatments and microdermabrasion for 4 weeks (No exfoliation to the area)
  • Avoid sleeping on face for the first 10 days

 

  Contraindication (Microblading not recommended):

  • Pregnant or nursing
  • Using blood thinners
  • Used Retinoid ( Retin-A & Accutane) in the past year
  • Botox treatment in past 2 weeks
  • Pacemaker or Heart problems
  • Undergoing Chemotherapy
  • Viral infections or Diseases
  • Undergoing hormone therapies
  • Diabetic
  • Epilepsy
  • Organ transplant
  • Skin irritations or Psoriasis in the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
  • Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
  • Prone to keloids

FAQ’s – Before & After Care:

Oily Skin: Clients having extremely oily skin may experience a different result with microblading than the clients with normal to dry skin type. Oily skin types allow more fading of color faster and the strokes do not heal as crisply. They may possibly even look slightly blurred or dotted. Oily skin typically needs more frequent touch ups in 6-9 months. Oily skin type clients should consider a different technique such as a “shaded brow” instead of microblading.

Down Time: None. Client is able to leave directly after treatment, return directly back to work, and return to daily tasks & errands. There will be very little redness. Brows are healing aggressively over the next 10 days while using a thin layer of triple antibiotic cream, A & D ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the brows protected.

How Long Microblading Lasts: The pigment lasts differently in amounts of time on different people for a numerous of reasons.  After the first 4-6 week touch-up, a third possible touch up may be needed, otherwise, it could last 12-18 months before fading entirely.

Alcohol & Medications: If you drink a lot, take aspirin, or use retinol- stop one week before your treatment. “Retinol makes your skin thin and then you bleed a little more,” Avoid blood thinners, aspirin, and alcohol.

Color Appearance: Eyebrows appear darker & bolder due to natural healing for the first 10 days. This is very common for all permanent cosmetic procedures.