The term microblading was coined about 25 years ago in Asia. In various places around Asia, artists experimented with various eyebrow designs, tools, and techniques.
As it has originated from Asia, its foundation is not strong in the United States and so it goes by a variety of names such as eyebrow tattooing, feather tattooing, eyebrow stroking, feathering etc. But it still seems to be more popular in the United States than in Asia.
In the present time, more advanced techniques such as “3D eyebrows” are gaining popularity in the United States.
The popularity of microblading has exploded across Europe also in recent years, and schools and artists have established themselves as leaders in microblading.
Many Bloggers and YouTubers started experimenting with this process, and new artists started advertising their work and building websites.
What is microblading?
Microblading (also known as micro-stroking or feathering)is the technique of applying pigment into the skin using an ultra-fine pen.
The tip of the pen is really fine and precise that it can create hair strokes that actually look real. It is basically tattooing, but using a more delicate and precise handheld device.
Why use a handheld device? Handheld devices are used for microblading to create the illusion of real hair.
However, This method is not permanent as the needle penetrates only the outer few layers of the skin. How long the results of microblading will last also depends on your skin type, lifestyle.
If you regularly get touch-ups done, replenish and take care of it, it can last a longer period of time, even years. So if you want to “up your eyebrow game”, you may as well give it a try.
Who can go for microblading?
The microblading process has the ability to replace eyebrow enhancement products. People who already have their own natural eyebrows and want to color, change the shape or increase the density of the eyebrows are the best candidates for microblading.
However, microblading is also great for anyone with alopecia, people who have lost their hair naturally, lost hair due to intense medical treatments or have any skin or hair ailment.
How much does microblading cost?
So, you have done all the research on microblading and can’t wait to get it done yourself but you are confused about the cost aspect. How much is too much? You don’t want to overpay an artist just because they are claiming to be better than the rest.
The cost of microblading treatment varies depending on the location and artist’s experience and future touch-up appointment. A good quality work costs somewhere between $600 and $1,500 including future touch-up(s).
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What Does Microblading Process Look Like?
1. Designing and Shaping the brows
To avoid skin disorders, treatment begins with a thorough skin assessment. Some pictures (before and after) of the eyebrows may be taken to see the effect of the microblading process.
The process starts with shaping the brows and preparing the area by threading and cleaning up. Then the surface is disinfected and an eyebrow shape is drawn using a pencil keeping in mind what the client wants and what best suits their face structure.
2. Numbing
The area is covered with a numbing cream which should be kept on for some time to work. Some creams may take 15-20 minutes but others longer than that to work.
3. Picking & Preparing the pigment
Before drawing the hair strokes, the esthetician selects the appropriate pigment according to the client’s skin type (oily skin or dry skin) and which suits the client’s natural hairs to prevent unnecessary transformation in the results.
4. The blading process
The artist creates delicate strokes through the skin with a microblading pen and covers it with the prepared pigment from the beginning to the end of the eyebrow replicating the natural hair strokes.
If the candidate feels discomfort during the process, the numbing cream is applied one more time to the area.
Once the session is over, the pigment is applied one last time and When all the hair strokes are done, a color mask is applied for 10-15 minutes and the brows are wiped clean.
5. Aftercare
When the skin heals, some pigment usually pulls out. After the skin has healed completely and the pigment has settled, the artist fills the gaps where the pigment is not properly absorbed or healed.
The microblading process is essentially tattooing. To get the desired results and avoid any infections, it requires appropriate aftercare to heal.
On the day when the microblading is done. Wash your eyebrows with warm water and soap, tap dry gently with a cloth.
Apply healing cream which your esthetician may have provided at least 5 times a day for the first week or as may be prescribed by your esthetician. Avoid using any harsh skin care products or makeup on the brows for a week.
Microblading Before and After
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Is Microblading Painful?
Many microblading clients have said that it seems scary at first but it does not really hurt and it is not painful like getting a tattoo. The numbing gel is applied so that you don’t feel pain.
Does microblading last on oily skin?
People with dry skin types are best suited for microblading. However, if you have oily skin, you can also get microblading done but the results may not last as long as other skin types.
Because the high amount of sebum production in oily skin pushes the pigment out. Consult your beautician about your skin type before proceeding further.
How long does microblading last?
A touch-up will be needed after a month or so. A good quality treatment will last anywhere from 1 year to 3 years. How long it lasts also depends on your lifestyle.
You can extend this duration by taking a few measures like avoiding the direct sun rays as much as you can, avoid applying retinol and glycolic acid. Avoid using harsh skincare products around eyebrows.
Can you be allergic to microblading?
Some people have really sensitive skin and some are allergic to pigments. Before treatment, some artists will perform a patch test on your skin to check if you are allergic or not. If they don’t, insist on one.