Eyebrows play a key role in keeping your eyes clear of moisture and debris. Eyebrows also have the power to completely transform your appearance. The eyebrows can be shaped to draw attention to our eyes. They can also be shaped to draw attention away from minor flaws, such as eyes that are too far apart or eyes that are too small.
There’s a good reason women spend so much time plucking and tweezing their brows, but what a hassle. And what if your eyebrows are thinning or non-existent? Are you supposed to draw your eyebrows on? That hardly looks natural. Permanent tattooing is an option but what if you’re not happy with the final design?
Professional microblading is the semi-permanent method that is the perfect halfway point between drawing eyebrows on and tattooing them permanently in place.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a popular salon treatment for people with thin eyebrows who want darker, shapelier brows.
Microblading and Permanent Makeup Eyebrow Tattooing Are Different Procedures
Microblading might seem like a permanent tattoo, and the two cosmetic procedures are similar. Whereas tattooed eyebrows use a machine to add pigment to the eyebrow area, microblading uses a manual, handheld tool fitted with tiny needles.
The tool for microblading looks like a pen with a sloped nib at the end that contains ten to twelve needles. The points of the needles don’t penetrate your skin. Instead, they delicately scratch the surface, like a paper cut. Tattooing, by comparison, goes into the much deeper layers of the skin.
Microblading is reserved for the surface layers of skin. The brow technician makes featherweight hair strokes around the eyebrow area. Color pigments are added simultaneously, allowing the aesthetician to draw each individual eyebrow hair. The end result allows for fuller, better-shaped brows.
What Brow Shape Will You Choose?
The after-effect of microblading looks as natural as can be and can be customized in a wide variety of ways. Ideally, your eyebrows will end up looking like super-defined complements of your facial shape and personality.
Professional microblading is not without risks. Unless the salon is sanitary, and the brow specialist is skilled and mindful, infections can occur because of the tiny breaks in the skin. Choose the right salon and a skilled aesthetician, and you can safely enjoy microblading like millions of other women around the world.
The initial microblading session takes a couple of hours. Afterward, your eyebrows will appear dark, but the effect will fade to a normal shade following the healing process.
After a few weeks of fading, a touch-up may be needed to maintain your favorite eyebrow color.
When Did Microblading Eyebrows Become a Thing?
Microblading originated in Asia but only recently gained popularity in the West. The brow technique proved to be popular almost immediately with women who were otherwise used to penciling in their eyebrows because there was almost nothing there. Can you relate? If so, then microblading might be right for you.
What Can I Expect During the Microblading Process?
Preparation Stage
The eyebrows must be prepared for the microblading appointment. The technician will begin by threading your natural hairs and tidying the eyebrow area.
Numbing Gel
To ensure your comfort, a topical ointment is added to the eyebrow area to numb the skin. It takes around forty minutes for the agent to kick in. During this time, your technician may show you assorted colors and shapes to get an idea of your desired look.
Frame
Just before making the first swipe with the microblade pen, the technician will measure the area around the eyebrows. Other facial characteristics are considered, such as your facial symmetry, size and positioning of your eyes, and overall shape of your face. This allows the technician, like an artist, to create the best and most harmonious design.
Needling Hair Strokes
The technician makes featherweight strokes with the microblade pen. Each stroke slices a superficial line in the skin, allowing the pigment to seep into the line and settle in.
If at any stage you feel discomfort, tell your technician. Another layer of numbing ointment can be added at any time.
Final Layer
After the technician creates the final artificial eyebrow hair, a final layer of pigment is added and kept on the eyebrows for five minutes. The area is then cleaned before the final reveal.
Top-Up
Your technician will ask you to return in six to eight weeks. During that appointment, areas where the pigment hasn’t settled in or healed properly can be filled in. If you wish, you can add a darker pigment at this follow-up appointment for greater definition.
Microblading Aftercare and Home Care
When you return home after your initial appointment, your eyebrows could be irritated. The treatment area might even itch. It is critical that you refrain from scratching or picking at the area, or you may undo all the technician’s hard work.
Eyebrows healing after a microblading appointment can change color, fade in color, and become flaky. This is normal. It will take around thirty days for the final color and shape of your microbladed brows to appear.
A second session can help your eyebrows maintain their proper fullness and shade.
You are encouraged to care for your microbladed brows at home. Gently wash your eyebrows in the morning and in the evening with antibacterial soap and water. Pat the area dry to keep from removing any pigment.
You can also apply a bit of rosehip oil or coconut oil in the morning and at night to keep the area clean and protected.
Remember to use a clean pillowcase and not to wear any makeup or skincare products until your eyebrows have healed. Remember, your eyebrows are not finished until you have completed the second microblading appointment.
Which Microblading Color and Shape is Right for You?
When visiting the salon for a microblading appointment, you are encouraged to bring images of the style of brows you prefer. Magazine cutouts or printouts from the web can give your technician a visual to work from, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Even if you don’t bring a visual aid, technicians use their training and experience to give you fashionable brows. If you are particular about your eyebrows, convey your ideal shape and shade as clearly as you’re able to for more personalized results.
The technician can help you choose the perfect shape by measuring your eyebrows with a microblading ruler. The technician also considers your face shape and preference.
The color you choose should coincide with the color of your skin.
How to Choose the Ideal Microblade Color
The technician will examine your hair and eye color, as well as your skin tone using the Fitzpatrick Scale, to determine the perfect microblading shade.
What is the Fitzpatrick Scale?
The Fitzpatrick scale is a numerical classification system for human skin color. It was created in the mid-seventies by American dermatologist Tomas Fitzpatrick as a way to estimate the effects of distinct types of UV (ultraviolet) light on human skin.
How Many Months Does Microblading Last?
With proper maintenance, your microbladed brows can last anywhere between twelve and eighteen months. The longevity of the pigment will depend on the type of skin you have. Oily skin may cause the pigment to fade quicker. A top-up might be needed at twelve months if your skin tends to be on the oily side.
Normal skin types can sometimes last up to eighteen months before a top-up is required.
The eyebrows will eventually fade away if you fail to top up your brows around the eighteen-month mark.
And that’s all you can expect. There will be no scarring or discoloration around the eyebrows, which means there will be no evidence left behind that microblading was performed in the first place. You can’t say the same for permanent tattoos.
What Else Should You Know About Microblading?
Does Microblading Hurt?
The discomfort involved with microblading isn’t so much the pain but the sound. Remember, a numbing agent is applied to the area, so you won’t feel the micro-cuts very much. The act of slicing the skin does create an unpleasant sound. While you are getting new eyebrow hairs, you might hear a scratching sound as the needles move across your skin, which can be annoying.
The good news is the process is fast. The longest part of the process is waiting for the numbing agent to kick in, so don’t think you’re going to be under the needle for the full two-hour appointment.
Can Eyebrow Microblading Be Removed?
An eyebrow microblading treatment can be undone by using a salt and saline solution. There will be no evidence of the microblading left behind. This is important to know in case you’re not thrilled with the final outcome. Just know that your eyebrows will be up to 40% darker for the first two weeks as the eyebrow area heals. Scabs can also form and flake off. This is normal. It’s best to let the dark shade fade before deciding you don’t like the ultimate result.
How Much Does Microblading Cost?
At Mitchell’s, we offer microblading that looks like your natural eyebrows for a flat fee of $600.00. Schedule today to work with one of our microblading experts.
Heed the Do’s and Don’ts of Microblading
Before you arrive for your appointment, your technician will give you instructions that will help you get the most from your appointment. Here are some examples of things you may be told.
You are not to wax or tweeze your eyebrows for up to a full week prior to your appointment. You shouldn’t use sunbeds, sit in direct sunlight, or use special facial peels for up to two weeks prior.
Stop using Retinol or Vitamin A and Botox for up to a month prior.
And no exercising or taking aspirin or ibuprofen up to 24 hours in advance. You’re also asked not to drink coffee for up to two hours prior to your microblading appointment.
Choose Your Salon and Technician Carefully
When deciding on a beauty salon and aesthetician, do your research. When conducting your research, focus on cleanliness, safety, and technician credentials. Don’t be afraid to ask for examples of the artist’s work. Being able to view before and after photographs, and healed photos as well, can help you make the best decision.
Now that you know more about microblading and the beautiful effects it provides, toss out your brow pencil, your eyebrow makeup, and schedule a consultation with us. We have some of the best microblade technicians in the Cincinnati area, and the testimonials to prove it.Call to find out if you are a suitable candidate for the microblading procedure. If so, we can discuss your ideal microblade shape and shade. Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa has four locations throughout the greater Cincinnati area. Reach out now to book your appointment for the perfect eyebrows using the art of microblading.
