If you’ve tried everything possible in the market to get lush, thick eyebrows using brow pencils, gels, or waxes yet have still come up short, we’ve got one word for you: Microblading. This semi-permanent tattoo technique creates the illusion of natural-looking and perfectly groomed brows in just under 2 hours.
Unlike a traditional tattoo, which is permanent, eyebrow microblading will only last 1 or up to 3 years with proper care. While semi-permanent tattoos will fade over time, and touch-ups may be necessary, they may be your best bet at achieving realistic and full brows. By applying pigment that is less potent to the uppermost layer of skin, your eyebrows will not be too prominent, dominating your facial features.
To ensure your desired results from eyebrow microblading, it helps to be knowledgeable about the pigment used by the aesthetic clinic and whether allergy tests have been conducted, as well as their procedure and technique. Also, consider if this semi-permanent makeup is ideal for your skin and brow type. Here’s all you need to know about the revolutionary process of eyebrow microblading.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup or cosmetic tattoo procedure. It is a form of eyebrow architecture or embroidery. It’s similar to getting a traditional tattoo, the main difference being that eyebrow microblading is not designed to last as long. Also, instead of a tattoo gun, estheticians use a microblading pen–a slim handheld tool with an angular tip to which 10 to 12 ultra-fine needles or microblades are attached.
At BROWZ, our expert estheticians will skillfully design the ideal brow shape that best suits each client’s facial features. They will then use the microblading pen to delicately scratch the surface (epidermis) of the skin, creating natural hair strokes while applying medical-grade pigment.
What do Microbladed Eyebrows Look Like?
Microbladed eyebrows are designed to look like natural hair. This semi-permanent makeup technique involves manually drawing featherweight strokes of hair, which results in realistically textured and full brows.
Note that microbladed eyebrows may appear darker than expected and be tender for the first few days, but don’t panic; they will gradually lighten and heal over the next 7 to 14 days. It is also crucial to have a follow-up appointment after 6 to 8 weeks to monitor healing and see if any adjustments need to be made.
Is Microblading a Tattoo?
Eyebrow microblading is a type of tattoo that is semi-permanent for cosmetic purposes. Unlike traditional tattoos, the ink used for eyebrow microblading is less concentrated and only applied superficially, so your body naturally metabolises it over time until it fades. Ink needs to be potent and pierce through deeper layers (dermis) of the skin in order to be permanent. Microbladed eyebrows are intended to look subtle but crisp, whereas traditional tattoos are bold and opaque.
How is Microblading Different from Eyebrow Tattooing?
Eyebrow microblading is only similar to eyebrow tattooing in the sense that pigment is applied to the skin. The longevity and appearance of results are different since smaller particles of pigment are used in microblading eyebrows. Pigment also doesn’t reach deep layers of skin, as with eyebrow tattooing.
Unlike eyebrow tattooing, microblading allows you to change the shape and style of your brows as often as you like. Moreover, the equipment used is not the same. Electric tattoo guns are not used when microblading eyebrows. Instead, estheticians manually draw hair-like strokes using a microblading pen, so there will be no buzzing sounds during the procedure.
The Microblading Procedure Step-by-Step
Consultation
Our esthetician will schedule you for an initial consultation, during which you will be asked about your desired look. They will also analyse your facial features, provide input on what type of brow will best suit your face, and explain the semi-permanent makeup technique to manage your expectations of the final result.
Patch Test
We will always conduct a patch test on the skin at least 24 hours before the actual procedure to check for possible allergic reactions. If there are no hiccups a day later, our esthetician will go ahead and draw your desired eyebrow shape using a measuring tool.
Obtaining Measurements
Obtaining measurements enables our estheticians to determine the start and endpoints of the eyebrows while microblading. They will use special tools to measure directly from the eyebrows, ensuring that the shape of the microbladed brows does not look too different or deviate from the natural brows.
Outlining
Our esthetician will outline your chosen brow style over your eyebrows to give you a better idea of how the end result will look. The outline is temporary, a rough sketch that may be darker than the actual result. If you are not satisfied with the outline, you can tell our esthetician, and they’ll be willing to accommodate your requests and make changes until your desired look is achieved.
Choosing the Pigment Colour
Choosing the pigment colour is critical to microblading eyebrows as it affects the final look. Our esthetician will mix different colours to match your skin tone and hair color. They will also ask you to confirm if the chosen colour is to your liking and blends seamlessly with your face.
Applying the Numbing Cream
With your approval of the outline and pigment colour, our esthetician will apply numbing cream to the eyebrow area to ensure minimum pain. Depending on your skin, numbing may take 10 to 30 minutes to be effective. Since it may take more than a few strokes and applications of pigment to achieve your desired result, our estheticians may apply the numbing cream more than once.
Microblading Eyebrows
When the numbing cream has taken effect, our estheticians will use a microblading pen to delicately tattoo the brows. They will apply medical-grade pigment, creating featherlight strokes on the topmost layer of the skin. Once the initial layer of the desired eyebrow shape is in place, a final layer of pigment will be added. To help the skin absorb and allow the colour to set, our esthetician will spread a mask on the microbladed eyebrows.
How to Prepare for the Treatment
Pre-treatment instructions may vary depending on the aesthetic clinic, brow studio, or esthetician. Here are some general recommendations from our advanced skincare clinic in Dubai:
- Inform your esthetician if you’re taking antibiotics. It may be best to schedule your microblading session 2 weeks after your last dose to ensure the antibiotic will not affect the pigment’s colouring while healing.
- Show your esthetician a few reference pictures to give them a better idea of the eyebrow shape and colour you want to achieve through microblading.
- If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, tinted, waxed, or threaded, get these treatments done 3 days before your microblading session.
- Discontinue using retinol and exfoliants 2 weeks before your treatment, as these active ingredients may make your skin more sensitive than usual.
- If you get Botox regularly, do it 2 weeks before microblading.
- Avoid getting chemical peels at least 4 weeks before your treatment.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks before your treatment procedure.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and any blood-thinning medication 24 hours before your treatment.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
On average, a microblading appointment will take two hours, including consultation, measuring, outlining, discussion, and colour matching the chosen pigment. Measuring and outlining usually take the most time, as our esthetician will ensure they achieve the perfect shape of your eyebrows and that they are to your liking. The actual procedure of microblading eyebrows will only take 30 minutes to 1 hour maximum.
How Long Do Microblading Results Last?
The results of eyebrow microblading typically last for 12 to 18 months and can go up to 3 years, depending on your skin type and lifestyle. As microblading is a semi-permanent makeup treatment, the pigment will naturally fade, and you will inevitably need a touch-up to maintain your desired results. On the plus side, the pigment will not transform into other undesirable colours as with permanent cosmetic tattoos.
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