The techniques of cosmetic tattooing and permanent makeup are on boom nowadays. Many people prefer having permanent makeup done than going through the practices of makeup every day. One of the most common types of this peculiar art is Microblading.
Microblading is the manual cosmetic tattooing of eyebrows to improve their shape and colour. A licenced aesthetician or makeup artist uses small strokes fine, pigment-dipped needles or blades to deposit it just under the skin. It produces the effect of brow hair, yet it does not smudge when touched or rubbed. Microblading creates eyebrows that are individualized and enhance the unique facial features.
Shading of the pigments gives the brows a more natural and multidimensional look.
Unlike a tattoo, Microblading is different because of certain reasons
- The ink is not as concentrated,
- The body eventually metabolizes the ink making it semi-permanent,
- And the strokes are very subtle and precise to look like actual brow hair.
Who Is It For
Microblading is perfect for people who like to keep their eyebrows maintained to a specific shape and thickness at all times. It is also valuable for those who have thinned out eyebrows, irregular eyebrows, or those who have lost their eyebrows to disease and trauma, such as alopecia.
How Long Will It Last
Microblading is actually semi-permanent. It lasts from 1 to 3 years, depending on a couple of factors; skin type, cosmetic use, and touch-ups. Skins that are oily and have larger pores usually give a less crisp and precise result. Moreover, the inks tend to fade faster in such skins. Frequent use of cosmetics and early exposure of the treated brow to water also fades the Microblading ink. And thirdly, an early follow-up with the artist and touch up if needed, prevents the ink from fading too quickly. A couple of touch-ups after in the first few months result in the better pigment permanence. If no touch up is done earlier or later, the pigment will eventually fade out completely over 18 months.
Pre-Care
Research the professional and the clinical setup before attempting for any procedure. The skillset has a great effect on the outcome of the eyebrows and the final appearance of the face.
Before going for the procedure, the professionals recommend the following
- Three to four weeks before the procedure, stop using retinol and Botox
- For two weeks before the procedure, don’t sunbathe or use deep cleansers like facials and peels
- For one week before the procedure, don’t wax or tweeze the face, especially eyebrows, and stop any blood-thinning medications (after discussing with the doctor), vitamin E and fish oil
- For the last three days before the procedure, do not wax or tint the brows
- On the big day, do not exercise or take alcohol, coffee, aspirin or ibuprofen before the procedure.
The Procedure
The brow is first prepped by threading and made neat. The shape and contour are drawn out to the client’s liking, using a brow pencil, and the area is cleaned. A pen-like tool with, fitted with ten to twelve sterile needles shaped together like a sloped blade is used for the Microblading procedure. The tool is dipped in medical-grade pigment ink and delicately stroked to make superficial cuts along the brow and deposit the pigments right under the skin. It is not as painful as it sounds, maybe similar to getting brows threaded or to subtle scratching. But if it seems too intimidating, a numbing cream can be applied to the brow area. The whole procedure takes about an hour.
A follow-up is done after 4 to 6 weeks to assess the healing and to touch up any gaps and fading of pigments.
Healing
Healing takes about a week after microblading. The eyebrows change the colour, fade a little, and become flaky initially, but settle down within 30 days. The actual colour of the eyebrows becomes clear by the end of the first 10 days.
Top up follow-ups are recommended after the initial appointments to prevent complete fading in 12-18 months.
Aftercare and Risks
Knowing the aftercare before going for the procedure puts off any unfavourable events from happening. The aftercare includes avoiding exposure of fresh microblading to water and sweat. It prevents infections, impaired healing and early fading of the eyebrow tattoo. Ointments and Vaseline help keep it waterproof and protect from bacteria. Stab picking, scratching, sun exposure, use of aggressive cleansers, and too much makeup should also be restricted; retinol and acidic creams are avoided as they fade the pigments.
The pigments also pose a small risk of allergic reactions in sensitive people. This is very rare but if there’s a history of allergies, it is recommended to get a patch test before the procedure.
Cost
Everything in this world, good or bad, comes with a price. Microblading comes with a price too and possibly making a dent in the wallet. Depending on where you get it done and how detailed the result is, it may cost anywhere from 500 to 2000 dollars.
Conclusion
Microblading is a semi-permanent, almost painless alternative to the tedious task of spending hours on making up the eyebrows. It results in filled and satisfactorily shaped eyebrows lasting up to 3 years, with maintenance touch-ups and proper care. Discussing the pre-care and aftercare with the trained professional before the procedure helps avert consequences and adversaries.
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