With the innovation of new techniques every day, it isn’t exactly surprising to know you can get semi-permanent makeup.
Microblading, also known as eyebrow embroidery or micro-needling is considered the most popular type of semi-permanent makeup. Microblading’s recent popularity has also spawned interest in microfeathering and microshading. The two techniques give you different brows depending on your preference.
Growing out your brows can be a total pain and this is where microblading comes in. However, it is important to get well informed about what microblading is, whether it works and if it’s painful. You have probably seen a lot of horror and success story concerning microblading.
Table of Contents
- What Is Microblading?
- Types Of Microblading
- Benefits Of Microblading
- Cons Of Microblading
- Aftercare Of Microblading
- Is microblading painful?
- How long does microblading last?
- How much does microblading cost?
- Does Microblading ruin your natural eyebrows?
- Does Microblading look bad at first?
- Does Microblading stop hair from growing?
- Can I wash my eyebrows after 7 days of Microblading?
- How many sessions do you need for Microblading?
Not to worry, if you haven’t been sucked into the world of microblading before, then you are in the right place as this would include important questions you need an answer to on microblading and everything you should know such as pains, cost, and risks before fixing an appointment. Here we focus on bringing everything microblading is all about to you.
What Is Microblading?
The first step to understanding microblading is to think of it as a tattoo. Microblading is a technique that involves using a super-fine pen-like tool (micro-needling, technically a bundle of 10 to 12 needles) to deposit pigment into the skin. The artist can also use a shading technique that involving plucking your skin to deposit the ink manually.
You should know microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattoo and it comes in really handy if you do not want to spend extra time getting your brows done in the morning or you simply want thick brows without the fear of them fading during your workout or beach.
Many people swear by microblading and claim the results are worth it. The result of microblading is tiny-hair-like strokes that create natural and fuller-looking eyebrows.
The process of microblading is very precise thanks to the effective tool being used. Microblading, unlike tattoos, is not done in the deep layer of your skin but rather done on the surface. It is done with a pen-like tool with the nib being a sloped blade that just delicately scratches the surface of the skin like a paper cut.
Types Of Microblading
There are two types of microblading which are the basic one and the bold one. You can also combine both types of microblading depending on how bold or soft you want it to be. Both microblading types are versatile which allows you to combine or add several effects.
1. 3D Hairstroke Brows
This is a basic type of microblading and it purely just comprises a hair stroke effect created by one blade. With this type of microblading, there is no shading or powered effect and uses less pigment. This style of microblading lasts around 9-12 months before a top-up is needed.
2. Soft/ Powder Brows
This is great for those who enjoy a ‘powder/tint/HD brow’ look and not a hair-stroked look. It is highly recommended for redheads, blonde-haired people, or those with naturally fair eyebrows. This style is considered the most popular for clients who are using more pigment and it can last around 12-18 months before top-ups are required.
Benefits Of Microblading
Microblading is believed to have originated in China in the early ages but in the past few years, it has gained popularity in the West and its popularity can be attributed to some benefits it provides. Microblading is one of the latest trends in the fashion and make-up industry. Here are some of the benefits of microblading:
1. It Saves Time
Microblading tends to reduce the amount of time it takes you to get ready in the morning. For many women, getting their makeup done before leaving the house is a daily routine and while they are steps that can be skipped, getting an eyebrow done isn’t one of them. Microblading allows you to spend less time filling in your brows and you can rather sleep an extra 15 minutes every day.
2. Easy Solution To Regain Eyebrows
Microblading will be of great benefit to anyone who has lost their eyebrows to illness or chemotherapy. It is considered a better alternative to having pencils drawn as you can easily get natural-looking brows in a couple of hours.
3. Hassle Free And No Maintenance Required
You do not have to worry about arching your brows in a particular shape every time you do your makeup. This is probably one of the best parts about microblading. Once you get the procedure and the healing process is completed, you can virtually forget about it!
4. Painless And Safe
Microblading is safe provided it is performed by a professional and licensed aesthetician. Sure there are some risks to any procedure but it’s minimally invasive and has very little downtime.
5. It Can Last Up To 3 Years
You should consider microblading as a semi-permanent tattoo that gives you perfect brows for a period of 2-3 years. Microblading is not permanent and its duration varies from person to person and in the best cases, it lasts up to 3 years. However, you do not have to rush to the salon to get your eyebrow fixed every time you have an occasion.
6. Pigment Does Not Change Colour
Your eyebrow isn’t going to turn grey or blue. It is nearly impossible to spot the difference between a microblading eyebrow and the natural one. While it is often common for tattoos to turn green, this won’t happen with microblading. The pigments used in microblading are all organic and specifically made to be so hence they do not change color, only lose saturation over time, and becomes due for touch-ups.
The process of microblading is considered very quick compared to getting a permanent makeup or tattoo. With the help of a professional aesthetician, you will face no problem and have it finished in 2-3 hours.
Cons Of Microblading
One of the primary downsides of microblading is infections. Microblading has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages as well however this is minimal. As the eyebrow gets more popular, lots of people are offering eyebrow blading at cheap prices and there are disadvantages to this.
The use of low-quality or unsterile equipment can lead to many skin issues and one of the common ones is infection. This is why it’s important to get your microblading done by a professional. The aftercare is just as important as the procedure and if it’s not done by a well-skilled person, it can lead to permanent scarring.
Allergic reactions are also a possibility. The numbing cream and the ink used might not be favorable to sensitive skin types.
Aftercare Of Microblading
Once your eyebrows have been microbladed, aftercare is another essential step to take note of. Microblading cuts into the skin in the area of your eyebrows and your skin are going to become sensitive afterward. So there are a few things you should know about maintenance and aftercare.
- About two hours after getting microblading, run a wet cotton swab dipped in sterilized water over the affected area to get rid of any excess dye and keep the area sterile
- Do not pick, wax, tweezer, or have electrolysis for one week straight
- Do not wear makeup for at least a week
- Stop the use of Vitamin A or retinol for one month prior
- Do not have any type of facial for two weeks prior
- Avoid exercises, saunas, swimming, and excessive sweating until the area is completely healed
On The Day
- Do not drink coffee two hours prior to your appointment
- Do not drink alcohol 24-48 hours to your appointment
- Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen 24 hours prior.
Is microblading painful?
Short answer: Yes microblading is painful. Some certain level of pain and discomfort should be expected but less than a typical tattoo or as much as a Brazilian wax. But there is definitely discomfort that feels similar to quick paper cuts.
The process of microblading itself is not painful thanks to the numbing cream but the reported painful part is when the dye is applied with high alcohol content, it stings a bit but as soon as it’s wiped off, the pain goes completely.
How long does microblading last?
Microblading is expected to last anything from 12 months to 18 months. But how long the pigment lasts depends on skin type and sensitivity. Touch-ups can be necessary every 6 months or every year depending on your skin type. Microblading on people with slightly oily skin can last around the 12-month mark before a touch-up is needed while normal skin types can have theirs last 18 months.
How much does microblading cost?
The cost of microblading can be pricey depending on the location and artist’s expertise. Most spa in Lagos charges 80 thousand naira for both the microblading procedure and the aftercare.
Does Microblading ruin your natural eyebrows?
No, microblading does not affect your natural eyebrows although they are some considerations like irritation on your eyebrows after getting microblading however there are no lasting effects on your natural eyebrows, even when it seems all your eyebrows need to be reshaped.
Does Microblading look bad at first?
Microblading looks dark and thick after your first initial service and this can last for weeks which allows you to access them and decide if you like them or not. This thickness and darkness eventually fade even before your touch-ups.
Does Microblading stop hair from growing?
When it’s done correctly, microblading should not have any effect on your natural hair growth. It can sometimes stimulate hair growth instead which is a win-win for most people.
Can I wash my eyebrows after 7 days of Microblading?
No, you must avoid washing your eyebrows for 10 days post microblading procedure. Water, lotion, soap, or makeup must not touch your eyebrow area during the first 7 days after your procedure. Hence you should have your face washed carefully around the eyebrow area without getting water on the microblading area.
How many sessions do you need for Microblading?
2-3 sessions are often all the treatments you need. It is common to achieve your desired treatment in just 2 sessions while the 3 sessions are often desired by those who have oily skin or have no natural eyebrow hair.
Final Thoughts
The semi-permanent secret to getting a fuller brow is Microblading and it’s the perfect way to get your brows reshaped without losing any hairs. Microblading is a technique that is most preferred today as it’s all about creating the best brows for each face. With proper care before and after microblading, you can have amazing brows.
We would love to know what you think about microblading and if you have ever had it done before, please leave a comment below. If you are still not sure about microblading, check out our article on what experts think about microblading and what people who have done microblading ahs to say about it.
