Microblading 101

Microblading has quickly become 2016’s top beauty trend. I know I’ve bought multiple brow powders, pencils, pomades and stencils in an attempt to reach brow perfection. Get ready to throw all of those away! Arches are in high demand these days: if the eyes are the windows to the soul, then you definitely don’t want to forget about your brows! Unlike the sharpie-esque look of permanent makeup in the past– Microblading is a more natural looking type of semi-permanent makeup that will leave people thinking you were born with perfect arches.

Microblading is the process of implanting color pigment beneath the surface of the skin to produce the appearance of hair strokes. As a result, the design will be waterproof, smudge-proof, totally touchable and completely realistic! Let’s be real here, your purse and your favorite necklace are not your best accessory– your brows are! So why not invest in your brows to make sure they are flawless at all times. Some of us just weren’t born with the thick brows and perfect arch we desire– After Microblading your #browgame is sure to be strong! I know it seems a little pricey (yikes), but think of this as more of an investment. When you think of how much time and moola you spend each year on your brows, the price doesn’t seem so bad after all! So here are my top 3 reasons you need microblading in your life!

#1 Low Maintenance–  After your initial Microblading procedure and, for most clients, your 4-6 week touch-up, you won’t need a touch up on your brows for 12-18 months! If someone can promise me flawless brows for at least 12 months, sign me up!

#2 Less stress in the morning– Say goodbye to the stress of trying to fill in your brows perfectly every morning. And for all of us out there who are fans of the snooze button, say goodbye to multitasking in the car- no one should have to try to create the perfect brow while driving! Essentially, you can wake up, throw on some foundation and blush and say peace out! (Especially if you also have Xtreme Eyelash extensions 😉 )

#3 You’ll be selfie ready 24/7– Those “no makeup” photos have become so popular on social media, and now you’re “no makeup” selfie is going to be flawless!

So what does the Microblading procedure entail? Let’s dig into the details! I asked Live Love Lash Communications Coordinator, Meredith, to give us more details on her experience.

How is Microblading different from traditional eyebrow tattooing?

Microblading is a form of semi permanent makeup which is implemented using a hand held tool comprised of between 6-14 micro needles hence the name microblade. Traditional eyebrow tattooing uses a motorized machine and penetrates the skin much deeper than microblading. Microblading is used to simulate hair strokes in the brow making the results natural looking, hair-like strokes, regardless of the amount of hair present. Traditional eyebrow tattooing uses an ink whereas Microblading artists use iron oxide pigments. With these pigments there is no “spilling” under the skin allowing the strokes to remain crisp and fine and the effects last up to 18 months, after which the pigment fades leaving the skin.

Does it hurt?

Each client is likely to have a different experience when it comes to the actual sensation of Microblading. Your Microblading artist will apply a topical numbing cream 30 minutes prior to your procedure. I found the first pass of Microblading strokes to be uncomfortable, but nothing I couldn’t handle. After the first pass of strokes, another topical numbing cream is applied and can penetrate deeper into the skin through the cuts from the first pass. After the second numbing cream was applied, I couldn’t feel any pain or discomfort.

What is the first session like?

The Microblading appointment books out for 2 hours. The consultation takes up most of this time. Numbing the area takes 30 minutes and the actual tattooing takes approximately 15-30 minutes. Kit will custom design your brow shape based on your bone structure, eye placement, face shape and precise measurements for symmetry. Once your brow design is agreed upon, the topical numbing cream is applied and Kit will help you select a pigment color best suited for your hair and skin color. After the numbing cream has been on the skin for 30 minutes, Kit will begin the Microblading procedure. After the procedure is completed, she will apply a healing salve and you are ready to go! You don’t have to go incognito after the procedure- some clients may experience slight redness, but most are able to walk out the door and show off their new brows!

What else do I need to know?

It usually takes 2 sessions to achieve the desired results. That’s why one free touch up is included and is strongly recommended. Additional touchups (at a minimum charge) may be necessary to achieve desired results as everyone heals differently and many factors can lead to varied results. The first appointment is about structure, design, and building hairstrokes. The touchup is about seeing how the skin heals and retains pigment, as well as making any necessary adjustments to achieve better symmetry and volume. If you don’t feel the need for a touch-up, then it is not necessary. Be sure to read “Am I a good candidate for Microblading?” and “Will Microblading work for me?” before booking your appointment!

Written by Allie Shigeno