If you are thinking about getting a set of super trendy, full bushy brows, you are probably considering microblading. Before you book a treatment, it is useful to find out everything you need to know about the procedure and to know what to expect.
What is microblading?
Microblading is kind of a permanent makeup treatment for your eyebrows. It is similar to a brow tattoo, with some important differences. First of all, it is an improved version that uses pigment instead of ink. A manual blade is used to make incisions and insert the pigment, but only to the second layer of the skin. You end up having natural-looking, fluffy and dense eyebrows.
It is perfect for people with sparse or overplucked brows or no brow hair at all, who want to look trendy. Big brows have been modern for years now and the trend is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Those who already had the procedure say it is not painful, just a little uncomfortable. It is a safe procedure and does not carry any major risks if you choose a trained and certified artist who works with sterile equipment and sterile conditions.
A good investment
The average microblading cost depends on various things, such as location, the expertise of an artist, the materials used, the popularity of the salon and the competition. The average cost of a microblading treatment in the US is $400. Some go as cheap as $200 but they can go up to $1000.
The price should not be the most important thing when you choose a salon or a microblading artist. If you choose the cheapest one in your area, they can be inexperienced or use low-quality products. Be careful or you might end up paying a lot more money for correction.
Certified, experienced microblading technicians will usually charge a little bit over than average, but at least you will be sure your eyebrows are in the right hands.
Healing can freak you out
Your eyebrows will probably look awesome right after the treatment. You will be head over heels with them! But then, the healing process starts. Some people might freak out during this period if they are not familiar with the process.
It is because you go through several stages during the microblading healing. First, your brows might look too dark, then the scabbing stage happens (some people experience heavy scabbing), then your brows will look as if they are gone. And just when you think that you should complain and ask for a refund, your brows are back!The point is to be patient and wait 4-6 weeks to see the real results.
After your brows are completely healed, it is time for the first touch up. It is a mandatory part of the treatment. The point of the top-up appointment is to fill in the patches, if any, and improve the shape and color if needed.
Aftercare is crucial
The success of your microblading treatment depends on the aftercare as well. You need to follow the post-care tips religiously. It is a kind of tattoo and it is very sensitive when it is fresh. So, in the first 7 days, you need to be extra careful.
Most artists hand out printed aftercare instructions after the treatment. If they don’t, ask them about the aftercare steps and write them down on your phone. You can also find most of the tips on the internet.
Some of the most important aftercare tips are:
- Keep your brows from getting wet (no long showers, saunas, swimming pools, sweating)
- No sun exposure for at least 48 hours
- No makeup for at least 48 hours
- Don’t touch your eyebrows or pick the scabs
- Don’t sleep on your face
It is not permanent
As already mentioned before, microblading is similar to a brow tattoo, but the pigment is inserted into the upper region of the dermis, so it fades faster. The average durability of microblading is 1-3 years. It depends on different factors, such as skin type, lifestyle, the quality of the ink, the touch-up frequency.
If you want your microblading to last longer, annual touch ups are recommended. If you have oily skin or your lifestyle means exposure to the sun, sweat and water, your microblading will fade faster. That is why you need to book top-up appointments more often.
Conclusion
Microblading is popular for a reason – the results are great, your brows look natural and on point and it saves a lot of time. Inform yourself well before the procedure and most importantly, find a good microblading artist.