If you’re anything like me, you probably go through your eyebrow pencils faster than you can say “Anastasia Beverly Hills.” After years and years of over-tweezing (yikes), applying pomades (badly), and slathering on the brow gel, it might be time to put the products down and try a new alternative. What’s that alternative? Microblading!
For all of us that want full, perfectly groomed, natural-looking eyebrows without the products, microblading is a fantastic option that’s becoming more and more popular amongst beauty enthusiasts. While you might’ve heard of microblading eyebrows before, you might not know exactly what the process entails. Don’t worry – we’ll break it down for you.
So, what is eyebrow microblading anyway? It’s a semi-permanent tattoo procedure where a specially-made handheld microblading pen is used to draw on strokes that mimic the appearance of real eyebrow hairs (1). Basically, it’s what we try to achieve with a fine-point eyebrow pencil. However, you shouldn’t get the process confused with a real tattoo. In this case, the ink used in microblading is a lot less concentrated than it is when it comes to regular tattoos. Plus, the ink is made specifically for the microblading process.
If you’ve got these two terms confused before – don’t worry, you’re not alone. While they rhyme, both processes are completely different. Yes, both are forms of semi-permanent makeup for your eyebrows, but there are two key differences:
You know that feeling when someone calls you on FaceTime when you’re not ready because you haven’t filled in your eyebrows? Or how about that feeling when you NEED to fill in your eyebrows before you go to the grocery store even though you don’t put any other makeup on?
Yeah, you might be someone who could benefit from microblading your eyebrows. With microblading, you won’t have to worry about filling them in every single morning, and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of making sure your eyebrows look even. Oh, and you won’t have to stress about the possibility of your eyebrow pigment coming off throughout the day just like other makeup products. Instead, you’ll have fuller, natural-looking eyebrows without even trying.
I bet you’re thinking: “Wow! Microblading sounds great. What’s the catch?” Well, the catch is that it’s semi-permanent, which means it doesn’t last forever and you’ll need touch-ups. To get more specific, microblading can last anywhere from one to three years. How long it lasts mainly depends on:
If you have an oily skin mood, it’s likely you’ll need a microblading touch-up about once a year since the ink tends to fade or blur faster.
If you decide to go through with microblading eyebrows treatment, we’ll tell you all about what you can plan to expect. For one, your eyebrows will be sanitized and numbed, so try not to do your eyebrows that day. Then, you’ll consult with your microblading specialist to determine the eyebrow shape you want.
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Usually, specialists like to follow the direction of your natural brow hairs while considering your face symmetry and age. This way, they can achieve a natural-looking brow for you. But don’t worry, if you’re not happy with your natural eyebrow shape, you can tell your specialist exactly what you’re looking for. In terms of the color of the ink, a specialist will consult with you on what you want, but they usually choose a color based on your natural brow hairs and your skin’s undertone.
The microblading pen that is used has a sloped blade with around 10-12 small needles at the end. These needles don’t penetrate your skin but just “delicately scratch the surface” (2). Most specialists who focus on microblading describe the scratch like a papercut.
The entire procedure will take anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes and then you’ll need to apply an aftercare ointment to your finished brows for a few weeks to help them heal. Four to six weeks later, you’ll have a follow-up appointment where your specialist can ensure the brows have healed or make any finishing touches if needed.
After your treatment, your brows will look dark and slightly red, but this will all fade as your brows heal. According to most microblading specialists, there aren’t any major side effects, but it’s super super important to keep up with your aftercare to make sure you heal correctly and that you don’t get infected. Keeping that in mind, you have to make sure you follow instructions so your eyebrow pigment doesn’t fade.
For a week (or longer in some cases) you should stay away from water, exercise (no sweating!), and stop yourself from wiping your face in any way. If there’s no way you can avoid the gym, make sure you cover your new brows with ointment to protect the pigment from fading and protect your skin from bacteria (3).
The price of your microblading eyebrows procedure can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,500. It depends on a few things, such as:
Odds are if you’re reading this, you’re probably OVER IT when it comes to filling in your brows and you’re searching for another way to make your eyebrows look fierce. While the idea of an eyebrow tattoo can be scary, you shouldn’t let it psych you out. Try microblading! It looks great and it doesn’t last forever if you’re on the fence.
Written by Selena Ponton
