Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure designed to enhance and define your eyebrows. Time is money, honey! With microblading, you can wake up and save those precious extra minutes you used to spend filling them in.
But, hold up—there are some precautions you need to know because microblading isn’t for everyone. In this post, we’ll explore microblading process, costs, risks and more.
Microblading Before and After
As you age, your hormones don’t quite work the same. But don’t stress, sparse of thin brows are totally normal and just a part of life. Hormonal imbalances, over-plucking in your youth, and certain medical conditions can cause thin brows.
If you have sparse, light, or thin brows—especially due to aging—microblading can be the perfect solution to achieve fluffy, fuller brows.
Plus, it saves you time, so you can spend less time fussing and more time flaunting your fabulous new look! Here’s a photo of microblading before and after of results you can expect especially if you have thin brows:
But what even is microblading? How does this eyebrow magic even work? And how long does it last? How much does it cost? What are the risks? We have all the answers just for you!
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo technique where a skilled artist uses a blade (it’s tiny, we promise!) to create realistic hair-like strokes on your brows and deposit pigments.
Before the microblading procedure, your brow shape is meticulously mapped and drawn to suit your facial features, and a numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort.
Out of all the semi-permanent brow options, nanoblading and microblading are the best for thin brows. We’ll talk more about nanoblading later.
The process involves carefully etching the pigment into the skin to mimic natural eyebrow hairs, especially in sparse areas in thin brows, resulting in fuller, well-defined brows that can last from one to two years with proper care.
How Long Does It Last?
Once the microblading gods have blessed your brows, you can expect them to stay fabulous for anywhere between one to three years.
Factors that can affect the longevity of microblading results:
- Skin type, with oily skin types often experiencing faster fading.
- Sun exposure
- Skincare routines
- Adherence to aftercare instructions.
Microblading: How Long Does It Take?
A typical microblading session takes about two to three hours.
This initial appointment includes a consultation, numbing time, and the actual microblading process.
The artist will first map out your ideal brow shape, ensuring it complements your facial features. Then, the magic happens as they meticulously create those tiny, hair-like strokes.
After this, a follow-up session is usually scheduled four to six weeks later to touch up any areas where the pigment may have faded or where adjustments are needed.
However, for many people, the deciding factors for choosing microblading are often the cost and the healing process. So, keep reading to find out if microblading is the right choice for you.
But remember, even if microblading is not right for you, at the end we’ll discuss other alternatives such as microshading, tattoo brows and nano brows so you can find the best semi-permanent dream eyebrows for you!
Also, if microblading seems like a hassle, your best alternative for quick brows are DIY eyebrow stencils or for natural thicker or fuller brows, we recommend you to check out our The Ordinary Brow Serum review.
Microblading Cost
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 for the entire process. This usually includes the initial session and the follow-up touch-up appointment.
The total cost of microblading can vary widely depending on the location, the experience of the artist, and the salon’s reputation.
Microblading Healing Process
Embarking on the journey to perfect brows involves not just the microblading session itself but also a crucial healing process.
The microblading process will involve darkening, scabbing and lightening before settling into its final colour.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:
- Day 1-2: Fresh and Bold
- Immediately after the procedure, your brows will appear much darker and more defined than you expected. This is normal and part of the process.
- You’ll need to gently blot your eyebrows with a clean tissue to remove any lymph fluid and prevent crusting.
- Day 3-7: Scabbing and Flaking
- Your brows will start to scab and flake as they heal. Do not pick at them! Let the scabs fall off naturally to avoid pulling out the pigment.
- Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid any skincare products on the brows.
- Day 8-14: Lightening Up
- The scabs will have fallen off, and your brows will look lighter than initially after the procedure. This is normal as the skin is still healing and the pigment is settling.
- Continue to avoid sun exposure and rigorous exercise that causes heavy sweating.
- Day 15-30: Settling In
- By now, your brows should be mostly healed. The true color of the pigment will start to emerge as your skin regenerates.
- If needed, you may use a gentle moisturizer to keep the area hydrated.
- 4-6 Weeks: Touch-Up Time
- A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled to assess the healing and make any necessary adjustments. This touch-up ensures any gaps are filled and the color is even and vibrant.
Remember, proper aftercare is crucial for the best results. Avoid swimming, saunas, and excessive sun exposure during the healing period to ensure your brows heal beautifully.
Microblading Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your microbladed brows heal beautifully and last longer. Skipping on proper microblading aftercare can lead to some serious brow blunders like fading, uneven color or even infection.
Speaking about infection, you should not get microblading before you understand the risks involved. We’ll break down these risks and how often they happen in the next section.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Keep It Dry: Avoid getting your brows wet for the first week. This means no heavy sweating, swimming, or face washing in the brow area.
- Gentle Cleaning: After the first 24 hours, gently clean your brows with a cotton pad dipped in sterile water to remove any lymph fluid. Do this twice a day.
- No Picking: As your brows heal, they will scab and flake. Resist the urge to pick at the scabs; let them fall off naturally to prevent pigment loss.
- Avoid Makeup: Steer clear of applying makeup or skincare products directly on your brows for at least two weeks.
- Protect from Sun: Keep your brows out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds. UV exposure can cause the pigment to fade prematurely.
- Follow-Up Care: Apply the recommended aftercare ointment as advised by your artist to keep the area moisturized and to promote healing.
Important Microblading Risks
Here’s a rundown of microblading risks, from most likely to least likely, and tips on how to avoid them.
High Likelihood
- Fading: Over time, your microbladed brows will naturally fade due to factors like sun exposure, skin type, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Schedule regular touch-ups to maintain the color and shape.
- Uneven Pigmentation: Sometimes, the pigment can settle unevenly, leading to patchy or mismatched brows. Choose a highly skilled and experienced technician, follow aftercare instructions and consider a touch-up session to even out the color.
Medium Likelihood
- Infection: Infections can occur if the procedure is not done in a sterile environment or if aftercare is not followed, leading to redness, swelling, and pus. Ensure your technician uses sterile tools and follows strict hygiene practices. Follow all aftercare instructions, including keeping the area clean and avoiding touching your brows with dirty hands.
Low Likelihood
- Allergic reaction: Causes itching, redness, and swelling. You can request a patch test before the procedure to check for any allergies to the pigment. Choose high-quality pigments that are less likely to cause reactions.
- Scarring: Scarring can occur if the skin is prone to keloids or if the technician uses too much pressure during the procedure. Inform your technician if you have a history of keloids or sensitive skin. Select a well-trained and experienced professional to minimize the risk of scarring.
By understanding these risks and how to avoid them, you’re better prepared to enjoy the benefits of microblading while keeping your brows in top shape!
Microblading vs Microshading vs Tattoo Eyebrow vs Nano Brows
If microblading seems right for you and you want to wake up flawlessly every day, it’s essential to know your semi-permanent eyebrw options to see which one fits you best. After all, this is an important investment of your time and money.
All the following last about 1-3 years depending on skin type and aftercare, except tattoo brows which last several years or longer.
We’ve sorted these by whether they have a more fuller, defined, makeup look or a more natural look:
Defined Brows
Defined brows are best for those wanting darker-looking and more bold brows:
Microblading vs Tattoo Brows
Involves a traditional tattoo machine with a single needle for a permanent, solid, defined brow appearance with defined edges. It can last several years but can fade to blue/green over time.
Microblading vs Microshading
Utilizes a manual tool or machine to apply tiny dots or shading for a softer, powdered look resembling brow powder.
Natural Semi-Permanent Brows
Microblading and nanoblading are best for those wanting the most natural, and precise brow appearance, and those with sparse or thin brows:
Microblading
Uses a manual tool with fine blades to create natural, hair-like strokes.
Microblading vs Nano Brows
Nanoblading employs a machine with an even finer needle than microblading to create hyper-realistic, precise hair strokes.
While both techniques provide stunning results, nanoblading tends to be pricier due to its advanced technology and meticulous process.
