What Are Microbladed Eyebrows? [Beginner’s Guide]
Eyebrows can bring drastic changes to our appearances. Apart from protecting our eyes from dust and sweat, eyebrows add an extra dimension to our expressions and look. So, eyebrow grooming has become an intrinsic part of our beauty rituals. We have access to an overwhelming variety of products and procedures that can deliver a beautiful set of brows.
But, none of the other eyebrow treatment options generated as much buzz as microblading. Microblading has taken Instagram by storm, and we are seeing more and more people microblading their eyebrows.
What are microblade eyebrows? If you are thinking about an eyebrow makeover and want to know about microblading, you came to the right place.
What Is Eyebrow Microblading?
Microblading involves the use of pigments to create realistic hairlines over the eyes. It creates the illusion of fuller brows. A skilled cosmetician can produce practically any look using this technique, from a natural light finish to a gorgeously thick brow. Chinese beauticians first used microblading in the early 2000s, but it’s a relatively new trend in the West.
Microblading artists use a special tool equipped with plenty of tiny needles. These needles deposit pigments beneath your skin and draw delicate hair-like lines over the eyes. The practitioner has to be careful so that the ink does not spread out of the eyebrow line. End product? A set of artificial, but incredibly natural-looking eyebrows.
So, can you say that microblading is a form of tattooing? Well, the answer to that question is a bit complicated. The process is similar. The microblading tool disperses ink and draws over the skin like a tattoo gun. But, tattoos are permanent, and microbladed eyebrows are not. Also, tattoos last a lifetime, but microbladed eyebrows last three years max.
Moreover, tattoo pigments and microblading pigments are not the same. The skin breaks down the microblading pigments over time, and it fades away eventually. So, why not use tattoo ink for microblading? Tattoo ink would last longer, yes, but it will not be able to produce the delicate, natural hairlines eyebrow microblading ink can deliver.
What Does Microblading Do?
Microblading can give you the desired eyebrow shape and thickness without compromising the natural look. The beautician draws the lines manually with a microblading machine. The machine applies pigment to the epidermis. As the beautician moves the device along the eyebrow lines, it forms tiny bits of hair.
Don’t wax, thread, or pluck your eyebrows a week before your microblading appointment. Experts also recommend not to drink alcohol or caffeine before the day of the procedure since it makes your skin more sensitive. Also, avoid blood thinners, fish oil, vitamin E supplements, and aspirin. Stay stress-free as much as you can.
The aesthetician will first talk to you about the ideal eyebrow shape for your face. Once the eyebrow mapping is out of the way, he/she will proceed to pick the colors that match your skin complexion the best. Microblading can be a painful experience like any skin procedure. But fear not, numbing cream takes out most of the pain. You might not even feel a thing!
Next, the aesthetician will pick up the microblading tool and slowly draw small hair strokes. Eventually, these lines will look like actual hair. You can expect the procedure to finish within two hours. To finish up, he/she will apply some ointment over the newly drawn brows and nearby areas so that your skin recovers quicker.
Your freshly microbladed eyebrows cannot get wet for ten days after the procedure. It makes it challenging to take a shower, wash your hair, and exercise. You can use shower-safe face shields while taking a bath or washing your hair. Consider a 10-day break from your workout routine so that sweat doesn’t get into the eyebrows.
Who Does Microblading Eyebrows?
Whom should you consult to undergo a successful microblading procedure? A licensed cosmetician with years of training is the person you should trust for the job. Anyone thinking about getting microblading should take appropriate precautionary measures because state laws can differ on the matter.
Don’t make any appointments without checking out the credentials of the aesthetician. Looking at the artist’s online portfolio is a good place to start. But don’t forget that faking convincing before-and-after photos is a piece of cake! A bit of Photoshop skill can go a long way in making things appear far better than it really is.
Once you do find an aesthetician with appropriate license and qualification, request a consultation. It’s common practice to provide free consultancy, so if the technician asks for money, that’s a red flag. You should also steer clear of aestheticians who are too dismissive of your concerns.
Who Is Microblading For?
Microblading is suitable for any skin tone. But, skin condition has a more significant impact on its effectiveness. Ideally, you would want your skin to be dry to get the best microblading results. If you have oily skin, the pigment will not hold on to your skin much longer, and you will need frequent touch-ups to keep your eyebrows intact.
Pre-existent skin conditions and treatments can compromise the effectiveness of microblading procedures. Skin complications like eczema and dermatitis keep the skin in constant unrest. So, it can’t retain the ink well. As a result, the microblading will appear lackluster. The same is true for conditions like rosacea and persistent acne.
Had a bad sunburn? You should wait till it heals if you are planning to get your brows microbladed. Microblading on sunburnt skin could cause further skin damage. Also, people suffering from autoimmune disorders like lupus are unlikely to reap the rewards of microblading because of their compromised skins.
Final Words
If you have always longed for a glamorous pair of eyebrows like Zendaya or Cara Delevnigne, microblading can make your dreams come true. The procedure is not going to be the most intense cosmetic makeover you have ever been through. Also, it’s relatively low maintenance. So, consult with a beautician and take your brow game to the next level.
