Microblading eyebrows is a form of permanent makeup that creates natural, beautiful eyebrows with a handheld microblade. It’s perfect for people who have over plucked or those who want to define, darken or reshape their eyebrows.
Microblading originated in Asia over 25 years ago and has gone by many names: eyebrow embroidery, feather touch, microstroking and even “the Japanese Method." By 2015, microblading became popular in the United States.
Technically, microblading is a form of eyebrow tattooing. But unlike traditional tattooing, which uses a machine, microblading artists apply each hair stroke with a handheld microblade. This produces a very fine line that resembles real hair. Each individual hair stroke is hand drawn by the artist and blended in with the client’s existing eyebrow hair. With a strong artist at the helm, the results can be gorgeous and very lifelike.
There are many techniques and approaches to microblading. There are 1D Eyebrows, where the hair strokes all go in one direction. There are 3D Eyebrows, where the hair strokes are laid out in a specific pattern across the eyebrow ridges, creating a 3D effect.
Microblading typically takes two appointments to complete. In the first appointment, the client is profiled and the eyebrows are drawn on with a waterproof pencil, so the artist and client can agree on the look. The artist then microblades the eyebrows and the client is ready to go back into the world.
The second appointment is a touch up at least 30 days after the first session. This allows enough time for the ink in the epidermis to naturally slough off, and the color to settle into your skin. In the touch up appointment, the artist can see how your skin has received the ink and make any necessary corrections.
Sometimes a client’s skin undertones may have unexpected effects on the ink's color, and the artist may need to add color to adjust. These kind of corrections are normal with any microblading artist and an essential part of the process, as everyone’s skin is different and receives ink differently.
Microblading eyebrows first rose to prominence about 25 years ago throughout Asia. Its history is not well-documented in the US, and it doesn’t help that it’s gone by so many different names: microstroking, feather tattooing, eyebrow tattooing, “the Japanese Method,” feathering, hair stroking… the list goes on. In Asia, the technique matured as artists experimented with different brow patterns and tools and application techniques.
A lot of modern techniques are now taken for granted and commonplace. Originally, many artists would cross hair strokes in an “x” pattern, since in real life hairs do cross. However, this would injure the skin and looked less natural. These days, most artists are taught never to cross hair strokes.
In the last few years, microblading had a surge of popularity throughout Europe, where schools and artists have established themselves as the frontier of microblading for the West. In 2015, microblading finally caught on within the USA!
What to expect at on the Day of your appointment:
A typical microblading appointment lasts 2 to 3 hours, depending on the artist. A touch up appointment lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the amount of work that needs touching up.
A standard appointment will have the following steps:
Microblading typically requires a second touch up appointment, because all client’s skin is different and receives the ink differently. It's impossible to accurately predict how a pigment will be affected by a client’s undertones.
After 30 days, the client should come in for a touch up. This appointment can last as little as 30 minutes or as much as two hours, depending on the amount of work needed. In this appointment, the artist will “warm up” or “cool down” the colors, to get it to match perfectly.
They may also reapply any parts of the microbladed brow that may have naturally sloughed off because the artist didn't go deep enough in the skin.
Microblading post-care is very important to the appearance and longevity of your new eyebrows. Do not let any water, lotion, soap, or makeup touch your eyebrow area during the first 7 days after your procedure.
After 5-7 days, make sure your hands are completely clean and gently apply the post-care ointment with clean hands. This can be done once at night time, but be sure to use the ointment sparingly as your skin needs to heal itself. Please continue to apply the ointment for 7 days.
The following must be avoided during all 14 days post-microblading procedure:
Please wash your face carefully around the eyebrow without getting water on the treated area. During the shower, keep your face away from the shower head or take a bath. Itching and flaking may appear during the first seven days post-microblading procedure. However, experience has shown that by following these after-care instructions, these symptoms may quickly disappear.
Contact a physician if any signs or symptoms develop such as the following: fever, redness at the site, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, elevated body temperature, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, and/or any green/yellow discharge that is foul in odor.
What to Expect During and After Your Microblading Session
Note that because of natural skin regeneration, after recovery period (peeling), brows might appear lighter than original. This might give you the impression that color is fading too quickly. Often even with proper care, clients may lose original hair strokes which make brows look uneven. It is absolutely normal. That’s is the reason why most clients need a touchup after 6 weeks. Once the healing of the skin starts taking place, it will look like dandruff flakes or dry skin. However, this is just superficial color and dry skin being naturally removed from your eyebrows. The final look of your eyebrows will be apparent approximately 30 days after your procedure.
Never rub the treated area as it will disturb the skin from natural healing. Once completely healed, always apply a layer of sunscreen SPF 30 up to SPF 50 on your eyebrows when exposed to the sun. Sun exposure might cause the color pigment to fade away more quickly. When using foundation, be aware when applying to avoid your healed eyebrows. If foundation covers healed brows, your eyebrows will appear lighter. You can now enjoy your beautiful new temporary eyebrows. You will simply love your new gorgeous fresh look!
We have answers for all your microblading and permanent makeup questions. If you don't see it here, Contact Us and we'll answer you ASAP!
What is Microblading?
Microblading is the artistic technique of tattooing individual hair strokes with a handheld tool called a microblade. Unlike traditional tattooing, which uses a machine, microblading artists hand draw each hair to match the color and coarseness of your eyebrows. The result? Gorgeous, natural looking eyebrows.
How long does it last?
Microbladed eyebrows last 1 to 2 years for most people, before it usually needs a touch up.
Does it hurt?
Most clients report little or no pain! We use a topical anesthetic before the procedure to numb the affected area.
What is the price?
$495
How long is the appointment?
It usually takes 2 hours, with most of the time spent going over colors and drawing eyebrow shapes. The microblading portion lasts 45 - 60 minutes.
How do I make an appointment?
Call us at 203.815.4076 and we'll be happy to book the consultation.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Before your appointment, we highly encourage our clients to check out our Instagram and "shop" for eyebrows on our feed. Eyebrows comes in many shapes and styles, from feathered to bold, arched to straight. Our microblading artists will work with you to customize your best brows. In the week before your appointment, we recommend avoiding blood thinners, aspirin, alcohol or using retinol creams.
How long does it take to heal?
You'll be able to wear your new brows back to brunch! In the first 7 days, you'll need to avoid getting them wet, working out or wearing brow makeup. Read more on After Care. It takes about 30 days to completely heal, in which time you may experience mild scabbing. Eyeliner and lip service will be swollen for 2 days after treatment.
What is the aftercare?
Stay out of the sun and water while your microblading heals. Avoid chlorine, exfoliation creams, and sun exposure; they may cause your color to fade. We recommend applying a small amount of A&D ointment twice a day.
When should I get a touch up? How much is it?
We offer a complimentary touch up between 4-8 weeks of your appointment. After that, we charge a fee.
Can I get microblading while pregnant?
No, we do not recommend microblading while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Who is ineligible for microblading?
Microblading is not recommended for those with oily skin or large pores. If that's you, you may want a shading or combination shading and microblading technique. We also do not provide microblading for people: under 18 years old, pregnant or nursing, if you have diabetes, glaucoma, skin diseases such as Shingles, psoriasis or eczema on the area of treatment, allergies to makeup, Keloid disorder, HIV/Hepatitis, skin cancer, hemophilia, or if you're taking skin medications like ro-accutaine and steroids.
Can I get permanent makeup if I have Juvederm injections/fillers?
We recommend getting permanent makeup first, or ask your Juvederm specialist for clearance.
Can microblading hide or cover up an eyebrow tattoo?
Often we cannot. But if the previous tattoo or permanent makeup has faded considerably, sometimes we can.
Can microblading hide/cover my scars?
It's great for that! But we recommend sending us a photo of your eyebrows without makeup so one of our artists can review and let you know whether you’re a candidate for microblading.
Does microblading work on all skin tones and skin types?
Yes! Microblading works on all skin tones and colors. Check out our Instagram feed. If you have oily skin, large pores, Keloid disorder, we do not recommend microblading.
What is the difference between microblading vs. micropigmentation?
Technically microblading is a form of micropigmentation, but we use a microblade to hand draw individual hair strokes. Micropigmentation specialists use a permanent makeup machine, which offers less control and results in blurrier strokes.
Does it look like REAL HAIR?
Yes! Because we hand draw every hair stroke, you'll marvel at this super precise technique.
No more drawing my eyebrows every morning? For real?
Believe it! This treatment transforms people's lives! That's why we're so passionate at B beautiful of this treatment!