Eyebrows do more than their anatomical function of protecting the eyes. They help to define the face and serve as an important mode of communication. It is no wonder that we want to refine them to best represent us.
For some, eyebrow maintenance may take little effort: a little plucking here, powder or pencil there, and voila!—the job is done. But for others, it may be more difficult to realize their vision for their best brows. Eyebrows may be naturally sparse, over-plucked, the wrong shape or the wrong color.
Not surprisingly, many at-home products and techniques have been introduced to resolve these issues. Besides expensive powder and pencils, cosmetic companies have created brow gel, growth serum, and eyebrow tinting kits. But these products and techniques have a varying degree of success, and depend on a large degree on the skills of consumers and the safety of the products themselves. For example, consumers who use at-home eyebrow tinting kits can hurt delicate around their eyes and even burn their eyebrows without meticulous technique. It is unreasonable to expect cosmetic consumers to be skilled aestheticians.
For all of these reasons and more, a growing number of cosmetic consumers are turning to skilled permanent makeup artists to help them create the eyebrows they want. Microblading is a very popular technique that they employ to help their clients obtain the beautiful eyebrows they have always wanted.
What is Microblading?
Microblading a method of implanting permanent makeup pigments using a special tool called a microblade, which is a handheld tool with very small needles. These needles hold color pigments. A permanent makeup artist uses this tool implant the pigments into the skin, usually referred to as Micopigmentation. Micropigmentation is used for cosmetic purposes and to create natural-looking skin and facial hair.
To create full-looking eyebrows, skilled artists use the microblade to draw individual hairs. Often, they will use a numbing agent (i.e., a topical anesthetic) to prevent discomfort before the procedure, which takes about 2 hours. There is a distinct healing phase that occurs after. First the eyebrows will look bright and vibrant. A lot of ink is implanted to increase the desired retention goal. Scabs will form, and then fall off, taking some of the ink and the top layer of skin with it. The eyebrows will now seem a lot duller looking than when initially implanted. The top layer of skin, the epidermis, is the window in which you view the pigment through in the deeper layers of the skin. Once this window grows back in 4-6 weeks, you will have your final color and shape, which amazingly is vibrant and bright again, but at a more subdued tone. It is at this time, 6 weeks, that you can think about a touchup. If you’d like a few extra hairs here or there, darker color, etc. If properly cared for, microbladed eyebrows can last 1-3 years with minimal touchups (if any).
What Are the Risks of Microblading Eyebrows?
As Microblading involves breaking the skin barrier, it is vital to choose an artist who is certified and well experienced in their technique, because there are risks involved with Microblading. For example, eyebrow infections can occur if an unsterile technique is used. Establishments have to be inspected by the county health board and receive a certificate to operate. Is that person practicing out of their home abiding by the law? Also, many health conditions can effect your outome. For example, blood thinners used for atrial fibrillation can cause excessive bleeding and the ink will not stay in.
During the consultation phase, the artist should take careful inventory of your health history, particularly of your skin. They should ask about your allergies, skin sensitivity and medical conditions with your skin and hair (such as vitiligo and alopecia), in particular. Additionally, your artist needs to make you aware of all of the possible risks, either verbally, in written form, or (ideally) both. These practices may help you and your artist fully know your risks and possibly rule out getting the procedure if your risks outweigh possible benefits.
Artists also need to tell you what they are doing to minimize your risk during the procedure. For example, they should use sterile single use needles to minimize the risk of skin infection (such as Staph) and to eliminate the risk of transmitting bloodborne infections (like Hepatitis C). The sterile package should be open in front of you!
As a consumer, you need to be able to interview your artist carefully. You need to choose a skilled practitioner who is both knowledgeable and well-trained to have an optimal experience.
What Are the Benefits of Microblading Eyebrows?
Prices will vary from area to area, and during different times of the year. In general, you can enjoy maintenance-free eyebrows for 1-3 years. Add up the cost of products that you would use over the course of 3 years, and you’ll see the immediate value of the procedure. Also think of the time savings. You will no longer have to spend hours plucking, applying cosmetics, or tinting! Imagine the confidence you’ll have knowing that you have the customized eyebrows you want.
Where Should You Go to Microblade Your Eyebrows?
First and foremost, you need to choose to go to a salon that is properly certified. In the state of Florida, there is a legal requirement to have a certified and licensed tattoo establishment and a tattoo artist license from the state board of health. In addition, the artist must take a certification course in blood borne disease prevention. Additionally, your aesthetician should be able to explain their method of training (both in theory and practice), and their experience performing Microblading both verbally and with before and after pictures. Once you’ve verified that your artist is skilled and committed to Microblading, you can start working together to fully realize your vision of your ideal eyebrows. In short, the artist is the most important piece of the puzzle.
If you’re in the Orlando, FL area, choose Blooming Beauty to Microblade your eyebrows. We specialize in using both Microblading and our beloved Nouveau Contour Intelligent (a digital permanent makeup tool) to create amazing 3D eyebrows. We are passionate about our work, and especially enjoy our client reactions to the reveal of their new eyebrows.