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Summary: Microblading – the eyebrow technique everyone is talking about! But what is it, how does it work and is it for you…?

What Is Microblading?

Microblading is an advanced, semi-permanent technique that aims to create the best eyebrow shape for your face.

The process is likened to tattooing your eyebrows, but it differs… Microblading is incredibly precise. It involves a slope ended nib of a pen-like device, that has about 10-12 small needles at the tip. These needles finely scratch the surface, rather than penetrate the skin. It’s sometimes equated to a paper cut!

A pigment is applied via the feather blade strokes which in turn creates the appearance of fine, convincing, natural hair strokes. Microblading is designed to create a full, realistic looking brow.

Unlike tattooing, the microblading colour fades after 12–18 months (the oilier your skin, the sooner the microblade will begin to fade). The hair strokes are finer, and appear more natural than a tattoo arguably can achieve.

Is Microblading Expensive?

A microblade treatment can cost between £550-£700, but this should include a consultation and a top-up after a few weeks as microblading is a two stage treatment. Always enquire with a reputable, qualified beauty therapist who specialises in microblading.

The second stage of the treatment is necessary so your therapist can assess the outcome of the first stage, tidy up and add strokes or pigment where needed.

Does Microblading Hurt?

Your beautician should use a numbing ointment for around 45 minutes to 1 hour, to prevent any pain from occurring. It’s the sound of the treatment that can make some clients uncomfortable – it makes a scratching sound as it’s applied. You do feel the microblading happening, but it certainly shouldn’t hurt. Make your beautician aware if it does.

What Will Happen At My Microblading Appointment?

So, you’ve decided to try microblading! But, what will happen when you sit in the chair…?

Firstly, your beautician will shape the brow areas via threading and prepare them for treatment.

They will then apply a topical ointment that will numb the skin beneath and around the brows for anywhere between 40 minutes to 1 hour. During this time you will clarify and decide on pigment colour and the desired finished look with your beauty therapist.

Your beautician will then use a specially designed microblade ruler to measure and assess your face shape, features and how symmetrical each side of your face is and determine the right brow placement for you.

Then, the needling process begins. The pigment is gently applied with the needles, professionally and with precision. If pain is experienced, more numbing ointment should be applied before continuing.

What Should I Do Before My Microblading Appointment?

There are many things you should avoid before your microblading appointment in order to ensure the best brows, starting one month prior…

Four Weeks Prior

• Cease using retinoid, retinol or Vitamin A products

Three Weeks Prior

• Do not have botox

Two Weeks Prior

• Do not have a facial or skin peel

• Do not use sun beds or sit in direct sunlight

One Week Prior

• Due to them being natural blood thinners, stop taking fish oil supplements (Omega 3) or Vitamin E supplements

• Stop waxing, tweezing, tinting, and/or plucking your eyebrows and do not engage in electrolysis

On The Day

• Do not exercise

What Should I Do After My Microblading Appointment?

For the first 7–10 days, your brows will shift in colour, may become flakey and can even appear faded, but rest assured that this is totally normal.

After 1 month, their final colour and shape will be apparent, and anything that needs it can be topped up at your follow-up appointment. Remember, your eyebrows are not completely done until the end of this second session.

It’s essential you follow the after-care advice to a T if you want the best outcome for your brows:

• For the first week, you should gently wash your brows morning and night with an antibacterial soap and water. Make sure the soap is thoroughly rinsed out and then the brows are patted dry with a cotton pad. Do not use acidic cleansers or exfoliating products until your second session.

• Apply a lick of coconut oil or rosehip oil after washing and drying, morning and evening.

• Avoid swimming and long, hot showers for 10 days, and do not exercise for at least a week (sweating and water can compromise your new beautiful brows, you see!).

• Avoid direct sunlight for a week

• Do not have a facial, skin peel or receive any botox treatment for 1 month

• Resist the temptation to pick at them as they heal

• Use a clean pillowcase, and change it regularly (at minimum once per week)

• Do not wear makeup on your brows or apply any skincare products to them until they’ve healed

How Do I Get Rid Of My Microblade If It’s Not For Me?

Rest assured, if you don’t like your microblade, no scarring or discoloration takes place because of the treatment. Your beauty therapist can use a saline/salt solution to remove the microblade pigment, if you so wish.