Eyebrows are undoubtedly a defining feature, framing our faces and enhancing our expressions. Thanks to trendsetters like Cara Delevingne and Brooke Shields, the desire for bold, beautiful brows is stronger than ever. If you weren’t naturally blessed with perfectly full eyebrows, you’re likely familiar with the daily effort of pencils, powders, and gels to achieve the desired look. But what if you could wake up every morning with flawless brows, without lifting a makeup brush? Enter microblading, a semi-permanent makeup technique taking the beauty world by storm. But What Is Microblading exactly?
Microblading is essentially an eyebrow tattoo, but with a delicate and natural-looking twist. Instead of a traditional tattoo machine, a microblading technician uses a handheld tool with a set of fine needles to create tiny, hair-like strokes in the skin. These strokes are then filled with pigment, mimicking the appearance of real eyebrow hairs. The result? Perfectly shaped, fuller eyebrows that can last for one to three years, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for daily eyebrow makeup. Intrigued and tired of spending precious morning minutes perfecting your arches, I decided to dive into the world of microblading myself.
Understanding Microblading: What It Is and How It Works
Before committing to any cosmetic procedure, understanding the process is key. My initial understanding of microblading was admittedly a bit dramatic. “So, basically, you’re going to stab my face over and over again?” I jokingly asked Kendra Bray, a certified microblading technician and owner of Better Brows in New York City, during my consultation. While my description was slightly exaggerated, the core concept is accurate. Microblading does involve creating superficial cuts in the skin to deposit pigment.
The process typically begins with a consultation where you discuss your desired eyebrow shape and look with the technician. Kendra, for example, spent a considerable 30 minutes meticulously mapping out my ideal eyebrows using ink-marked threads. This brow mapping step is crucial as it allows the technician to visualize the final shape and identify areas needing enhancement to achieve symmetry and fullness.
Once the desired shape is agreed upon, the numbing process begins. For someone like me, whose pain tolerance is questionable, a generous application of lidocaine, a topical anesthetic, was a welcomed step. After allowing the numbing cream to take effect for about 30 minutes, the actual microblading procedure commences.
Here are a couple of things to be prepared for during the microblading itself:
- Discomfort is possible, but manageable: While the numbing cream significantly minimizes pain, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. The sensation varies; sometimes it’s barely noticeable, and other times you might feel a scratching or cutting feeling, which is precisely what’s happening – tiny blades creating superficial lines on your skin.
- The sound can be surprising: Perhaps the most unexpected aspect for me was the scraping sound accompanying each stroke. Kendra had warned me about it, but hearing the sound of tiny blades working on your skin can be a bit unnerving at first.
Following the creation of the microblading strokes, the technician applies a pigment that is custom-blended to match your natural brow color. This pigment is worked into the freshly created lines and left to set for a few minutes before any excess is wiped away. And just like that, you have new eyebrows! However, it’s important to note that microblading is typically a two-session process. A follow-up appointment, usually scheduled 4-6 weeks after the initial session, is necessary to fill in any gaps where pigment may not have fully taken and to perfect the shape. Be prepared, the second appointment can be just as sensitive as the first.
Navigating Microblading Aftercare: What to Expect
While the microblading procedure itself is relatively quick, proper aftercare is crucial for optimal healing and pigment retention. For me, the aftercare period presented more of a challenge than the procedure itself.
One of the most immediate and persistent sensations was itching. For the first 24 hours, my eyebrows itched intensely. Resisting the urge to scratch is paramount to prevent infection and pigment loss. Since you are strictly advised against touching the treated area during the initial healing phase, creative solutions to alleviate itching become necessary. Gentle tapping around the eyebrows, avoiding direct contact with the tattooed area, can provide some relief.
Water avoidance is another key aspect of aftercare. For the first five days post-procedure, keeping your eyebrows completely dry is essential. This means modifying your face washing routine to avoid splashing water on your brows. You’ll quickly discover the near impossibility of washing your face without getting your eyebrows wet!
Hair washing also requires strategic planning. To avoid water contact, washing your hair becomes a delicate maneuver. My advice, learned the hard way, is to wash your hair the morning of your microblading appointment. Stocking up on dry shampoo is also a wise move to extend time between washes during the initial healing period.
Finally, be prepared for scabbing. As the microbladed area heals, scabs will form over the incisions. It is absolutely crucial to resist the urge to pick at these scabs. Picking scabs can pull out pigment, leading to patchy results and potentially scarring. The scabbing phase can also contribute to the itching sensation. Despite being a self-confessed “picker,” I successfully resisted the temptation and allowed the scabs to naturally flake off.
Is Microblading Worth It? My Verdict and Considerations
Following my initial microblading session and the crucial follow-up appointment, I was initially thrilled with my enhanced brows. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. As time passed, I noticed some pigment fading, which is not uncommon, particularly for certain skin types. In some cases, a third session may be needed to achieve optimal pigment retention. While I haven’t yet mustered the courage for a third session, the initial results were undeniably impactful.
So, would I recommend microblading? For individuals who dedicate a significant portion of their daily routine to filling in their eyebrows, my answer is a definite yes. The time saved and the confidence boost of waking up with perfectly shaped brows are substantial benefits. However, if you only spend a minimal amount of time on eyebrow makeup each day, the commitment, discomfort, and cost of microblading might outweigh the advantages. Ultimately, the decision to undergo microblading is a personal one. Understanding what is microblading, the process involved, and the aftercare requirements will empower you to make an informed choice that aligns with your beauty goals and lifestyle.
