We explain the eyebrow microblading procedure, what to expect from microblading aftercare and its healing process – plus is it as painful as it looks?
Microblading is one of social media’s most aesthetically-pleasing beauty looks, made famous by countless Instagram influencers.
The semi-permanent eyebrow procedure is the answer to our eyebrow woes. Forget filling in your brows with pomade, gel or pencil, microblading eliminates the hassle of shaping and stencilling every day and gets you those perfectly-separated brows from the moment you step out of bed.
Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow treatment that thickens and shapes your eyebrows by creating precise, natural-looking hair strokes using a small, handheld tool.
The tool is used like a pen and has 10-12 small needles at the end of the sloped blade and nib. These tiny needles gently scratch the skin’s surface and deposit pigment, mimicking the appearance of real hair.
Unlike traditional tattooing, microblading doesn’t penetrate deep into the skin so the pigment doesn’t last forever; instead, it focuses on the outer layer, known as the epidermis.
The needle is also handheld, as opposed to an electronic device, meaning the blade scratches the skin rather than piercing it.
This technique creates soft, fine strokes that blend with your natural brow hairs.
One of the key appeals of microblading is its semi-permanence. The results typically last for up to 18 months, depending on your skin type and lifestyle.
If you have oily skin, the pigment may fade more quickly, for example, or if you swim a lot.
By this definition, microblading is not permanent and the colour is designed to fade over the course of 18 months.
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Why are so many people choosing microblading? Here are the key reasons:
Here’s what to expect during your microblading appointment:
Before beginning the microblading procedure, your beautician will thread any stray hairs, to clean up the brow area. This is sometimes more painful than the microblading itself.
As needles are involved, a topical ointment cream is then applied to the area and this numbs the skin. It takes just over half an hour from application until your skin feels numb.
Just before the numbing cream timer is up, your beautician will measure your desired brow shape. The actual process is then soft and steady, gently adding pigment by stroking the skin with a fine line.
The treatment takes no more than one hour from start to finish.
Not as much as it looks. Many people describe microblading as feeling like light scratching which, at worst, feels uncomfortable or annoying rather than painful.
If a proper numbing agent is used you shouldn’t feel any pain. The first week after the treatment sees eyebrows be much darker than they will be in the long run but this is all part of the healing process.
After the procedure, your brows will be darker than expected during the first week as they heal. However, this is temporary and part of the normal process.
Aftercare is crucial to ensure your microblading results last.
During the healing process:
Six to eight weeks after your initial session, you’ll need a touch-up appointment.
Similarly to a touch-up for a tattoo, this is to adjust the pigment if it hasn’t taken to the skin or if there have been any issues with healing.
There are benefits to microblading, as well as downsides.
Microblading Pros:
Microblading Cons:
How much does microblading cost?
Microblading typically costs between £150 and £400, depending on the salon and artist.
Can I exercise after microblading?
It’s best to avoid properly sweating for the first 7-10 days after treatment to ensure proper healing and prevent the pigment from looking patchy or fading.
Does microblading work for oily skin?
Yes, but the results may fade faster for those with oily skin as the sebum interferes with the pigment. This can require regular touch-ups to maintain the look or make it last as long as it should do.
Amira Arasteh is a freelance journalist and content creator. Find her making sense of beauty trends, tips and topics – when she’s not stuffing her face with the best food in London or travelling the globe
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