What is Microblading and How is Microblading Done?
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup technique similar to eyebrow tattooing but far more advanced. It is done manually with a microblading tool – a blade consisting of tiny needles – which is used to make thin incisions on the surface of the skin that imitate the length, thickness, and shape of the natural hairs. Special pigments the colour of the natural hairs are then deposited into the skin and the result is an illusion of thicker arches with a modified shape that best suits your face.
The results are very realistic and virtually unidentifiable which is why this treatment is sometimes called 3D microblading.
Unlike tattooed eyebrows, which look unnatural and last forever because they go as deep as seven layers into the skin, microblading pigments are inserted between the dermis and the epidermis, at a depth of only 0.08 – 0.15mm.
Who is Microblading for?
The best candidates for getting micro-bladed eyebrows are people who already have their own natural eyebrow hairs, but want to add colour or density to their arches or modify their shape. Basically it can replace eyebrow enhancement makeup products.
Micro-bladed brows are also a great solution for people who don’t have their natural eyebrows, like people with alopecia or people who suffer from hair loss caused by a number of reasons (natural hair loss, invasive treatments such as chemotherapy, postpartum hair loss, etc.). By micro-blading 3D eyebrows, entire arches can be created from scratch.
The treatment works best on people with normal to dry skin, while it is problematic, but not impossible, on oily skin types since the pigment is often ‘rejected’ by the skin, and the results don’t last as long due to the overproduction of sebum which literally pushes the pigments out.
How Long Does It Last?
Since micro-blading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos the area will naturally fade overtime. Micro-blading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry) and age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid will fade faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual’s colour retention within the skin will vary. To keep the brows looking fresh a touch up is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the micro-bladed area fade over time but please note a slight shadow may remain.
How Long Does It Take?
For the first Micro-blading session the entire procedure should take about 2.5-3 hours. During this session the brow technician will shape and style the client’s brows for client approval. We then follow with pigment colour selection. Once the client is satisfied with the choices we begin the procedure.
The client is to come in for a follow up visit in order to have any minor necessary touch ups. The second Micro-blading session takes place after 4-6 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.
How Long Does It Take To Heal?
The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure and colour will appear very dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The colour will fade by up to 40% as it heals. In the following days the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you will notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the micro-bladed area. The eyebrows will lighten up in colour as they heal. No down time is required after micro-blading procedure. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal over and about 1 month for the colour to fully set in. You’ll notice the colour is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True colour will reveal itself once healed.
Is The Touch Up Session Necessary?
Yes! A touch up session after 4-6 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcomes will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment colour may need to be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added. Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your brows to ensure they look perfect and retain the colour for the whole year!
Is It Painful?
The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure,and during the procedure, your brow technician will apply a topical anaesthetic to numb the area.  Depending on the client the the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine.
After the procedure redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.