Microblading is a technique in which superfine hair strokes are applied to resemble hair. It is used for eyebrow transplantation, scar camouflage, and other forms of cosmetic tattooing.
Microblading may be a choice for those with thin brows who are seeking a semi-permanent fill. Here’s everything you need to know about this contemporary style, including costs, and aftercare.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a manual technique of implanting pigment (powdered cosmetic tattoo) below the skin to create hairlike strokes that mimic brow hair. It is very similar to eyebrow embroidery or feather touch.
There are two types of microblading: incisional and injection. In the incisional technique, a blade is used to make small slits in the skin from where pigment is deposited. In the injection technique, the pigment has already been injected before creating the hair strokes. Microblading can be applied manually by a tattoo artist, or by a machine.
It should be noted that results vary per patient due to variables such as skin type, age, lifestyle habits (ex. smoking), and technique used.
The average treatment takes 1-2 hours, although the total time varies per person based on their hair strokes. Recovery time varies per person, with some returning to normal daily activities immediately after treatment and others taking a few days.
However, microblading is an unregulated field in the United States. This means anyone can purchase a kit online and set up shop as a microblader without any formal training which raises concern for the safety of their clients.
Microblading Cost
The cost of a facial tattoo procedure varies, but it might range from $400 to $1,400.
If you wish to employ a professional, it is critical that you find one that has experience. Thus, avoid low-cost options.
After healing, a person may safeguard their eyebrows and help prevent the color from fading by applying sunscreen to the microbladed region.
After the brows have healed, some people may require a touch-up to round out the brows.
Touch-ups may be done after about a year, or as instructed by the esthetician, afterward.
Microblading Healing Process
The average healing time for microblading is 25 to 30 days. It begins the moment your treatment is completed.
However, the healing speed of your skin will vary from person to person. It is determined by a number of elements, including:
- age
- skin type
- general health
In general, your brows will vary in appearance for the first 10 to 14 days. Every day, the color, definition, and texture of your eyebrows will alter considerably.
You’ll feel a variety of feelings in your skin. Your face will begin to hurt, be tight, and painful at first. This evolves into itching and flaking, which eventually fades away.
Microblading Aftercare
Your skin is going to be super sensitive and fragile after microblading so it’s really important to keep up with your aftercare. First of all, keep your brows dry for two days after, and don’t use any product or lotion on the area during this time. Use a wet washcloth if you need to gently wipe away any dried blood or seeping plasma, but that’s it.
Once you’re about two days post-treatment keep your skin really hydrated and moisturized because your skin is going to be dry and flaking. We call this the ‘healing phase’ and it lasts around 5-7 days where you can use a gentle cleanser and a really light moisturizer just on your brows. You can do this 3x a day, but avoid any harsh scrubbing or pressure because you might dislodge the pigment.
After week one it’s time to switch from using a healing product to an everyday anti-aging one. Use something with SPF 15 in it so you can avoid the sun in this super-sensitive area. If your brows are still a little pink use something like Adapalene to gently exfoliate and get them back to normal faster.
At week two you might notice some of the pigment is flaking off. It’s not everywhere, and it’s not the color we want to remove – just the stuff that didn’t quite get into all of your brows or that is sitting on top. That means it’s time to use a really gentle exfoliator and very gently scrub away anything that isn’t holding pigment. It will look like you’re losing some (and you are!), and that’s okay.
Week three is more of the same – only your brows will look darker than they did at week two! If they get a little dry, use moisturizers to get them back to normal. The pigment takes weeks to grow in so don’t freak out!
At week four, your brows might be getting a little their desired color.
How Long Does Microblading Last?
The time it takes for microblading to fade varies between 18 and 30 months. If the pigment from the treatment begins to visibly fade, you’ll need to return to your doctor for a touch-up solution. Depending on your skin type and desired effect, touch-ups might be required every six months or once a year.
Over time, the effects of microblading will fade and your natural brows will grow in. You’ll want to continue to monitor them for any changes. After your touch-ups, your doctor may recommend a product such as Lash Boost which can help maintain fullness and density.
Microblading holds up against daily activities. You can continue with your normal routine without worrying about the appearance of your brows fading or smudging your makeup. If you do sweat, you might experience some lifting along the surface of your skin where the pigment was applied. There are different ways to help combat this including using a spray setting- powder.
Microblading is removable. If at any time you are unhappy with the results or if your life changes and this no longer fits into your daily routine, your doctor will be able to remove the pigment for you. This procedure takes about 10-20 minutes and can usually be done during a regularly scheduled appointment.
Wrapping Up
If you are considering microblading eyebrows, it is important to know the cost of this procedure and how long it lasts. Our article will help you to understand what aftercare is necessary for a successful application of eyebrow tattoos. Microblading can be expensive depending on where you go, but don’t let that discourage you from looking into this option if you want thicker brows. The average price range in NYC ranges between $600-1000 with some places charging up to $3000! Aftercare includes avoiding any sun exposure or swimming while healing which will help ensure your eyebrows stay beautiful longer.
