Everything you've ever wanted to know about Microblading, but were afraid to ask!

What is microblading?

 

 

Microblading is a form of permanent makeup that creates natural, beautiful eyebrows with a handheld microblade. It’s perfect for people who have thin, sparse or over plucked eyebrows  or those who want to define, darken or reshape their eyebrows.  There seems to be some concern as to whether microblading is actually a tattoo, any time color is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process as defined by many well informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources. Denying this process is a tattoo can be problematic for those who would, for religious or other personal reasons, normally refuse to have a tattoo.

 

Microblading originated in Asia over 20 years ago and has gone by many names: eyebrow embroidery, feather touch, microstroking and even “the Japanese Method." By 2015, microblading became popular in the United States.

 

Technically, microblading is a form of eyebrow tattooing. But unlike traditional tattooing, which uses a machine, microblading artists apply each hairstroke with a handheld microblade. This produces a very fine line that resembles real hair. Each individual hairstroke is hand drawn by the artist and blended in with the client’s existing eyebrow hair, skin tone and color. With a strong artist at the helm, the results can be gorgeous and very lifelike.

 

Microblading typically takes two appointments to complete. In the first appointment, the client is profiled and the eyebrows are drawn on with a waterproof pencil, so the artist and client can agree on the look. The artist then microblades the eyebrows and the client is ready to go back into the world. There is some mild scabbing and aftercare required, but your microblading should be completely healed in 30 days.

 

Microblading is performed with a grouping or configuration of needles affixed to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs. Manual methods of tattooing have been used through the ages, and the tools have gone through changes over time from pre-historic sharpened stones to the hand tool devices currently being used. An actual scalpel or cutting-type blade should not be used under any circumstances as these are considered medical devices and cannot legitimately be used for this process. Any hand tool device (i.e., both handle and attached needles) used for microblading should be pre-sterilized and fully disposable.

 

Microblading vs. traditional permanent make-up (i.e. cosmetic tattoo)

 

Why does microblading not last as long as other eyebrow tattooing techniques?

This is simply because a much smaller amount of pigment is inserted (tattooed) into the skin as compared to fully or solidly filled eyebrow tattoos.

 

 

All cosmetic tattoo professionals use  topical anesthetics, which numbs clients of most of the pain. In fact, many clients report little or no pain. 

 

Who Should Avoid Microblading?

While microblading is great for most people, there are some people who are ineligible for microblading:

 

Those with thin, frail skin.

 

Those with very oily skin and large pores.

Those prone to keloids or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, since microblading punctures the skin as we add pigment, we cannot work with clients with these conditions.

If you’ve had Juvederm or other fillers in that area. Depending on the timing, we recommend to get microblading first! Otherwise, check with your doctor. Many artists may request a note from your doctor first.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy. Although microblading is great for restoring eyebrows, we would require a doctor’s note in order to perform the procedure for anyone undergoing chemotherapy.

If you have any kind of skin condition on or near your eyebrows. This includes eczema, shingles, rashes, or anything else near eyebrows.

 

 

Artist Training is VERY important!

Make sure the artist is licensed and certified in the state and county in which they work,

Make sure they are a board certified member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals.  

Make sure that their blood borne pathogen certification is up to date.

Make sure they carry professional liability insurance.

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Make sure you have seen their work, perhaps spoken to previous clients or read independent reviews from a viable independent source.

Make sure they have a minimum of 100 hours of training in permanent cosmetics, they need to have a similar amount of training in microblading, even if it is for just that one type of procedure. There are many areas of study when learning these techniques, which include facial morphology and bone structure, brow shaping and design, color analysis, color theory, proper handling of equipment, prevention of cross-contamination, as well as practice work and the opportunity to observe procedures before actually performing them under supervision. Anyone interested in pursuing training in cosmetic tattooing, including microblading, should first check with state and county regulating agencies. This would also include verifying the qualifications of any trainer, in addition to checking with regulatory agencies for trainer compliance with local health, safety, or permit requirements if the trainer is traveling from another state or country to offer training.

 

Celebrities with permanent make-up

Dolly Parton Raquel Welch

Marie Osmond Gloria Estefan

Madonna

Victoria Beckham

Princess Diana

Pamela Anderson

Meagan Good

Elizabeth Taylor

Dustin Hoffman

Cher

Winona Ryder

Michelle Obama