There's a reason that eyebrow microblading has become so popular in recent years. Essentially a light form of tattooing, microblading offers longlasting, scultped brows that still appear natural. The time and money spent on regular eyebrow shaping and makeup can become a thing of the past. But how exactly does microblading work, and is it for everyone? Here are 5 FAQs that can help you decide whether or not microblading is for you:
1. What Can Be Expected from a Microblading Session?
All microblading sessions start with a consultation, during which your technician will go over the procedure and any discomfort you may experience. The brow region will then be cleaned, and a numbing cream will be applied. The technician will then apply ink using short, shallow strokes that mimic hairs. Afterwards, you will be instructed to keep the area clean and ice if needed to help prevent swelling. However, you should avoid getting the area wet, and do not apply any makeup to the region until it is fully healed. There may be some flaking and itching during the healing process, but this is normal. In most cases, at least one follow-up session is needed to make sure the brows turn out as desired.
2. How Much Does Microblading Cost?
The cost of microblading varies between people and sessions. Some cost several hundred dollars, while others cost well over $1500. Above all, it depends on your end goal for your brows. For example, people with very thin brows who want a thicker, fuller-looking appearance will naturally require sessions that result in more time and ink being used. Getting a consultation ahead of time will help give you a better idea of what kind of pricing can be expected.
3. Does Microblading Work on All Skin Types?
The short answer is yes, microblading can be performed on all skin types. That said, people will oily skin will want to alert their technician ahead of time and follow stringent aftercare (like avoiding getting brows wet) to ensure that the brow ink does not run. Likewise, some people with sensitive skin types may need lighter ink strokes and more extended aftercare to help reduce swelling and enable quick healing.
It's also worth noting here that people with previous microblading or eyebrow-region tattoos should consult with their treatment professional first about how a new treatment will appear. In many cases, previous tattooing can be covered up. In other cases, it can be difficult.
4. How Long Does Microblading Last?
When done correctly, microblading typically lasts anywhere from one year to three years. It is important to remember that both the placement of the tattooing and the shallower strokes used during the treatment prevent it from yielding totally permanent results. While permanent eyebrow tattoos can be achieved, they often do not look natural. Microblading is designed for a natural appearance, and its semi-permanent results also mean that the brows can still be altered in the future to adhere to ever-changing fashion trends.
5. Can I Get Microblading if I'm Pregnant?
While little is known about the effects of skin ink on pregnancy, it is currently not recommended that pregnant women receive microblading. This is because all forms of tattooing carry a small risk of infection, which has the potential to cause problems with a developing fetus. Most doctors recommend waiting until after breastfeeding to receive microblading.