What Is Eyebrow Microblading?

Medically reviewed by Daniela Burchhardt, MD Daniela Burchhardt Daniela BurchhardtMD facebook_icontwitter_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by Esha Saxena, MA (Mass Communication & Media Studies) Esha Saxena MA (Mass Communication & Media Studies) Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

Back in the 90s, pencil-thin, skinny brows were apparently a thing. That was a dark time, considering how your brows make a world of difference in framing your face and accentuating your features. It’s all about thicker and fuller brows now! Eyebrow microblading is not just the hottest beauty trend currently but also a heaven-sent solution for us victims of over-plucked, thin eyebrows. If you are looking to give your brows a long-term fix, here’s everything you need to know about this semi-permanent eyebrow treatment.

What Is Microblading?

Eyebrow microblading is a technique that involves filling in your eyebrows with semi-permanent tattoo ink to look like brow hairs. Similar to getting a tattoo, this treatment uses tiny needles that make up a small blade to deposit the pigment under your skin. You can save a ton of time every morning as brows take a solid few minutes in one’s daily makeup routine.

If you haven’t heard all the buzz surrounding eyebrow microblading, you are bound to have a whole lot of questions. We’ve got you covered because it’s super important to make an informed decision when it comes to anything even remotely permanent.

How Is Eyebrow Microblading Done?

Before your aesthetician starts with the microblading procedure, they will draw and fill in your eyebrows to determine your desired look. Once this is done, they will use a specially designed tool that bleeds color pigment into the small scratches of your epidermis. This creates fine lines that mimic strokes of hair.

Remember, the treatment requires time and patience. You might have to go in for a few sittings to achieve natural and realistic looking brows. The number of sessions wholly depends on the state of your natural eyebrows.

Eyebrow microblading or 3D eyebrow embroidery is the best investment you will ever make! Here are a few benefits that this procedure offers.

[ Read: Tips To Get Naturally Beautiful Eyebrows ]

Microblading or 3D eyebrow embroidery - Eyebrow Microblading
Image: Shutterstock

Benefits Of Eyebrow Microblading

  1. It gives you long-lasting results. Think of it like a tattoo that gives you the brows of your dreams. You will only need to get your brows microbladed once every two to three years. However, you can also get a few touch-ups during this period if you think your brows need a boost.
  2. It is an easy solution for people who have lost their brows due to over plucking, an illness, or chemotherapy.
  3. It is a quick procedure that gives you immediate results. It does not really require any time for recovery. So, you can go about your business right after it gets over.
  4. You won’t have to waste time in the morning hassling over filling in your brows. Your microbladed brows are also waterproof!
  5. If you go to a reputed microblading makeup clinic, you are bound to get flawless, natural-looking results. It is nearly impossible to spot the difference between natural eyebrows and microbladed ones.
  6. It does not hurt too much and is completely safe. There are no undesirable side effects of this treatment.

There are a few pointers that you need to keep in mind before and after you get your eyebrows microbladed. Keep reading to find out how you can take care of them.

Pre And Post Microblading Care

Microblading Pre-Care

  1. Do not consume alcohol or caffeine 48 hours before your procedure as it will result in bleeding and delay the healing time.
  2. Avoid being out in the sun too much or tanning a week before your appointment.
  3. Do not take Retinol, Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, or Advil 48 hours before your procedure.
  4. Avoid chemical peels, facials, or microdermabrasion for four weeks before your set microblading date. Also, avoid the use of any AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) products close to your brow area for two weeks (before and after) your treatment.
  5. Don’t wax, tint, or thread your brows a week before. The more natural hair you have, the better it is!

Microblading Post-Care

  1. Allow your eyebrows to air dry before applying ointment on them.
  2. Keep the brow area clean by using a mild, fragrance-free gel cleanser and water.
  3. Avoid using abrasive sponges or washcloths near your eyebrow area.
  4. Do not pick or scratch the area during or after the microblading process is completed. Allow any scabbing or dry skin to fall off naturally. If you pick them, you can not only cause scarring but also lose the pigment.
  5. Completely avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for five weeks after your procedure. Also, steer clear of pools, steam rooms, hot showers, and sauna for about three weeks.
  6. Do not use any makeup or skin care products on the treated area for up to two weeks.
  7. Always wear sunscreen to prevent fading. The best products for your microbladed eyebrows are Vaseline and SPF.
  8. Look after your brow area just like you would take care of a wound. Allow it to heal fully before going for any other chemical procedures or peels.

Results

Right after your treatment, your eyebrows will appear darker and bolder than you want for the first couple of weeks due to the natural healing process. This is very common and nothing to worry about. The whole procedure takes about two hours from consultation to measuring your brows and the final treatment.

[ Read: Top 10 Eyebrow Shapes For Asian Women ]

Recovery

It takes about 7 to 14 days for your eyebrows to heal and a month for the pigment to fully set in. Initially, you may be uncomfortable with how dark your brows look, but the color fades by 50% within the first week. So, patience is key!

Average Cost

The cost of eyebrow microblading can range anywhere from around $350 to $900. However, having your brows look like they are always on-fleek may just be worth every penny.

If you’re looking to achieve a natural brow look that lasts, microblading eyebrows is the way to go. But what about microshading and feathering? Here’s what these concepts mean.

Difference Between Microblading, Microshading, And Microfeathering

Microshading: Microshading is perfect for those who want their brows to look thick and filled in, much like the “done” Insta brows. It uses a tool that creates a soft, powdered effect that resembles your eyebrow pomade. There’s no difference in the lifespan of microshading and microblading, so that’s a plus! The price is also just about the same.

Microfeathering: This technique is all about creating natural, fluffy-looking brows. It uses your existing eyebrow hair as the starting base and fills it in with pigment wherever needed. This is unlike microblading, which recreates most of the brow. It is a great option for those who only want to lightly fill in the brows they already have.

Ladies, never underestimate the power of a killer pair of brows! They can be the biggest game changer, and they can indeed make or break your look. That was our take on the ins and outs of microblading. We hope this article comes in handy to fully understand the biggest brow trend that there is. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section below!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does microblading last?

Microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos and will typically last for one to three years.

Is eyebrow microblading painful?

Eyebrow microblading is more uncomfortable than painful. It feels more like a tweezing session than anything else. However, this factor entirely depends on your pain threshold.

Is microblading permanent?

No, microblading is a semi-permanent procedure without any side effects.

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Dr. Daniela Burchhardt is a board-certified head and neck surgeon and fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with 10 years of experience. She has developed a prestigious reputation in providing long-lasting and natural results for her patients in Houston, TX.

Read full bio of Daniela Burchhardt
Esha Saxena
Esha SaxenaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.

Read full bio of Esha Saxena
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