Eyebrow blading: All you need to know and what to expect
Hi guys. I’m so, so excited today. If you’re an ardent reader, you will know that I love sharing thoughts with you.
So, recently one of my readers, Laura, wrote to me about her experience with eyebrow blading or what many know as microblading. Her email was quite detailed and interesting that I asked if I could publish it here and share with you guys and she said yes. I hope you enjoy the piece as much as I did.
Hi Tara,
Laura R. , Los Angeles, CA
I enjoyed your last piece on eyebrow tinting and thought I should share my experience with you and your readers.
As a teenager, plucking the eyebrow was the in-thing. People used tweezers, wax and razor to get rid of most of their eyebrow. I was hesitant to join the band wagon at first, but after much pressure, I feel for it.
Now, I’m in my mid 40s and my eyebrow isn’t growing back anymore. It looks so sparse and makes me look older than my age. Lesson learned. I’d advise anyone plucking their eyebrow to please stop it now. I longed to have fuller eyebrow, and so when I heard of eyebrow blading, I didn’t hesitate to get one.
Here are some basics to microblading.
What is microblading?
It’s the process of filling out your eyebrow with semi-permanent tattoo to make it appear fuller or add brows for those with thin or none. Eyebrow tinting can be used to dye the eyebrow to a different color. You are able to pick fullness, arch, and shape. The hair-like strokes create a natural eyebrow look unlike pencils and brow products.
How long does it take?
It generally takes a few hours during your 1st appointment. What took most of the time was the marking of my eyebrow and application of the numbing gel. Your eyes will be measured to ensure everything is symmetrical. A stencil is used with measurements, allowing your tech to mark off start and finish points and ensure your arches and tails are perfect.
Does it hurt?
Everyone wants to know if microblading hurts! It involves the use of a blade tool that creates hair-like strokes and so it can hurt a little. You should ask for a numbing gel to help with the pain if you have low threshold for pain. Some techs use numbing creams, so you feel no pain at all. Inquire about it, when booking your microblading appointment.
How did I look afterwards?
I must warn you that you may not like your face 24 hours after the tattooing. My brows looked swollen, dark, and a little red. But after 2 days, the swelling disappeared and I started enjoying the eyebrow. And in 2 weeks, my eyebrow toned down and looked more natural.
The maintenance routine I took
I was warned about getting my face wet in the early days so that my brows remained dry. This is to allow the pigment to stay in place and allow the brows to properly scab. I also applied the lotion given to me for the eyebrow once the brow started to scab. Now, every technician has their own way of doing things, so you may be instructed to care for yours slightly different.
How long does it last?
eyebrow blading when done properly should last you for a year, two or even three years. It is a
semi-permanent brow, meaning it does not last forever. You’ll have one appointment to start your microblading and then a touch-up in 4-6 weeks. After your touch-up, you have no maintenance unless you do not follow instructions and your brows do not heal properly.
How much does it cost?
The prices vary from city to city. It usually costs from $300 to $1000. You could get it cheaper or lesser depending on your specialist. I’ve noticed that in large cities like Miami, Hollywood, New York City and Atlanta, prices are higher compared to smaller areas.
Should you go for it?
By all means, yes. If the way your eyebrow look is bothering you, microblading can make you feel more confident. And if you want to reduce the time you spend drawing your brows when making up then go for it. Just make sure you go for a qualified eyebrow blading artist to avoid having a less than desirable outcome. Look for past client photos and reviews before making your selection. Please do not just find anyone with a good price. A good price may not always delivery the results you want. If you are looking for a cheaper option, you may like brow tinting.
I’d love to read from more of you. Do you have semi-permanent brows or do you want to get it done? Feel free to shoot me an email like Laura did. Or you can share your thoughts with me in the comment section.
