Skip to main content

MICROBLADING 5 Things You Need to Know Before Going “PERMANENT”

By November 21, 2018April 12th, 2022Microblading

Microblading: it’s new, it’s hot, it’s confusing! As a PMU (permanent makeup) artist, I’ve found that many people are misinformed by the countless terms and explanations used to describe the procedure. Feathering, micro needling, 3D brows, ombre, powder brows; these are all terms used to describe different techniques of microblading. A well-trained artist will be skilled in multiple techniques to give you the dimension, thickness and overall look you’re trying to achieve. Microblading is technically classified under the permanent cosmetics realm, but it is actually a SEMI-permanent cosmetic technique that is used to create hairlike strokes for people with sparse or thinning brows. The artist uses a manual tool with small “micro” needles, delicately depositing pigment into the skin to create precise, hairlike strokes that mimic natural hair. Pigment is color-matched and hand blended by the artist to give you the most natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with your existing hair. Each client’s brows are measured and mapped carefully according to their facial structure to improve eyebrow shape and symmetry. Below are some tips and information everyone should know before getting their microblading procedure.

Microblading is perfect for anyone who is tired of filling in their brows with pencils, powders and creams only to have them smear, smudge and wash off. If your eyebrows are sparse or thinning, light-colored, asymmetrical, or if you’re just generally unhappy with the look of them, microblading can give you beautiful brows without the headache.

#1 MICROBLADING IS NOT PERMANENT

Microblading is classified under permanent cosmetics, but it is NOT permanent. The use of a manual ‘micro’ tool allows the artist to create very precise and superficial cuts that only penetrate the epidermis. By staying above the dermis, the strokes won’t blend together and will retain their hair-like look. Microblading pigment is NOT tattoo ink; it’s specially formulated for semi-permanent cosmetic use. It is biodegradable and naturally broken down by your body over time. As your skin cells regenerate and exfoliate, your microblading will gradually fade in 12-18 months depending on your skin type and lifestyle.

THE GOLDEN RATIO

Even though everyone’s facial structure is different, there is a precise mapping technique for eyebrows that can be measured to create symmetry; and symmetry =beauty. Don’t worry if your face isn’t symmetrical; no one’s is! Thankfully, having your eyebrows professionally measured, mapped and corrected with microblading can create the illusion of symmetry. Your nose may not be exactly in line with the center of your face, your eyes may not be equidistant from your nose, or your brow bones may be different in shape and angle, but microblading can give your face a more even and balanced appearance, while saving you the time and effort of trying to map your brows with a pencil EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Each of my clients brows are measured and mapped carefully according to their facial structure using the golden ratio. The golden ratio is a proportion found everywhere in nature and is associated with what we consider to be ‘beautiful’. By using the golden ratio to correct the shape and proportion of your eyebrows, your face will have a more attractive overall appearance (ummm YES PLEASE!).

Microblading not only fills in sparse or thinning brows, it gives your face a symmetrical framework creating a more balanced, beautiful look.

BE SURE YOUR ARTIST IS TRAINED AND CERTIFIED

With the exception of a few states, it is not required in the USA to receive any training or certification to be a PMUA (permanent makeup artist). I know, crazy right?! So anyone can claim to be a PMUA and seriously mess up your eyebrows! Make sure your artist has gone through training with a legitimate organization and has a completion certificate to be sure you’re in safe hands. Having a certified artist not only gives you peace of mind that they know what they’re doing, it also ensures that they’re using quality pigments and tools that will give your eyebrows the right look. A professional artist will be able to determine what shape, pattern, technique and blend of pigments to use tailored specifically for your eyebrows. For each of my clients, I hand mix multiple pigments to match their existing eyebrows. I also ensure that complimentary undertones are used so your microblading is the correct hue once it’s healed.

Find an artist that has some experience and natural talent. Make sure he/she is trained in more than JUST the hair stroke microblading technique. From my experience, many clients will need shading in addition to an individual hair stroke pattern. Shading allows the microblading to blend naturally with your existing hair and gives your eyebrows some dimension. Using multiple techniques will give you the most realistic and natural-looking results. Instagram is a valuable tool for finding talented microblading artists. Check out before/after photos and look for diversity in their clients. Everyone’s facial structure is different and a good artist will be able to work with a variety of shapes and sizes to create the perfect brows for each individual client.

DOES MICROBLADING HURT?

A topical anesthetic is applied to your skin before and throughout your procedure to keep you comfortable. Most clients describe the feeling as “irritating” rather than painful. I’ve actually had a few clients fall asleep during their procedure! Some clients’ skin is more sensitive than others, and may need to be numbed for a bit longer. In my experience, any discomfort can be easily alleviated by leaving anesthetic on the skin for a few extra minutes.

Specially formulated PMU pigments allow artists to match the pigment to the color of your eyebrows for a seamless and natural look.

KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT

Achieving your best results relies not only on finding a good artist; your skin type, aftercare and lifestyle are also important factors to consider. Very oily skin, for example, typically doesn’t retain pigment well. Scarring, eczema and other skin conditions can also affect your final results. Each of my clients receives aftercare instructions tailored to them and a healing moisturizer to take home. Keep in mind your eyebrows will appear dark and bold after your microblading appointment. Once healed, your eyebrows will be 50% lighter than they appear directly after your procedure. Make sure you talk to your artist about the look you’re trying to achieve, your skin type and conditions, and any concerns you may have. Communication is key! As an artist, my goal is my client’s satisfaction. I want you to feel happy, confident and beautiful when you walk out of my door.

CONTACT US 317-848-SKIN