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Do you long for a fuller look for your eyebrows? Or, are you dealing with a common side effect of chemo — losing facial hair such as eyebrows and eyelashes? Whether you’re facing the outcome of your own overzealous plucking or the unwelcome results of a medical treatment, you may wonder if microblading is for you.
To learn more, check out these answers to some common FAQs about microblading.
What is microblading?
It’s a cosmetic procedure that uses tattooing to fill in thin eyebrows and make them look fuller. The first time, it may take up to a couple of hours because of paperwork and planning the brow shape you want. You’ll have a numbing agent applied to the brow area and then the procedure will take about 30 to 45 minutes. Expect the eyebrows to appear darker right after the initial treatment.
What makes microblading different from a standard tattoo is that it isn’t permanent. Instead, the coloring from this process may last up to three years — with a few touch-ups along the way. The reason is that microblading uses less pigment and different tools.
Speaking of tools — are there needles involved?
Yes, as with most tattoos, there’s no escaping needles. The person who’s performing the microblading process uses a tool that has needles to break into the skin and deposit color pigments that look like real hairs.
Who does the microblading?
Having your eyebrows come out looking natural and well-defined very much depends on the person who’s doing the microblading. This isn’t a process you can leave to a newbie. It’s not just that it takes time to perfect — having an untrained person can lead to infections.
The biggest risk you can take is not doing your research in the first place. Research the salon that offers microblading.
The biggest risk you can take is not doing your research in the first place. Research the salon that offers microblading. As with all trending cosmetic procedures, the person who’s doing the procedure should be a licensed aesthetician who’s had the right training (and experience). Don’t be afraid to check out those credentials and ask to see examples of recent microblading procedures they’ve done. A couple of good places to look for the aesthetician’s accreditation are the American Association of Micropigmentation or the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP).
What are some other risks of microblading?
A few other risks to be aware of include:
- Allergic reaction. Thankfully, it’s rare to have an allergic reaction to the organic pigments that are used for the procedure. Still, it happens. Ask the aesthetician about the kinds of pigment being used and how allergies are confirmed.
- Unsterile tools and equipment. Tools and other equipment that aren’t sterile are leading risk factors for infection. It’s vital that every piece of equipment is sterilized before you have the microblading procedure.
- Badly done brows. While microblading isn’t permanent, it’s close enough: semi-permanent. That means it can’t be easily covered up if it’s not done well. You may have to go through more sessions to correct the problem (not to mention the added costs). Again, that’s where doing your research comes in.
- Poor communication. The aesthetician and any other salon workers should make sure you clearly understand the risks, how to prepare for the microblading session, and what to do to recover well afterwards.
Who may not be good candidates for microblading?
You should think twice about microblading if you have:
- Bleeding disorders
- Active inflammatory problems near the eyebrows
- Ink allergies
- Blood thinners in your system
- Prescription acne medicines in your system
Talk to your doctor before you have a microblading session. And be honest with your aesthetician about your current health history. Even if your skin is in good shape and you’re a fine candidate for microblading, being open about your health history can help make it a safe, successful treatment.
Do you want to talk to a doctor before you have a microblading session? If you’re looking for a primary care doctor, you can search for one that’s right for you in our provider directory. Or you can find one using a regional directory below:
Resources
Lash line: Are eyelash extensions safe?
American Association of Micropigmentation
Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP)
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