If you’ve ever yearned for the perfect eyebrows, your search ends now.
The transformative beauty technique that’s been taking the world by storm, microblading eyebrows is your answer to easy and flawless brow makeup every day.
You won’t need to shape or fill your brows in the morning any longer–this is more than a trend, it’s a lifestyle change. It’s about waking up ready, with fuller, more defined eyebrows that enhance your face without having to lift a finger.
This guide will dive deeper into the art of microblading, refuting worries about pain, exploring the skills of your technician, and unraveling the process of color matching and precise mapping to ensure your brows look exactly how you want them to.
For a more thorough look options other than microblading, read our permanent makeup guide and take a look at our permanent makeup services.
And, if you’re looking for a reliable place to answer your questions or get microblading done, you found us! Schedule a consultation with one of our permanent makeup artists to talk about your brows.
Table of Contents
What to Expect: The Eyebrow Microblading Process Explained
Let’s talk brows and microblading! From discussing your dream brows to bringing them to life with precise strokes, this journey is about celebrating your unique arches.
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation (often virtual these days), your technician takes the time to understand your unique features and desires.
They assess the shape and thickness of your natural brows, discuss your skin type to ensure compatibility with the process and listen carefully to your beauty objectives. This thorough evaluation sets the stage for a customized experience tailored precisely to your needs.
Experience the process for yourself when you schedule a consultation with us.
Mapping and Preparation
Once your technician has a clear understanding of your goals, you’ll set an appointment. When you go in, they first meticulously map out the shape of your new brows.
This process involves careful consideration of your facial structure and features to ensure symmetrical and flattering results. Before commencing the microblading process, they apply a numbing cream to the treatment area, ensuring your comfort throughout the session.
Eyebrow Microblading Process
With the shape mapped out and your comfort ensured (aka numbing cream applied), microblading can begin.
Using a specialized tool, your technician gently implants pigment into the skin, creating tiny hair-like strokes that mimic the natural growth pattern of your brows. This precise technique allows for the creation of realistic and lifelike brows that beautifully frame your face.
Is Microblading a Tattoo? Truth and Tools
Thank goodness microblading eyebrows and permanent cosmetics have come such a long way.
Gone are the days of thick, dark, permanent, caterpillars on your face. With advancements in tools and techniques, the process is now much more natural and forgiving.
Performed using a handheld tool comprised of 6-14 micro needles shaped like a blade, hence the name Microblade, this technique doesn’t involve the use of a machine. The pigment (not like traditional tattoo ink) is collected with the blades, attached to a handheld device, and then deposited into the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. This method creates the appearance of extremely fine, crisp, and natural-looking hair strokes.
These needles only reach the surface layers of the skin, making microblading semi-permanent, typically lasting one to three years. However, results may vary depending on your skin type and aftercare routine.
Crafted for precision, the pen ensures each stroke looks realistic and full, enhancing your brows’ appearance. Microblading isn’t just about tattooing eyebrows and does not involve a tattoo gun unless you decide to get a combination brow; it’s an art requiring skill and precision to achieve beautiful, lifelike results.
Experiencing Microblading: It’s More Comfortable Than You Think
We know, we know. You’re wondering if PMU eyebrows will hurt, right?
In the realm of perfectly defined eyebrows, microblading reigns supreme as a hassle-free solution.
Despite initial apprehensions, undergoing microblading is surprisingly comfortable. This minimally invasive technique involves a handheld tool delicately etching thin lines into the skin to mimic natural hairs, with less penetration than a regular tattoo, resulting in minimal discomfort. To ensure your ease, a topical anesthetic is applied beforehand.
Feeling uncertain? Many clients find microblading less painful than expected, often comparing it to eyebrow threading or a gentle scratching sensation. So, rest assured, the process should be virtually painless.
Plus, it’s efficient—once the mapping and color selection are complete, the session typically takes only 30 to 40 minutes, bringing you closer to your desired natural-looking brows in no time.
Decoding the Cost: How Much Does Microblading Really Cost?
Without mincing words, microblading tends to come with a sizable price tag, with sessions ranging from $200 to $800 on average and touch-up sessions between $100-600. But why such a wide range? Let’s break down the factors influencing the cost.
1. Expertise and Reputation: The expertise and reputation of the microblading technician play a significant role in pricing. Top-tier technicians often charge more due to their proven track record and exceptional skills. However, equally skilled but less famous artists may offer services at a more affordable rate.
2. Geographic Location: The geographic location of the salon can also affect the price. For example, microblading in a big city like New York or Los Angeles may be more expensive than in a smaller town.
3. Touch-Up Sessions: It’s important to remember that you may require a touch-up session a few weeks after your initial appointment. This ensures the longevity of your brows as the color may fade during the healing process. While many artists include the first touch-up in the initial price, some do not, so it’s essential to clarify this beforehand.
4. Quality of Tools and Pigments: The use of high-quality tools and pigments also contributes to the cost. Microblading is a semi-permanent procedure, and investing in quality ensures satisfactory results.
As the saying goes, you often get what you pay for.
While the cost of this service may seem steep, it’s important to view it as an investment rather than an expense. Considering the convenience and confidence that come with perfectly filled, natural-looking eyebrows, it can be a worthwhile investment in your appearance.
The Magic of Mapping: Achieving Natural and Even Microblading Eyebrows
Mapping, in the world of microblading, is an indispensable technique that should be used by all technicians to craft natural, even, and full eyebrows that best suit your facial structure.
So, what is mapping exactly, and how does it influence the result of your microblading eyebrows?
Well, before the actual service commences, your technician will carefully measure and mark your brow area using a mapping string covered in removable ink or a mapping tool and pencil.
This ‘map’ serves as a guide for where the microblading strokes will be placed. It’s a meticulous task involving precision and a strong understanding of facial geometry. The goal? To ensure your brows are symmetrical and perfectly tailored to your face. Mapping squarely addresses the fear of ending up with the infamous ‘one higher than the other’ issue.
During the mapping process, your technician takes into account several factors such as your brow bone structure, the shape of your eyes, and even your natural expression lines. Your brows are not a one-size-fits-all feature, and therefore customization is key in achieving that natural, complementary look.
After the initial mapping, you’ll have a chance to view and approve your mapped brow shape in the mirror. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss any tweaks or adjustments you’d like, ensuring that you and your technician are on the same page before the real microblading begins.
Longevity of Your Brows: How Long Does Microblading Last?
Microblading is not a permanent procedure, and the longevity of your results can vary significantly. However, the undeniable appeal is that microblading eyebrows can typically last between 12 to 18 months. Some individuals may even notice that their results last up to two years.
The duration will depend on numerous factors such as your skin type, lifestyle, exposure to the sun, and the quality of care you apply post-procedure.
Skin Type Impacting Longevity
You might be surprised to learn that your skin type plays a significant role in how long your microblading eyebrow treatment lasts. Oily skin tends to fade faster compared to dry skin due to the higher production of natural oils. These oils may cause the pigment to blur and fade more rapidly.
Lifestyle and Environment Factors
Those who lead active lifestyles and expend a lot of time outdoors may also find that their microbladed eyebrows fade faster. These are some factors that commonly hasten fading time:
- Sweat
- Exposure to the sun
- Frequent swimming/bodies of water
- Exfoliation and anti-aging products
So basically, if you’re a gym rat or a beach bunny, you should be prepared for more frequent touch-ups.
Sustaining with Aftercare
The care you lavish on your freshly microbladed eyebrows can significantly extend their lifespan. Strictly adhering to the aftercare instructions provided by your microblading technician can help you ensure a successful healing process, thereby keeping your brows looking their best for an extended period.
Beholding the Beauty: Examples of Microblading Eyebrows
Once you start looking at examples of microbladed eyebrows, you’ll quickly understand the allure of this semi-permanent solution. Here are a few examples of brows done by artists who work at Real Brows in LA.
Microblading Touch-Ups: When and Why They’re Needed
As you step into the intriguing world of microblading eyebrows, you might wonder, “Do I need touch-ups?” The simple answer is yes. Whether it’s a bit of color enhancement or an adjustment to the brow shape, touch-ups are a vital part of maintaining your desired look. Let’s delve into understanding when and why they’re required.
Understanding Microblading’s Semi-Permanent Nature
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup technique, therefore it doesn’t last forever.
On average, the effects of microblading last between 12 to 18 months but depending on your lifestyle and skin type, can remain intact for a couple of years.
The Importance of Regular Touch-Ups
In general, a touch-up is recommended every 12 to 18 months to freshen the color, refine the strokes, and preserve the vibrancy of the eyebrows. Regular touch-ups ensure your microblading eyebrows continue to enhance your features and maintain the brow shape and color you love.
Adjustments and Refinements
However, microblading touch-ups aren’t only about color resurgence. Over time, the initial shape of your brows might warrant a bit of adjustment due to natural changes in your face, any exfoliation, or a change in your preference.
Touch-ups can help with these refinements to ensure your microblading eyebrows always complement your face excellently. Your technician is skilled in identifying these subtle transformations and making the necessary amendments.
How to Find the Best Microblading Technicians: Tips and Advice
The quest for the perfect microbladed eyebrows begins with finding the right technician. When choosing your microblading practitioner, doing your research and taking your time is key.
This person will literally reshape your brows, so you need to ensure they are reputable, experienced, and have a good understanding of the microblading procedure.
Full Portfolio
It’s essential to look at their portfolio to get a sense of their style and fidelity. Make sure the photos they provide are of their own work; pay special attention to the shape, color, and density of the microbladed eyebrows.
Be on the lookout for brows that you may want to look like yours or, if you’re someone with alopecia or similar needs you may want to look for examples of work they’ve done on brows that are entirely or nearly hairless.
Studio Cleanliness
Ensuring the cleanliness of the studio where you’ll undergo microblading is crucial for your safety and comfort. Here’s what to consider:
- Sanitization Practices: A reputable studio will have strict sanitization protocols in place. They should thoroughly clean and disinfect all equipment, surfaces, and tools between each client to prevent the spread of germs and infections.
- Sterile Environment: Look for studios that use disposable, single-use tools whenever possible to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Non-disposable tools should be properly sterilized using autoclaves or other medical-grade sterilization methods.
- Organization and Orderliness: A clean and well-organized studio reflects professionalism and attention to detail. Pay attention to the overall cleanliness of the studio space, including waiting areas, treatment rooms, and restrooms.
- Personal Hygiene: In addition to studio cleanliness, consider the personal hygiene of the microblading technician. They should wear clean, disposable gloves during the procedure and maintain proper hand hygiene throughout.
Reviews. Reviews. Reviews.
Reading reviews from past clients can provide valuable insights into the quality of service offered by a microblading technician. Here’s how to approach reviews:
- Diverse Sources: Don’t rely on reviews from just one source. Look for reviews on multiple platforms, such as Google, Yelp, social media, and the technician’s website. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the technician’s reputation.
- Content and Consistency: Pay attention to the content of the reviews and look for consistency in feedback. Positive reviews should highlight the technician’s professionalism, skill, and ability to meet client expectations. Conversely, negative reviews may raise red flags about issues such as cleanliness, communication, or results. If you see various negative reviews who all say the same thing, that’s a major red flag.
- Response to Feedback: Take note of how the technician responds to reviews, especially negative ones. A professional response demonstrates accountability and a commitment to addressing client concerns.
- Word of Mouth: If possible, seek recommendations from friends, family members, or acquaintances who have undergone microblading. Personal referrals can be particularly valuable as they come from trusted sources.
Qualifications and Certificates
The highly skilled microblading technicians often boast of proper certification. So, don’t hesitate to ask about their training and experience. It’s ideal to choose a practitioner who has undergone a significant amount of training and continuing education in the field of microblading eyebrows.
The Initial Meeting
Your initial consultation with your potential microblading technician is crucial. A good one will use this time to assess your skin tone, eyebrow shape, lifestyle, and desired results. They should explain the procedure in depth, outlining the steps, associated risks, and aftercare instructions for microblading.
A word of advice: don’t shy away from describing in detail what you’re looking for in your new eyebrows. Remember, this is your face, and you’ll be living with these eyebrows, so you want them to be perfect!
Transparent Communication
From the aftercare procedures to the details of the procedure itself, your technician should provide you with all the necessary information, clearly and transparently. Remember, getting microbladed eyebrows is a commitment, not a spur-of-the-moment decision, so make sure you’re aware of all the details before you jump into it.
Ending on a note of caution, if a microblading deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. This is your face, and it’s not worth risking a poorly done job, infection, or worse due to a quick bargain. Spend time looking for a technician who is skilled, certified, and up-to-date with the latest in microblading eyebrows techniques and best practices. Your perfect eyebrows are worth it!
Post-Microblading Eyebrows: Care Guide and Tips
Now that you’ve invested both time and money in bringing your microblading eyebrows to life, it’s crucial to understand how to care for them in the aftermath. Your post microblading eyebrow regimen can directly influence the results and longevity of the procedure.
Be sure to always adhere to the instructions of the technician who gave you your new, stunning brows! Our guide is here for reference but do not hesitate to reach out to your own professional with questions.
Initial Days After Microblading
For the first few days after your microblading session, your eyebrows may seem darker than anticipated. Don’t worry, this is expected! The color tends to settle down in the subsequent weeks to reveal the perfect shade chosen for you after the healing process is completed.
Protective Measures
After microblading, you must protect your brows from moisture. Hence, avoid any heavy workouts that cause excessive sweating, swimming, any bodies of water, or even steamy showers in the initial 7 to 10 days.
Also, avoid unnecessary touching or picking at your eyebrows as it will interfere with the healing process and the end result.
Patience and Healing
Be patient because the complete healing process varies from person to person and can take between 2-4 weeks. It involves the design settling in, and your skin gradually accepting the ink. Maintain diligence and gentleness during this phase, and avoid any itch to alter or change the shape yourself.
Do not apply any makeup as it can impact the color and do not pick your skin or you risk creating holes in your shape.
Follow-Up Session Importance
Also, remember to diligently attend your follow-up or touch-up session (usually after 4-6 weeks) to assess the results and make any necessary adjustments. This session allows your microblading technician a chance to refill any spots that may have not taken color well or make minor changes.
Long-Term Care
Microblading is an art, and like all art, it needs tender-loving-care. For long-lasting results remember, the refrain from harsh products, UV exposure, and any form of skin irritation around your brows.
Real Brows Los Angeles
Looking for a place to do your eyebrow microblading, and do it right? You’ve found us.
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Schedule a consultation with our studio today to get started and see what we can do for your brows!
