Also known as ‘micro-stroking’ or ‘feather tough’, microblading is a cosmetic procedure which helps improve the way the eyebrows look.
A trained technician typically performs the procedure. Some states may require the microblading technician to have a special license, while others may not. It is vital for all people who wish to undergo a microblading procedure to carefully research on the abilities of the technician before using his/her services. In case you live in a state that does not require a license for performing microblading, then verify the occupation license or the health department inspection certificate. This will help ensure the legitimacy of the technician as well as prevent infections caused from incorrect procedure
People also need to know that the tool used for carrying out the procedure needs to be a ‘use and throw’ instrument, i.e., it should be a disposable tool to be used for just one time. In case, the technician is now using a disposable microblading tool, then it is best to avoid him/her.
During microblading, the technician will use a specialized tool to carefully draw in the brows. Hundreds of minute strokes are made with the tool and it helps create a texture that appears just like the hairs of the eyebrow. The procedure cuts into the skin where the eyebrows are present and ink pigments are planted into such cuts.
How long does microblading eyebrows last?
The effects of microblading remain for 12 to 18 months. This is the reason for its increased popularity and appeal.
Pregnant women, those who have had an organ transplant, those with hepatitis or a compromised liver, and those who are prone to formation of keloids need to avoid undergoing microblading. It is best to consult a doctor, before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
Microblading Eyebrows Aftercare and Side effects
Microblading aftercare is vital for the longevity and appearance of the new ink-implanted eyebrows. The aftercare rules are the almost the same as tattoo aftercare, but is more intensive.
Just after the microblading procedure, the treated area will look bolder and darker and the eyebrows will have a sharper definition. The pigment may be darker by the skin will be reddish. This look will remain for around 7 days post treatment during the healing period.
Two hours after the procedure, dip a cotton swab in sterilized water and run it over the treated area. This will remove extra ink and ensure that the area remains clean and sterilized. The skin will look healed and the ink will fade to its natural color in 7 to 14 days. Redness and swelling/inflammation tends to vanish in 1 to 2 days. Sometimes, it can persist for 72 hours. Even though the area may feel like sunburn and cause some discomfort, it will disappear within a few hours.
A few microblading eyebrows aftercare tips are listed below:
- Thoroughly wash the hands and then use a cotton swab, a Q-tip, or gauze dipped in distilled lukewarm water to gently wash the treated area. Later, use a disposable paper towel to pat it dry. Clean this way 3 to 5 times per day for a week and then 2 times a day during the second week. Never touch the area with unwashed hands. Never rub the area as it will hamper healing.
- After cleaning the area in the morning, take the ointment provided by the technician and apply it on dry skin using a cotton swab.
- There may be some itchiness and minor flaking during the initial period when the skin heals. Do not scratch the area to ease the itching. Avoid picking, peeling, or tugging at flaky skin or scabs. Let it fall of naturally. Picking at the area may cause the ink to get removed or may result in scarring.
- You may shower or bathe normally. However, it is important to ensure that the face is kept dry for a period of at least ten days after microblading procedure. Hence, keep the face away from the water during a bath or the showerhead during a shower. Carefully wash the face in such a manner that water does not touch the eyebrow area.
- Do not let the treated area come into contact with any soaps, cleansers, shampoo, or lotions, etc., for at least 1 week. Soaps, etc. can be harmful to the bonding process of the pigments and will prevent the ink from stabilizing in the dermis.
- Avoid wearing makeup for a period of 7 to 10 days, when the skin is healing and the pigments are settling into the minor cuts made during the microblading procedure.
- Till the area is completely healed,
- Do not go swimming
- Avoid sweating excessively
- Avoid saunas, sun tanning, physical activities, sports, exercising vigorously, Jacuzzi, hot tubs, hot baths, salon tanning
- Avoid using UVA/UV rays or chemical treatments as it can cause premature fading or color changes
- Avoid waxing, threading, or using hair removal cosmetic products on the treated area
- Avoid peelings, chemical or laser treatments,
- Avoid using facial creams or anti-aging products with Glycolic acid, Retin-A, or Alpha Hydroxyls
- Avoid using Neosporin, Vaseline, different kinds of petroleum-based cosmetics, any kind of moisturizer, lightening creams, anti-acne products,
- Do not drink alcohol as it can slow down the process of healing
- Do not perform heavy tasks around the house, such as cleaning the basement or garage
- Do not drive in open air modes of transportation like boats, convertibles, motorcycles, or bicycles, etc.
- Use a fresh pillow/pillowcase. Do not sleep face down/on the face for the first 10 days after microblading
- After 1 week, use the aftercare ointment, healing balm, medicated lotion provided by technician on the area. Apply it gently with clean hands. Do not apply lots of cream, but only minimal amounts so as to ensure that natural healing of the skin takes precedence. You may do this at night before sleeping. Continue this aftercare step for a week.
Immediately contact a doctor in case of any signs of infection like pus, foul smelling discharge, severe pain, excessive redness, fever, etc.
Tips to maintain eyebrows after microblading
As per your age and the regeneration capacity of the body, the healing process will complete in 4 to 6 weeks. The new eyebrows will undergo varied stages during this cycle of healing. Microblading is an investment and hence it has to be protected by via proper skin care after the healing is complete.
After skin healing begins, the area will feature dry skin and look flaky. This is due to the process of natural removal of dry skin and superficial color from the brows. The new eyebrows will produce their final look around 30 days after the microblading procedure.
A once-a-year ‘touch-up’ is often recommended by microblading technicians. Such a touch-up typically consists of addition of ink to the border of the eyebrows already present. Just after the microblading procedure, the ink seems quite natural looking. The pigment shade becomes darker the following day. After the peeling and recovery period, the eyebrows may seem lighter in shade as compared to before. This may make you feel as if the ink is fading away fast. Even after following proper aftercare and maintenance guidelines, some original hair-strokes may be lost leading to an uneven look for the brows. This is not something to worry about and quite normal. It is one of the main reasons why a touchup is recommended.
Microblading is permanent just like tattoos, but it fades. Use of sunscreen on the treated area can help avoid fading. Exposure to the sun rays increases the rate of fading of the new brows.
Do not apply foundation over the fully healed brows as it may make them appear much lighter.
Fading may occur at a faster pace if smaller quantities of ink were used during the procedure. In most cases, people will need to undergo another entire microblading eyebrow treatment after 2 years as it would have completely faded by then.
