If you’ve got a bathroom full of so many eyebrow pencils and gels that it looks like you’re about to paint the next Mona Lisa, and you spend more than 15 minutes to make sure your brows are on fleek every morning… then microblading might be for you.
Many people turn to microblading to up their brow game because the technique gives a natural, long-lasting look—saving time and hard-earned money.
But what is microblading? Is it a good fit for you? After reading this blog, you’ll hopefully feel confident about whether microblading can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing technique used to enhance your natural brows. It makes hair-like strokes for realistic-looking brow hairs and makes them look fuller.
Unlike traditional tattoos that use a tattoo gun, microblading uses a blade-shaped tool with tiny needles to deposit the colour pigment into your skin. It also doesn’t last as long as a traditional tattoo—still, microbladed brows will last several years.
Keep in mind that even as the colour fades, the pigment doesn’t completely go away. You might notice a slightly different shade to your brows years after your microblading treatment.
Microblading Real Strokes vs. Powder Brows
Microblading is great for you if you’re after a more natural look. Although ombré brows or powder brows and real stroke microblading are both forms of cosmetic tattooing, they are different in technique and the finished look they create. Tiny dots of pigment are deposited into your skin with powder brows, which creates a more shaded effect, rather than the crisp hair stroke technique of microblading.
Microblading Real Stroke Brows vs. Powder Brows
Microblading vs. Brow Lamination
Brow lamination is a popular treatment where unruly eyebrow hairs are straightened to create a fuller look. It works directly on your natural brows. This is a great fit if you want to tame your brows and create a fuller, fluffier texture. Keep in mind that the results aren’t as long-lasting as those of microblading—brow lamination usually lasts four to six weeks.
Microblading Brows vs. Laminated Brows
How to Prepare Before Your Microblading Appointment
Booking a consultation before a microblading appointment will allow you to discuss any medical conditions, such as heart problems, medications like blood thinners, skin irritations near the brow area or hair conditions like alopecia, that could impact your eligibility for microblading.
You should always work with a certified, experienced aesthetician to ensure you have the safest and most comfortable treatment possible, and of course, end up with the brows of your dreams!
If you’ve decided to say yes to fuller, natural-looking brows with microblading, it’s important to prepare before your appointment. First, make sure to schedule your appointment 2-3 months before any important events, such as weddings or holidays, so that your brows have more than enough time to heal and settle into your desired look. This will also give you enough time for a touch-up session because perfect brows can sometimes be a two-step process!
Keep in mind you’ll need to wait at least two weeks before or after a Botox® treatment, laser, or chemical peeling.
What to Expect During a Microblading Treatment
When it’s time for your microblading treatment, your certified aesthetician will work with you to customize the look of your brows, using their magic (okay, expertise) to pick the size, colour, shape, and form that’ll achieve your aesthetic goals.
You can expect to be at your appointment for up to two hours— the first hour is used to meticulously map your brows to make sure they feel 100% like you! Your new brows are meant to enhance your natural beauty, so this initial phase of the appointment will take some time. Patience is a virtue!
When it’s time to get started, a numbing solution is applied to your brow area. This treatment is not without discomfort, but we always strive to reapply numbing so that you stay as comfy as possible throughout the treatment.
Microblading Aftercare
So, what determines the longevity of your new brows?
Part of it is genetics and your skin type. So you have to work with what your momma gave you! The other part is within your power, aka how well you follow the aftercare instructions.
Here are the steps to healing and getting head-turning microbladed brows that last for years:
Stage 1 (first day): OMG look at me! I love my new brows!
Stage 2 (Day 2-5): Aaah, these brows are way too dark! First of all, take a deep breath. Second: don’t stress! It’s completely normal if your brows look darker than you expected for the first few days. Stay with us!
Stage 3 (Day 5-10): The shape looks kinda weird and my brows are flaking...about to leave a 1-star review. Just wait for a few days, and that one star will multiply into five. Pinky promise!
Stage 4 (Day 10-15): Wait…what the heck? My brows are gone! They’ll be back. Trust the process, girl.
Stage 5 (Day 15-30): Phew, they’re coming back, looking even better than before! Still a little patchy though. Told ya!
Stage 6 (Touch-up day): My brows are on fleek, I love them so much! You look stunning!
Touchup and Maintenance for Microbladed Brows
Microblading is a bit of a commitment, and your brows will need some TLC and attention over the years to stay fabulous.
Your first touch-up should happen 1-3 months after your first appointment. During this session, more pigment is added for long-lasting results. After that, we recommend yearly touch-ups to keep your brows looking flawless.
We also recommend steering clear of tanning beds and direct sun exposure. These are the arch-nemeses of your new brows, causing discoloration. Enjoy those sunny days (after your brows have fully healed), but don’t forget the SPF 40 or higher sunscreen!
To prevent fading, avoid chemical peels, laser treatments, micro-dermabrasions, or Retin-A/Retinol and lightening creams on or closely around your brow area.
Follow these tips and you can enjoy beautiful microbladed brows for years to come!
Ready to up your brow game? Sara on our team is a certified aesthetician and is formally trained in microblading by one of Alberta’s most recognized trainers. She always ensures her clients leave our medi spa looking their best!
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