Hawked as one of the most important facial features, eyebrows help accentuate the eyes, shape the face, and play a powerful role in non-verbal communication. Because of this, many women opt for microblading as the most popular method of achieving fluffy, natural, hair-like brows built to last. The longevity of the microblading effect can last anywhere from 18 to 30 months.
It generally requires touch-ups once or twice a year once pigment from the procedure begins to fade noticeably. When waiting for an extended period than the practitioner recommends, a client must repeat the whole microblading procedure on both eyebrows. That said, this is time-intensive and much more expensive than a touch-up application.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a form of eyebrow tattoo that draws additional hairs on the skin and enhances the look of the natural brows. Using the multi-needle microblading tool that makes ultra-thin incisions on the skin’s surface creates hair-like strokes, which are then filled with pigments of natural origin.
The enhanced eyebrows give a result that looks very natural and can’t be removed, unlike regular makeup. This makes microblading a smudge-proof, waterproof, and sweat-resistant way to improve the brows look and overall appearance. On the other hand, a touch-up application will depend on the person’s skin type.
How Does Microblading Work?
Before the procedure, the licensed technician will hold a consultation to discuss how natural or bold the clients want their eyebrows to look. They will analyze the eyebrow’s natural color, skin tone, and other facial features to determine what best complement the face. Next, the technician will use an eyebrow pencil to create the desired brow shape outline.
The technician will dip the microblading tool into the pigment after cleaning and applying a numbing cream to the eyebrow area and create minor cuts that look precisely like eyebrow hairs within the natural brow. Once finished with the first eyebrow, smearing of the pigment will follow over the entire eyebrow and let it sit, and repeat the process on the second eyebrow. The technician will then remove the smeared pigment to reveal thicker, fuller, more precisely shaped eyebrows when the whole process is done.
How Long Is The Healing Process of Microblading?
Like regular tattoos that take time to heal, so do cosmetic tattoos. As such, most people’s surface healing takes anywhere from 7- 14 days. However, the skin underneath continues to rebuild itself for several weeks after the procedure.
While the healing time is relatively quick, the most important thing is to know how to properly care for the microblade brows post-treatment to ensure that they heal properly and last as long as possible.
What Are The Determining Factors Of Microblading Longevity?
Without touch-ups, the average longevity of microblading results is 12 to 18 months, but this period can significantly vary due to various factors like lifestyle, skin type, skin thickness, the system’s state, and many more.
Below are the most significant factors that affect the lifespan of microblading:
- microblading aftercare
- skin type and texture
- excessive sweating or swimming
- frequent sunlight exposure
- certain skincare products and facials
- pigment quality
- the overall system
What To Do After The Treatment?
The aftercare of the microblading can significantly affect the longevity of the effects and its side effects. Here are the essential tips to remember:
- Ensure not to touch the microblade area for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
- There are no heavy workouts yet and water contact for at least 48 hours, but after that, only use water when cleansing and gently pat the face dry. Avoid cleansers for at least a week.
- Wait at least a week to resume the regular skincare routine, including creams, exfoliants, makeup, and astringents.
- Avoid saunas, swimming, and steam rooms for at least 2 weeks.
- Don’t wash or thread the eyebrows for at least 6 weeks.
How To Make The Microbladed Brows Last?
These treatment tips can help keep the brows looking fantastic for a more extended period.
- Side effects of microblading, such as inflammation, discomfort, and itching, are common, but avoid rubbing, itching, and exfoliating the skin. Anyhow, these side effects should go away after a few weeks.
- Don’t get the brows wet during the first week of recovery. It can tighten and loosen the pigment.
- Avoid excessive sunlight, resurfacing lasers, LED light, and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment.
- Don’t pick at the scabs. It can lead to an infection and may mess with the result. They’ll slough off when they’re ready.
What Are The Precautions And Risks Of Microblading?
Microblading is a common procedure, but it’s not without its share of risks. Below are the common side effects after the procedure.
- Discomfort may be experienced during the procedure.
- The microblade area can become infected if it’s not kept clean and dry.
- Color may bleed, spread, or change due to sun exposure or exfoliation.
- The skin may form granulation tissue, a raised scar-like reaction typically due to an ink allergy.
- The brows may have asymmetry or an unnatural shape.
- The brow color and shape will last for 18 months or more.
Who Should Avoid Microblading Their Eyebrows?
The following individuals are not suitable candidates for eyebrow microblading, which include:
- pregnant or nursing
- under 18 years of age
- have had an organ transplant
- have a viral infection or disease
- have major heart problems or require a pacemaker
- have a preexisting skin condition on or near the eyebrows
- allergic to metal or certain dyes
- have an autoimmune condition, such as Lupus or Multiple Sclerosis
- are currently on Accutane or have been on it within the past 12 months
Other characteristics may affect the eligibility for microblading, though salons treat each client on a case-by-case basis. For any concerns about eligibility, it’s best to consult with the salon technician.
Final Thoughts
Many women get their brows microbladed for long-lasting, beautiful brows that don’t require upkeep or time in the morning. The Spa at Aestique offers Microblading, waterproof, smudge-proof treatment for natural–looking brows. Say goodbye to penciling, dusting, and drawing in the brows, and say hello to waking up with perfectly shaped brows.
