There are many different options on the market for achieving the perfect eyebrow look. Microblading is one of the most popular semi-permanent procedures out there.
Microblading is the process of tattooing lines that mimic brow hairs to fill in your brows and reshape them. However, there are some risks to microblading you should be aware of. For example, what could happen if things go wrong? What are the side effects of microblading? Find out how much microblading costs and see if it's worth your money.
We will also go over some of the alternatives to microblading and how TatBrow can help you achieve the brows of your dreams.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent makeup. The procedure involves tattooing tiny lines into, and around, your brows. The lines don't look like a tattoo, though. The result will be fuller, perfectly shaped brows.
Typically, microblading is done with a handheld tool and not a tattoo gun. This technique allows the technician to manually draw the false brow hairs exactly where they need to be. Before the procedure, the brow specialist will go over the shape and color that you want.
Microblading Is Not the Same As a Tattoo
Even though microblading and tattooing involve placing color into the skin, they are not the same thing. Microblading only affects the top few layers of skin, while tattooing goes a lot deeper.
The results of microblading are semi-permanent since the pigment isn't placed as deep into the skin. The results should last between 12 to 30 months, but the pigment will eventually completely fade. A tattoo also involves ink, and microblading uses pigment.
Microblading Takes Two Sessions
A complete microblading experience involves two separate sessions. The follow-up appointment happens four to eight weeks after the first one, and it’s crucial. The first session is just the initial shaping with pigment and the second session perfects the look.
After the first session, your skin will scab and heal, and the new skin fades the pigment. The second appointment will go back over the areas that need more color.
A Microblading Session Takes Time
A microblading appointment isn't a quick in and out session. It can last up to three hours. The majority of the first session is spent choosing the brow shape you want and meticulously mapping it out on your brows before going in with pigment. An excellent microblading specialist will pay attention to every detail, and that takes time!
What Brow Shapes Can You Get?
You don't have to keep your natural brow shape if you don't like it. A microblading technician can give you any shape you want. They will go over the type of brow you want, light or bold, and recommend what they think will look best with your face shape. Here are the different eyebrow shapes to choose from:
- Arche: The arch goes towards the high point of the brow. A small arch looks good on people with a heart-shaped face. Arched brows with shorter tails can draw the eye to the middle of the face and even out the proportions.
- High Arch: A high arch is when there is more of a curve in the peak of the brow. This brow shape works great on people with square face shapes. The lifted arch adds length to the face and makes the jawline look narrower and slimmer.
- Straight: Straight brows do not have an arch but sometimes have a small tilt in the tails. This type of brow is ideal for people with long face shapes. It helps the face appear shorter. If you add longer tails to a straight brow, it can also widen the face.
- S-Shaped: The S-shape has a slight dip after the start of the brow and goes up in the center. This brow shape looks good on people with round face shapes.
- Rounded: Rounded eyebrows follow the eye's natural shape. They don't have much of an arch to them. This brow shape looks good on people with more angled features.
What Are the Risks of Microblading?
Since microblading involves putting small cuts on your face, there are some risks involved with the procedure. You should go to someone with experience and the proper education for microblading. Don't try to save a few dollars by going to a place that doesn't look like they follow the proper health and safety steps. Here are some of the risks involved in microblading.
Infection
If you go to a place that doesn't properly clean the tools, you may get an infection. If things are not sterilized, they can spread bacteria that can lead to staph, which is a serious infection. You may end up having to take antibiotics or other medicine to get rid of the infection.
Allergic Reaction
It is possible to be allergic to the pigment. If you are allergic, you can develop an itchy rash. This isn't a common issue but can happen, and you may need steroid shots or antihistamines.
Granulomas
Microblading puts pigment into your skin, and your body can attack it since it’s a foreign substance. This response is your body trying to protect you. It results in inflammatory knots around your brows. Granulomas sometimes don't occur right away and can develop months or even years after the procedure. Similar to when you have an allergic reaction or infection, steroids or antibiotics can help.
Not FDA Regulated
The FDA does not regulate cosmetic salons. However, the FDA does look out for problems if they are reported. If you experience a negative side effect because of the salon, let the FDA know. Remember that scabbing is normal after microblading.
What Are The Benefits of Microblading?
While there are many risks to microblading, there are also many benefits as well. Here are a few of the positives of microblading.
Perfect Eyebrows
You'll wake up and go to sleep with perfect brows (AKA flawless). Since it's semi-permanent until they fade, your brows will always look done. You can go swimming or sweat and not worry about your brows coming off.
Over-Tweezing Correction
If you fell victim to the barely-there thin brows that were on-trend in the 90's you can finally have thicker brows again thanks to microblading.
Compensation for Hair Loss
Microblading was originally invented to help cancer patients who lost their hair from chemotherapy. If you are experiencing hair loss or have skin diseases like alopecia, microblading can be valuable. Microblading can create a brow even if you have no hair and make it look like you have perfect brows.
Long-Lasting
Microblading lasts anywhere from a year to 2.5 years, depending on your skin type. You may need to get touch-ups every six months to a year, but these are minor sessions.
Less Time Getting Ready
Thanks to microblading, getting ready won't take as long. If you're one of those people that really struggle to do their makeup, microblading may be for you. You won't have to spend time shaping and filling in your brows.
It Gives You a New Look
Since microblading creates a new brow look, you can change your natural brow shape. If you want to try rounder brows and a few years later want an arched brow, you can do that with microblading. You don't have to keep the same brow shape forever if you want to mix up your look.
How Much Does Microblading Cost?
Microblading is a fairly pricey procedure since it involves care and attention and an expert's time. The cost varies greatly depending on where you live and the cosmetic salon you choose. People with a lot of experience are going to charge more than a specialist just starting out. The average cost of microblading is around $600 but can be as low as $250 or as high as $2,000.
What's Included In the Price?
As previously mentioned, a microblading procedure takes two separate visits. The first appointment includes a consultation, shaping, and microblading. They will also give you the information on aftercare. The second appointment goes over fading areas or areas missed in the first session. The price you pay usually includes both of the appointments, but always double-check with the salon you are using. The initial price does not include touch-ups that are needed after six to 12 months.
Do I Need to Tip?
Everyone knows to tip when they get their hair done, a manicure or pedicure, or when they get waxed, but should you tip your microblading specialist? There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to gratuity, but a tip can show your appreciation.
Since microblading can be considerably more expensive than other beauty services, it can be a lot of money if you add 20%. For this reason, some people choose to tip less, but some amount of tip is usually expected.
Microblading Post-Care
If you notice any issues, like swelling, tenderness, or fever after the procedure, contact a physician. These can be signs of infection, and you may need medication to take care of it. There are a number of other things to keep in mind following a microblading procedure. Here are some post-care tips to keep in mind:
- No water, lotion, soap, or makeup should come in contact with your eyebrow area for at least a week after your procedure. This means you have to keep your face away from the showerhead.
- Avoid picking or itching your eyebrows as they begin to flake, scab, and heal. If you do pick, it can lead to patchiness or scarring.
- Apply your post-care ointment following the directions of your technician. Usually, you apply ointment twice a day to help your skin heal.
- For 14 days after the procedure, avoid increased sweating or other activities that will dampen your brows, like a hot bath or the sauna.
- Avoid sun tanning or the tanning salon for 14 days. Exposure to UV/UVA rays can change the color of your brows and may also lead to premature fading.
- For 30 days after microblading, stop using Retin-A or retinol. These products have ingredients that can cause pigments to fade prematurely.
Other Options for Fuller Brows Besides Microblading
There are several other procedures and things you can do to achieve thicker, fuller brows besides microblading. If microblading isn't for you, consider these options:
Brow Lamination
Brow lamination tames unruly brows and makes thinner brows look fuller. The procedure puts a perming solution in the brow hair followed by a lifting cream. The cream breaks down bonds in your brow hairs allowing them to be reshaped. A brow technician brushes the brows in a vertical direction to give a feathery result. After a neutralizer is used, the bonds in the brow hair are reformed, so the effect lasts and keeps its shape. It lasts four to six weeks and only costs $50 to $100.
Microshading
If you don't want full brow lines to be put in your brows, you can get microshading. This procedure applies semi-permanent pigment through little dots all through your brows, filling them out. Microshading is a gentler process than microblading and may be more appealing to those with sensitive skin.
Micro Feathering
If you already have naturally full brows, micro feathering may be for you. It's the same technique as microblading. However, it doesn't go over the whole brow area. Instead, only areas that are a little sparse are filled in. The technique is so seamless that you won't be able to tell the difference between real brow hairs and fake brow hairs.
Microblade Pen
A more temporary solution is makeup, but all brow products aren't created equal. To achieve the microblading look, reach for the TatBrow Microblade Pen. This pen creates the exact look that microblading does without the pain and money! The innovative fork tip creates lines that look like brow hairs. You can have fuller, thicker brows that last all day thanks to the waterproof formula.
Brow Growth Serum
A brow growth serum can help you grow out your thinning brows. While this option isn't an immediate fix, it can lead to full brows that you can shape into your ideal brows. TatBrow Enhancement Serum can help you grow back your hair no matter your age, gender, or health by encouraging the hair to grow. There’s a 16-week treatment in one bottle. It’s made with vitamins, amino acids, and more.
Is Microblading Worth It?
So is microblading worth the risk, cost, and healing process? That answer is going to vary from person to person. You can perfectly tailor the procedure to the look that you want to achieve. It can give you polished, sculpted brows every day with no effort. However, microblading isn't for everyone.
There are many options if microblading isn't a good fit for you. You can get brow lamination, microshading, micro feathering, a brow pen, and growth serum. TatBrow products can help you achieve the brows of your dreams for a fraction of the cost of microblading.
Sources:
How Safe is Microblading? Risks, What to Expect and More | Web MD
How Much Does Microblading Cost in 2021? See Prices Near You | PMU Hub
Not A Fan Of Microblading? Here's An Alternative To Keep Your Brows On Fleek | MEGA