What is Microblading? [Just about] everything you need to know…

Photo: Image of Kimberly microblading, photo credit Kara Sanchez Beauty

Simply put…microblading is a cosmetic tattoo/permanent makeup technique used to create individual hairlike strokes in the eyebrow.  It’s essentially an eyebrow tattoo…but the tools, pigments, technique, and length of time it lasts in the skin (about 1-3 years) differs from a traditional/modern body tattoo.

So…what exactly is a microblade? A microblade is a manual tool used to deposit ink into the skin. The tool itself resembles a pen with the tip being several micro needles packed and encased tightly together to form what is referred to as the ‘blade’. Microblading artists and clients alike love the crisp, hairlike strokes which can result in a denser and fuller looking, hyperrealistic brow achieved by combining several of these hairlike strokes. Microblading is an evolved form of tebori, the traditional Japanese method of tattooing, although the tool, technique, and inks are quite different for eyebrows. Microblading is a form of cosmetic tattoo or permanent makeup (these terms are used interchangeably) but the result is technically semi-permanent. Unlike a common body tattoo, microblading is intended to last 1-3 years. It’s intended to eventually fade as your skin cycles and metabolizes the ink. This is a good thing! You want it to fade over time so it can also be adjusted to the inevitable changes that will also occur in your skin and brow hair over time. You know how a vibrant and bold tattoo can fade as it ages and this can add character to the tattoo? Not the same! I’m going out on a limb here- No one wants the look of an aged tattoo on their eyebrows! If that were the case, we would have no cosmetic tattoo industry dedicated to achieving the exact opposite.

How am I just hearing about it? While tattooing as an ancient art form has been around for thousands of years (and yes…face tattooing included), cosmetic tattoo/permanent makeup/derma-pigmentation/micro-pigmentation (used interchangeably) was first recognized as a professional industry in Europe and Asia about 30 years ago and has taken some time to popularize in North America. As it has spread globally, the tools and techniques available have drastically improved even over the last few years.  When I first learned of cosmetic eyebrow tattoo, the first thing I thought was a black tattoo like the one on my leg (think sharpie marker, bold and dark) that would later fade into a gray-blue looking brow. I’ve personally seen this gray-blue, one-dimensional brow on people of my complexion. For me, that was a deterrent. In hindsight, I now understand that was what was available at the time and for those that chose to do it, it was best thing since sliced bread…at that time. Learning from its past, the cosmetic tattoo industry has evolved, and we now have the resources and knowledge to do better than ever. We have the pigments available to match just about any hair color and techniques available to create the most hyperrealistic brows.

Why does it fade? The main reason the cosmetic tattoo fades is because permanent makeup inks (while similar) have a slightly different composition than common body tattoo inks.  How it fades depends on the ink, technique of the artist, and the individual’s skin. The quality and type of ink the artist uses impacts the faded result and how long it stays in the skin. The color the artist chooses also impacts the color of the faded result. For example, have you noticed in some before/after photos the color has a slight orange or warm hue on lighter skin tones? This is a good thing! The color will always heal cooler and more neutral within the skin so a little warmth in the beginning is an indication the artist nailed the color however it may not be evident until you see the healed result. The longer the tattoo stays in your skin…and this is for ANY tattoo on your body, the cooler and more neutral in hue the tattoo will fade. The ink will also tend to migrate, and that is why lines that looked crisp after being freshly deposited will tend to widen out a bit over time and appear more pixelated as they fade.

Why does technique matter? Well…besides a symmetrical, balanced design with hairstrokes resembling natural brow hairs… pressure, depth, and angle are important factors in artist technique. There are specific rules with creating hairstrokes with a microblade. For example, crossing over hairstrokes is a big no no. A skilled artist understands this and will adjust based on their client’s skin. An unskilled, poorly trained artist can cause irreversible damage to the skin. Ever did an online search for “Bad Microblading” or “Microblading Gone Wrong”? I know, the images hurt my heart too. Sadly, many of those cases would have to seek multiple rounds of laser or saline removal which can be quite costly. In the worst cases, even the most advanced tattoo removal options are not enough to completely reverse poor artist technique.

Why is skin important? YOU are responsible for the result too! You think… “wait…moi”? (eyes widen, hand embraces chest) Yes Ma’am/Sir- the largest organ in your body, your skin, is the star in all this! I know we are talking about eyebrows but technically, we are not microblading your eyebrows. In reality, we microblade your skin [that produces the hair follicles and hair strands that form your eyebrows]. Preparing the skin (stopping chemical exfoliants, retinoids, etc.) before and after the procedure (using an ointment or barrier cream, etc.) are in place to ensure best results, but your skin type also plays a huge role. Oily skin types tend to fade quicker than dryer skin types. Very oily, very mature, or very thin/or thick skin types may not have the best result with microblading which is more evident after the results have healed and more so over time. In these cases, a technique using a digital device rather than a microblade, such as Nano technique, may result in a better faded brow over time. After the brows have healed, maintaining them with sunscreen and avoiding all rapid/chemical exfoliants and retinoids in or near the brows will prevent premature fading and discoloration. There are skin types and conditions that make microblading or any cosmetic tattoo unsuitable. For example, those receiving treatment for cancer, diabetics, and those with severe cases of widespread facial eczema or cystic acne are unfortunately not suitable candidates for any form of cosmetic tattoo. Microblading/Cosmetic Tattoo Artists are not medical professionals! If you have a medical condition or skin concern, you should consult with your physician before booking an appointment. In some cases, consent from your doctor may be required before the artist proceeds with any cosmetic tattoo service. A responsible, ethical artist puts the safety of themselves and their clients above all else. This is evident in the hygiene of the artist, the studio, and his/her individual ethics.

What about the microblading service?

Microblading can last anywhere from 2-3 hours and numbing agents are used before and during the service. Because there is no national/state/local standardized certification for cosmetic tattoo, every artist does things a little different during the service based on how they were trained and perhaps mentored. At Sun Siren Brow, I spend a considerable amount of the service doing a consultation before the actual cosmetic tattoo procedure. We decide together what cosmetic tattoo technique is best suited to give you the best result. If you want specifics about what to expect at an appointment with Sun Siren Brow, please visit the Services or FAQs pages. While you and your artist want your Day 1 brows to look fabulous, the value is in the healed result.  The healed result is considered in every aspect of your service from skin assessment, the pre-drawn design, the ink type and line, the color selection, the tools/equipment, and the technique. How your brows heal and look at 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months+, is what you are paying for in a cosmetic tattoo procedure. We want you to love your brows when they heal [and even as they fade over time] and as artists, we take immense pride in healed results. The first 10 days after your procedure are critical in the healing process. Most artists include aftercare instructions and a take home kit. The total healing time is approximately 45 days which is about the time a touch-up appointment is scheduled.

Why choose Microblading? Microblading, and cosmetic eyebrow tattoo in general, is an excellent solution to improve symmetry, fill in gaps, and can dramatically transform the eyebrow and ultimately the entire face. Microblading is an artform and in the hands of a skilled artist, it can result in a truly beautiful, hyperrealistic brow. Ideally, you are unable to distinct brow hair from tattooed ‘hair’ without a magnifier. After 2-3 hours, you can walk away with beautiful brows that are shaped, defined, symmetrical and balanced for months to even years! The recommended maintenance is a Yearly Color Boost…just another 2hr appointment recommended 1-3 YEARS after! Think about how often we frequent nail and hair salons/barber! If you are like me, this is a big deal when you put time and cost in perspective. When I got my own brows done, I couldn’t believe how much it improved my confidence just being makeup free in my daily life. I used to NEVER leave the house without penciling in my brows. My clients and I love being able to wake up to great brows each morning that require little to no maintenance. I think about brows all day everyday (by choice, I really love brows) but my clients don’t have to! As with any cosmetic eyebrow tattoo, sunscreen is recommended after they heal, especially if you are living in Texas [Ya’ll]. Many feel more confident wearing minimal to no makeup after their service. Because we aim for a natural look, the brows can be made bolder with a little brow pencil/powder/gel when you are going for a full face of makeup but most will prefer their brows ‘as is’. For hairs that grow outside the desired eyebrow shape, microblading can provide a foundation or template to make hair removal easier to follow. Many feel more confident maintaining their new brows at home rather than having them waxed or threaded at a salon. It can be a total game changer.

If you are unsure about microblading or cosmetic tattoo in general and have further questions, I’d love to hear from you! You may send me a message at hello@sunsirenbrow.com. If this information was helpful, please let me know by leaving a comment below!