You Want Easy Eyebrows? The Pros and Cons of Microblading

Microblading is a trending beauty technique and for good reason. Eyebrows are a transformative facial feature. Unique or perfectly formed, they immediately command attention. Unhappy with your eyebrows? Want to change your eyebrows to high and arched or straight and full? Want to eliminate your morning brow pencil fill-in routine? This technique might be right for you!

What is Microblading?

Microblading is the new trend in more permanent make-up techniques. Like a body tattoo, the skin is cut and impregnated with ink tailored to match your original eyebrow hairs or the colour of your choice if you’re looking for a more radical change. Unlike the more permanent eyebrow tattoo, microblading provides long-lasting but far from permanent eyebrows.

The microblading instrument is a tiny angled blade, which holds a row of even tinier – typically 12 to 15 – needles. These are lightly scraped across the skin using delicate strokes. As the blade penetrates the skin, it deposits pigment into the superficial layers of the derma. Done correctly, these strokes, akin to paper cuts, form realistic looking eyebrow hairs. You can have your eyebrows designed to match current trends or personal preference.

If you have sparse or uneven eyebrows, this technique creates realistic 3D eyebrows.

If you’ve lost your eyebrows due to health issues, including Alopecia, chemotherapy or Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) or just plain over-tweezing, microblading is an excellent means of regaining your self-esteem without resorting to daily make-up application.

If you are just unhappy with the eyebrows you were born with, microblading might become your new go-to beauty procedure.

It is a Semi-permanent Procedure and the Cost of Microblading is not Cheap

Be aware, you might be thinking microblading is a one-time procedure designed to give you a permanent eyebrow tattoo. It is expensive – $500 or above – and does not last forever. Depending on your skin, your eyebrow tattoo may last from only one to three years before it needs to be redone.

The Pros of Microblading

Microblading is a trendy cosmetic procedure for those who prefer a quick and easy make-up routine.

• Short of eyebrow extensions, microblading is the most natural way to correct sparse, uneven eyebrows without the fear of losing hairs.
• It is a semi-permanent procedure that can last up to 3 years with very few touch-ups required in that time.
• Because it is a semi-permanent procedure, if matching eyebrow trends is an important concern, you know in 1 to 3 years you’ll be able to change your look again.
• It is an important procedure to those who have lost eyebrow hair due to health concerns. Self-esteem can be restored through the natural looking brows produced through this process.
• You save time each morning as the need to fill-in brows with a make-up pencil is eliminated.
• The procedure is relatively quick. It takes about 2 hours followed by a touch-up in about a month.

The Cons of Microblading

• It is done with a blade that cuts into the skin. One session may require over 100 cuts.
• If your cosmetician is not properly trained, they might cut too deep resulting in scaring.
• Improperly trained technicians might not do a good job and botch your eyebrows leaving you with unsatisfactory results that last for months or years.
• If your technician does not properly sterilize your skin or the equipment, you face a very real risk of contracting an infection.
• If new blades are not used each time, you run the risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV.
• Because the brows are close to the eyes and brain, if the infection spreads it becomes much more serious.
• Many unregulated businesses offering microblading pop up on websites like Facebook, Kijiji and Craigslist. They do not have to undergo proper health and safety inspections.
• There is pain and discomfort involved in the procedure. The lidocaine-based numbing cream is not completely effective for everyone and some discomfort is likely to be felt.
• Your new brows must be cared for like a regular tattoo, meaning for the first week:
  – No make-up near or above the eyebrows
  – You can’t get them wet for 5 days making hair and face washing tricky
  – Moisturizer must be applied multiple times a day
• Like any cut, while healing, your new brows will scab and be very itchy for the first 24 hours. You will not be able to scratch without risking the look of your new brows.

Finding the Best Microblading Near You

As with any new procedure you are experiencing, it is best to do your research beforehand.

• Ensure your practitioner is properly licensed.
• Make sure they are subject to regular inspections.
• Check on-line reviews.
• Ask if they use only single-use microblading pens.
• Finally, when you are sitting in the chair waiting for that first cut, watch them opening the pen package to ensure it has not been used on anyone else.

Microblading is a great semi-permanent cosmetic technique for creating realistic, fabulous looking eyebrows. However, it not for everyone and certainly not for the faint of heart. Do your research. Spend time with your chosen practitioner and discuss the procedure and the desired outcome for your eyebrows. Research and communication are key to getting the results you want.

Learn More at Eden College

Looking to add microblading to your service list? Eden College can give you the proper knowledge, training and skills to do so!