Eyebrow Microblading Guide
Eyebrow microblading has become the go-to semi-permanent solution for fuller and more defined eyebrows. If you're thinking about trying this treatment, our comprehensive guide covers everything from the basics to aftercare and costs. So, let's jump right in and explore all things microblading!
What is eyebrow microblading?
Microblading is a cosmetic beauty procedure that uses a semi-permanent tattoo technique to make eyebrows look fuller and more precisely shaped.
With microblading, the ink is delivered to the skin using a specialised handheld tool equipped with ultra-fine needles. These needles are arranged linearly, resembling a small blade (microblade). The technician carefully and skillfully glides the microblade across the skin, depositing pigment into the upper layers of the dermis.
This creates natural-looking, hair-like strokes that result in more defined, fuller-looking eyebrows.
How long does eyebrow microblading last?
In general, microblade eyebrows last for 12 to 24 months. However, the longevity of your brows depends on a few factors, including your skin type (eyebrow microblading tattoo pigment fades quicker on oily skin) and lifestyle.
For example, suppose you spend a lot of time in the sun or use skincare with a high concentration of active ingredients (like retinol or acids). In this case, your temporary eyebrow microblading will fade faster.
Eyebrow microblading shapes
The shape of your brows can completely change how your face looks; for better or worse! The right brow shape will compliment your features and bring symmetry to your face, while the wrong shape can make your face look older or out of balance.
Depending on your facial structure and preference, you have different eyebrow microblading shapes. Some popular shapes include:
Straight: This shape creates a youthful appearance and works well for those with round or heart-shaped faces.
Soft arch: A soft arch adds subtle definition and lift to the brow and is suitable for most face shapes.
High arch: A high arch creates a dramatic and glamorous look, best suited for those with a strong bone structure and prominent features.
S-shaped: The S-shaped brow creates a natural, soft curve that flatters oval and long face shapes.
In addition to eyebrow microblading shapes, your skin tone and hair colour should be considered. Both are super important when picking the perfect shade for your eyebrows.
With so many pigment colours to choose from, we generally suggest a colour that's just a little darker than your hair. This way, your face will be beautifully framed, and your eyes will really stand out.
At Tanya Beauty Care, our talented technicians work with you to discover the ideal shape and shade for your eyebrows so you're happy and comfortable with the agreed look before even beginning the treatment. Check out the before and after eyebrow microblading transformations of our happy clients.
Pre-Process: Preparing for your microblading procedure
Like any cosmetic tattoo, getting your eyebrows microbladed is something you should prepare for to ensure the best outcome. Here are a few of the questions we are most asked about what happens before the procedure.
Do they shave eyebrows before microblading?
No. A technician should not shave or wax your brows off before the procedure. Instead, they will tidy up the area of stray hairs but not shave or wax your brows completely.
Can I get my eyebrows microbladed while pregnant?
It's typically advised against getting an eyebrow tattoo while pregnant, as there could be potential risks and heightened sensitivity during this time.
Can you get your eyebrows microbladed while breastfeeding
The pigment may pose risks to your baby, so we suggest checking in with your trusted health provider first.
Don't take aspirin, vitamin E, or ibuprofen 24 hours before your microblading appointment. We also advise you to avoid sipping caffeinated beverages on the day of the treatment.
Aftercare: The do's and don'ts after eyebrow microblading
A beautiful brow outcome relies heavily on the skill of your technician, but how quickly (and well!) your brows heal and how long they last comes down to quality aftercare.
Aftercare microblading do's
Apply your aftercare ointment for 7 days
After your procedure with Tanya Beauty Care, we'll give you a post-treatment ointment to apply to your brow area for 1 week post-procedure.
Stay out of the sun
Wear a hat and stay out of direct sunlight for 4 weeks post procedure. Even after 4 weeks, we suggest staying sunsafe outdoors to prolong the life of your brows.
Use a clean pillowcase
Change your pillowcase daily for the first 10 days and don't sleep with your face down.
Keep your face dry
Keep showers to 5 minutes to minimise steam, and keep your face/procedure area away from the water while washing your body.
Aftercare microblading don'ts
Pick at scabs
You'll experience scabbing during day 5 -7 post-procedure, this is completely normal. The important thing to remember is to allow scabs to exfoliate and fall off naturally as picking can lead to scarring or colour loss. Don't pick, rub or scratch the treated area.
Get facial treatments
Steer clear of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, botox or facials for 4 weeks after the procedure.
Get sweaty or swim
Avoid sweaty, strenuous exercise for 1 week stay away from face-down swimming, lakes, and hot tubs.
Microblading eyebrows aftercare FAQs
When can I wash my face after microblading?
Wait at least 7 days before washing your eyebrow area when you cleanse your face after microblading. After this time, you can gently wash your eyebrow area with a mild cleanser.
Can I get my eyebrows wet after microblading?
No. Avoid getting your eyebrows wet for at least 7 days after microblading.
Can I put bepanthen on my microbladed eyebrows?
No. We recommend using the post-treatment ointment.
**This point needs clarification / input from the client. I'm not sure if Skin Tattoo Cream - available in the store - is also the post-treatment ointment or it is a different cream. BePANTHEN is an antiseptic cream - so I'm not sure if the post-treatment ointment has antiseptic properties to be used (rather than a commercial cream) - Skin Tattoo Cream doesn't have antiseptic properties according to the description.
Can I tint my eyebrows after microblading
Yes but you'll need to wait for at least 4-6 weeks after microblading (or until the area is fully healed) to tint your eyebrows.
How long does microblading last?
Microbladed eyebrows typically last 12 -24 months, depending on factors like skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. Touch-up appointments are recommended every 6 -12 months to maintain the shape and colour of your eyebrows.
To keep your eyebrows looking their best for as long as possible, make sure you are diligent about long-term aftercare. This means protecting your face from the sun and avoiding using skincare products with high concentrations of active ingredients in the brow area.
Microblading pain, risks, and concerns
Does eyebrow microblading hurt?
The procedure can cause mild discomfort, but most technicians, including our team, apply a numbing cream to minimise any pain. Everyone has a different pain threshold, so some people may experience more discomfort than others even with the numbing cream. Overall, most people will find any pain associated with microblading tolerable.
Does microblading damage your eyebrows?
The procedure does not damage your natural eyebrow hair or cause hair loss. However, if not done correctly, microblading can lead to scarring or pigment migration. Taking a risk and choosing an inexperienced technician or poorly-reviewed brow salon can leave you with unattractive, uneven brows. You could potentially be left feeling self conscious about your appearance for at least 6 months. It's not worth the risk.
At Tanya Beauty Care we've earned an impeccable reputation and you'll be in the best care with our team of highly skilled cosmetic artists.
Microblading over tattooed eyebrows
Microblading can be done over tattooed eyebrows, but the outcome will depend on a few factors such as the colour and age of the existing tattoo. Consult a professional microblading artist to determine if this option suits you.
Can you get microblading if you have no eyebrows?
Yes! Microblading can be used to create entire brows. Once again, it is crucial to choose a skilled microblading artist with experience doing microblading with no eyebrows. The process can be more challenging than working with a client with eyebrows.
Healing stages of microblading
It will take roughly a month for your brows to settle into their permanent state. They will likely appear good throughout the healing stage, but you can expect subtle changes from week to week.
Here's a general guide line of what you can expect:
- Tenderness in the area
- Pink or redness around the affected area
- Swelling
- Thickening and darkening of the eyebrow area
- Moderate to thick scabbing 3-4 days following the procedure
- Between days 5 - 10 post procedure, the scabs will begin to flake off
- After scabs flake off, pigment colour and strokes will look light, grey, and blurry
- After area is fully healed (4 weeks after procedure), the pigment will return to full colour
Long term effects of microblading eyebrows
All cosmetic tattoo procedures pose a certain level of risk. The long-term effects of microblading eyebrows, if not done correctly, can be an infection in the brow area or, as we mentioned, dealing with uneven, unattractive brows for months post-procedure.
Even if you've chosen an expert artist, the results won't be optimal if you neglect aftercare and pick at your skin during the scabbing stage.
Microblading vs other brow techniques
Eyebrow Feathering vs. Microblading
Technique
Feathering is often considered a gentler approach compared to microblading. It involves using a lighter touch and finer strokes with a manual hand tool, allowing the artist to create the appearance of individual hair strands.
While they share similarities, microblading involves making small, precise cuts in the skin with a manual blade to deposit pigment, creating hair-like strokes that mimic natural eyebrows.
Appearance
Eyebrow feathering offers a more subtle and natural-looking result, as the finer strokes blend seamlessly with the existing brow hairs. The feathering technique could be suitable if you want a more understated enhancement to your eyebrows.
Microblading typically produces more defined and bold results, with strokes appearing more prominent and sharp. It's an excellent choice if you're after a more dramatic brow transformation.
Longevity
Microblading generally provides longer-lasting results compared to eyebrow feathering. The deeper pigment deposition in the skin during microblading ensures that the colour remains vibrant for an extended period, usually lasting between 18 to 24 months. Feathering, with its lighter touch, tends to fade faster and may require touch-ups more frequently.
Eyebrow Lamination vs. Microblading
Procedure
Rather than cutting the skin, eyebrow lamination is a non-invasive treatment that involves setting the eyebrow hairs in place using a specialised solution. The process includes lifting, setting, and tinting the brows, which creates a fuller, more defined appearance.
Appearance
Eyebrow lamination focuses on working with the existing brow hairs, giving them a well-groomed and fuller appearance. The result is a more defined and polished look without adding any additional hair strokes. Microblading creates the illusion of individual hair strands, which can help fill in sparse areas and create a more dramatic brow transformation.
Longevity
One of the main differences between eyebrow lamination and microblading is the duration of the results. Lamination is a temporary treatment, with the effects typically lasting 4-6 weeks. It requires regular maintenance to keep the brows looking their best.
Eyebrow Tattoo vs. Microblading
Procedure
Eyebrow tattooing involves using a tattoo machine to deposit pigment into the skin, creating a permanent design or shape.
The technique typically produces solid, block-like colouring and defined lines in contrast to the microblading technique that creates hair-like strokes resembling natural eyebrow hairs.
Appearance
Eyebrow tattoos generally result in a more dramatic, uniform appearance with a bold, defined shape and saturated colour.
This technique may suit those seeking a bold, lasting brow enhancement. In contrast, microblading offers a more natural-looking outcome by simulating individual hairs, which can help fill in sparse areas and create a subtle brow transformation.
Longevity
A key difference between eyebrow tattoos and microblading is the duration of the results. Eyebrow tattoos are longer lasting as the pigment is deposited deeper into the skin and can last several years, although the colour may fade.
Microblading provides a semi-permanent solution, with results generally lasting between 18 to 24 months before requiring a touch-up.
Microblading cost
The cost of microblading eyebrows in Australia varies based on the specific brow treatment selected. For information on how much microblading eyebrows cost and the microblading eyebrows price at Tanya Beauty Care, you can visit our current pricing page.
This will provide you with up-to-date details on the various options available and their respective costs. If you have any questions at all, please reach out to our team. We're here to bring you the best brows of your life!
