Everything you need to know about microblading
As the brows have become an increasingly important focus of our beauty regime, microblading is now one of the most popular beauty treatments in the UK.
If you’re looking to achieve natural definition and full-looking brows, without having to ‘pencil them in’ on a daily basis, microblading might be the treatment for you- and contrary to popular belief, the results aren’t permanent and it’s often not as painful as you might think.
What is microblading?
Microblading is the semi-permanent form of brow ‘tattooing’ often used to create the illusion of fuller brows.
A skilled practitioner is able to produce the effect of natural brows in any shade, whatever the look you’re trying to achieve. Many request a strong, face-framing look that defines the brows, whilst others opt for more of a natural, subtle look that matches their hair colour.
Microblading is often carried out using a small, hand-held tool that consists of around ten to twelve fine-point needles at the end. The practitioner uses the device to delicately scratch the skin, using fine strokes to create the effect of hairs. The device deposits medical grade pigment onto the epidermis layer of the skin. This creates that long-lasting look many struggle to achieve with eyebrow pencils and eyebrow dyes.
What to expect on the day of treatment?
Normally, once your practitioner has carried out your consultation, then the first step is to apply a topical numbing ointment, around forty minutes prior to treatment.
Whilst you wait for this to take effect, the practitioner might use tools to measure the area around the brows, taking into account face shape, symmetry and your facial features. They will then form the desired shape of the brow by threading any stray hairs, ensuring the area is clean and preparing it for treatment.
The procedure itself is relatively pain-free but some report to feeling mild discomfort. You can request a top-up of the numbing ointment during the procedure. This should only take around five minutes to take effect.
The desired effect is achieved immediately and you can go home with beautiful looking new eye brows.
Post treatment, you should be given some after-care instructions and you should avoid touching or picking the area to prevent infection. You can expect some bumps and possibly some scabbing, much like you would with a tattoo, but they will heal and this is completely normal.
Over the first ten days or so, post-treatment, your eyebrows might change colour – again, this is nothing to worry about. They'll form their final colour and shape approximately thirty days after treatment. Many practitioners will ask you to come back into the clinic after six to eight weeks, so they can check the progress and ‘top-up’ if required.