Ever wondered how your favourite celebrities’ eyebrows have transformed over the years? From pencil-thin curved eyebrow trend in the 90s and early 2000s to flaunting bushy and fuller brows from 2016 onwards, eyebrows have seen a journey of their own. Renowned celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai, have all transformed their eyebrows over the last decade. The secret behind their fuller and arched eyebrows is a process called Microblading. Microblading eyebrows have garnered a lot of attention, thanks to Instagram fads and celebrities. In this article, we will give you the lowdown on what is microblading eyebrows, the steps involved, microblading eyebrows cost, aftercare of the eyebrows and the difference between eyebrow tattoo vs microblading. Before you book an appointment for microblading eyebrows, we have listed down the entire procedure, dos and don’ts and the how’s for you.
Microblading Your Eyebrows – The Basics
What is Microblading?
Microblading eyebrows, also known as micropigmentation or semi-permanent eyebrow makeup treatment, is the hassle-free way to shape your eyebrows as per your face type and to get rid of filling in your eyebrows on daily basis. Microblading uses a blade-shaped tool with tiny needles that create hair-like strokes by depositing pigment into the skin. It is semi-permanent as it will not stay forever like a tattoo. Since the pigment is soft and subtle, it will fade over a period of time. Microblading is excellent for people who want to reconstruct their sparse brows, thinning brows or just to further enhance their natural shape.
To deposit the pigment, a microblading eyebrow pen finely implants feather-weight strokes on the top layer of the skin, creating realistic natural hair strokes. The difference between eyebrow tattoo vs microblading is unlike tattoo the ink does not penetrate into the deep layer of the skin. Microblading process is semi-permanent and will last up to one to three years.
Steps to take to get the perfect Microblading look
Step 1: Consultation
During your consultation, your dermatologist will show you colour and your style preferences. You can bring in inspiration images of what you do and don’t want. They will then thread the hair and clean up the area and prepare it for the treatment. They will also give you a low down on the various nuances of microblading.
Step 2: Numbing and Measuring
The numbing process is done by using a topical anaesthesia ointment which takes about 40 minutes to work its magic. Meanwhile, the specialist will draw a new brow shape with a dark pencil and show you your desired shape options depending on your facial features. Then using special tools, measurements are done to mark the start and end points.
Step 3: Needling Process
After the area has been numbed, the needling process to start tattooing the pigment begins. Each stroke is a superficial line where the colour settles in the skin. The pain is usually bearable but it depends on an individual’s threshold. The microblading process is done in layers. The first layer will hurt the most. Numbing cream is applied in intervals between subsequent layers. Finally, the dermat will go over the original strokes two more times with the pigment to create the final look. The entire process takes about an hour or so.
In six to eight weeks, a top-up session is done to fill in any gaps where the pigment hasn’t taken or healed properly. After the microblading is complete, don’t be alarmed if the colour looks extremely dark. The final shade will be softer and fade a little after 10 to 12 days.
Step 4: Healing and Aftercare
Once the process is over, your eyebrows will be quite red. Redness, swelling and flaking are all common after microblading in the first week. Do not scratch on the irritated skin as you may risk yourself to a potential infection. Microbladed brows will take about a month to fully heal. Microblading aftercare is very important. Avoid sweating heavily, wetting your eyebrows or being in the sun for seven days after microblading. Microblading eyebrows before and after can look very different. The colour is usually 40% darker in the first few days and then the fading process will start. If you think the pigment is too dark or light, it can be fixed in your top-up session.
Although microblading will last anything between 12 to 18 months, it also depends on your skin type. People with oily skin may need a top up earlier than people who have normal skin type. The average of microblading eyebrows cost in India ranges anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs.24,000. It also depends on which location you live in. The advantages of microblading eyebrows are that it gives you natural looking, arched and well-shaped eyebrows as per your satisfaction. Microbladed colour also does not smudge or spread and the results last over the years.
If you’re looking for a treatment other than microblading, then you can look into microshading or microfeathering as well. Consult your dermatologist before going ahead with any of the procedures. We hope we could answer all your questions about microblading eyebrows, if this was on your mind to get done since a long time. It can actually be a life-changing procedure, if the look of your eyebrows matter to you.
FAQs about Microblading Eyebrows: Everything You Need to Know
Q1. Can you be allergic to microblading?
A. Although it is rare, but some people can be allergic to pigments. It is recommended to perform a patch test prior to the treatment.
Q2. Can microbladed brows be removed?
A. Yes. Since the pigment used leaves no scarring or discolouration, using a salt or saline solution can remove microbladed brows.
Q3. What precautions to take before microblading eyebrows?
A. It is advised to not pick, tweeze or wax your eyebrows at least one week prior. Do not have any type of facial peels or exfoliation at least two weeks before. Do not take any blood thinners like Vitamin E one week prior.
Q4. Is microshading different from microblading?
A. Yes. Though they may sound similar, there is a difference between microshading and microblading. Microshading tattoos tiny dots along the brows for a less defined finish. It gives a more shaded look than realistic hair-like strokes.
Written by Team BB on Sep 27, 2022