Everything you need to know about Microblading!
Hi guys!! As you may know, I got my eyebrows microbladed!! I had my first appointment at the end of September and my touch appointment 2 weeks ago! I was never really one to care much about my eye brows, they weren't awesome, but they weren't terrible either. I had just accepted they'd be "meh" and I was okay with that. Lol. But thennnnnn!! Amy reached out to me and told me my brows could really use some color and that she would come to my rescue. -Maybe they were worse than I thought.... Hahaha
I am completely obsessed with my brows now, I feel so much prettier and "done" even without any makeup on. I now understand why people make such a big deal about their eye brows! Haha it really does make a big difference. I love the shape she gave me, and love how much fuller they are at the ends.
I don't feel qualified to tell you all about the procedure so I've interviewed Amy to give us all the information on what microblading is, how long it lasts, and what's involved!
Can you introduce yourself?
Hi everyone, my name is Amy Cormier. I’ve got almost 2 years of experience working with Microblading!
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi- permanent make-up procedure. A handheld tool carrying 9-14 needles forming a blade shape. The handheld tool is dipped into cosmetic tattoo pigment and implemented into the skin to create perfectly crisp hair-like strokes.
When did people start doing it?
It’s been popular in parts of Asia and Europe for roughly 25 years.
How long does it last?
The best healed results require strict adherence to the Microblading aftercare instructions. The pigment used in the method can last between 1-3 years. In order to keep your brows looking crisp, a touch-up is recommended every 6-12 months - 24 months maximum. After two years, full price for Microblading will apply. Clients that choose a lighter colour initially will lose colour faster, and clients who do not follow after-care instruction properly may require more frequent touch-ups.
Other reason your brows could fade faster:
Smoking
Iron deficiency
Exfoliants
Iron Deficiency
Sun exposure
Strong immune systems
How long does the process take?
The appointments are usually 2 hours long,
Does it hurt?
It definitely does not tickle, however the pain is usually pretty moderate and tolerable. A topical cream is applied before the appointment.
What are some things that need to be done before you get it done?
Before the appointment you should know to stop waxing 2 weeks before, and 2 weeks after your appointment. People who protect their skin with SPF daily, and have a regular skin regimen are considered a healthier skin to Microblade because the larger the pore size the wider the hair strokes will heal. If your face has gotten long term sun damage, you will be more prone to bleed. Blood in the mixture of the ink will dilute the pigment resulting in undefined hair strokes, and blood also leads to pigment healing in ashy colours.
You should drink plenty of water before coming to your appointment, and avoid caffeine 12 hours before your appointment. It is best to shower before your appointment because of aftercare requirements, and it’s best to have no make-up for the appointment.
What are the requirements for care after the procedure?
The aftercare instructions are the most important part of the entire process, however are very simple. If the requirements are not followed properly, the Microblading can fade, discoloured, poor results.
Apply coconut oil twice daily, and before going into humid spaces (shower). The oil can be applied with a Q-tip gently, thin coat. If the scab becomes thick or flaky, it means it’s too dry and your loosing more pigment than expected - apply coconut oil more frequently.
Water needs to be avoided for the brow area for the entire healing process.
Avoid applying products on your brows - Hair products, makeup, face products etc.
Avoid sun exposure.
Avoid Advil, and other blood thinners such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Vitamin E, and Niacin unless medically necessary.
Botox needs to be done 2 weeks before, and 2 weeks after the appointments.
Avoid booking during your menstrual cycle, the pain tends to intensify during this time.
Avoid brow tinting, waxing, and tanning 1 week before.
Is there any one who can't get it done? (Pregnant, etc?)
Unfortunately, pregnant women can’t get Microblading done due to stress on the body, and Infection risks. You are also not suitable if you have :
History of Keloids or Hypertrophic scarring
Diabetics (doctor’s signature)
Heart Conditions
Common flu, colds
Heart conditions
Organ Transplant Recipient
Psoriasis near the brow area
Accutane in the past year
Pacemaker or major heart issues
Chemotherapy (Doctor’s clearance)
Epilepsy
Viral Infections
What exactly are you doing?
I stretch the skin with one hand and Implement pigment into the skin with a handheld pen that holds a row of micro needles, which I am scratching the surface of the skin with.
How long do you wait until a touch up appointment?
Mini touch-up - 4 to 5 week touch-up prior to initial appointment
Annual touch-up - 6 to 12 months prior to Initial
Why do you need a touch up appointment?
Mini touch-ups are needed because the ink used is made with Iron Oxide that will fade over time and are naturally absorbed by the skin. Iron Oxide is harmless and perfectly safe for the skin. During the first appointment your body could try to reject some of the ink, or products, sun exposure, touching or rubbing against the brow can lead the premature scab to come off and bring the ink right off with it. Touch-ups are important to correct any missing or loss pigment. Annual touch-ups are important for colour corrections, recreate the strokes and widen the shrinking tattoo.
Where are you based?
I am currently located at 2166 Windsor St, Halifax Nova Scotia at Flaunt Salon.
Are you taking on new clients?
I am taking new clients, and extremely excited to be making people smile with this amazing art form.
Do you travel for appointments?
Unfortunately I do not travel for individual appointments, however I do travel for groups of 5 or more.
There you have it!! I think we covered it all! Thank you Amy for being so helpful and sharing all your tips and knowledge with my readers, we really appreciate it! Readers -If you have any more questions make sure to comment in the comment section and we will have them answered!!
xx
Allie