Microblading 101: Facts, Costs, and Risks
By Carrie Davisis
On point eyebrows are still the biggest beauty trend in the world, so it’s virtually impossible you’ve made it into 2021 without hearing about microblading. However, many people write off microblading thinking it’s just a cartoonish eyebrow tattoo you will never be able to get rid of.
To shatter this myth, we’ve prepared a short guide covering all the basics of microblading, the revolutionary beauty treatment that gives stunning results.
What Is Microblading?
The thin, over-tweezed brows of the 90s are out! Instead, we all want to look like we were naturally blessed with full, thick, straight off the runway brows. Ideally, without having to draw them on every single day.
Microblading is a permanent makeup procedure that gives the illusion of thicker brows, modifies the shape of the arches so they complement the rest of the facial features, and fills in any possible sparse patches.
How Is Microblading Done?
Unlike the traditional eyebrows tattoo which is a block of color made with tattoo ink, microblading is supposed to imitate the look of natural eyebrow hairs and blend with them, giving a subtle enhancement.
Permanent makeup procedures imply inserting organic pigments under the surface of the skin where they stay for months, sometimes even years. A relatively non-invasive procedure, microblading for fuller eyebrows is done by making thin incisions on the skin between natural hairs and depositing pigments into them. The color of the pigments matches your natural color, so the strokes are almost indistinguishable from the hairs.
The pigments are not deposited as deep into the skin as tattoo ink, so the look is much subtler, and the technique guarantees quick healing. The procedure takes just a couple of hours, and a touch up six weeks later is usually mandatory. In total, you’re just a few hours away from your dream brows!
Is Microblading Permanent?
Pigments used for permanent makeup are gradually broken down by the body, so no, microblading is not permanent, although it can last for years with regular touch ups. If left untouched, the strokes of microblading eventually fade as the skin exfoliates itself and our system absorbs the pigments.
The longevity of the results of microblading depends on many factors such as age, lifestyle, skin type. For most people, they last about two years, with some fading in the meantime. People with oily skin experience faster fading, but with more frequent touch ups, the results can be prolonged.
Finding out that permanent makeup isn’t really permanent may sound disappointing at first, but it’s actually a huge relief. With time, trends change, and so do our skin and facial features as we age. So the fact that microblading allows you to adapt and refresh the shape of your brows every few months or let them fade back into their natural look is actually a blessing in disguise.
Is Microblading Safe?
Permanent makeup procedures are generally considered non-invasive and low-risk. They are safe for most people, but there are some exceptions.
Microblading is not suitable for pregnant women and new moms who are still breastfeeding, people with diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or cancer patients going through chemo. Since the procedure requires breaking the surface of the skin, it’s also not a good idea for people with bleeding disorders and those who take blood-thinning medication. Certain skin conditions such as psoriasis or rosacea on the skin close to the eyebrow area also make microblading impossible.
For clients who don’t suffer from these conditions, microblading is usually safe, but the possibility of an allergic reaction to pigments or an infection during or after the procedure is always present, whenever the surface of the skin is broken.
Luckily, a simple patch test eliminates the possibility of allergies, while trained and certified permanent makeup technicians keep their salon and tools sterile. That’s why we cannot stress enough how important it is to always choose a certified artist who knows how to keep you safe and healthy, and give you fabulous results! If you want to know how to fade old microblading at home, there are plenty of resources available as well.
How Much Does Microblading Cost?
The price of a microblading treatment can vary significantly. Permanent makeup techs have different prices, which they set depending on their location, experience, competition in the area, exclusivity and popularity.
In large cities across the US, the price of a microblading treatment can go as high as $1000+, but the average price is somewhere around $400. Some artists include the top up into the initial price, while others charge separately, but touch ups are generally cheaper and cost around $100.
There are artists out there who charge as low as $200, and while this price may sound tempting, you should be careful. They may be self-taught, unlicensed, inexperienced, or use low-quality supplies.
So, Should I Get My Brows Microbladed?
If you’re tired of having to do your brow makeup every day, if you have sparse patches, thin and weak brows, or you have no brows at all due to certain conditions or over-tweezing, or if you’re just looking for a way to freshen up your look, the answer is yes!
Microblading is a great way to save time and energy and it will definitely boost your confidence.
About the Author
Carrie Davisis an American based writer and blogger. She is very passionate about family, fashion, health, and lifestyle. Carrie writes mostly lifestyle articles, but also you’ll find her in home improvement and other niches.
