What is microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent form of cosmetic tattooing. But unlike traditional tattoos, which use a tattoo gun, microblading uses a blade-shaped tool with a row of tiny, barely visible needles to create hair-like strokes along your brows while depositing pigment into your skin. The result? Realistic-looking brow hairs that don’t wash off for a year or more.
Is microblading only good for thin brows?
Microblading can be great for those with thin, sparse brows to get some definition and fullness, but it might not look as natural as someone who does have hair behind the draw-on strokes. But if you’re worried about your microbladed brows looking too drawn-on, your brow artist can add shading behind the hair-like strokes so the empty spaces between the strokes isn’t so noticeable.
Those who already have some eyebrow hair and just want a lil fill-in or enhancement to their natural brows can get a very natural look with microblading.
How painful is eyebrow microblading?
Microblading can be somewhat painful, but the level of pain you may feel will depend on your own natural pain tolerance. The upside? Your brow artist will slather on a numbing gel before they begin, and may also add an extra layer of gel between each pass.
But in general, many liken the pain of microblading to a cat scratch, noting that “on a scale of tweezing your brows to getting a bikini wax, microblading is more like tweezing your brows.” Basically, expect the pain to be a little uncomfortable, but not unbearable.
How long does microblading last?
Microblading can last anywhere from one to three years depending on your skin type (oilier skin types tend to fade the fastest), says Aava. In one year, you’ll likely notice some fading, but your microblading probably won’t totally be gone. By three years, though, you can expect your microblading to be nearly untraceable. However, consistent touch-ups every 12-18 months can help your microbladed brows look fresh throughout the years.
How long do microbladed brows take to heal?
Microbladed brows will fully heal in about a month. How well they heal will depend on how well you follow your artist’s aftercare instructions (see below!). Redness, swelling, and scabbing are all common after microblading in the first 5-7 days, so don’t be concerned if you experience them. But despite how tempting the scabs may look, do not pick at them, or you risk potential infection and prolonged healing.
Does microblading require aftercare?
Microblading aftercare is very important if you want a good result. Every artist is a bit different, but in general, you shouldn’t sweat heavily, get your eyebrows wet, or be in the sun for seven days after getting microblading. Basically, now’s the time to hit pause on your workouts. If you’re, like, a professional athlete and you absolutely need to work out, highly recommend covering your brows with antibiotic ointment first to protect the pigment and keep the cuts clean and bacteria free.
Applying an antibacterial ointment to your brows every two hours for the first 24 hours, along with a layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor morning and night for a week to keep the area moist and protected is recommended. And, of course, make sure to avoid using any acids or retinoids until your brows fully heal, since they can fade the pigments.
