30 Nov What is Eyebrow Microblading?
Also known as microstroking, microblading, 3D eyebrows, feathered brows, or micropigmentation. Eyebrow embroidery is the most natural permanent technique for simulating real eyebrow hairs. Whether you have little to non-existent eyebrows or desire a subtle enhancement, microblading is the answer to waking up with gorgeous brows daily.
Microbladed brows are completed in two sessions, approximately 6 to 8 weeks apart depending on how quickly healing is achieved. At the first appointment, we lay the foundational shape and then perfect any spots that require it at the second appointment. Healed results vary from person to person, and usually one yearly color boost is enough to maintain a beautiful result.
Pre-Care:
In order to ensure the best results possible, please take note of the following restrictions prior to your microblading appointment:
Keep the treated area free of any ingrown hairs, psoriasis, blemishes, eczema, and other skin irritations.
Do not use any anti-aging, anti-acne, lightening, brightening, etc. products for 30 days prior to your procedure.
Do not exercise for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Do not tan or sunbathe for 30 days prior to your appointment.
Do not consume alcohol or caffeine 24 hours prior to procedure.
Do not take any blood-thinning products for 48 hours, including: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Niacin.
Do not wax or pluck your brows.
Do not get a chemical peel, facial, or microdermabrasion for 30 days prior to procedure.
Post-Care:
Dry Healing Instructions
—DO NOT GET WET FOR 10 DAYS—
Some residual swelling is normal for all procedures. Some clients may have no swelling, while some may have a lot. Dry skin, itching, and tenderness are common after the procedure. These symptoms will dissipate each day and vary on an individual basis. Color will fade/soften from 30 to 50%. We will enhance any area that has faded too much during your (1) perfection appointment in 6 to 8 weeks.
Remember, healing is specific to each client. It is important to realize that you will need a color boost every 1 to 3 years to maintain a fresh, natural appearance. If you are out in the sun often or use tanning beds, use anti-aging creams, Retinol products, Proactive acne products, heavy oil moisturizers, have regular chemical peels (Glycolic, etc.) or exercise frequently, you will likely need a color boost every 6 months to 1 year. The better you take care of the treated area, the longer it will last.
Avoid direct water on the treated area for 10 days after the procedure. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline prior to showering to prevent soaps and shampoos from getting on the treated area. Gently pat the Vaseline off when you are done showering. Otherwise, absolutely NOTHING should be on the treated area. No makeup, lotions/moisturizers, pencils, powders, or any other products for 10 days. After the 10 days, avoid scrubbing the treated area for 1 month.
Remember, for the first 10 days:
No swimming until the area is completely healed. Salt water/chlorine can cause the pigments to fade or change in color. It is recommended to apply Vaseline to the treated area/s prior to swimming even after healed to prevent the chlorine water/salt water from penetrating the area.
Only touch the treated areas with squeaky clean hands. Apply Vaseline before showering. This is a must. We do not want an infection. Use clean tissue or DRY terrycloth towel to blot them dry to remove Vaseline when waterproofing them for showering.
DO NOT RUB, SCRATCH OR PICK AT THE TREATED AREA. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate off. Picking can cause scarring and loss of pigmentation.
No excessive sun-exposure or use of a tanning bed.
No make-up, lotions, or sunscreens on the treated area. (note: in approximately 30 days when your brows are healed, it is important to apply sunscreen daily to avoid premature fading.)
No excessive sweating.
Plan on scheduling your touch-up within the first 6 months. I recommend 6-8 weeks after initial appointment.
Reminder: Permanent make-up is a process. It often requires a “follow-up” application. Each client is entitled to 1 free follow-up 6 to 8 weeks after the initial procedure, up to 6 months. There will be a charge for any additional “touch-ups,” “spot touch-ups,” or “color-boosters” that you may desire or need since there is no way to determine how each person may hold color, as each skin is different and care of skin is different. This is not body art ink, it is permanent cosmetic pigments and it will fade over time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it tattooing?
With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term microblading, many are led to believe microblading is not a tattoo process. Permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/microstroking, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup, are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time color is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process as defined by many well- informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources. Denying this process is a tattoo can be problematic for those who would, for religious or other personal reasons, normally refuse to have a tattoo.
Is a blade being used to perform the microblading tattoo procedure?
Microblading is performed with a grouping or configuration of needles affixed to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs. Manual methods of tattooing have been used through the ages, and the tools have gone through changes over time from pre-historic sharpened stones to the hand tool devices currently being used. An actual scalpel or cutting-type blade should not be used under any circumstances as these are considered medical devices and cannot legitimately be used for this process. Any hand tool device (i.e., both handle and attached needles) used for microblading should be pre-sterilized and fully disposable.
Is it semi-permanent?
Some are promoting microblading or eyebrow embroidery as a semi-permanent process; and that the color only reaches the epidermal (outer) layer of the skin. A careful review of basic skin anatomy and physiology would reveal this is not true. By definition and tattoo industry standards, color is tattooed/implanted into the dermis of the skin. If pigment particles do not reach the dermis, they will disappear during the healing phase of the skin, during normal regeneration of cells at the epidermal level. Pigments do fade in the skin over time, but that does not make the process semi-permanent. It is impossible to predict how much pigment will fade away and how long it will take to do so with any measure of consistency or reliability.
Why does microblading not last as long as other eyebrow tattooing techniques?
This is simply because a much smaller amount of pigment is inserted (tattooed) into the skin as compared to fully or solidly filled eyebrow tattoos.
Is there less training needed to learn microblading as compared to learning permanent cosmetics?
No; if someone is new to the industry and does not already have a minimum of 100 hours of training in permanent cosmetics, they need to have a similar amount of training in microblading, even if it is for just that one type of procedure. There are many areas of study when learning these techniques, which include facial morphology and bone structure, brow shaping and design, color analysis, color theory, proper handling of equipment, prevention of cross-contamination, as well as practice work and the opportunity to observe procedures before actually performing them under supervision. Anyone interested in pursuing training in cosmetic tattooing, including microblading, should first check with state and county regulating agencies. This would also include verifying the qualifications of any trainer, in addition to checking with regulatory agencies for trainer compliance with local health, safety, or permit requirements if the trainer is travelling from another state or country to offer training.
How can I get more information?
You can contact the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) at admin@spcp.org. Visit their website at www.spcp.org.
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