Take a glimpse into cosmetic tattooing and the application process of eyebrow microblading. Gain knowledge about the brow tattoo technique and find out if it’s right for you.
When we hear people talk about permanent makeup and cosmetic tattoo, images of drawn-on eyebrows, terrible makeup and non-existent eyeliner come to mind. While15years ago this may have been the case, the world of permanent eyebrowshas come a long wayfrom Tammy Faye Baker.
The biggest development in cosmetic eyebrow tattoocomes in the form of microblading.
Here we will discuss the ins and outs of this hot brow tattoo procedure, creating a guide that will help determine if eyebrow microblading is right for you, or if you should stick with the eyebrow pencil or go for eyebrow embroidery.
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Origins
The processof microblade brow tattooinghasmurky origins. For a longperiod,a story involving samurai practicing a form of microblading gave many the idea that the eyebrow tattooing process originated in Japan, although recently that has beendisproven.
Despite the relatively recent arrival in the West (the modern practice has been popular since 2005) there is historical evidence that similar traditional eyebrow tattooing has mucholder roots in Northern China.
What is Microblading?
Whether a new perfect eyebrow technique or part of an ancient tradition,microbladebrows have taken the cosmological world by storm. With endorsements from dozens of celebrities and coverage onday-timetalk shows, microblading is thethehot new trend in the fashion world – making it seem like the end for your eyebrow pencil. But what exactly is it?
Microblading is often referred to as cosmetic tattooing, or permanent makeup, and while it does share some characteristics with traditional tattooing, there arealsosome key differences.Traditional tattoo ink is applied with a machine that uses needle packs to implant ink below thethird or fourth layer ofskin at around 3000 RPMs, allowing the tattoo artist to create the intricate details and breathtaking designs that typify modern tattooing.
Microblading on the other hand uses a static tool to apply microblading ink to the skin, although the variety of blades usedshare similarities withtattooing needles.After spending upwards of an hour creating an outline for the perfect eyebrow theartistuses this tool to make tiny incisions in the skin and then applies microblading ink to these areas to create tones that fill out and amplify the client’s natural eyebrow shape.
The effect created is much more subtle than traditional cosmetic makeup and the goal is to enhance the wearer’s existing brow shape, not to create new ones. Microblading produces more realistic and natural eyebrows that, when properly applied, doesn’t look likemicrobladedeyebrowsat all.
Is Microblading Permanent?
Given the way that microblading is often conflated with traditional tattoo, there is understandable confusion about the permanence of tattoo eyebrows.The longevity of the process is another place wheremicroblading differs from tattoos.
Thanks to the subtle nature of the cosmetic eyebrow tattoo procedure and the lower levels ofskinpenetration—about 0.08-0.15 mm, compared to tattoos 1mm depth—involved in microblading, brow tattooing generally lasts for 12-18 months before you need to book in with your microblading artist for more browre-configuration.
Over this time the body will naturally absorb some ink from the tattooed eyebrows and simultaneously push out some of the pigment. Different skin type also reacts to the process differently. Oily skinin particular canprove difficult to microblade and is pronetopigment hydration, where the ink bleeds out, leaving the end result less defined and requiring laser treatment or serious remedial work from the cosmetic tattoo artistto fix.
Does microblading hurt?
With all the comparisons to traditional tattooing and with “blade” in the name, many people voice concerns about the pain involved in the eyebrow tattooprocedure.The short answer is yes, microblading does hurt.
While itisnot comparable to a large tattoo, the sensitive nature of the skin on the face – and issues with eyebrow hair follicles – mean that the procedure will cause a level of discomfort. Someartistsoffer their microblading client numbing cream (a form of topical anesthetic). Despite the fact numbing cream can make the process a bit more difficult for the cosmetic tattoo artist, many people choose this option. With a single sessionlastingseveral hours, for somethe topical anestheticis necessary: when applied,a sensation closer to scratchingthanslicing isproduced.
What type of aftercareisnecessary?
Much like traditional eyebrow tattoos, microblading is essentially a collection of small, open wounds, and like all wounds, microblading requiresdiligent aftercarecare to prevent infection.Immediately after the procedure antibiotic cream is applied, and much like a tattoo, a topical salve like Vaselinecan be applied for up to a week afterwards.Usually, your Microblading artist will recommend that clients do their best to keep their new tattooed browsdryfor about a weekafter the procedure.
Another trait thatmicroblading share with eyebrow tattoos is how the tattoo ink fades(although the process is much more rapid for microblading). Immediately after the procedure,many clients are taken aback by how dark and dramatic their eyebrowsappear, and often voice concerns to their artist about their new look. Luckily,this doesn’t last long and within a week the pigment will have faded to a moresubduedtone and the eyebrow shapewill look clean and natural.
It is also worth noting that most artists recommendmicrobladedeyebrows get a touch up session after about 4 weeks.Similar totattoos, once the skin has a chance to fully heal and the microblading ink can settle a bit, the microblade artist can get a better idea of small adjustments that can be made to get perfect permanent eyebrows and complete theprocess. Most cosmetic tattoo artistsare able tofully complete a microblading client’s eyebrows in two sessions.
How much does microblading cost?
Time to get down to the brass tacks. Unfortunately, money is a part of life andcostmust betaken into accountwhen considering a new car, house, or evenmicrobladedtemporary tattoos.The truth is microblading – like other forms of cosmetic tattoo such as eyeliner ink – isn’t cheap. While the low end of the spectrum is around $350 USD, an in demand microblading artist can charge up to $1000 for a brow tattooingsession.
One of the upsides is that this is a process that doesn’t have to be repeated every month: $400 for a year of permanent eyebrows isworth itfor some people. However, when it comes to microblading it is never a good idea to sacrifice brow quality for economy. While the tattoo process isn’t inherently dangerous, permanent damage can be done tothe roots and follicles of the eyebrow if an artist isn’t properly trained or lacks experience. Hair loss and sparse eyebrows are just two unwanted side effects of a poor eyebrow microbladingprocess.
Much like traditional tattoo it is best to leave microblading tothe tattoo artistand steerwell clearof at home “studios”.
For thoseindividuals whoneed theirbrow shape on point,microblading is a great choice.Given the growing popularity of cosmetic tattooing and makeup in the United States and around the world, finding a talented artist to complete your perfect brow should be an easy process.