What Is Microblading?

First things first let’s clarify what this procedure even is. Microblading is a form of permanent makeup done in the eyebrow area to fill in your brows by using tiny little lines that look like fine hairs using needles and ink.
 
It's particularly popular with people who have pale or thin, scrawny eyebrows and those of us who want flawless brows from the moment we wake up - no brow pencil needed. It is often referred to as getting your eyebrows 'tattooed' but the process is different and eyebrow tattoos are a whole different ball game (see our glossary at the end of this article for more).
 
While a tattoo is done with a machine, microblading is done with a hand-held pen-like instrument that has a super fine blade on the end. Before you recoil in pain at the sound of a blade, note that the 'blade' is made up of a few tiny needles. So, your face isn't being cut open by a blade but rather pierced by tiny needles, similar to a tattoo.
 
A microblading technician will use this pen to draw many fine lines in your eyebrow area, which mimics the look of actual hairs. The result is around 100 (depending on your brow thickness) small and fine lines of varied lengths filling in your brow area that are barely distinguishable from actual hairs. This technique has gained popularity due to the uber natural finish you get, way more natural than the old eyebrow techniques of solidly filling in your brows with one colour.
 
While the word 'permanent' suggests microblading is going to stick with you forever it’s actually only semi-permanent and will last from 18 months to three years. This is because the needle only reaches superficial layers of skin. How long it will take to disappear is dependent on your age and skin type, with younger people having to go in for another appointment sooner than older people.
 
Read More. Microblading, Microshading or Microfeathering: Which is For You?

The Pros: Why Do You Need Microblading?

If you have naturally sparse brows, either genetically or from over-plucking them as a young and dumb teenager, microblading could be your saving grace. You won't have to spend minutes every morning drawing on your brows, nor will you have to hide your face when it rains or you get a bit sweaty for fear of your brows melting off. The look mimics actual hairs so it will look very natural, not like the usual solid stripe of colour you have to paint on with your pencil or brow powder every day.
 
Microblading isn't only for the thin browed though. If you have bold brows but want them bolder, or if you crave that high definition look then try it out. The process can be used to shape your brows, neaten up the edges and fill in gaps. You know how you're always wishing your eyebrows were twins, not sisters? You can get them evened out now and finally get that symmetrical look!

Read More. How to Choose the Best Eyebrow Shape to Perfectly Suit Your Face

How Does Microblading Work?

You and your brow technician will discuss what look you want. Be sure be specific with what you want, and even bring in a photo of a celebrity whose eyebrow game you admire. It's important you and your technician are on exactly the same page before you start.
 
Everyone's technique will be a bit different but generally next they will apply some sort of numbing cream so that you don't spend the whole hour and a half (yes, that's how long it can take) squirming in agony.
 
They should also use an eyebrow pencil to do a microbladed brow mock up before they do the real thing. You will look in the mirror and make any adjustments that need to be made until you are totally happy with your look. Next you lie back and let them do their micro-stroking thing.
 
The technician will slowly draw little hair-length lines in your eyebrow along their pencilled lines. The needles don't go too deep into your skin, which is why it doesn't hurt that much and why it doesn't last forever like a regular tattoo.

View Video: Eyebrow Microblading with Eyebrow Doctor Piret Aava | Byrdie

Microblading Aftercare: What Happens Once You’re Done?

After your microblading appointment, the skin will be a bit red but in general you will be fit to go out in public (and look amazing) immediately. You do, however, need to take it easy for about a week after the procedure.
 
Don't panic if you look in the mirror once they're done and think: “These are way too dark”. That's normal. The ink can fade between 30% and 70%, so much so that most reputable salons will have you go back for a second session about 4 to 6 weeks later. This is because after about 6 weeks another layer of skin will have grown over the microbladed area, causing it to lighten.
 
In fact, a lot of people end up wanting their brows even darker once they see how the ink has settled in their skin. Different skin types also take to the dye differently so this session is a chance to fix anything that didn't settle quite how it should have.
 
You will feel a bit of discomfort afterwards, almost like you've been sunburnt only on your brow area, and also potentially some itchiness. For at least 7 days after your microblading session it's important to take extra care of your new brows.
 
The salon should provide you with a soothing moisturising cream, which you need to apply throughout the day to prevent scabbing.  Don't get the skin wet (that means face wipes instead of face wash, and no extreme sweating - your work out will just have to wait!) and don't use any eye makeup around the area (mascara is fine, but any powder or foundation applied near this delicate and vulnerable skin could lead to infection).

Read More. Eyelash Treatments You Need to Get Amazing Lashes When Mascara Is Not Enough

How To Choose A Microblading Artist

Microblading is essentially like getting a tattoo, and you wouldn't go looking for the cheapest tattoo artist, now would you? Make your choice based on proof of their work. They should have a gallery on their website or Instagram page.
 
Every artist has their own unique look so if you see someone always does super bold brows and you want a more natural look maybe choose another technician. Ask around for recommendations too. Someone who is pleased with their microblading results will be more than happy to talk about it and point you in the right direction.

The Cons: Some Disadvantages of Microblading

Okay, so microblading seems amazing, but what are some of the cons?

• It's expensive: Microblading costs vary from about R1800 to R3300 including the first touch up. It is expensive, but with good reason. The technician has spent money and years perfecting their technique, so you are paying for their expertise. But when it comes to trusting someone to tattoo your face you should be willing to cough up a bit extra cash. Also think about all the money you will save on eyebrow pencils, powders and gels!


• It's only semi-permanent: You might complain that for that price you want them to last longer than 18 months to three years (this depends on your skin type). However, the semi-permanent nature of the microbladed brow is actually a good reason to get them done.
  
  If you get your eyebrows permanently tattooed on you run the risk of hating them in five years' time, or a totally different eyebrow style coming into fashion that you just can't participate in. Microblading lasts long but not too long, so you can switch it up a year or so in if you want. Also, if you end up not loving the outcome you know you're not stuck with the look forever.


• It can go wrong: From the many reviews on microblading, it’s clear that its either an over-the-moon response, or a sad tale of something not being quite right. If you land up with a dodgy technician, they could cut too deeply or use incorrect sterilisation techniques, causing an infection. You might also land up with wonky brows with an unskilled operator (as it's semi-permanent this is less of a problem - they will fade after time). The bottom line is that with this procedure you should not to take any risks and properly research your technician beforehand.

Read More. Here Are 5 Easy Steps to Help You Shape Awesome Brows