This week on Elevated Beauty, our Founder, Master Aesthetician, Brow Artist & Trainer, Emma Anderson is here to dish out all the details on one of the most popular services at Blush & Blade - and yes, we are talking everything Microblading! If you've been interested in trying out this service, we highly recommend taking a few moments to read what our Master Brow Artist & Trainer has to say - we have a feeling you'll seriously be impressed.
Emma has been a Master Aesthetician, Brow Artist & Trainer since 2017. She studied Medical Aesthetics and has attended several extensive Permanent Makeup trainings. She has had amazing jobs in the beauty industry and has been able to perfect her skills as a PMU Artist. Needless to say, Emma has had her share of experience with different types of skin and brow services. In October 2022, Emma was invited to attend the Tampa Tattoo & Arts Convention to demonstrate Lip Blushing. Her skills and attention to detail has given her the opportunity to share her talent and knowledge with others.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a manual method of permanent makeup for your eyebrows - think of this style as "handmade brows" as the artist uses a small handheld blade to create individual hairstrokes that blend in with your natural hair and create a fuller looking brow. This technique requires artistic detail and an eye for beauty. Microblading is considered the "most natural" of all permanent makeup techniques.
How long does Microblading last?
Depending on your skin type, lifestyle and care of your brows, Microblading can last up to 1-3 years. months. Pigment is meant to fade over time and return to your natural brows exactly how they were. The pigment will begin to fade after 12 months and a touch up is recommended every 12-14 months. At the 12 month mark of your initial procedure, a yearly touch up is recommended.
How long does the appointment last?
Microblading is a two-part procedure. Your initial session will take about 2 1/2 hours. After your brows heal, you will come in for your touch up. Your touch up will be scheduled 4-6 weeks after your initial appointment and will take about 1 1/2 hours.
Are there any pre-existing conditions that will prevent me from scheduling a Microblading appointment?
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Keloid scarring, birthmarks or moles
Currently on Accutane or other strong retinoids (must wait 6 months after treatment)
If any skin irritations appear on the treated area
Botox or Dysport treatment (must wait 2 months after treatment)
Old Permanent Makeup (please call or text 727-551-1076 to schedule a consult)
Broken capillaries in brow area
Sunburn
Waxing (must wait 3 days)
Chemical Peels, Retin-A (must wait 2 weeks)
What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
Do not work out 24 hours before procedure
No alcohol or caffeine 24 hours before procedure
Avoid sun and tanning one week before procedure
No brow waxing, tinting, Microdermabrasion, or Chemical Peels (Glycolic acid, Pumpkin, Alpha Hydroxy acids, Salicylic acid, *Fraxel, Co2 and IPL laser treatments - 4 weeks*) on week before procedure
Discontinue Retin-A 4 weeks before procedure
If you are required to take antibiotics before dental procedures, please follow the same instructions from your doctor before your procedure
Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, Excedrin, Warfarin, Coudamin, Oil Supplements such as Fish Oil, Vitamin E Oil, or Primrose Oil 24 hours before procedure. (You may take Tylenol)
Do not take mood-altering drugs
Please note: You will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle
Please check the following with your doctor before having a Microblading procedure:
Have diabetes and under doctor care
Have been in remission from cancer for 1 year
Have high blood pressure
Using blood thinning prescriptions
Have seborrheic dermatitis
Is there any aftercare?
These instructions MUST be followed to ensure safety and great healing results:
30 minutes after your microblading procedure, rinse your brows with room temperature water and neutral soap, if possible, to remove ALL lymph and previously applied ointment. After, apply a thin layer of ointment that your Microblading Artist has provided for you with a clean cotton swab. Repeat 3-5 times during the day. (DO NOT DOUBLE DIP)
Within the next 7 days, maintain facial hygiene and apply ointment as directed above. Do NOT scrub, use gentle strokes with clean fingers and keep out of the sun. After 7 days is complete, use sunscreen to aid in protection and longevity of your Microblading procedure.
The following MUST be avoided during all 7 days after your Microblading procedure:
Increased sweating, swimming, hot saunas, hot bath or jacuzzi
Sun or Salon tanning
Any laser or chemical treatments and/or creams containing Retin-A or Glycolic acid on the face or neck
Picking or scratching the treated area
Drinking alcohol in excess, this may decrease the healing of wounds
Driving in open-air vehicles, i.e., convertibles, bicycles, motorcycles or boats
Touching the treated area, except for when rinsing and applying post-care ointment
What is the healing process like?
The appearance of your brows will go through several phases during the healing cycle:
The pigment will appear very sharp and dark immediately after the Microblading procedure because the pigment is still sitting on top of your skin and has not settled in completely
The color of the pigment will soften gradually
Do not be alarmed if any pigment is removed when cleansing your brows. This is excess pigment and/or body fluid naturally exiting the skin.
Once the healing process has started, it will appear as though your brows are flaky or the appearance of dry skin, this may seem as though the pigment is fading too quickly, however, this is superficial color being naturally removed from your brows.
After completely healed, apply sunscreen, SPF 30-50, when exposed to the sun. *Sun exposure may cause pigment to fade more quickly.
TELL ME ABOUT THE SCABBING PROCESS!
Scabbing is NORMAL.
In fact, individuals that received shading during the
procedure may even experience heavier scabbing than an individual that only received Microblading. Scabbing starts to take place around day 5 of the healing process and can proceed all the way through day 10. If you received Microshading or Combo Brows, scabbing can begin as early as day 3 into the healing process. During the scabbing process it is normal for the scabs to fall off. You actually want them to fall off naturally to avoid losing pigment from picking at them. In some circumstances, scabs have fallen off leaving a patchy look on the brows. Even though this look is undesirable it is NATURAL. Everyone's healing process is different.
Microblading can be performed as a standalone service or can be combined with shading. The Microshading or Combo Brow treatment is done with a manual hand tool and round configured needles. This technique creates a soft powdered effect that resembles a brow pencil or powder fill in.
What happens during the touch up?
The touch up is recommended 4-6 weeks after initial treatment. During your touch up, the artist will fill in missing hair strokes, make hair strokes longer or just achieve a darker color.
Will the procedure be painful?
The procedure will take about 2 1/2 hours. It includes a consultation, brow shaping and mapping, time for the topical anesthetic to numb the skin, and before & after photos, if permitted. Most clients give feedback of a small scratching feeling or clients fall asleep. The procedure is rather painless. Before the treatment begins the artist will apply a topical numbing cream and will continue to apply it throughout the procedure to minimize discomfort.
What could make your brows fade faster?
Poor aftercare during the healing process
Peeling or scratching brows during the healing process
Excessive sun exposure
Use of exfoliation products
Iron deficiency
Strong immune systems
Exposure to salt water
Smoking
What makes Microblading different from a traditional tattoo?
Tattoos use a machine that deposits ink deeper into the skin which allows it to have a permanent effect on the skin. Microblading is done using a very fine blade and only penetrates the outermost layer of the skin which allows it to fade over time. Also, less pigment is deposited into the skin compared to tattoos.
Am I a candidate for Microblading?
Microblading is perfect for those who want to fully reconstruct, define, and cover gaps or fill-in over tweezed brows. People who suffer from alopecia, trichotillomania or any other condition that cause hair loss can benefit greatly from Microblading.
How much does it cost?
Microblading: $600
Microshading or Combo Brows: $650
Touch up 4-6 weeks: Complimentary
Touch ups after 6 weeks-5 months: $80
Touch ups after 6 months-11 months: $200
Yearly Touch ups and up: $300
If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a free consultation or book a Microblading service, please call 727-551-1076 or click the links to be directed to our scheduling site.