Microblading is a form of cosmetic eyebrow tattooing in which pigment is etched into the skin to form the appearance of eyebrow hairs. When this pigment is properly implanted into the skin, once it heals underneath the epidermis it does not wash off. But over time as the skin continues to grow out, the pigment gradually fades which typically happens over one to three years.

Is microblading painful? For some people who are extremely sensitive, microblading might be an uncomfortable experience no matter what precautions are taken. For example, they may have a medical condition or previous procedure that predisposes them to hypersensitivity, they may be the minority of the population that does not respond to anesthetics, they may not be able to take oral any pain-relieving medication fo one reason or another. But luckily for most, a topical anesthetic applied before and during this relatively brief procedure is enough to keep any discomfort minimal. More so than experiencing any actual pain is the sense of fear and anxiety to the imagined pain that first-time client are the most about.

Microblading creates a more natural end result compared to eyebrow tattooing, which results in brows that appear drawn on and flat. A good microblading technician can make treated areas look like a more dense version of the natural brow hair.

Shaving off ones eyebrows is a deliberate, personal choice for whatever reason (for example, the texture and/or growth pattern of the hairs are not conducive to the eyebrows that you would like to have), but it certainly is not a prerequisite for any kind of cosmetic eyebrow tattoo including microblading. Removing the existing eyebrows will provide nothing to work with, and more often than not, any existing eyebrows is more helpful than nothing when trying to creating full, natural-looking eyebrows.

Most people who seek out microblading for their eyebrows are very happy they did it because it saves them the daily time and effort of drawing in their eyebrows, which always look great 24/7 for a year or more. Such clients also understand that they are making a commitment to periodic maintenance to freshen up their eyebrows whenever they begin to fade, and that this periodic upkeep is also worthwhile to them.

Just like with any procedure, there may be risks and drawbacks to microblading ranging from unexpected complications, dissatisfaction with the healed results, dissatisfaction with the work after a number of years and the client needs have changed, and having to maintain the work at an additional expense in order to keep up with the changes in the skin.

As microblading does not affect hair growth, it will not stop or prevent your eyebrow hairs from continuing to grow and fall out over each hair’s normal growth cycle. If you have a history of stray hairs along the eyelid or between the eyebrows that you normally groom, then you might find yourself wanting to do so if those hairs bother you long after the rest of your eyebrows have been microbladed.

It’s highly unlikely for a microblading procedure to ruin one’s natural eyebrows. Such a scenario would require either damage to or the destruction of the hair follicle such as from lasers or electrolysis, or damage to the hair shaft by mechanical or chemical means (such as with an eyelash perm or eyelash extentions). It is more likely to have one’s own eyebrows “ruined” say, when the result of the microblading winds up completely reshaping the original eyebrows in a way that a client does not feel is a good fit for their face. Moreover, it is possible that improperly performed, repeated procedures over time can damage and scar the skin of the eyebrows.

There is a period of time during the healing process when the results which first appeared so dark and intense in the days immediately following the procedure may now all of a sudden look like they’re hardly there. This is a result of the excess pigment having exfoliated after the initial healing phase leaving what’s left that’s managed to stay implanted in the dermis. After a few weeks the pigment should appear somewhat darker again as the pigment settles and ultimately heals more closely to the surface of the skin just underneath the epidermis. Should the hairs created during the microblading procedure disappear altogether, then it’s likely that the client’s skin is not suitable for microblading and that a different cosmetic tattooing technique needs to be considered.

It’s not always easy to determine which type of skin will automatically be suitable for microblading. Some clients who have thick, oily skin hold micro bladed hairstrokes beautifully while others with thin, dry skin don’t take to it as well as they do with a powder brow tattoo. Instead, a client’s health history that affects their skin health, history of previous procedures, age, and lifestyle factors combined are far better predictors of being a good candidate for microblading than skin type alone. Aside of these considerations, anyone with good, healthy skin of any age who wants fuller-looking, well shaped, and natural looking eyebrows will generally be a good candidate for microblading.

Eyebrow alopecia is quite common in women and men. We actually have more males than you would imagine coming in for permanent makeup eyebrow procedures.

With a “natural look” being our main concern and focus, the result is not fake. The result looks just as hair would look. View our images to see our before-and-after eyebrow examples for men and women.

Going gray generally happens gradually for most people and usually not even all the hairs may be affected. So any subsequent touch up would be an opportunity to address the changing color (a brow that is well-defined in color and shape can easily camouflage a few stray gray hairs). If allowed to fade on their own w/ no color refreshers, the brow color will just gradually fade to a lighter and lighter shade, at which point it’s unlikely to clash all that much with any incoming grays.

An eyebrow tattoo will not harm any existing eyebrow hairs, as hair growth is mainly affected by hormones, health, and to a lesser extent, nutrition. However in some clients, getting an eyebrow tattoo can possibly stimulate hair to grow in the area that the tattoo is done. When this happens it’s a real added bonus!

Even if someone may seem blessed with dark, thick eyebrows, there may still be noticeable gaps or the shape may not be framing the eyes and face as well as they could be. Giving the brows a boost with a nicer shape and adding extra hairs in areas that are sparse or lacking will give them a clean, polished look with no more having to fill in with pencil.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that full eyebrows have been in vogue for quite a while. This is great news for millennials who have grown up in the haze of Instagram and YouTube tutorials that teach you how to lovingly tend those brows. But if you came up through the 90s and 00s, chances are your eyebrows have suffered at the hands of thinner eyebrow trends.

Microblading has been a hot topic in the cosmetic world, and it’s not just for people who have over-tweezed in the past. It can be a great solution for anyone suffering from hair loss conditions and can even be used to camouflage a scar in the brow area. However, the vast majority of folks are simply in search of a well-shaped eyebrows without the hassle of having to draw them in every day.

What Exactly Is Microblading?

Microblading involves using a cluster of small needles in various shapes and sizes of blades to deposit pigment into the papillary layer of the dermis which sits directly under the epidermal surface. This is often achieved by “scratching” or dragging the needles across the skin. Sometimes the results mimic natural-looking hair, and sometimes the hairs look quite dramatic. They key determining factor is how the brows looks once the skin has fully healed and not how the brows look immediately after a microblading procedure.   

How Safe Is Microblading?

Microblading is generally safe when performed on healthy, uncompromised skin. Older, thin, and excessively sun damaged skin may not be able to hold up to the microblading procedure and extra caution should be taken. Like all invasive cosmetic procedures, there are some risk factors and considerations to take into account regardless of the type of skin you have, and with careful planning and forethought you can minimize the chances of an adverse result.

1. Choose a Reputable Technician

With so many people with varying degrees of competency now performing these services, it’s vital to ensure that your technician is properly licensed and trained.

During the initial consultation, the practitioner should be professional and be able to address any concerns or issues that should occur. The procedure should be performed in a licensed establishment and adhere to all the protocols of proper handling and disposing of equipment. A client should be happy with the shape and color that is first drawn on before getting the work tattooed or microbladed. Going to a technician who exclusively works out of a licensed establishment also enables the client to know where to return for any necessary follow up visits that are needed and get a hold of the technician should any problems arise.

2. Perform a Patch Test

The chances of developing an allergic reaction is minimal. But it is also possible to develop an allergy to anything at anytime, for which a patch test then may not be helpful.  Still, for those who tend to have reactive skin and be allergic to things in general, a patch would be recommended for the peace of mind. It involves scratching the skin, usually in an inconspicuous area such as behind the ear, with a lancet that has been dipped in the pigment. This is then left to sit for at least 24 hours before being checked for any sign of a reaction. You can also opt to patch test the numbing cream that will be used during the procedure.

3. Inform your Practitioner of Medical Conditions and Medication

Before any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to discuss your medical history with the technician. Some conditions, no matter how minor, and taking certain medications could have a bearing on your suitability for microblading and other forms of cosmetic tattooing.

Common conditions that may affect your suitability include:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• A history of keloid scarring
• Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
• Recent Accutane usage
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders
• Heart conditions
• Blood clotting disorders

Although these factors may not entirely rule you out for microblading, you should still review the potential complications with the practitioner.

4. Follow Aftercare Advice

After the treatment, you will be given aftercare advice to reduce any risk of infection and ensure that you heal properly. Standard guidance includes keeping the eyebrows clean and makeup-free and applying any aftercare ointment as directed.

What Signs Do I Need to Watch Out For?

You may experience some discomfort during the treatment, and it’s typical to feel a slight stinging sensation for a while afterwards. However, if you are experiencing anything more severe than mild soreness, or if the area hasn’t healed after 10 days, you should contact your technician for further advice and instruction.

JuvEssentials provides a wide range of professional cosmetic tattooing solutions located in San Francisco, CA. We pride ourselves on delivering service of an exceptional standard from the initial consultation to the after care stage and beyond. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help with your needs.