I was at my wits end with my patchy eyebrows. I dreaded shading them in every morning to make them look fuller and darker. After a while it just seemed to complicate my morning routine. So, I did what turned out to be the best thing to do for this everyday struggle- I got my eyebrows microbladed! Best part of this is that I love how my eyebrows are on fleek every single day! There is no time spent on making sure they are even on both sides. No one eyebrow is darker than the other or has a different shape than the other. And there is no more worrying about if it rains are my eyebrows going to smear. This was one of the best things I spent my money on and will gladly do so everytime a touch-up is needed.
Many people have not heard of microblading and when I tell them about my experience they think they heard me say, ” My eyebrows are tattooed on”. This is not the case at all and yes, there is a difference. Below I have addressed some questions regarding the two and what makes them both different from each other. One is not better than the other… Okay, I’ll stop there, because to me one clearly is, but I’ll let you decide which is better for you. 🙂
Microblading
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent technique that is used to enhance the appearance of eyebrows. A hand tool with mulitple blades is used by an experienced technician that allows pigment to be scratched into the skin in fine and short strokes, resembling natural hair.
How long does the procedure take?
This is a 2-part procedure. The first part takes 2.5 to 3 hours long. You will then need to go back in 6 weeks when your skin is healed for the 2nd part which only takes 1.5 to 2 hours and that is only to make sure all spots are filled and to do any touchups if needed.
How long does microblading last for?
Microblading lasts between 18 to 30 months. The pigment begins to fade at about 6 months to a year. When the fading is absolutely obvious, that will be the time in which a touch-up is needed. If you weren’t happy with your results then you can continue to let it fade until it is completely off your skin.
Does the procedure hurt?
When getting microblading done, the technician applies lidocaine to your eyebrows so that the feeling is not too uncomfortable for you. The procedure is not comfortable, but tolerable.
Are your eyebrows shaved for the procedure?
Not at all. The technician will clean up your brows by waxing or threading any hairs that are not a part of your shape before the procedure to simply have a better visualization.
How much does microblading cost?
It costs somewhere between $400 and $600 to have your microblading done. This does include first and second appt’s. Touch ups range between $150-$250.
How long is the healing process?
It takes about 2 to 3 weeks to fully heal. During this process you will have some tenderness. Skin will begin to feel itchy and peel or flake after a couple of days. That usually lasts for a week. It is important to not sctratch during this time or you can risk scratching off the pigmentation.
Can I get my eyebrows wet afterward?
Refrain from wetting your eyebrows for the first 7 days. When you shower and wash your face be sure to keep your eyebrows dry by washing only around the eyebrows and not on them. Keep your face away from the shower head or take a bath. Do not let any water drip down to your eyebrows. Wetting your eyebrows can cause pigmentation to be washed off.
Can I sleep on my side or face down?
Avoid sleeping on the side of your face or face down for 2 weeks after the procedure. This can push the pigmentation out.
Can I workout after my procedure?
Do not workout for the next 7 days to keep from sweating. Sweat is another form of water and as stated above, you cannot get your newly microbladed eyebrows wet.
Is makeup okay to wear?
You can wear makeup on your face but nothing on the eyebrows or even eyelids. If makeup gets onto your eyebrows before being healed, you risk getting an infection.
Tattooing
What is a tattoo?
A permanent art on the skin including the face using ink that will never come off.
How long does tattooing eyebrows take?
Getting your eyebrows tattooed on takes about 2.5 hours.
Does the procedure hurt?
Tattooing your eyebrows is done with a machine. In order to shade in the outline of the eyebrow, the artist will need to repeatedly go over the same area numerous times to make sure there are no spots missing ink.
Are your eyebrows shaved for this procedure?
Yes. Many tattoo artists shave off any part of your body that is being tattooed. Reason behind this is that tattooing over hair causes the artist to miss the spaces where the hair is lying.
How much does it cost?
$400-$500.
How long is the healing process?
The healing process for a tattoo is about 2 to 3 weeks. Though it may feel healed after that time, it may still be tender to the touch.
Can I get my eyebrows wet after having them tattooed on?
The same as microblading, do not get your eyebrows wet after having them tattooed.
How do I sleep after having my eyebrows tattooed?
Avoid having your face make any contact with your sheets, bed, or arms. This can cause irritation to the area and also cause infection or scratching the ink off.
Does the tattoo fade?
Just like any other permanent tattoo, this too will fade losing its color that it once was and leaving you with oddly colored eyebrows. This, however, takes a few years before seeing the significant difference.
Do tattooed eyebrows look natural?
With tattooing there is no way of making it appear like actual hair, giving a drawn on and flat appearance.
Whether you decide to get your eyebrows microbladed or tattooed on, at least you have some of your questions answered here. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to your body and having done some research prior to making that choice. You know the look that you are going for. You know the shape that you wish for. You just need to understand that if one option does not give you the shape and look that you expected, it is not forever while the other is. Also, you have to keep in mind that the look you may desire now may not be what you fancy in a few years. Continue to do your research for a look that you will be pleased with. Good Luck!
