What you need to know before your microblading appointment

 Woman getting permanent eyebrows through microblading.

You might have seen many social media posts encouraging women to get themselves brows that make them forget about brow pencils. The ‘I woke up like this look has gained traction with more and more ladies taking on this semi-permanent cosmetic procedure which can last anywhere from 3-5 years. Despite its premium cost, women are not shying away from this trend. However, many have no idea what to expect or demand from the providers. 

Here is what you need to know before you take on this procedure. 

Know your brow techniques. Microblading, microshading, powder brows, combo brows, what is the difference anyway?

There are several brow procedures one can procure in the market. 

Microblading – In this technique, hair-like strokes are created using a blade made of 6-13 prongs joined together. This provides a natural hair-like appearance. This method is suitable for dry skin as oilier skin regenerates faster, causing the pigment to fade quickly.

Microshading- This technique uses a hand-held machine that deposits ink onto the skin using pin-like dots on the brow area, creating a filled-in brow look. It is suitable for all skin types.

Combo brows- It's a combination of both microshading and microblading. This is best for individuals with sparse or scarce brow hairs and suitable for all skin types.

Powder brow- This is similar to microshading and is suitable for all skin types—best for those with sparse or scarce brows.

Ombre brows- Pigment gradient created using the microshading technique. This offers a natural brow appearance. Suitable for all skin types and those with existing brow hair.

Who cannot get these procedures performed? 

Pregnant or lactating women, those with somatic diseases such as diabetes, lupus. Ladies whose skin tends to form keloids and those with skin diseases. Women with allergies to pigments are highly discouraged from undergoing these procedures. 

Please consult with your aesthetician and disclose your health concerns to them before booking to ensure your health and safety.

With the influx of all these providers, how do you know which brow artist to use? 

Research, research, research. Look into the background and certification of the person who will be doing your brows. Remember, this is a semi-permanent procedure that will last 3-5 years.

Ensure that your PMU artist has a hygienic station. Ensure all instruments have been sanitised between clients and that all blades and disposables are new and securely packaged to avoid cross-contamination and infections due to blood-borne pathogens.

What will you expect during the procedure? 

Your brows will be numbed with a topical cream at the station, which will reduce the level of pain to nothing or mild discomfort. It takes about 30 minutes to take effect. During this time, the artist will interview your skin type, brow preferences, makeup preferences, and routines. 

After the numbing has taken effect, the artist will set about sketching your new brows. You will be given a chance to have a look and decide which style works best for you. Once agreed, the procedure begins depending on the type of technique you chose. 

When the artist is done, excess ink is wiped away, and your new brows are revealed. The entire process from start to finish takes approximately 3 hours. 

A professional artist will give you an after-care gel to apply for the next couple of days as your brows heal. 

It is recommended that you return after six weeks for a retouch. This allows any issues to be fixed. 

 

Sheila Mwaura is a certified permanent makeup artist who runs Microblading by Fikira