Microblading originated in Asia over 25 years ago and has gone by many names: eyebrow embroidery, feather touch, microstroking and even “the Japanese Method.” By 2015, microblading became popular in the United States.

Technically, microblading is a form of eyebrow tattooing. But unlike traditional tattooing, which uses a machine, microblading artists apply each hairstroke with a handheld microblade. This produces a very fine line that resembles real hair. Each individual hairstroke is hand-drawn by the artist and blended in with the client’s existing eyebrow hair. With a strong artist at the helm, the results can be gorgeous and very lifelike.

Microblading Procedure

There are many techniques and approaches to a microblading procedure. There are 1D Eyebrows, where the hairstrokes all go in one direction. There are 3D Eyebrows, where the hairstrokes are laid out in a specific pattern across the eyebrow ridges, creating a 3D effect. World renowned artist, and friend of Microblading LA, David Zhang, creates what he calls “6D Eyebrows” where the actual depth of the microblade varies on each individual hairstroke. This creates an even more dimensional and natural result. All of these approaches are valid and part of the art of microblading, but our artists at Microblading LA use 3D and 6D techniques.

Microblading typically takes two appointments to complete. In the first appointment, the client is profiled and the eyebrows are drawn on with a waterproof pencil, so the artist and client can agree on the look. The artist then microblades the eyebrows and the client is ready to go back into the world. There is some mild scabbing and aftercare required, but your microblading should be completely healed in 30 days.

The second appointment is a touch up at least 30 days after the first session. This allows enough time for the ink in the epidermis to naturally slough off, and the color to settle into your skin. In the touch-up appointment, the artist can see how your skin has received the ink and make any necessary corrections.

Sometimes a client’s skin undertones may have unexpected effects on the ink’s color, and the artist may need to add color to adjust. These kinds of corrections are normal with any microblading artist and an essential part of the process, as everyone’s skin is different and receives ink differently.

MICROBLADING EYEBROWS BEFORE AND AFTER

Please take a moment to explore some examples of microblading below. This will give you a clearer picture of the procedure and help you decide the style of microblading you prefer.

The following treatments should be avoided within four weeks of the procedure:

A typical microblading appointment lasts 2 to 3 hours, depending on the artist. A touch-up appointment lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the amount of work that needs touching up.

A standard microblading appointment will have the following steps:

1. Profile the client. First, the microblading artist will assess the client’s lifestyle and taste. Do they want something bold or natural? Do they wear makeup every day or just special occasions? What face shape does the client have? This interview will help the artist create the best brows for their client.
2. Draw on the eyebrows. Next, the artist will draw the eyebrows directly on the client’s face with a waterproof eyebrow pencil. This will be the artist’s guide for the microblading procedure. This also allows the client to see the final look before any permanent work is performed.
3. Microblading. Now the artist begins microblading, according to the drawing they’ve agreed upon with the client.
4. Remove the excess ink. Once the microblading is finished, there is lots of extra ink remaining on the client’s face. The artist wipes it off with a baby wipe and the client can see their new eyebrows! Except for some redness, the client will be ready to go back out in public, no problem.
5. Photo! I will take before and after photos.

Microblading typically requires a second touch up appointment, because all client’s skin is different and receives the ink differently. It’s impossible to accurately predict how a pigment will be affected by a client’s undertones.

After 30 days, the client should come in for a touch-up. This appointment can last as little as 30 minutes or as much as two hours, depending on the amount of work needed. In this appointment, the artist will “warm-up” or “cool down” the colors, to get it to match perfectly.

Is Microblading Painful?

Most of our clients report little or no pain. Often clients have literally slept through the appointment! We leave a topical anesthetic on the eyebrow area for 20 minutes before we begin the process, so this leaves most clients totally numb during the procedure.

Is Microblading for Everyone

While microblading is great for most people, there are some people who are ineligible for microblading:

1. Those prone to keloids or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. Unfortunately, since microblading punctures the skin as we add ink, we cannot work with clients with these conditions.
2. If you have a transmittable blood disease such as HIV or Hepatitis. Again, microblading artists cut the skin so it is our policy not to work with these conditions.
3. If you’ve had Juvederm or other fillers in that area. Depending on the timing, we recommend getting microblading first! Otherwise, check with your doctor.
4. Patients undergoing chemotherapy. Although microblading is great for restoring eyebrows, we would require a doctor’s note in order to perform the procedure for anyone undergoing chemotherapy. Once you’re cleared, however, microblading is a great solution for cancer survivors.
5. If you have any kind of skin condition on or near your eyebrows. This includes eczema, shingles, rashes, or anything else near eyebrows.
6. Those with a dark pre-existing eyebrow tattoo or permanent makeup. The tattoo or permanent makeup must be light enough for us to draw hair-strokes. We ask anyone with a previous eyebrow tattoo to send us an email with a picture of their eyebrows with no makeup on, so we can evaluate. Click here for our complete guide to microblading over an eyebrow tattoo.
7. Those with allergies to alcohol or numbing agents. If you think you might have an allergy to our ink, numbing cream, or alcohol (which is in the ink), then you may have a reaction.
8. Microblading is for adults only! We do not recommend microblading for anyone under the age of 18.

Microblading Aftercare

Microblading post-care is very important to the appearance and longevity of your new eyebrows. Do not let any water, lotion, soap, or makeup touch your eyebrow area during the first 7 days after your procedure.

After 5-7 days, make sure your hands are completely clean and gently apply the post-care ointment with clean hands.  This can be done once at night time, but be sure to use the ointment sparingly as your skin needs to heal itself. Please continue to apply the ointment for 7 days.

The following must be avoided during all 14 days post-microblading procedure:

• Increased sweating
• Practicing sports
• Swimming
• Hot sauna, hot bath, or Jacuzzi
• Sun tanning or salon tanning
• UV/UVA Rays or chemicals as they have been known to cause a shift in color and premature fading
• Any laser or chemical treatments or peelings, and/or any creams containing Retin-A or Glycolic acid on the face or neck
• Picking, peeling, or scratching of the micro pigmented area in order to avoid scarring of the area or removal of the pigment
• Performing tasks related to heavy household cleaning such as garage or basement cleaning where there is a lot of airborne debris
• Drinking alcohol in excess, as it may lead to slow healing of wounds
• Touching of the eyebrow area except for when rinsing and applying the post-care cream with a cotton swab

Please wash your face carefully around the eyebrow without getting water on the treated area.  During the shower, keep your face away from the showerhead or take a bath.

Itching and flaking may appear during the first seven days post-microblading procedure.  However, experience has shown that by following these after-care instructions, these symptoms may quickly disappear.