It seems that there is always some new innovative beauty procedure popping up designed to give you semi-permanent natural-looking features. We all know how popular eyelash extensions have become, and now semi-permanent eyebrows are available. Many like myself have to spend every morning filling in sparse brows. There are many days when I wish I didn't have to do the tedious task of using brow powder to draw them in, which never delivers natural-looking results. Microbladed brows would solve the problem, but is it worth it?

What Is Eyebrow Microblading?

Microblading is a procedure that semi-permanently pigments the eyebrows for fuller, more uniform brows. It doesn't use a a traditional tattoo gun, but instead, a microblading tool, which is a pen with a sloped tip with a bundle of needles (about 10-15) at the end. The needles gently scratch the upper layers of the skin like paper cuts that look like hair strokes and deposits color. The strokes create a fine, realistic, and natural-looking brow shape. Microblading eyebrows are sometimes known as microplane eyebrows, eyebrow planing, micro abrasion eyebrows, and microdermabrasion eyebrows.

Microblading vs. Brow Tattoo

Some may think that cosmetic tattoos are considered permanent makeup and a solution for a fuller brow area, but it still fades over time. Brow tattooing uses ink that eventually fades to a blue-green tint which isn't appealing for the eyebrows. The healing process for cosmetic tattooing requires that you do not get your eyebrows wet for seven days and it takes approximately four weeks after touch up for them to completely heal.

Unlike tattooing, microblading treatment on the other hand uses a specialized pigment while a tattoo uses ink. During a microblading session, a certified esthetician will determine the best brow shape that matches your facial features and your preferred desired look. The next step is selecting the appropriate brow color so that when it is completely healed, it will match the skin tone. Then the brow specialist or licensed esthetician will use needles to make cuts creating hair-like strokes while depositing pigment to create more natural-looking brows. The procedure can take upward of 2 hours, most people report only feeling minor pressure or discomfort and less pain than a typical tattoo due to the use of a numbing cream. Of course, this will depend on your own personal tolerance to pain. Some level of pain or discomfort should be expected. The microblading healing process generally takes 25 to 30 days. It starts right after your procedure.

How Long Does It Last?

Microblading is considered a semi permanent eyebrow treatment. The pigments do not go deep like tattoos and will fade as the skin cells naturally turnover in the brow area. The color will last about 18-30 months; therefore, touch-ups are necessary to keep your eyebrows looking groomed.

Microblading Eyebrow Cost

If you thought lash extensions were pricey, you'd be shocked to hear the price tag for microblading cost. The microblading appointment averages about $700-$800 depending on location, with some charging less and some charging more in the thousands. After the initial treatment there are touch-ups several weeks out, which are included in the price. After that, you can expect to pay about $200 for an annual touch up.

Is It Safe?

Microblading is less invasive than tattoos, but there are still risks. Because the brows will have an open wound from the needles, there are possible risks for infection. Allergic reactions are always a possibility as well. Always choose a reputable technician that has good sterile practices.

Microblading Aftercare

After microblading, it's important to follow instructions so that your new brows can heal to keep them looking their best. Microblading healing requires proper care which are outlined below.

• Clean the area using a damp cotton pad, NOT WET, with sterile water to remove blood/lymph in the area.
• Apply aftercare ointment provided by the technician like a vitamin E creme.
• Avoid getting them wet from running shower water, saunas, swimming, exercising, sweating, or any other activities that may cause excessive moisture to touch the area for up to 10 days.
• Do not apply any facial products or makeup on the eyebrows.
• Avoid picking scabs, scratching, or tugging on the eyebrows.
• Do not use skincare products containing retinol or glycolic acid.
• Avoid activities such as smoking, driving in open-air vehicles, or cleaning dusty areas to avoid debris that may settle into the incisions.

Microblading Eyebrows Before And After