We’ve spoken about microblading before, and the trend is going from strength to strength. So if your pursuit for bigger, fuller brows has led you to consider a microblading treatment, you should know exactly what the treatment entails first. You can find out all about what microblading actually is in my guide, but my friend Jenni Draper is here to tell us more about the actual process.

Jenni Draper is an eyebrow technician specialising in microblading. Here, she gives us some of her FAQs on the microblading treatment

How long does Microblading take?

You will need to have a patch test 24 hours before your appointment. The appointment itself should take about two hours.

How long will it last?

Depending on your skin type and care, the pigment will fade slowly over 18-24 months.

What does it involve?

Here’s a rundown of a typical MicroBlading treatment:

1. First, the artist will need to do a patch test on the skin at least 24 hours before the procedure. Make sure to call and book a 15-minute consultation prior to your service.
2. Before the appointment begins, the artist will provide a quick consultation to discuss expectations and results of the treatment.
3. The artist then draws on the eyebrow shape. Brows are measured perfectly to complement your unique face shape and size.
4. Next, the artist chooses the perfect colour pigment.
5. Initial strokes are placed on the skin with the microblading.
6. Pigment is worked into each stroke to define the brow.
7. This is left to absorb into the skin.
8. Once that’s finished, the artist cleans the area thoroughly.
9. After the service, the artist will apply a repair balm.

How do you prepare for a Microblading treatment?

• Do not drink coffee, alcohol or energizing drinks on the day of treatment.
• Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen 24 hours before treatment.
• Do not tan or have intense sun exposure 3 days before treatment.
• No waxing 2-3 days before treatment.
• No chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser or any other intense treatments 2 weeks before treatment.
• Shower and fix your hair as you need to take extra care not to get your brows wet for several days.

Is there any after-procedure care?

Yes! Make sure to avoid ALL of the following:

• Increased sweating, practicing sports, swimming, hot sauna, hot bath or jacuzzi, sun tanning or salon tanning.
• Any laser or chemical treatments or peelings, and/or any creams containing Retin-A or Glycol 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.
• 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.
• Before showering apply a layer of post-care cream to protect your eyebrows from moisture. During the shower keep your face away from the shower head. Itching and flaking may appear during the first seven days post microblading procedure, However, experience has shown that by following these aftercare instructions these symptoms may quickly disappear.
• Once completely healed, always apply a layer of sunscreen SPF 30 on your eyebrows when exposed to the sun. Sun exposure might cause the color pigment to fade away more quickly.

Is there a chance the colour could bleed?

The most important thing for microbladed brows is that they must be kept extremely dry. No water or sweating for the first week after the treatment, so you have to be careful washing your face, in the shower and exercising. On the day of treatment as the brows heal they form a thin, delicate scab and seal up overnight. Then they heal from the inside out and they shouldn’t get wet or really be touched for a good five days. Moisture will make your lines bleed together, change colour, or disappear. This is the most common cause of bleeding.

What happens next?

A touch-up appointment is recommended 4-6 weeks after the initial Microblading treatment. During your touch-up, the artist will fill in missing hairs, add or make hairs longer or just achieve a darker colour.

What is the Microblading healing process like?

Your new eyebrows will go through several phases during the healing cycle. True reflection of healed colour can only be assessed 3-4 weeks after treatment. Touch-ups and/or correction of the shape/design is recommended at least 4 weeks after the initial treatment. It will go from too dark, to too light, to just right!

Immediately after the procedure, the pigment will appear very sharp and dark. This is because the pigment is still seating on top of your skin and has not yet settled in completely. The colour of the pigment will soften gradually (do not be alarmed if you see some pigment on the cotton swab as this is excess pigment and/or body fluid that is naturally exiting your skin).

Once the healing of the skin starts taking place it will look like dandruff flakes or dry skin. This might give you the impression that the colour pigment is fading too quickly. However, this is just superficial colour and dry skin being naturally removed from your eyebrows.

Your eyebrows will be the lightest tones during days 5-12 because the colour is absorbed in the deeper layers of the skin. Later skin cells push it back to the upper layers. Once the healing is completed, you will enjoy a pair of beautiful, new, natural looking eyebrows.

Find out more about Jenni’s work or follow her on Instagram here

So there you have it, a full run-down on what the Microblading eyebrow treatment is all about, and how to get it right!

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