What are the different stages of eyebrow microblading?

If you’ve long been admiring the beautiful brows of celebrities or friends who have invested in microblading, you’re no doubt tempted to try it yourself. 

Whether you’re fairly comfortable with or aware of what to expect, or have minimal information on what’s involved, we recommend doing your research first. 

While microblading no doubt delivers beautiful results, getting these results includes several stages and a little time to achieve. 

To ensure you are fully informed, properly prepared and ready to experience the benefits of microblading for yourself, we’ve prepared this detailed guide on the exact process. 

 

What Is Microblading Exactly? 

Microblading is a type of cosmetic tattoo used to enhance the appearance of the eyebrows. It can be used to correct concerns over eyebrow shape while also giving the illusion of fuller brows. 

Previous methods for tattooing eyebrows involved depositing ink deeply into the skin for a permanent, usually very heavy-looking result. 

Microblading, by comparison, offers a natural-looking, semi-permanent alternative in which ink is gently feathered into the brows just below the epidermis. This is done using a specialist tool made up of several tiny needles. 

 

Microblading – What To Expect From Start To Finish

There are many different stages of eyebrow microblading, the actual microblading itself is one of the most brief parts of the entire process. 

If you’re curious to know what the different stages of eyebrow microblading involve, the following information should answer any queries you may have. 

Consultation 

One of the first and most important steps of eyebrow microblading is the initial consultation. 

During this consultation, our experts take a look at your natural eyebrow shape to help determine where they need to be tattooed for optimal fullness. 

Even if you have very sparse brows or non-existent brows, we will still look at your brow area to get an idea of what is going to work best for you. 

It is important that you attend this consultation with clean brows free of any pencil, tint or waxes used to hold them in place. This ensures we are seeing your brows in their natural state and we have a clear picture of what we are working with. 

At this stage, we will often take some before photos so you can compare the results once the process is complete.  

Measuring

If you’re comfortable going ahead following the initial consultation, the next step is to measure out and mark the position of your new brows. 

This step is done with utmost care and attention as it determines how even your brows will be. Using rulers and/or callipers we perform a series of measurements to perfectly place your eyebrows in the most natural position.

At this time, we will also discuss with you your preferred look in terms of brow shape, if you’re unsure we can help guide you based on what we feel will suit your face. 

Our goal is to see you with brows that perfectly complement your face while also meeting your personal preferences. 

Review

Once the shape and finish of your brows have been agreed upon, we will pencil in your eyebrows to give you a chance to review your decision. 

Keep in mind that this step is not intended to represent the final look. The colour of the pencil is likely to be wrong and the solid shading is nothing like the feathering done during microblading. 

Pencilling in is all about checking the shape and positioning before the tattooing begins. Remember, once your brows are done, you’ll be living with them for a few years at least unless you opt for laser removal. 

Make sure you are 100% happy with this and speak up if not, we promise we don’t mind making adjustments, we take pride in our work and want you to love your brows! 

Colour Mixing  

When selecting a colour for your eyebrows, we suggest opting for one that best matches your skin's natural undertones. You can opt for a darker shade or lighter depending on your desired look. 

We are also able to custom-mix colours as needed for the best fit and may paint a small amount onto your skin to check its suitability before getting started. 

Tattooing

If you’ve never had a tattoo, cosmetic or otherwise, this next step can be a little daunting. While microblading is not pain-free, most of our clients are pleasantly surprised to find that it just feels like a series of small scratches. 

Usually, the body quickly adjusts to this feeling and it becomes easier to relax into the session. On occasion, you may feel like you need to sneeze or experience watery eyes or a runny nose during the tattooing, this is also totally normal. If at any time you need to take a short break, just let us know.

Your brows will be tattooed on in layers to gradually build up the shape and colour using tiny hair-like strokes. In terms of time, you should expect it to take between two to three hours from consultation to the finishing of the tattoo stage.

Immediately after your brows are finished the area is going to look quite red and may feel a little tender or swollen. This usually dissipates quite quickly within a matter of hours. 

The colour of your brow tattoo will also appear much darker (up to 70% darker) initially compared to where they will end up when fully healed. 

Pain Management

If you are very concerned about possible discomfort, we recommend taking some paracetamol an hour or so before your appointment. Anaesthetic creams are advised against as they soften the skin and prohibit the ink from taking properly.

Healing 

Easily the longest stage, full healing of your newly microbladed brows can take upwards of a month. The exact timeline will vary based on a few factors such as age, skin type and the health of the individual. 

Clear instructions on aftercare will be provided including the provision of a cream that aids in healing. 

For the first two weeks, you must keep your brows completely dry. This means no exercise that induces sweating and keeping your face dry during a shower. No make-up should be worn in the first week either. 

Just as with any tattoo, the treated skin is an open wound, so keeping the area clean and dry is the best way to avoid potential infections. 

During the first week, you may experience some itching or peeling and it may appear that your brows are fading significantly. All of this is expected during the healing process and we promise it will all settle, even the colour – just try not to touch or pick at them as this can impact the results. 

If at any stage you have concerns over how your brows are healing or experience unexpected swelling or redness please let us know so we can best advise you on the next steps. 

Touch Ups

Between 6 to 8 weeks following your initial session and once all healing is complete, a second session of microblading is required. This session allows you to tweak your results and ensures the best possible final look. 

The healing process and aftercare are the same following these touch-ups so be prepared to be patient a little while longer. We promise it’s worth it!

Maintaining Your Microbladed Brows

Once done and healed, your newly microbladed eyebrows can remain looking great for anywhere between 18 months to 2.5 years before needing to be redone. 

How long your brows will last is often down to how well you care for them. While they are semi-permanent and designed to fade over time, you can help them retain their colour by:

• Always applying sunscreen with a high SPF before heading outdoors
• Wearing a hat or visor to protect them when in the sun 
• Avoiding the use of skincare near your brows that contain retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid or vitamin C as they can be detrimental to the integrity of the pigment 
• Being gentle when shaping your eyebrows or using make-up on them as this protects the underlying skin 

 

Is Microblading Safe For Everyone? 

Microblading is safe for most people to undergo, however, we do ask that you let us know:

• If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to hair dye
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you are currently taking thyroid medication or blood thinners
• If you are receiving treatment for skin concerns and taking Accutane or steroids
• If you have diabetes
• If you have previously had Botox or fillers in the brow area 
• If you are prone to keloid scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• If you are undergoing chemotherapy

While we may still be able to assist in some of the above situations, we may request confirmation from your healthcare provider that it is safe to do so. Our primary concern is your safety and wellbeing at all times. 

 

The Tanya Beauty Care Difference 

Committed to exceptional customer care and breathtaking brows, the team at Tanya Beauty Care offer unmatched expertise in microblading. 

We work closely with all our clients to ensure a relaxed yet precise process and one that delivers optimal outcomes. Whether you are ready to undergo microblading or simply wish to chat with us in more detail, we welcome your call. 

Book your microblading consultation today at 0422 684 696 and get ready for the best brows of your life!