Here’s Everything to Know About Microblading

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Spend 10 minutes scrolling beauty social media and you’re bound to come across some sort of viral eyebrow transformation.

But what’s likely responsible for these looks isn’t the application of a go-to brow pencil or temporary tint—it’s microblading. For the uninitiated, microblading is a professional technique that involves etching hairlike strokes onto the skin between your natural brow hairs using ink and a needle, for a semipermanent result. (And it’s not nearly as painful as it sounds.)

Ahead, we speak with celebrity makeup artist Piret Aava (a.k.a. the Eyebrow Doctor) along with celebrity brow artist and KS&CO founder Kristie Streicher, for a full download on microblading, from what to expect during a treatment, to the ultimate post-care regimen. Read on for their tips on the top microblading best practices.

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What is microblading?

Microblading is a semipermanent tattoo technique used to create the illusion of fuller eyebrows. It is done with hand-bladed strokes and pigment added to the skin, which creates darker, fuller brows in minutes, Streicher says. Aava tells Bazaar: “With this method, I can create almost any look, from a very natural light finish to a beautifully bold brow.”

There are different kinds of microblading, including microshading, which provides a TikTok-filter brow effect in real life, and microfeathering, a process trademarked by Streicher, which uses hairlike strokes for a more precise, natural-looking brow. Whichever version of microblading you opt for depends on the results you want, which is why it’s important to consult with your brow technician ahead of your treatment.

What to expect during a treatment

After a brief consultation on your desired brow shape, you can expect to be color-matched by your technician according to your natural hair color and skin undertone. Your brow area is then cleaned and numbed for the treatment. Instead of using a traditional tattooing machine, many professionals use a handheld tool that allows them to manually draw hair strokes. Lastly, an ointment like Aquaphor or SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair is usually applied to enhance the healing process. The full process can take up to 40 minutes, depending on how full you want your brows. Many clients are also encouraged to schedule a follow-up appointment four to six weeks later, to ensure they’re happy with their results.

Benefits

In addition to freeing you from reaching for a pencil or gel every day, one of the biggest benefits of microblading is how long your fuller, darker brow look will stay intact. Most microblading results last anywhere from one to three years, depending on your skin type (the ink supposedly fades faster on oily skin), the products in your beauty rotation, and your overall lifestyle.

Cost

Many microblading treatments run slightly higher than the cost of getting your brows professionally waxed or threaded. Aava charges around $1,500 for an individual treatment (plus one touch-up), but prices vary depending on your technician’s skill level and location.

Post-treatment recommendations and common side effects

There typically aren’t major downsides to microblading, other than the redness that commonly occurs after treatment. However, professionals do note that infection in the area is possible if proper aftercare procedures aren’t followed.

One of the most important products you can use after a microblading treatment is a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Just as with tattoo care, sunscreen helps extend the longevity of your treatment and prevents the color from fading in direct sunlight. It is important to avoid using Retin-A, retinol, or exfoliating products the week ahead of your appointment, as well as for 30 days after getting your brows done. These products can cause the eyebrow pigment to fade prematurely.

Experts also say to avoid wearing makeup and wetting your brow area for a week or two as you heal. Once your skin is completely back to normal, it’s okay to return to your go-to skincare and makeup routines.

Microblading alternatives

If you’re looking to try out some of the benefits of microblading before booking an official appointment, several at-home products can deliver a microbladed look sans needles. Streicher recommends using KS&CO’s Microfeathering Pen, which makes it simple to draw thin, feathery strokes to fill in any sparse areas. We also love the Benefit Cosmetics Brow Microfilling Pen and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Superfine Micro-Stroking Detail Brow Pen to get that microblading effect.

Microfeathering Brow Pen

Brow Microfilling Eyebrow Pen

Micro-Stroking Detailing Brow Pen

But if you want a more permanent solution to improving the appearance of your brows and aren’t afraid to involve a needle in the process, microblading is most certainly worth a shot.

Meet the Experts

• Piret Aava is a celebrity makeup artist and brow specialist. Her clients include Serena Williams, Veronica Webb, Grace Byers, and othres.

• Kristie Streicher is a celebrity brow artist and the founder of KS&CO.

  
  

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