What is microblading?

Microblading is a type of eyebrow architecture.

It is all about creating the best possible bespoke shape for each face

using a process called mapping. The microblading process is very precise

thanks to the tool that is used which is effectively like a pen

with the nib being a sloped blade with 10-12 little needles at the end.

These needles don’t penetrate the skin, they just delicately

scratch the surface, much like a paper cut.

How is microblading eyebrows

different to having your brows tattooed?

Microblading unlike tattooing, is not in the deep layer of skin but more

on the surface. This is also not permanent, and the colour fades

within 18 months. The hair strokes created during the microblading

process are far more natural and finer than any tattoo pen could create.

As a handheld blade is used there is no electrical gadget that permeates

deep in this technique. There is therefore more of a scratching noise,

rather than a buzz of a tattoo pen.

How is brow tattooing different to microblading?

Both forms are semi-permanent make-up for your eyebrows, but they

have a few subtle but important differences. Compared to microblading's

super precise, individual hair look, tattooing has a much softer finish.

Where microblading tattoos hair-like strokes in your existing brows,

tattooing creates tiny dots along your brows for a less defined finish.

Not sure which technique is for you?

Fear not, I can combine both methods to create the most realistic and

natural finish for you. With the information you provide me I can advise

you on what I think will work best for your desired look.

Can you be allergic to microblading?

There are people who are sensitive and allergic to some pigments, but

in my experience this is extremely rare. I will always perform a patch

test to check you are not allergic prior to the treatment. This must be

arranged by yourself when your appointment  has been confirmed with

me, It takes just a few minutes.

What actually happens

when you get your

eyebrows microbladed?

Numbing

This takes 30mins using a topical ointment. While this is working its

numbing magic, I'll show you different examples of the colour pigments

being used. We can discuss together the best shade for your desired look.

I'll look at your hair colour, eye colour and skin tone using the Fitzpatrick

Chart, which also takes into account how your skin will change with sun

exposure. Clients often come to me and want darker brows than I suggest,

but it's always better to go a little more natural on your first appointment.

You can always have a darker colour at

the top up session.

Mapping

After the 30 minutes numbing phase, I'll use my tools to begin measuring

the area around the brows, this is known as mapping. Mapping is a

process which measures exactly where your brows will naturally sit.

I will take into account your face shape, the symmetry of your face and

any facial features.

The Tidy

I will then tidy the brow area by plucking the hairs around the mapping.

Microblading

I will now begin the microblading process. I will gently implant the pigment

using featherweight strokes. Each stroke is a superficial line in the skin

where the colour pigment seeps in and then settles.

Repeat

I will repeat each brow a maximum of 3 times,

re numbing each brow while I work on the other.

Finished

In 4-6 weeks I advise a top-up session to fill in any gaps

where the pigment hasn't taken or healed properly.

Why is there a top up microblading

session and when does this happen?

The top up session happens after 4-6 weeks of the initial appointment.

This is the time where I can assess the healed brows and add in any

further strokes or add a darker pigment if preferred.

What happens in between appointments?

You'll need to follow the after care instructions very precisely

and avoid any picking or scratching. Your eyebrows will start to heal over

much like a tattoo, which might cause irritation but is totally normal.

It is very important to know and understand that brows will be

up to 40 % darker for the first 7-10 days during the healing process

scabs can form and flake off. In the next ten days your eyebrows

will change colour (they will become paler than when you left me)

they might become flaky and look like they've faded but this is totally

normal. They'll reveal their final colour and shape after around 28 days.

How do you know what eyebrow shape

to go for? Should I bring pictures?

Clients are welcome to bring in images of the style of brow they like,

or come in with the brow make up they normally wear on a day to day

basis, but we will determine the colour and shape together drawing

upon my experience.

How long does microblading last?

Microblading lasts anything between 12-18 months, but the longevity

of the pigment will depend on your skin type, adherence to aftercare

instructions and age. People with slightly more oily skin will tend to last

around the 12 month mark before needing a top up, but those with

normal skin can last up to 18 months. Your brows will eventually fade

away if you don’t continue with top ups every 18 months or so.

There is no scaring or discolouration with the pigments used, so you

wouldn’t know if you left them to fade out.

Does microblading hurt?

It doesn’t hurt as such, it is more a scratchy sensation. The process itself

is not painful thanks to the numbing topical that is applied. It's

sometimes the sound of the blade which people find worse, a small

scratching sound. The whole process is very quick. I usually complete

a microblading session from numbing to last hair stroke in 1 hour 30.

It is very important to know and understand that brows will be up to

40% darker in shade for the first 7-10 days during the healing process

where scabs can form and flake off. 'Ladies can sometimes leave the

studio, and two days later be terrified that their brows are too dark,

but please be patient – as this is totally normal!

'After 7-10 days, you will begin to see the final colouring'