What is Microblading?
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Microblading
THE PAIN QUESTION
The question of whether microblading is painful is among the most frequently asked questions.
The client is numbed with anesthetic cream before any tool touches their skin.
Thus, the pain factor is usually mild.
Usually a tugging sensation is felt during the procedure after the numbing cream takes effect.
Microshading VS Microblading
If you have oily or combination skin, or if you exercise regularly or daily, Microshading is definitely recommended as Microblading pigment will tend to fade under these circumstances.
Take a look at our gallery to see which you prefer, a big factor when it comes to selecting between the two is personal preference and the circumstances listed above.
To discuss further which procedure is more suitable or if you are a good candidate for combination brows, you are encouraged to book a free consultation with Harlow Studio.
Microblading is the manual process of enhancing your natural eyebrow shape by depositing strokes of pigment into your skin with an ultra fine blade.
The key words are stroke and ultra-fine; each application with the microblading tool serves to mimic a realistic hair follicle, giving the overall natural effect of a fuller brow.
Even up close, with a properly tattooed microblading procedure others will not be able to tell that you have had microblading.
Not only is a fine stroke important, but a flattering eyebrow shape also contributes to a successful microblading procedure. The eyebrow mapping process is done before the actual microblading procedure commences.
Eyebrow mapping serves to measure and formulate an adequate and flattering eyebrow shape using strings and measuring tools.
Once both artist and client agree on a shape, the hair strokes begin!
The Benefits
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Confidence Boost
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A form of self care or self investment
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The hair-like strokes are very natural-looking and realistic
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The Microshadow or 'Powder Brows' heals as light and soft as a powder brush or pencil application
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Looking put-together and stylish even without makeup
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Bathing and swimming will not effect the look of your eyebrows
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Save money on purchasing makeup and saving time on lengthy makeup rituals
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Typically not painful
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Completely safe and sterile
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The results are semi-permanent, so you can change the shape or style in one year or so to keep up with passing trends
What is Microshading
Touch-up Session
In Microblading and Microshading, the pigment is deposited on the first layer of the skin and is subject to 20% fading.
That is the nature of the procedure, and aids in maintaining the natural look that it promises.
However, most Microbladers recommend a touch-up to reinforce the strokes or shading between four and eight weeks after the initial treatment.
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Although touch-ups are not mandatory, they are recommended.
LONGEVITY
Microshading is Microblading's younger sister. Both techniques are similar and it is not uncommon to combine both procedures in order to get an optimum result. Microshading is also commonly referred to as a 'Powder Brow' because the end result is soft and powdery, not unlike an eyebrow pencil.
Both techniques are incredibly specialized and both are semi-permanent brow tattooing options.
The main difference;
Microblading is the simulation of individual hair strokes
Microshading is done with a tattoo machine by making soft dots on the skin and creating a uniform eyebrow that is usually darker at the tail and fades gradually at the hairs closest to the nose bridge.
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Even though Microshading is done with a machine, it is still semi-permanent.
Microblading is conveniently semi-permanent.
The second most common question is whether the microblading process will endure to the 2 year mark.
Microblading can usually fade after the first or second year without an annual touch up.
The pigment is placed through the epidermis layer of the skin, which is the first and top layer of skin, and thus is not deep enough to be as permanent as a traditional tattoo.
The longevity of your microbladed brows depend not only on the artist's application but on the after care, and skin type of the client.
Using abrasive exfoliants, frequent sun exposure and oily skin promote the opportunity for more rapidly dissolving pigment.
The Legnth of the Procedure
The procedure can last anywhere between two hours to two and a half hours. It can also last one and a half hours, but we like to give appointments in a 2.5 hour block to avoid feeling rushed.
Picking a shape and the Brow Mapping process can be more time consuming than the actual Microblading or Microshading process itself.
It varies from client to client as some clients have no eyebrow hair at all and some clients simply use Microblading to fill in a few empty gaps in their eyebrows.
Please make sure to clear your schedule or to properly handle child-care arrangement before-hand as we want to ensure that you take full advantage of the time slot you reserved.
What You Should do before
your Microblading/microshading Apointment
You are not the best candidate if ...
There is no major preparation required.
Do not take Asprin, Fish Oil, Niacin, Vitamin E and/or Ibuprofen, unless medically necessary, 24-48 hours prior to your procedure. Tylenol is fine.
Avoid the following:
Alcohol, caffeine, and blood-thinners the day before the procedure, this will minimize any unnecessary bleeding after the procedure.
Avoid sun exposure and burns four days prior to the procedure
Discontinue Glycolics, Chemical Peels and Retin-A 4 weeks prior.
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If you are a user of Acutane or other acne prevention medication that is prescribed, you must be off this medication for at least 6 months to be a suitable candidate
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have had a brow lift
If you have used Botox in the last two weeks
If you have a 'Keloid' scar, please discuss the procedure with your doctor in order to obtain his permission
If you are a hemophiliac
If you have uncontrolled diabetes
If you have HIV
If you have Auto-Immune Disorder
If you have have had a recent organ transplant and are on anti-rejection medications
If you have MRSA
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