Are you tired of filling in your sparse, light, or thin eyebrows everyday and considering a more permanent option where you can just wake up & go on about your day without having to put on makeup everyday? You might be considering microblading then. While the appeal of having your dream brows forever is appealing, are you worried about the side effects behind this procedure – like if your natural hair growth would be affected by it? Read more below to find out if microblading is right for you.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup procedure done on the eyebrows. It is a similar process to traditional tattooing; microblading consists of using a thin blade-needle to make hair-like strokes into the skin with deposit pigments (the pigments ranging in color to fit your specific eyebrow hair shade). With microblading, only the upper dermis of your eyebrow is affected, whereas for regular tattoos, a deeper level of your skin is worked upon (so that they are able to last longer). While tattoos are meant to last years and years, microblading will slowly fade, in which you may have to go in to get a touch-up annually.
The entire microblading healing process will take 4-6 weeks depending on your age, as it correlates with your body’s regeneration pace. You can expect to see your microbladed eyebrows slowly evolve during the healing cycle. Generally right after the process, the deposited pigment will appear very natural looking on your eyebrows.
After the next few days, the color of your eyebrow will begin to appear much darker and thicker. Soon enough, you may notice your outer layer of skin will begin to peel (like dandruff flakes or dry skin). This is due to natural skin regeneration and healing, and all it is is dry skin. The period of dark and thick brows will fade, and now your eyebrows may appear even lighter than the original impression. While you might think that the color is fading too quickly, this is normal. This is also where proper care of your eyebrows is very important—do not pick and touch at your brows, or apply excess products. You may develop bald spots or lose the microbladed pigmentation which will cause your brows to look uneven. After the healing and color changes, the final look of your eyebrows will be apparent somewhere around 30 days after your procedure.
How Long Does Microblading Take?
You can expect the initial microblading process to take anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours. After 6-8 weeks, you may find the need to come in for a follow-up appointment once your skin has healed and so your artist can make any touch-ups necessary—this can last up to an hour. Following these two appointments, most people usually come in for an annual touch-up to maintain their desired eyebrow shape and color.
Properly Preparing for Microblading
To properly prepare for your microblading process you should keep the following things in mind:
- No alcohol or any type of caffeine (coffee, tea, etc.) up to 48 hours before your appointment
- No blood thinning medication (Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, etc.) up to 48 hours before appointment
- No tweezing or waxing on or around the area for at least one week before the procedure
- No facials or peels for at least 1 month before your procedure
- No Botox or Fillers on or around the procedure area for at least one month before the procedure
- Do not tan or have a sunburned face before the procedure; do not work out or sweat heavily on the day of the procedure (come in with a freshly cleansed face)
So, Does Microblading Affect Hair Growth?
Will getting microblading done affect your natural hair growth? The answer is not necessarily, but only if done properly. It can actually do the opposite and stimulate hair growth due to skin regeneration. Once your artist has done their job, it’s up to you to do the rest. Microblading post-care is very important to the appearance and longevity of your new eyebrows. Make sure you do not let any water, lotion, soap, or makeup touch your eyebrow area for 1 week post-procedure. If you are washing your face (especially in the shower), carefully avoid the eyebrow area. Due to the skin regeneration process, itching and flaking may appear while you heal, but avoid excessively touching or applying any products or sweating during this time.
Avoid these activities for at least 1 week post-procedure:
- Practicing sports or exercising
- Swimming, hot sauna, jacuzzi, etc.
- Tanning
- Any other activity that may cause excess or increased sweating
A Conclusion on Microblading, Hair Growth, and Alternatives
Eyebrows definitely play a part in framing our faces and for some people, boosting their self-confidence! Wanting to have picture-perfect brows through microblading is trending, but keep in mind it is a long term commitment. If you’re someone who is still experimenting with what brow look suits you best or like to follow the newest trends, microblading may not be your best option. Rest assured if you do decide to microblade, with a skilled and professional permanent makeup artist, your eyebrows (and their health) are in great hands.
If microblading doesn’t sound like the process for you, we think we can help. At Revela, our Hair Revival Serum is a unique, patented solution for anyone with thinning hair who's struggled to find a product that actually works. If that sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place.
Even with all the procedures and makeup products, we know that hair regrowth still takes time. With patience, consistency, and dedication using our Hair Revival Serum as part of your daily routine, you can look forward to fuller, healthier hair (and eyebrow hairs) in the future.
