Are you tired of filling in your brows every single morning? If you’re like me, you don’t go anywhere without doing your brows first. For most people, brows make the biggest difference in their appearance. Your eyebrows can actually change the shape of your entire face, so no wonder all of us view them as an essential part of our morning routine! Most of us would kill for perfect brows first thing in the morning. Lucky for you, microblading exists. If you’ve been searching everywhere for the magic solution for already-done brows every morning, look no further! Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about microblading.

How does it work?

Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo process that leaves you with full, natural-looking brows. Contrary to popular belief, microbladed brows are not the same as normal tattooed brows. The difference is that instead of using a tattoo gun, microblading consists of using an actual needle, which provides delicate, individual strokes that mimic your natural brow hair.

The Cost

I’m not gonna lie to you… microblading does cost a pretty penny. The average price can range from $300-$600, but I’ve seen the cost much higher for very experienced artists. As always, do thorough research when choosing an artist, and be sure to look at their reviews! Don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you may have for them before you book your appointment.

The Consultation

Before the process begins, you typically have a consultation appointment to go over the details, including the shape and color you would like your brows to have. Your artist will suggest the shape based on the natural symmetry of your face. Don’t forget, they’ve undergone hours of training to become an expert! They also suggest color based on your natural hair and brow shade. When choosing the shade, it’s always best to go a little lighter at first because you can always make them darker at the follow-up appointment.

The Process

First, your artist will thread your brows to ensure they are groomed and easy to map out. Before the actual microblading begins, a numbing cream is applied so that the process is pain-free. Because this is a tattooing technique, without any numbing you’d be in quite a bit of pain. It takes about 40 minutes for the numbing cream to be effective, so that’s where the bulk of your appointment time is going. Then, your artist will measure out your brows and map out where the needle strokes will be placed. Next, it’s time for the actual microblading! Your artist will begin needling your brows, and if for some reason you are feeling any pain, let them know and more numbing cream will be applied. This part of the process can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. Then, your artist will apply the final layer of pigment for five minutes and voila, you’re done!

The Follow Up

After your appointment, you must go back in for a follow up (usually included in the total cost!) so that your artist can touch up any pigment that didn’t totally heal properly. This follow up should be 6-8 weeks after your initial appointment.

How to Care for Microbladed Brows

After your initial appointment, it’s totally normal for your brows to peel. If you take anything away from this section, it’s to NOT pick at them! Picking at freshly microbladed brows can result in unnecessary loss of pigment. Your skin naturally scabs, which is why a follow-up appointment is necessary. But if you pick at the scabs, there may be too much pigment gone to reapply in just a short follow up appointment.

Keep in mind, it takes about 30 days for the true color of your brows to be revealed. If you’re freaking out that your brows came out too dark, don’t worry. In the first seven days, your brows are actually about 40% darker than what the true color will actually be.

How Long Does Microblading Last?

Depending on your skin type, microblading can last anywhere from 12-18 months, depending on your skin type. If your skin is oily, the pigment will naturally break down quicker than if your skin is dry. If you don’t get your brows touched up within that amount of time, they will naturally fade out. If you decide you don’t want to get them touched up, you won’t have to worry about them looking patchy or unnatural; there is no discoloration or scarring left behind!

Is it Painful?

Because of the numbing cream, there should be no pain or discomfort. You may feel slight pressure from the needle, but as we mentioned earlier, if you feel any pain simply let your artist know and more numbing cream will be applied. Don’t forget, your comfort is your artist’s number one priority.

How Long Does it Take?

The entire process, including the numbing, takes about 2 hours. The touch up usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much of the pigment didn’t take in the initial appointment.

Can You Undo Microblading?

Yes. If you do not like the results of your microblading, your artists can use a salt/saline solution to remove the pigment. If you’re unsure about the process, you can try brow henna to add darkness and depth to your brows without the permanence of microblading.

Is Microblading Right for You?

If you fill in your eyebrows on a regular basis and are tired of not getting the shape right, microblading might be a good option for you. Although it can be a little pricey, the convenience of having perfect brows every day may be worth it! If you view it as an investment for yourself, the price tag seems to justify itself.

Microblading Tips & Tricks

There are a few things to keep in mind after you get your brows microbladed. Try to avoid makeup and skincare products near your brows until they have completely healed; the area is extremely sensitive from the process. Avoid exercise (sweating!) and direct sunlight for a week after your appointment. If you do decide to get your brows microbladed, your artist will give you a list of do’s and don’ts for before, during, and after your appointment!