These aren't the eyebrow tattoos of the '90s.
Ask the average woman if she'd like to get a
tattoo on her face and she'll probably call you crazy. Ask her if she'd
like to have perfectly shaped eyebrows that don't require any makeup, however, and she'll probably ask how.
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The answer: by getting a tattoo on her face.
Microblading
is definitely not the eyebrow tattoos of yesteryear — remember when
people would shave off their brow hair and tattoo unnatural-looking
lines back on? The cosmetic technique that has become increasingly popular in the last couple of years. It promises bolder brows with a natural appearance ts a small, handheld tool topped off with microneedles, which deposit pigment under the first layer of skin via strokes that resemble brow hairs.
The procedure is all over
Instagram, and the results can be incredibly flattering, realistic and
downright face-changing. If you're not quite sure microblading is the
solution to your brow complaints, here's what you need to know before
making your decision.
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Unlike traditional tattoos, microblading is not permanent.
Microblading
is semipermanent, meaning it lasts anywhere from six to 36 months,
depending on who you ask. "After the initial treatment, a touch-up or
'perfection session' is needed within four to eight weeks, then every
six to 12 months," says Kler Rosenberg, head trainer at Microblading Academy USA and owner of Brow & Beauty Bar in Boca Raton, Florida.
Microblading is not for everyone.
"The
perfect candidate for microblading is someone who wants to fully
reconstruct, define, cover gaps or fill in over-plucked brows," explains
Skyy Hadley, founder of Blink Beauty Boutique, which has locations in
New Jersey and New York City. "Those who just want to add a slight arch
are also great candidates."
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However, certain
skin and medical conditions may make you a less-than-ideal candidate,
including oily skin, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dermatitis, pregnancy
and some autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, "sensitive skin types will
bleed easily resulting in poor retention of the pigment and a less than
desirable result in microblading," Hadley says.
Microblading shouldn't be performed by just anyone.
"Look for qualified technicians who are certified by either the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) or the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals
(SPCP)," Hadley advises. "These professionals are required to have
years of experience and pass a board- or industry-approved exam to
obtain their instructor certification."
It may or may not hurt.
Many
microblading professionals will apply a topical anesthetic to make
their clients more comfortable — there are needles involved, after all.
"Once the skin is open, the anesthetic works immediately and you won't feel any pain," Rosenberg says.
In fact, some clients think the experience is relatively painless even without the use of an anesthetic.
"Based
on what I'd heard, I prepared myself for horrible pain and a really
disturbing scraping sound, but it was 100% bearable — though yes,
uncomfortable," says Stephanie Shore Fisher, GoodHousekeeping.com's
senior social and video editor, who received her microblading treatment
from Nicoleta Palmer, co-founder of Brow Philosophy in Beverly Hills. "And I didn't hear any sound at all."
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The results are instant — and a little intense.
While any change to your eyebrows can require an adjustment period, don't be alarmed if they look especially bold at first.
"Immediately
following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker
and bolder in color, more sharply defined or even have a more filled in
appearance," Hadley explains. Worry not — this isn't your final look.
"They fade in about a week or two," Rosenberg assures.
You're responsible for proper aftercare.
In order to achieve the best results, your practitioner will give you instructions on what to do and not
do during the first few days after your microblading appointment. Some
may recommend washing your brows and applying ointment while others will
tell you to do the exact opposite. The important thing is to listen to your trusted pro.
Some
wise advice across the board: "I would recommend no heavy sweating for
four days and stay out of direct sunlight," Hadley says.
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