Microblading - What's in a name?

By now you may have heard of it, and probably know someone who has it. Thanks to the skinny brow trend twenty years ago, microblading is all the rage; but what exactly is it? Women of all ages are popping up with perfect, waterproof brows that they didn’t spend all morning drawing on (and let’s be honest, your average gal cannot draw her brows perfectly anyhow.) So, what is it? Well, it’s name may lead you to believe that someone is using a utility knife or box cutter on your forehead; if they are, run fast and far. Is it wizardry? Magic?! Microblading is a manual method of cosmetic tattooing in which a small, linear collection of needles is used to meticulously create individual hair strokes by implanting pigment under the skin. The result, a natural, realistic, and beautiful eyebrow that you haven’t had since you were a child.

While it has been around for many years, it is still relatively new to the United States. It is made to last a year or two, but routine refreshers are highly recommended if you want to keep your brows looking fabulous. Now, you may have gasped when I mentioned it is a tattoo, but that is exactly what it is. Yes, it is not your mother’s angry blue eyebrow tattoo from years ago (my mother may or may have not had those), but it is still a tattoo and tattoos are permanent. It will fade, but that does not mean it will completely disappear.

If you do not follow your aftercare instructions and spend a lot of time in the sun, it will last even less, because…it is a tattoo. It is hard enough for your skin to bounce back from sun damage, pigment will certainly not recover well.

So, what did we learn today? Microblading is micro, but not done with a blade. It is a tattoo, and not a salon service; tattoos are permanent and must be performed safely. It is always important to do your research and find an artist who is a good fit for you.