By: Natasha Archary
Our search for brow perfection has gone so far as to dabble in semi-permanent brow pigmentation procedures, or microblading. It doesn’t matter how much you defend your stance that it’s not a tattoo, the bottom line is that it is.
Microblading is a beauty enhancement technique that uses a super-fine ‘pen’ or blade that is actually made up of about 12 to 15 needles. The tip is so fine that it is able to create tiny hair like strokes with the pigment.
The only difference between microblading and an actual tattoo is that only the superficial layers of the skin are reached with this technique. This is what makes this method semi-permanent as opposed to tattoos, which penetrate the dermis layer of the skin.
Microblading myths
It doesn’t hurt – Women who don’t have tattoos or those who hate needles claim that the process does not hurt. This isn’t true. While the the brow expert will use a numbing gel on the area before starting the procedure, it does hurt. It does however all come down to each woman’s pain threshold.
It heals quickly – It could take up to two weeks for the area to heal completely. As with a tattoo, you may have a reaction to the pigment, the area will be red and inflamed for up to a week. You won’t be able to workout, because sweat in the area could lead to infection.
There will be scabbing, flaking and peeling when it eventually heals so don’t book anything major after the procedure.
It lasts forever – No, it doesn’t. You’ll need to go in for a retouch a month after your procedure. Your brow technician will tell you it can last up to three years, realistically you have between eight to 12 months. You will then need to repeat the process.
Microblading facts
It looks natural – It is the most natural of all the eyebrow shaping and sculpting techniques on the beauty market. It looks neat once healed and requires minimal effort to keep it that way.
It can go horribly wrong – It really can. There have been adverse reactions to the ink or pigment used. If you have a history of allergies to previous tattoos or hair dyes, don’t try microblading.
Infections have been common post procedure so find a licensed professional who uses sterile instruments and new needles with each client.
Also read: Resting peach face – Rihanna shares easy natural makeup tutorial
Other eyebrow trends include:
Sculpting – Is the term for applying a semi-permanent, textured brow gel/skin safe paint to the brow area. Using a fine applicator, it gives the illusion of 3D brows.
Tinting – Think of it as a colour treatment for your brows, similar to hair colour treatments. It’s used to darken the hair, giving a more youthful appearance. It’s not a painful treatment, but you could react to the colour pigments. Make sure your brow expert tests the product on 3 parts of your brow to check if you react.
Stenciling – The latest obsession is the fishtail brow. Makeup artists are blowing up Instagram with their creative designs of a brow ending with a fishtail. It’s the most normal of the cut brow designs.
Feathering – Using brow gel, the brow is split down the middle and fanned out to look like a feather. It’s a weird look and there have been tutorials on how to achieve this look but we’re still undecided here at Kaya.
Threading, plucking, shaping – This is regular up-keep for brow obsessed women. Weekly, sometimes daily grooming is often needed to keep brows neat, lines tidy and in form. The downside to grooming too often is that you’re left with sparse looking brows. Women have all too often plucked more than intended and it takes a while for regrowth. So limit the grooming to once every two weeks to stimulate new growth.
Eyebrows have changed significantly from the late ‘80s super thin lines to modern 2018 with thicker, dense brows being more popular. If the thick look is what you’re aiming for, stop plucking your brows. Try one of the non-invasive options like tinting or sculpting to help you achieve a fuller look.
Also read: Vibrant makeup trends that will turn heads
