Everything You Want To Know About Microblading

Getting that perfect eyebrow tint and shape has always been an uphill battle for people trying to look their best. Up until the 1990s, it required constant plucking, waxing, and even over-the-counter dyes. But the rise of microblading has made it easier than ever to get the clean, vibrant eyebrows you want – and make them last for months at a time. 

As one of the services we offer, we get a lot of questions about microblading: how it works, how long it lasts, where it can be done, and so on. So before you go to your search engine and choose the first result for “microblading near me”, here is some useful information that will help you decide if the procedure is right for you.

How Microblading Works

We often get asked about the process of microblading, and how it is different from other forms of eyebrow maintenance. While it is similar to tattooing, there are some important differences that influence appearance and after-care.

How Does It Work?

Once you have discussed what you want your brows to look like and the technician has measured and sketched out the right design, a small handheld tool is used to put pigment into your skin. This tool uses repetitive, very fine strokes (which is where the name “microblading” comes from) to mimic the appearance of eyebrow hair, and a good technician will be able to make the result look very natural. This means long-lasting, fuller-looking brows.

Who Can Do Microblading?

In Alberta, there are no government guidelines around who can perform microblading, which means you will need to ensure your technician is certified and capable. Do not be shy about asking your microblading technician to show you their certificate. Even more important than this, choose a technician that has proven experience – a good microblading technician will be able to show you pictures of the eyebrows he/she has done, and you can decide from there.

Microblading vs. Tattooing

Although microblading is considered a type of tattooing, it is very different regarding the equipment and colouring used. The process used to insert the pigment during the process is done by hand and focused on fine, hair-like needlepoints, whereas regular tattoos use a powered machine with needle bundles. This allows the technician to create a more natural-looking result. In addition, the pigment used in microblading will fade in 1-2 years, because it is not as durable nor inserted as deeply into the skin as regular tattoos.  Many people like this semi-permanent type of treatment because it means they can easily change their eyebrow shape and colour over time if they want a different look.

Effects of Microblading

Many people wonder if microblading is safe, or if it will have secondary effects on nearby skin or hair. We have plenty of experience with the procedure and we are confident in saying it is completely safe.

Can Microblading Cause Hair Loss?

This is a very common concern, and is a big reason why it is important to seek out a trained and knowledgeable microblading technician. Unlike regular tattoos, microblading does not penetrate down into the lower levels of the dermis, where the hair develops in the follicle, and because it does not go that deep, there is no damage to the follicle. This means that properly-done microblading does not cause hair loss.

We shed and grow eyebrow hair every day, so it is normal to notice the shedding of a few individual eyebrow hairs as you give after-care to your newly microbladed brows. An experienced technician is extremely precise with the strokes and depth of their craft and will leave all hair follicles in excellent condition.

Are Microbladed Eyebrows Permanent?

No, they are not. Microblading uses a specialized pigment (instead of more durable ink, like tattoos). Microblading pigment fades differently over time than tattoo ink, but this is necessary, because this fading ensures that the eyebrows look natural. Since the pigment focuses on looking natural, microbladed eyebrows will need to be touched up every 12-24 months.

Another good thing to note is that people with very oily skin are usually not good candidates for microblading. The oil in their skin causes the pigment to fade very quickly compared to someone with drier skin.

Will Tattooed Eyebrows Fade Completely?

It will take some time, but yes, microblading pigment will completely fade. In order for it to stay vibrant, your brows should be touched up every 12-24 months. Since different bodies and skin types hold the pigment differently, the time between touch-ups differs from person to person.

We recommend a touch-up session about 1-3 months after the initial appointment, and then further sessions every 12-18 months (depending on your skin and degree of fading). If this schedule is not maintained, the pigment will definitely fade and disappear within a few years.

Common Microblading Questions

If you have never done microblading before, here is where you can find answers to other frequently asked questions about the process. 

Can You Do Microblading Without Numbing Cream?

While microblading is not particularly painful, the procedure can be uncomfortable for some people – after all, it does involve a micro-blade putting pigment into the skin. In order to ensure a smooth and pain-free experience, we use a topical anesthetic cream that temporarily numbs the skin. In our opinion, this is an important part of the process that makes for a positive client experience, every time.

Can Microblading Fix Asymmetrical Eyebrows?

Yes, this service can address the asymmetrical look of eyebrows.

Before the work begins, the technician will spend quite a bit of time with you discussing the shape and colour you want. In this step, the technician will measure and map your eyebrows, sketching (with washable pencil) on your face so you can physically see how the end result will look and get the shape you want. So even if your natural eyebrows look asymmetrical, a good tech can microblade them to make them match. In order to add to an eyebrow to match your desired look, the tech will use a skin-safe pigment to make the brows look even.

Is There Microblading For Men?

Yes, this is becoming more and more popular over time. We see a lot of men who want good-looking eyebrows too. At Spa Escape, we serve men and women and delight in helping everyone with self-care so they can feel and look their best.

Do you have any other questions that we may have missed? Let us know, or simply give us a call and we would be happy to discuss the whole process with you. Leave the eyebrow pencils in the past and enjoy the long-lasting benefits of eyebrow microblading!