WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
Microblading is a form of tattoo artistry where pigment is implanted under your skin with a manual handheld tool instead of a machine also known as microneedling, or eyebrow embroidery. It is semi-permanent in its existence and creates hair-like strokes with the use of a manual pen containing very small needles.
WHAT IS MICROSHADING?
With ever evolving new techniques, there is microfeathering, which is microblading with a lighter touch focused on adding just a little to the brows' existing shape, and ombré or microshading, which mimics the look of brow makeup with a more obviously filled-in look instead of hair-like strokes.
Microshading sometimes I better for clients of darker skinned tone, African American clients and those that wear makeup most of the time.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY MICROBLADING SESSION?
1. Stop any blood thinning activities. Aspirin consumption and usage of retinol either orally or on skin should cease at least one week prior to your session. These will make you bleed more during your procedure. When you bleed a lot during your session this pushes out much of the pigment that needs to form your new brow look. Save yourself time and money by doing this.
Some other blood thinners are anything caffeinated (coffee, teas etc.) and alcohol.
DOES MICROBLADING HURT?
First off pain is relative! Some clients feel it more than others. At Licorice Beauty NY we use two forms of numbing creams to aid in reducing and eliminating pain or discomfort from this procedure. You will hear a sort of scraping sound that is more intense than the feeling after you've been numbed. If your pain tolerance is low we will apply numbing cream for up to an hour before your procedure just think of those magnificent brows you'll have after.
HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING LAST?
The results of microblading vary from client to client and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Various factors can determine how well the pigment will retain - such as amount of pigment implanted, the client's skin-type, immediate aftercare, the client's skin care regimen and medical history.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR MICROBLADING?
One common misconception about microblading is that it is only for individuals that have severe hair loss. Although these clients can benefit from the service immensely, anyone looking to add depth and color will find great value in microblading. It's also a great choice for those wanting to correct their brow shape after years of follicle damage from various epilation methods.
WHY IS MICROBLADING ONLY SEMI-PERMANENT?
Traditional methods of permanent makeup consists of implanting pigment to the dermis. The dermis is live skin made up of blood vessels, sebaceous glands, sweat glands and nerves. Since this layer of skin is alive, it usually retains pigments permanently. In microblading, pigment is deposited right above the dermis into the basal layer of the epidermis. Because the cells of the basal layer continuously divide, the pigment is then broken down and eventually migrates to the surface causing the pigment to fade away.
WHAT IS THE MAINTENANCE FOR MICROBLADING?
A mandatory 4-8 week touch up is required to ensure the skin has retained the pigment and/or to insert additional strokes for a fuller look. We recommend that clients schedule a touch-up visit once a year to maintain the shape and ensure pigment retention.
CLIENTS WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE:
- Women who are breastfeeding.
- Clients who are keloid prone.
- Clients who are currently using Accutane.
- Clients who are currently receiving chemotherapy.
Skin treatments that include the exfoliation of the brow area (such as microdermabrasion), certain chemical, fruit peeling or laser treatments may affect the result of microblading. Clients must abstain from retinols for 30 days after the treatment. Sunlight - both natural and artificial - can also affect the results.
SHOULD I REALLY PAY A LOT OF ATTENTION TO THE PRECARE AND AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS?
To be honest with you. Your Pre-care and After-care procedures and how you adhere to them really makes a Big, HUGE difference in the outcome of your new brows and how long the stay rich.