Eyebrow microblading has blown up in the last couple of years. More and more women are taking the plunge and their experiences vary. I’m here to tell you about my personal experience with microblading that I had at Mint Brows OKC, as well as give you all the information that you need to know. My procedure was not sponsored; I just wanted to give you the lowdown on it!

What is Eyebrow Microblading? My Before and After.

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

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taken from Mint Brows OKC

Microblading is a form of permanent make-up performed by using a hand tool made of tiny micro-needles to create one individual hair-like stroke at a time, giving the illusion of more full and fluffy brows. This is the perfect solution for those with little to no hair or those with thinning brows due to age or tweezing. The pigment is decided on together with the client either to match the existing hair color or desired hair color. After the initial session, you will need to come back 6-8 weeks later for a touch-up to address any patchy spots that may have faded during the healing process.

DOES MICROBLADING HURT?

taken from Mint Brows OKC

The artist uses two different topical anesthetics. One before we start and another during the procedure. Therefore, most clients feel little to no pain. The handtool used is less invasive than a tattoo gun/rotary machine, gently etching the pigment into the skin. After the appointment the eyebrow area may be red or feel tender with mild swelling.

note: I had zero pain during my session.

HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING LAST?

taken from Mint Brows OKC

Microblading typically lasts 1-2 years depending on skin type and skincare routine. Fading is normal and can be caused by tanning, smoking, sweating, skincare products etc., that is why some clients may fade more than others. Following the initial session, a touch-up is required 6-8 weeks later.

WHO IS NOT A CANDIDATE FOR MICROBLADING?

taken from Mint Brows OKC

The following indications are not suitable for Microblading:

  • Allergic to Lidocaine, Prilocaine, Benzocaine, Tetracaine, or Epinephrine
  • Heart conditions or using heart medication
  • Skin disease or irritations
  • Taking Blood Thinning Medications
  • Have had Botox in the last 10 days
  • Using Accutane in the past year
  • Chemical peels in the last 4 weeks
  • Have diabetes (required physician note)
  • Anyone currently undergoing chemotherapy
  • Anyone with serious medical conditions will require a physicians note
  • Pregnant or Nursing 
  • Trichotillomania
  • Currently Undergoing Fertility Treatments

WHAT DOES AFTERCARE LOOK LIKE?

taken from Mint Brows OKC

  • After the procedure for the first 2 days, clean the eyebrows by wetting a Q-tip or cotton pad and VERY GENTLY wipe away any lymph fluid that may have built up in the brow area and gently pat dry with a tissue.
  • Clean your brows once in the morning and once at night before bed for the first 10 days by wetting a Q-tip/cotton pad and VERY GENTLY wipe brow area and gently pat dry with a tissue.
  • Gently apply a very small amount of ointment (smaller than one grain of rice for both brows) with a Q-tip on to brows as needed. Use the other dry side of Q-tip to wipe off any excess. (Over applying ointment will affect color retention, please use ointment sparingly)
  • Do not immerse eyebrow area in water for 2 weeks, avoid brow area when showering
  • When cleaning the face, clean AROUND the eyebrows to avoid water contact
  • No makeup on the brow area for a minimum of 10 days
  • It is best to avoid the following activities for a minimum of 10 days; swimming, exercise, hot yoga, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, etc.
  • Avoid exposure to sunlight until after the treated area is healed
  • Avoid use of moisturizers, face creams, and sunblock on forehead and eyebrows for 2 weeks
  • DO NOT SCRATCH, RUB, OR PICK THE TREATED AREA > This can cause loss of pigment. Please let any dead skin exfoliate off naturally.
  • Touching the treated area with dirty hands can cause infection, if you must touch the area use only a clean cotton swab.
  • Be aware if you sleep on your side or stomach that you are not rubbing your face into your pillow at night while sleeping causing friction. If you know you are a stomach or side sleeper I recommend sleeping on your back and placing pillows on either side of your body so you are not tempted to roll over.
  • Some people may take longer to heal than others.
  • It is normal for the treated area to appear much darker for the first 5 days after treatment.
  • It is normal for some areas to fade more than others, this is why a touch-up is required about 6 weeks after initial treatment
  • After the area is healed use sunblock daily to prevent fading.
  • Clients who smoke, go tanning, use chemical peels, have oily skin, or use a lot of skincare products may experience fading more quickly than others.

WHY I WANTED MICROBLADING.

I wanted microblading done because my brows had been overplucked over the year (I wish I could tell my younger self to LEAVE THEM ALONE) and I also have very light brown/blonde brows that I wanted more prominent.

My natural brows:

What is Eyebrow Microblading? My Before and After.

Before microblading, I would wake up each morning with sad eyebrows and would fill them in with eyebrow liner immediately because I was insecure with my natural brows. Brows are SO IMPORTANT for adding shape to your face and good brows make you look more youthful and fresh.

FINDING THE RIGHT MICROBLADING ARTIST.

Since microblading is essentially a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo, it’s important to find a skilled artist. The best way to find one is to see their body of work on their website or via social media. I also recommend reading reviews from past clients. It was a LONG time before I found an artist I trusted here in Oklahoma and I was so thrilled when I did!

GET A CONSULTATION FIRST.

Before I made the commitment to get the procedure done, I went in to receive a consultation first. That way, I could verify that I was a good candidate and the artist could map out the shape she thought was best for my brows so I could get a visual of what the work would look like.

After my consultation:

What is Eyebrow Microblading? My Before and After.

STROKES VERSUS POWDER.

There were two options of microblading that my artist provided: one using a tool that created “strokes” that mock hair strokes and a “powder” version that uses a tool that essentially makes tiny dots. I had the powder version since I didn’t have much natural hair. If you already have full brows, but wanted a more shaped look, the strokes would be perfect for you.

PIGMENT RIGHT AFTER PROCEDURE.

Right after the procedure, the pigment was a reddish-brown, but after healing the color was exactly the pigment we decided on.

After the procedure:

What is Eyebrow Microblading? My Before and After.

After healing:

What is Eyebrow Microblading? My Before and After.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

This is usually the first question I get regarding microblading. It depends on the area you live in and what each artist charges. My procedure cost $550, which included the procedure itself and a 6-week follow-up for any touch-ups that may be necessary. The consultation appointment was only $20.

OTHER THOUGHTS AND INFO.

  • First and foremost: I loved my results! It has been life-changing to wake up in the morning and have beautiful brows that need no help filling in.
  • As I said earlier, the procedure did not hurt at all. 
  • When I went to my follow-up appointment for a touch-up, I didn’t need any touching up! When the time is right in 1-2 years, I will head back to Mint Brows OKC to get touched up, but until then I’m good to go.

Several months after my procedure:

What is Eyebrow Microblading? My Before and After.

What is Eyebrow Microblading? My Before and After.

Soooooo…in a nutshell, I had a fantastic microblading experience. I’m so glad I did it.

What is Eyebrow Microblading? My Before and After.

Have a question about microblading? Leave a comment below!