Microblading & Permanent Makeup: Is It Right for You?

Permanent Makeup is referred to by many different names such as Microblading, Microshading, Microfeathering, and Machine Brows. What does it all mean?

Researching permanent makeup can be extremely confusing. Not only do certain techniques have several different names, but so do the products used and even the title of the person performing the procedure. Through your research, you will discover that microblading is a type of permanent makeup. Microblading is a procedure that creates delicate, super-fine hair strokes that look natural and realistic in a way that the first-generation versions never did. Microblading techniques also include microshading and microfeathering. These two methods give you a slightly different brow look depending on your preference. Our ladies at K Bella also just took classes on the latest brow looks including ombre brows and powdered brows. There are so many different techniques to choose from so follow along as we explain the differences between them all.

Microblading:

Microblading is probably one of the most well-known and popular permanent makeup techniques. When microblading, the tips of the instruments are so fine that they create hair strokes that look real. The best way to understand how microblading feels is to think of each stroke as a little paper cut. Yes, it hurts, but we numb the area first. The needles reach only into the superficial layers of the skin, making the method semi-permanent versus the permanent tattoo method (which we also do using a tattoo machine! See “Tattooed brows/Machine brows” below). One big difference is that microblading makes finer strokes than the tattoo machine. It is also important to note that the color fades quicker than tattooed brows, BUT it’s still like a tattoo in that it won't be gone entirely, just fade over time. Microblading is excellent if you want the option to tweak them over time to stay on-trend because they will eventually fade enough to do so.

When booking your appointment, you will want to be conscious of timing. Usually, your brows will be slightly swollen the first day after getting them done. As time passes, your brow area might become red or scabby, so try not to schedule big events (e.g., a huge job interview or engagement photos) during the first week or two after your appointment. Also, avoid going to the gym because any excess sweating around your eyebrows will prevent pigment retention and can cause infection. After one month, you'll need a touch-up, which is included in your initial price. Microblading can last anywhere from 12 months to three years, depending on your lifestyle. It is essential to follow our aftercare instructions to ensure the least amount of fading. A few ways to extend the life of your brows are to stay out of the sun and avoid exfoliants like retinol and glycolic acid. Sun can cause your brows to fade faster, and exfoliants can lift the top layers of your skin, causing the color to go with it.

Microfeathering:

Microfeathering is another form of microblading that we can do for you. This technique is a no-needle shaping method that's all about natural, fluffy-looking brows. Like other microblading techniques, it uses a fine blade to create tiny incisions where pigments get deposited. This results in an incredibly natural-looking brow. Microfeathering is not great for those with oily skin because it can cause it to fade quickly, and it will typically need to be touched up every year.

Microshading:

The microshading technique creates a soft, powdered effect that resembles a powder finish. Unlike the typical hair strokes created with microblading and microfeathering, microshading uses a stippling method. It creates repetitive dots of pigment, like when a makeup artist fills your brows with powder. The final product is a soft, filled-in look and is touched up like microblading. Most people benefit from a combination of microshading and microblading, especially if their hair is very thin.

Tattooed Brows (Machine Brows):

Machine brows, also known as tattooed brows, use very fine HD needles followed by a tattoo machine to add pigment to the skin. This technique is gentler than other methods since it does not cut the skin. It is also closer to the skin surface to create a more subtle look. One of the most significant advantages of machine brows is how realistic the final result looks. Machine brows last longer than microblading and skin tends to accept pigment better with this application. Machine work is a good option for clients whose skin does not retain color or heal quickly, clients who like a more solid-filled eyebrow, and clients who have oily complexions that won’t hold the microblading hair strokes well. It is also an excellent way to work with previously tattooed eyebrows that are faded enough for us to consider touching up.

No matter which route you want to take for your eyebrows, K Bella technicians are a great choice. We are members of The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and the American Academy of Micropigmentation, which shows that we have undergone the proper training! We also have a registered nurse who heads the whole operation to ensure your safety.

If you have any questions about these techniques, please don't hesitate to schedule a free consultation with one of our technicians today!

• Nada Toma, Brow & Lash Specialist | Permanent Cosmetics
• Heidi King, RN | Permanent Cosmetics | Piercing

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