If you've considered microblading your eyebrows, you're not alone. Thanks in part to Cara Delevingne and Glossier's Boy Brow, eyebrows have made quite the transformation over the past 10 years. What was once just some hair chilling on your face is now a make-or-break feature. This more-is-more mentality when it comes to brows has skyrocketed the popularity of mircoblading— the newish, semipermanent version of eyebrow tattoos. But harsh, stamped-on brows they are not; instead, the delicate, realistic strokes look like the fluffy brows of your dreams.
In fact, microblading's recent popularity has spawned microshading and microfeathering, two techniques that give you a different brow look depending on your preferences. The Sparknotes? Microblading will give you natural, fluffy-looking brows even if you have none to speak of, microfeathering builds on what you've already got, and microshading will give you a semipermanent powdered look.
For more details on each service, including cost, aftercare, and what to expect, read on.
In this article:
Microblading
Best for:
Anyone who wants a natural brow look that lasts.
What is microblading?
Microblading is a technique using a superfine pen (technically, a bundle of 12 to 15 needles) to deposit pigment into skin. The tip is so fine, in fact, that it can create hair strokes that look legit. Compared with other techniques, “microblading gives a very natural look and better simulates hair,” says Betsy Shuki, makeup artist and brow expert who offers microblading services at the office of NYC plastic surgeon Scott Wells, M.D.
Is microblading a tattoo?
Sort of. It uses the same principal as tattoos (see superfine needles), but unlike tattoos, the needles reach only the superficial layers of the skin. This is why it's only semipermanent, opposed to permanent traditional cosmetic tattoos. Think of each stroke as a little paper cut. (We know what you're wondering: Yes, it hurts, but your brow artist can numb the area first.)
What happens during a microblading session?
First, your brow artist will shape the brows you're currently working with, then will typically apply a numbing cream. While this gets to work, they'll discuss color and shape options with you. Then your artist will go in with the needle pen, and deposit the pigment on your skin. The whole process takes a little over an hour.
Microblading aftercare and healing:
If you've ever gotten a tattoo, expect similar aftercare for your microblading. “On the first day after microblading, clean your eyebrows with distilled water on cotton pad gently and apply aftercare cream every four hours,” says Shuki. On the second day, repeat that three times. For the next five days, do this morning and night. Your brow area might be red and scabby, so try not to schedule big things (e.g., a huge job interview or engagement photos) for the first week or two. “Also, avoid going to the gym, any excess sweating around eyebrows will prevent pigment retention and can cause infection,” adds Shuki.
How long does microblading last?
You'll need a touch-up in about a month (the cost of this is typically budgeted into the fee of the initial service). Then microblading can last anywhere from 12 months to three years, depending on your lifestyle. A few ways to extend it: Stay out of the sun, since it can fade the pigment, and avoid putting exfoliants (like retinol and glycolic acid) near your brows, because they'll lift the top layers of your skin with continued use—and the color with it.
Microblading cost:
Prices vary based on location and artist expertise, but expect a quality job to run somewhere between $700 and $1,500.
