The Truth About Microblading
UPDATE!!!! It’s been one year since my first experience with microblading, and boy have I learned a lot!! Do you want the bad news first? My strokes only lasted four months and the shadowing started greying around 6. Needless to say I was pretty disappointed. After digging around I learned there are a few things that cause poor color retention. It could be poor pigment and technique, poor post-op care, or excess oil production. Because getting my brows done every six months just wasn’t an option for me I decided to find a new artist who could give me a more natural shape and who used a different technique and pigments. I’m unfortunately needing to get laser tattoo removal because microblading IS NOT semi-permanent like I had originally thought. You can read my post “How Microblading Changed My Shape & Why I’m Removing It” HERE. I’ve had 8 laser tattoo removal sessions and 3 microneedling sessions and it still etched into my skin. PLEASE be careful with microblading!
Have you had your brows microbladed? What was your experience like? Have you had a good experience with the color lasting? I’m just a girl sharing my opinions and personal experience, that in no way makes me an expert. We need more consumer education and people sharing their stories with the real truth behind microblading! Continue reading to see my original thoughts and opinions on microblading and you can read my updated thoughts HERE.
Today we are chatting allll about microblading.
Is it worth it? How much does it cost? Does it hurt? In all honesty I wasn’t planning on doing a full blog post about this so I’m sorry that the pictures are mostly random selfies I found on my phone. I’ve been asked by so many of you though to dish all the details so I thought it’d be easier to just come here and share my experience.
The good the bad and the ugly!!
What is Microblading?
It’s basically a tattoo for your eyebrows. While it falls under the permanent makeup category it’s much less invasive than getting an actual tattoo and it’s only semi-permanent. It can last anywhere from 1-3 years depending on various factors.
Who was your artist?
I am no longer sharing this information but I will say – do your homework. Make sure they have a portfolio or Instagram account that showcases their work. How are they editing their pictures? Do they show video? Post client reviews? Are their clients happy with their brows a year + later? Ask a lot of questions before committing and don’t be afraid to get a few different consults. Don’t ever be afraid to walk away and listen to your gut.
Did it hurt? LIKE HELL.
And I never swear so that’s a big deal ha ha!!! I was not prepared for it! I was told by a friend that she was numbed the entire time and that it didn’t hurt at all. My original artist did not numb on the first pass – she claimed it helped with color retention and blood flow? I’m not entirely sure that’s the case (because it started fading a few months later) but it was excruciatingly painful. Ask your artist whether or not you’re going to be numbed! I would find someone who uses quality pigment and can just numb you right off the bat!
How long did it take to heal?
So what happens is your artist will cut strokes into your skin with a microblading blade and not everyone bleeds but I sure did! The strokes will scab and it’ll take up to two weeks for them to fall off and heal. When your strokes turn into scabs your brows are CRAZY dark. This picture below is the day after I got them microbladed and the scabs turned jet black.
*My sisters experience was very different. She was told to wet her brows several times a day and her artist did not want her brows to scab. I don’t think she healed any faster but her experience was a lot less painful and there was zero scabbing.
If we are being totally honest I hated the shape for a handful of weeks. I thought I had ruined my face. I’ll do a comparison further down but my artist actually shaved off my tails and lifted my brow arch so that I had more eyelid to play around with. I have very hooded eyes and my brows grow close to my eyes. I knew it, but I was used to seeing myself a certain way and brows can totally change the way a person looks!! I felt like I didn’t look like me anymore!!! Obviously I was being ridiculous, more on that down below.
Anyway, it took about 5-6 days before the scabs started falling off… exhibit A
My microblader used a shadowing technique because she’d taken off my entire tail and strokes alone weren’t going to be enough to make my brows look natural. Because of that, and I’m not a microblader so I’m just assuming here, but the eyebrow turned into one huge scab. About 8 days after I had my brows microbladed the scabs started peeling off. Kinda gross. Don’t plan on any photoshoots or blind dates while this is going on. It’s honestly not that bad, you can easily fill them in. The color lightened immensely, almost too much and I was still on the fence about my brows at this point. I was warned though that I wouldn’t be thrilled with my brows until the six week touchup. So I was prepared. Thank goodness!!!
My eyebrows turned into this picture below. The strokes had disappeared completely and the color went an ugly grey. You can see pretty well here where my brows were shaved off! I was filling them in like normal, which was fine, not ideal, but it was fine because at least I had a shape to draw over. And I was hopeful it’d get better at my six week touchup.
So here is a comparison on how my brow shape was transformed. Do you see on the right how my tail angles steeper down? It sits right on my brow bone instead of right on top of it like it does on the left.
And a little bit closer up!! Disclaimer: I filled that selfie in on the left using photoshop. I wanted you guys to have a good side-by-side comparison and the scabs were falling off in that picture!
To me the shape was so dramatically different that I kind of freaked out. It took me a couple months to get used to it but eventually came around to the new shape and now really love it! What do you think? Left or right?
What is post-op care like?
No showers. No exercising. No healing ointment. I was told to put bandaids on the tails at night to keep them protected and that once the scabs fall off, I could resume regular activity.
*Since my initial experience I’ve learned that vaseline on the brows is recommended by a lot of microbladers. Scabs = Poor pigment retention.
Six weeks after my initial appointment I was finally ready for my 6 week touchup. I was so excited because I was told this was where the dream brows were made!
She was right. I told her how the strokes had fallen off, that the color went a little bit grey and that I felt like you could see where my natural brows ended. She added warmth to the color, made more strokes in the arch area to help blend the natural brow and microbladed brows and refined the shape. “Recovery” was much better with the 6 week touch up and the appointment only lasted an hour. I actually didn’t even notice the scabs this second time around, I kept waiting for them to fall off like they did the first time around and they were just unnoticeable. The color was darker but I actually really loved that the second time around! I’ve had them done now for a few weeks and the color hasn’t faded to grey like they did with the first appointment. If things change I will definitely give you an update. UPDATE HERE
So here are a few comparisons:
Here’s what my brows looked like filled in. See how they go a tiny bit grey? It’s always bothered me and despite using the best products I knew of I couldn’t figure out how to avoid it.
They look SO much better! I finally have room to play around with eyeshadows!!! It actually took me a couple weeks to adjust how I applied my makeup! I finally have a brow bone to highlight! It’s literally the best. No, the best is waking up with my brows totally done! I can literally get ready in five minutes now, a little bit of HACing, some lipstick and mascara. Done.
Do you see the shape difference? And the color? The microbladed brows are so warm and totally symmetrical. The minutes in my day I’d spend trying to get my brows symmetrical guys… you don’t even wanna know!
Was it worth it?
Yes. 100x yes. It was annoying to go through the whole scabs falling off process, not being able to workout and shower (I bathed sillies) but it was totally worth it. It’s shaved off a good five minutes of my routine every morning, which is a big deal considering I only have a few minutes to get ready as it is! I don’t look like I’m dead when I wake up, swimming this summer will be amazing and just over all I’ve really enjoyed my new shape!!
*Obviously my opinion has changed on this. You can read why I’m getting my microblading removed HERE.
How much does it cost?
It’s a two hour appointment and costs anywhere from $399 – $599, just depends on your artist. It’s definitely an investment.
If you have any other questions, if I missed something please ask me in the comments below!! Have you had your brows microbladed? Did you have a different experience? I’d love to open up the comments below for people to go through and read different peoples experiences, so please comment and share!!!
They look great. I absolutely love mine and yes, mine did scab a little but they healed perfectly. I showered verrrry carefully and followed post care exactly. washing my face was easy with the wet makeup wipes. I am so happy with mine i would have stood on my head if that’s what post care was!
Thanks for the amazing content! I’ve been getting microblading for a long time and after awhile, I decided to learn how to microblade since i was already spending so much time on making my eyebrows! Your eyebrows look amazing and i really enjoyed reading this article. I work in houston, maybe we can meet and collab if youre ever in town! Check out my website 🙂
http://www.microbladinghtx.com
So what did you do post microblading touchup? Did you wash face? Did you have scabbing with the second person you went to? How did your sister’s process go? And what post care regimen did she use? I know it’s a lot of questions but I also now have the gray color going on and my touch up is supposed to be Saturday, so I’d like to know what to do after that to prevent the scabbing.
A good artist will definitely tell you to keep them moisturized. Ask them what they recommend. They gave me A & D ointment, but it makes my skin breakout. So she said vitamin E oil is fine. Address all your concerns with your artist. They should respectfully answer your questions. It’s your body.
How long will microblading last what does it look like when it starts to fade of
Your brows look GREAT! I had this done and it is LIFE CHANGING in a good way. I go for my touch-up today and can’t wait. I’ve been drawing my brows on for years — and because microblading involves a ruler and all that — you actually learn what your brows SHOULD look like – and man, I was drawing some horrible brows on myself. DO IT!!
I just got mine done this Saturday and I’m excited for them to heal already. My artist did give me a type of ointment to use after cleaning the brows. Do I keep them moisturized at all times or should I let my brows kind of air dry with no ointment? So far I like my shape and thickness.
I was told to air dry and only put Aquafor on if the scabbing/dryness was driving me crazy. I did apply very little very lightly once/day with a qtip.
Is the touch up healing process the same as the first?
Sorry, just my opinion but I love the first set of microbladed brows. The second set make your eyes look droopy and not in a good way.
I agree
I had mine done on 3/15/18. I chose hair strokes instead of powdering. Is it too late to do shading?
I had to do Microblading as I had no eyebrows. I’m 63 and thoughts are that it might be meds I’m on or just plain old age. I laugh when people say check out several people who provide this service at $100 a pop for a 15 min. consultation do I really want to scour everyone in my area when the most expensive person is $400? I went thru with it 10 days ago and am experiencing all that is normal. I’m a cool blonde so she mixed three colours for me. I’ve had my eyeliner tattooed and had to go three times and still it didn’t take well. Seven of my friends turned out perfect. I have very dry skin follow directions to the letter. So I can see lack of colour but, will wait as I know my technician will do right by me.
Have a scheduled six week follow up. Eyeliner hurt like hell. This procedure was much better, numbed really well the sound is what bothered me. When I go back in six brining my noise cancelling head phones! Best of luck to everyone!
You looked so much softer and prettier before. Your natural brow shape suited you.
I had a similar experience. I got my microblading done about 4 months ago. My tail steeper’s down just like yours. My artist talked me into shaving off my tail to microblade a new one higher. She made it seem like this was my only option when it comes to Permanent makeup and proceeded to do it despite how hesitant I was about it. She did not do any microshading, just the hair like strokes. I immediately regretted it. I was more mad at myself for letting her do it. I hated the shape, it looked way too round and high arched. Definitely not what I asked for! I also realized that without having the hair on the tail it doesn’t look as natural and I didn’t want to have to keep microblading a new tail for the rest of my life. Day 2 after being microbladed I was desperate to get the ink out. Followed a removal process I found online using hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and Himalayan sea salt. It worked! I’d say it faded it about 70%. Since then I’ve been using retinol and hydroquinone on it daily and It’s about 90% gone now. Sadly it’s still really dark on the scar that she microbladed over and I don’t think that will ever fade.
I learned my lesson and after this traumatizing experience I will never let anyone touch my eyebrows again. I think this is a great technique for someone that literally has no eyebrows and has to fill them in from scratch to have any, but only with the right artist. Do your research!!! Make sure you are comfortable with the outline and shape before letting them start!!!! And beware of a shaved off tail!!!
My friend @danidoesmybrows did mine about 15 months ago and I still have great strokes! They have faded, and I could probably use a touch up but after this long that’s expected. I still don’t need to fill them in unless I’m doing a FULL face of makeup.
I think the key isn’t just their good technique and your own good immediate aftercare, but also how you care for them once they are healed. Dani gave me a cream to use 4-5 times a day and I didn’t get mine wet for about 10 days until the scabs came off.
Any anti-aging or anti-acne products you use will cause them to fade fast, as well as being in the sun without sunscreen or a hat. Yeah those products are great for the rest of your face but they make your skin cells turnover faster, encouraging new pretty skins cells to appear, which will fade a tattoo. So if you’re using anything like that take special care to avoid the eyebrow area! And always always put sunscreen on them!
I had my brows done on 12/29 and I.HATE.THEM. The first week was great. After that, all heck broke loose! I would never do it again! Thank goodness I’ve been home and haven’t had to go into work or meetings…ugh! How did you ladies deal with the scabbing and work? Will the 6 week touch-up produce scabbing also? Ugh!
If I have to go out, I wear a ball cap to hide them during the healing process. Grin and bear it the rest of the time.
a brain implant would have been better
Let me guess… probably a male who gushes over the beautiful women in Hollywood who all have their brows microbladed? Who needs the brain implant?
Go lick your dirty tampon.
Fat pigs need to get back in the barn.
eew pretty rude, aren’t you?
I just had my eyebrows microbladed today and I am not happy. I know I have to wait for them to heal and then for the 6 week touch up, but can I fill them in with pencil or powder until then? I have an event on Friday and can not go out looking like this. Please tell me it is okay to fill them in a bit. It will be exactly 48 hours after the procedure.
I went to the best in the UK but 3 weeks in they still look too sharply defined rand have dark patches still. How can she fix this in the follow up?! Can they time down too dark bits?
They look great. I am taking a microblading class this week and feeling totally inspired by Kristi’s work. You look beautiful!
You forgot to talk about the smell lol they smell so gross around day 5. Im super disappointed in mine. I cant see the lines at all even after touch up and I still have to fill them in. bummer
Who did yours?
Hi, I have had my second appointment done. It has been 13 days now and my eyebrows have started to fade, getting patches and some scabs have not yet dropped off. I didn’t get them wet when I showered, I held a facecloth over my eyebrows. I haven’t applied any pencil on them, should I contact my my technician. I am really happy with the shape.
Does anyone know how to deal with the stray hairs that will inevitably grow in???
Love this post I just started providing Microblading in Fort Lauderdale I love reading individuals experience. Thank you for sharing they look beautiful by the way!
https://www.indulgeyourselfbeautybar.com
I have just had my brows done- 2 days ago. Currently they are very dark and i am waiting for them to fade a little- i expected this.
Once you are fully healed are you able to apply makeup as normal( over the area) and was your face/have a shower as normal. I have never had any form of ink on me before, and for some reason I am terrified of ruining them, or making them fade super quickly. The lady who did mine suggested using a high SFP whilst in the sun.
I just had my brows done yesterday and im kinda freaking out. Its too dark, too thick!! Reading this thread gives me some hope but currently I dont even want to walk out the door. I need them to scab or fade asap, I feel like I look completely ridiculous w these overly dark thick brows on my light skin. How long will they look like this???? When can expect them to start scabbing off? Help!
Girl, how’s it coming? Just seeing this! I’m sure by now things are looking up? The first time and those first few days is a scary thing!
I got mine done yesterday and despite showing her pictures of what I wanted, I got super boxy looking brows. She never drew in a shape initially and just went over my uneven brows. There’s a really dark area in the beginning of my brow that I want gone and I complained about. I wish I had the same shape she got, which is what I wanted. When they scab over should I pick off the area where it’s so dark so my skin doesn’t hold the pigment?? SOS someone help please
Your brows look fab! I got mine done yesterday and actually took your photo in to ask for a similar shape 🙂 I kind of look like a cartoon character today because they’re so much darker than what I’m used to, but I love the shape. Thanks for sharing your process!
How do your brows look now I had mine done six days ago
So glad you shared this!! I just got my brows done a few days ago and I am at the point where they are too dark but a little bit of the scabs are falling off and they are looking patchy! I had to come read this again so I could feel better about what is to come! I am loving the shape of mine but I am looking forward to what they will look like finished!
How do your eyebrows look now? Had mine done the same day
Thank you for sharing! I did not do my research and just did Microblading a few days ago. They are so dark I was beginning to worry. I was wondering what color your esthitician used on you?
Hey, I just got mine microbladed 5 days ago, and the scab is starting to slowly come off now, I have a wedding to attend in 5 days though andI was wondering did you fill in the patches or just leave them entirely? So worried I will look like a freak at this wedding!
That’s a lot cheaper than what I paid for. I live in NYC so I had it done here. She charged me $1500, but it was so worth it. I’m actually now going , but bc it has been a year, and since I got oily skin, it’s about time for a touch up.
You skin looks AMAZING!!! I know you have struggled with it in the past, can you do a blog post or YouTube video over your skincare routine and how you cleared it up? Also, Love the brows ?
First off your before and after are AHMAZING! You look so bright and refreshed with the difference in your new brow shape. Second thanks so much for the detailed info. I’m from Boston and haven’t had a ton of luck finding anyone that I’m 100% in love with to take the leap (similar to how you were feeling).
One thing I’m unsure of, and I’m not sure if you mentioned it and I missed it, but how long does it last/how often do you need to get it touched up? AND what happens if you choose to not ever do it again? Does it look like a faded tattoo and all gross?
Thanks again
They look awesome! Looking into it in my area. Since it’s already so expensive, would you tip on this? If so, does the 15-20% rule apply? Thanks for your honest opinion and review!!
Your brows look amazing! I’ve wanted to try microblading for a while now as my brows are very sparse. I don’t know how to go about finding a qualified artist though! I found a couple people in my area via Instagram but I don’t know if that’s the best route to find someone. Do you know if the microblader has to be a licensed esthetician or tattoo artist, or either/both? Thanks for sharing your experience!
Anyone can take a class and call themselves a microblading artist, but I would for sure go to someone who was a licensed esthetician first because they take classes on makeup and facial structure and are way more likely to know how a brow should be shaped.
YES! Agreed. I don’t know if Kristi was an esthetician but she was a makeup artist for several years. You want someone who has experience with facial structure like Andrea said, someone that will know what brow shape to put on you! I’ll ask Kristi and see what she recommends on finding an artist near you! She might have some good advise!
Thank you so much!
I am so confused about micro blading. From your post it appears that it is akin to tattooing. But as members of the church we know tattooing is not pleasing to our Heavenly Father. At what point do we as daughters of Zion draw the line? Do we accept tattooing for “vanity” sake or do we avoid even the appearance of evil?
I am wondering how much of todays trends in makeup, costly changes apparel, and time and money spent in the name of beauty is what the Prophet Isaish referred to when he foresaw our day and called us “the haughty daughters of Zion”.
This just seems so extreme and not all that necessary unless you want to look like every other woman in the big and spacious building.
Hi Brenda! While I appreciate your comment, I can’t help but feel a little judged. I am a worthy and active member of the LDS faith and I believe it’s important that we try our best to inspire and lift each other up rather than tear one another down with hurtful and unnecessary comments. I don’t think it’s your place to assume I am a “haughty daughter of Zion” because I chose to get my brows microbladed.
Next time, let’s give those who are curious about us Mormons a reason to want to know more. Because of our charity, and our kindness. Because we have a light in our eye and a beautiful perspective on this life. I am far from perfect and I will be the first to admit I’m just trying to navigate this life the best I know how.
In response to you being confused about microblading — it’s not a tattoo. It is not permanent. After doing your research on how it’s different, you can choose to look at it how you’d like. My perspective is that it’s going to speed up my routine in the mornings so I can spend more time being a better mom. I feel like it’s a bit different than plastering a word all over my back. You definitely don’t need to agree with me though! Just like some people go boating on Sundays and others feel staying inside reading scriptures is best. You do you!
In response to you being confused about microblading — it’s not a tattoo because it is not permanent. My perspective is that it’s going to speed up my routine in the mornings so I can spend more time being a better mom. I feel like it’s a bit different than plastering a word all over my back. You definitely don’t need to agree with me though! Just like some people go boating on Sundays and others feel staying inside reading scriptures is best. You do what you feel is best and try to be kind to others in the process.
Abby I had mine done 8 years ago when Soft tap first became more popular when I worked in a salon. I have always wanted to try microblading since. I totally agree (as an lds mom) It helped me forget about makeup and go faster on my way to work. Where this is your blog and you review things for our benefit I LOVE that you also encompass a loving spirit to share your light in each of your posts. i think you are someone to look up to and i am inspired by everything you are capable of and do on your blog love. I would LOVE to chat more about HAC-ing (I became an artist for maskcara when she opened it up and would love to talk lipsense with ya!) and can we just agree it is the bomb for early mornings!? xoxo keep spreading your light and making the internet and social media a better place. Because honestly it needs more people like you to be more positive.
Yeah Abby, your chances of making the CK are over because of your semipermanent eyebrows ?? you haughty naughty. My best friend has her license in microblading and have done many brows in her ward. I think if it was an issue with beliefs of the church, leadership would say something (ex. Having more than one ear piercing). Don’t feel bad. I love your blog. While I’ve seen other bloggers change with popularity, you have stayed the same which I love! Keep doing you ?
LMAO to this comment ^^^^^ And THIS is why Mormons get the bad rep that they do. WOW, how sad and such extremist thinking. Abby you’re beautiful, keep doing you girl!!! I just got micro bladed last week and am loving it. Also, God didn’t even strike me with lightening for doing so! 😉
Exactly! I can imagine on the last day when we will be invited to present our life to God and Jesus Christ.
Which of the people will be in a worse situation? the ones with microbladed browns or even tattoos or the people who judge others like the person above? Our God is a God of love, and He knows our hearts and how much we strive to be better.
I just found this post while I was googling about it and if is there any officially source from the Lds Church about this, because of people that I know is judging me for have my brown microbladed.
Abby you are so beautiful!!
Thanks for you blogger so inspiring.
hello from Brazil!
Your entire face shape changed!!! Your eyes look so much more open and you look younger and more posh. I’d definitely say the $500+ was worth it. I am thinking about getting it done myself and loved your opinion. Thanks! <3
It really did!!! I was so surprised about that too!! And yes, it’s quite expensive but I can handle one time a year! Totally worth it for me!
So what about eyebrow waxing? Or do you just pluck to keep your shape??
I’m just plucking any stray hairs. It’s pretty easy and my brows were super thin anyway so it doesn’t take much longer than what I already was doing!!
Hi Abby! I got microblading done 2 years ago and loved it. Now they are completely faded and im contemplating to do it again or not. I would just warn you not to pluck the stray hairs from your original brow, over time they won’t grow back. My artist had to raise one of my brows due to asymmetry, instead of plucking the hairs that were out of my microblading shape I instead shaved them weekly with a brow trimmer. That way when your semi permanent makeup wears off you aren’t left with permanent hair loss in your brow. Just a thought. Also my artist said microblading can only be done so many times before scar buildup occurs. Then you’d have to go the tattoo gun route (still semi permanent but a little scary!)
Hi MissTaterTot! Out of curiosity how did you learn that there could be permanent hair loss? Was that information provided by your artist? Do you have a link?
ugh I totally have hooded eyes too and I can totally see how changing your eyebrow shape can help that! your brows look amazing abby! also, I am expecting my lipsense any day now and I am just way too excited to try it!
XO Lo
thoseprettypieces.com
YAYY!!! So excited for you to try it!!! And yes, it dramatically improved the annoying hooded eyes!
It really is such a transformation but they look great!! They really lift your eyes up .. also LOVE your peplum top!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] https://how2wearit.com
Thanks girl!!!
Ah, I really want to do this but it’s a bit $$ (you need a touch up after 18 months right?) and a little nerve wracking! You look amazing though, what a difference! I’d never seen someone change the shape so much! Beautiful! Thanks for the great review.
haha! It definitely is quite a pretty penny. Yeah so at 18 months you’ll do a touch up which is $150 and then it could last up to three years. So we will see how it goes!! Thank you!