Microblading

What is it with eyebrows? Over the centuries we have tried just about everything to keep them under control, from plucking and waxing to threading and more.

We've grown them thick, plucked them thin and even removed them altogether. The latest trend, however, is Microblading. You could describe it as a more refined form of permanent makeup.

Permanent make-up dates back to the start of the 20th century and is just as popular today. It is basically a tattoo, used to create brows, eyeliner or lip colour. Just like a tattoo, it involves 'injecting' pigment under the skin.

It is used both cosmetically and to help people affected by cancer, alopecia, scars and genetic anomalies.

Natural-looking Results

Microblading offers semi-permanent make-up and is more natural looking. Whereas permanent make-up is applied with pretty much the same tools a tattooist would use, microblading involves the use of a hand-held manual blade.

The process used in tattooing pushes the pigment seven layers deep into the skin. With microblading, the colour only goes three layers deep. So already it's giving you a more subtle result. Before microblading was introduced, cosmetic tattooing was used to first draw the brow outline and then fill it in. With microblading, the hairs are drawn in individually to resemble your natural brows.

This is a fantastic choice, whether you want to completely reshape your brows or cover gaps. The results last for up to three years before they start to fade.

Take Your Time

It's a meticulous process so be sure to leave plenty of time for your appointment. After discussing what look you'd like to achieve, your brow technician will draw in the hairs with a removable pencil. This gives you an opportunity to preview the look before it becomes semi-permanent.

Once you are happy with the look, a topical numbing cream will be gently applied to your brows, followed by a liquid anaesthetic. When this takes effect you should feel no pain, perhaps just a little discomfort.

The good news is that once they are applied you are pretty much good to go. There is no downtime. Your brows need to heal - a process that takes around three to four weeks - but that's nothing drastic. Be sure to take the technician's advice when it comes to aftercare, including cleaning the area and not using makeup for a few days.

Low Maintenance

Your technician will probably suggest a follow-up appointment after a month, just to check how you're going and do any touch-ups.

Unlike some brow treatments, like eyebrow extensions, microblading is really low maintenance. In fact, that's a big part of its attraction. You can just get up and go in the mornings, knowing your brows look amazing. Say goodbye forever to eyebrow pencils and smudged makeup.

You might be interested to learn that microblading was invented in Asia for cancer patients who had lost their brows through chemotherapy. The result is so natural-looking and is a huge confidence booster.

Always Choose a Professional

The process is very safe when you book your appointment with a professional microblading technician. It's definitely not something you should try and do yourself.

A trained technician will not only be able to give you the perfect shaped brow but will also be able to match your existing eyebrow hair colour. Done well, people will notice your brows look amazing but won't know the reason why.

Don't expect microblading to be cheap. If it is you should question why. Most people say it is totally worth it, however, due to the great look and low maintenance. Besides, how do you put a price on perfectly symmetrical brows?

Overall, this is a safe, easy way to achieve a great look. So if you think microblading is for you, use Bookwell to find your nearest technician.