How Long Does Microblading Last

How long does microblading last?

Microblading is a semi-permanent make-up technique for creating a fuller, thicker eyebrow. Often, people wonder how long microblading can last, therefore, we will be discussing that in this article, alongside the procedures involved and its corresponding side effect.

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

Just as we have said earlier, micro-blading is a semi-permanent makeup technique used in enhancing the appearance of the eyebrows by using a hand-held microblading tool with needles inorder to apply color pigments that look like real hairs, onto the eyebrows. Microblading is a solution to sparse, over-plucked, over-waxed, and thin eyebrows. It could also be used to cover scars and gaps, define the shape or create an arch on the eyebrows.

BENEFITS OF MICROBLADING

• Fuller natural-looking eyebrows
• No smudging or smearing
• Eyebrows look more defined
• Little to no downtime 
• Results are long-lasting

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR MICROBLADING

Both men and women can have a microblading treatment, but there are some criteria that if you do not meet, you may not be an ideal candidate for microblading. You are not eligible if you have the followings:

• A skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, keratosis Pilaris, sunburn, or dermatitis in your eyebrow area.
• Moles or piercings in your eyebrows
• Had Botox recently in your eyebrow area: In this situation you must wait at least 3 weeks following the Botox treatment before you can get a microblading.
• Blood thinners
• Bleeding disorder
• Heart condition
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Used Accutane recently: Severe acne medication creates tissue-thin skin which would make the skin too sensitive to microblading treatment, so you should wait a year following Accutane usage to regain your skin’s integrity.
• Any autoimmune disease such as Lupus, Frontal fibrosing, or Alopecia.

HOW DOES MICROBLADING WORK?

The microblading pigment is applied onto the eyebrows with a specific tool that has a row of several fine needles that creates thin hair-like marks that match your natural hair color. Because the pigment only goes as deep as the dermal-epidermal junction. This makes microblading only semi-permanent, because then, your body can eventually push out the pigment with time and the color will fade away.

The pigment is bladed between your skin’s epidermis and the shallowest part of the dermis (dermal-epidermal junction), following your natural hair growth pattern, hence, the natural-looking result.

When the pigment begins to fade, you’ll need to go back to your practitioner for a touch-up. This simply means getting the colors filled back in. if you have to wait until the whole thing fades, when you go back to your practitioner, they may have to do the whole procedure all over. This is more time-consuming ad more expensive than a touch-up.

MICROBLADING PROCEDURE

Before you go in for your microblading appointment, be sure to find out if your practitioner is experienced and has been certified to carry out the procedure. You could read up reviews on the practitioner or ask to see before and after pictures of previous clients. In this way you ensure minimal risk of getting microbladded with unprofessional . Also, for the best results from the procedure, avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine a day before your appointment.

During the procedure, the practitioner would first apply a topical anesthetic or inject one to help reduce discomfort during and after the procedure. Then they will clean the eyebrows using alcohol, after which they’ll place a microblading tip in the microblading tool and dip the blade in ink, then place the pigment in different directions, cleaning off any excess pigment with saline as they go along.

When they are done applying the pigment, they’ll finish off by applying an antibiotic ointment over your skin to help with major skin cuts or injuries that may have occurred during the procedure and also to prevent any form of infection. The entire process of microblading could take up to 2 hours because of initial consultations and the need to wait for the anesthetic to take effect.

DOES MICROBLADING HURT?

Microblading is not completely painless, even with the anesthetic used during the procedure. However, the level of pain you may feel will depend on your level of pain tolerance. But generally, expect the pain to be a little uncomfortable but not unbearable.

HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING LAST?

Microblading is a semi-permanent procedure, therefore it would last for long, but not forever. Because of the technique involved and how deep the pigment used is embedded, microblading could typically last 1-3 years, depending mainly on your skin type. There are basically 4 skin types: Normal skin, Oily skin, Dry skin, and Combination skin. Each of these skin types affects how long microblading can last.

Other factors that could affect how long microblading lasts are:

• Age
• Nutritional status
• Hormonal imbalance
• Stress levels
• Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking
• Excessive sun damage 
• Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

1. How Long Does Microblading Last On Normal Skin?

When it comes to how long microblading results, your skin type is a crucial factor that determines that. If you are less prone to breakouts and your t-zone is always hydrated, then you may have normal skin and microblading on normal skin could last for a year and some months before a touch-up becomes necessary.

2. How Long Does Microblading Last On Oily Skin?

With oily skin types, extra care and more touch-ups are required as microblading on oily skin could fade after a year. This is because of how subtle and hydrated the skin type is, which causes microblade strokes to spread out easily during the healing process, especially if the skin is excessively oily.

3. How Long Does Microblading Last On Dry Skin?

Dry skin often has the best results from microblading, because fewer oils are coming through the skin, so the microblading pigment is not dissolved easily, hence, does not fade quickly. Microblading on dry skin could last as long as 2 years.

4. How Long Does Microblading Last On Combination Skin?

Combination skin is usually a hydrated t-zone and a drier and sometimes flaky cheek area. Microblading on this skin type could either last just as long as a normal skin type would or slightly like an oily skin would since the eyebrows are on the oilier part of the face.

HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING TAKE TO HEAL?

Microblading usually takes 10-14 days to completely heal as the pigment settles into its shape. During the healing process, the skin on your eyebrows will be sensitive ad eventually begin to scab and flake off, the area will be red and tender to touch. During this time, you must adhere to every aftercare instruction given to you by your practitioner as that will not only affect the healing process but also how long the microblading would last.

AFTERCARE

Here are some instructions your practitioner may give to you to ensure a long-lasting result and minimal side effects:

1. Don’t touch your eyebrows for at least 48 hours after the procedure, as your skin will be very sensitive at the time. Scabbing and itching are part of the healing process, but you must avoid picking at the scabs or scratching the area. This helps prevent infections and also, picking at the scabs may cause the color of your brows to fade quickly.
2. Avoid doing anything strenuous for at least 48 hours post-procedure as you could sweat the pigment out which will lead to a short-term result.
3. Avoid wetting your brows until 48 hours after the procedure. After that use only water to gently cleanse your face. Avoid using cleansers for at least a week.
4. Don’t swim, avoid saunas and steam rooms for at least 2 weeks
5. Skincare routines including makeup and exfoliation should be put on hold at least for a week after the procedure as they can affect how long microblading lasts.
6. Avoid LED light exposure or radiofrequency treatments as these could easily target and cause the pigment to fade.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MICROBLADING

Microblading is a safe procedure when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. It is even safer when all the aftercare instructions are adhered to.

There are a few possible glitches to keep in mind:

• If not taken care of, the microblading area could get infected
• Color may bleed, spread or change due to sun exposure or exfoliation
• The formation of granulation tissue raised scar-like reactions that could be due to an ink allergy
• Could result in an asymmetric or unnatural shape of your brows

MICROBLADING COST

Microblading doesn’t come cheap, although the cost may vary depending on your location, cost of living there, and your practitioner’s level of experience. Expect the cost however to range between $250-$1,000. Touch-ups are less expensive. Could cost a little over half the cost of a full procedure. Your medical insurance would likely not cover the cost, but you may ask your practitioner for a discount or you may use your Health Savings Account (HAS) to cover the cost.

MICROBLADING VS EYEBROW TATTOOING

Although the results from microblading and eyebrow tattooing may appear alike, both procedures don’t use the same ink and vary greatly. For starters, eyebrow tattooing is a permanent procedure because the ink used is concentrated, while microblading uses smaller pigment particles. The methods of application of both microblading and eyebrow tattooing are different.

Microblading only goes as deep as the dermal-epidermal junction, so the body eventually metabolizes the pigment until it fades away while eyebrow tattooing goes a lot deeper, where it becomes permanent. Also, microblading looks more natural than eyebrow tattooing. Because of the type of ink used and the placement, eyebrow tattooing looks a lot thicker and unnatural.

CONCLUSION

Microblading is an innovative make-up technique that helps to achieve fuller symmetrical-looking brows, giving you more time for dress-up. Although it is a semi-permanent technique, with proper care, the result could last you for as long as 1-3 years.