Microblading, also known as eyebrow embroidery or 3D brows, is a relatively new manual method for enhancing eyebrows. It is considered to be permanent makeup, as compared to the traditional hair stroke technique done by machine. It is done using a handheld tool (pen) with a very fine needle grouping to deposit pigment into the dermis. Because the color is closer to the surface, the strokes appear crisp and very fine. There is no spilling under the skin.

The difference with this and ordinary permanent makeup is that microblading is NOT done by machine. The pigment is manually placed into the skin. The microblading manual pen is equipped with sterile packaged blades. The needle grouping glides with gentle pressure over the skin and creates fine cuts, as fine as a paper cut, leaving a trace that can hardly be distinguished from real hair. Depending on the drawing technique – of which we are experts – it creates an individual look perfect for your face and the style you are hoping to achieve. Above all 3D, or HD, eyebrows absolutely do not appear as a tattoo.

Microblading is ideal for anyone wanting to enhance the look of their eyebrows. The results are natural looking hair-like strokes, regardless of the amount of hair you currently have. People suffering from alopecia, trichotillomania, or any other condition that causes hair loss, benefit greatly from microblading, as well as people who simply aren’t happy with their eyebrows.

Usually microblading is done in two sessions. The first takes 2-3 hours. In the first session, the brow is shaped and styled to the client’s preference, and pigment is applied. 6-9 weeks later, the client returns for their second session for touch-up, which takes between 1-2 hours.

It takes about 4 weeks for healing. In that time any redness will fade and the initial darkness of the eyebrows will begin to lighten. The color will continue to lighten over about 30 days as it completely sets in. The brows will also go through a rejuvenation stage. The brows will appear light at this time while your skin rejuvenates. Within the next couple of weeks the brows will begin to darken back up. The entire healing process can take about 4 weeks.

Touch-up’s are necessary because everyone heals differently and therefore the outcomes vary. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the color and brow thickness by adding more strokes. In the touch-up session, the final adjustments are made to assure the client’s satisfaction.

This is not recommended as the healing needs to be completed before the final results are seen. Final adjustments should only be done after the initial work has stabilized.

The level of discomfort is relatively minor. Some compare it to tweezing 2-3 hairs at the same time. Usually a topical anesthetic is used to numb the area being worked on before the microblading procedure begins and during the procedure to ensure client is comfortable. Topical anesthetics are safe and may contain lidocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine.

Redness and slight swelling in the area is common after the procedure. Often clients compare the feeling to a slight sunburn. Frequently tylenol is used to ease any discomfort.

Generally microblading lasts between 6-18 months, depending on skin type (normaly, oily, dry, aged, young, mature). It is not permanent like a tattoo as the pigments are not implanted so deeply into the skin. Skincare also affects the duration of the pigments. To maintain brows, touch-up’s may be done every 6-18 months.

Prior to the start of your session, avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and caffeine and any blood thinners for 24 hours.

Avoid vitamins and fish oils for 7 days prior to your appointment. Sometimes these have the effect of thinning your blood.

Avoid tanning, and Botox for 4 weeks prior to your appointment as well as working out the day of your appointment.

Avoid retinols, acids, chemical peels, and facials for 2 weeks prior to your appointment.

Gently clean brows using the solution provided morning and night, for 7 days.

Apply a light layer of ointment provided morning and night to brows, after washing as well for 7 days.

Gently blot any lymphatic liquid (clear/yellowish build-up) that may have occurred on the skin.

Do not over-apply ointment.

Do not immerse brows in water for 2 weeks.

Avoid face area when showering.

When washing your face, make sure to avoid brows.

Do not use makeup on the brows for up to 2 weeks.

Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamins that may cause your blood too thin for 24 hours.

Do not peel or scratch at the scabbing as your brow area heals.

No swimming, tanning or saunas for 2 weeks.

No face scrubs or chemical peels for 2 weeks.

No working out or rigorous sweating for 2 weeks.

No sun exposure for 2 weeks.

No anti-aging products such as retinols, aha, glycolic acids near the brow area for 4 weeks.

Those using accutane.

Those using retin-a.

Anyone with a heart condition or using heart medications.

Anyone with diabetes will need a physician’s approval.

Anyone with skin diseases or inflammation.

Anyone who has had Botox in the last 2 weeks.

Anyone who has had a deep tan or chemical peel in the last 2 weeks.

Anyone who requires anaesthetic and is allergic to lidocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine.

Anyone with serious medical conditions should consult their doctors and obtain their approval prior to booking an appointment.

Anyone pregnant or nursing.

Anyone on blood thinning medication.

Proper procedures and precautions are used to ensure the safe practice of microblading. Either sterilized tools or disposable tools are used in a sanitized environment. When pre and post care instructions are followed, the risk of complications are minimal. Allergic reactions to pigments are very rare, but sometimes occur. For this reason, a pigment patch test for those with sensitive skin or to topical makeup products, gold, silver, nickel or hair dyes should be patch tested a few days in advance of the procedure taking place.

Carefully choose your practitioner. Compare the work of various artists before choosing. Discuss your expectations and desired outcome with the artist, including the shape, style and color you would like. Realize that faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Adjustments may be made during touch-up, such as pigment discoloration and color correction. Remember that microbladed brows will eventually fade if touch-up’s are not done.

Phibrows artists produce great work because they follow a very specific method that is taught to them through a rigorous 6-month training course. This course requires the artist to pass 11 levels of mastery to ensure that their methods and their work maintain a very high standard…the Phibrows standard.

The Phibrows method and tools have been meticulously designed and redesigned to aid their trained artists in producing very precise hair strokes, perfect symmetry, and a beautiful eyebrow shape that goes with the natural shape of their client’s face and bone structure.

Phibrows products have also been tested and redesigned again and again to ensure the highest quality, to avoid any dangerous heavy metals found in most permanent makeup pigments, and to provide color that lasts.

It is for these reasons and more, that if you want great results from your microblading treatment, it is highly recommended that you seek out a Phibrows artist.