Microblading – this is how it works

I love dark eyebrows, but have difficulty filling them in myself. So I head to a beauty salon every month to ensure my eyebrows stay as dark as possible. Unfortunately, the repeated dyeing that comes with tinting started thinning my brows, which just exacerbated the problem.

A friend had a horror microblading experience with a popular eyebrow bar in Joburg, but luckily for her New Moon Brow Studio was able to fix up her brows. So I did a bit of research on microblading, watched some YouTube videos and decided to have it done. Lyndsay Raine Samson, the owner of New Moon Brow Studio, who has been in the tattoo and beauty industry for almost a decade, says there are many factors that can contribute to thinning brow hair.

“As we age, our hair becomes more brittle and breaks more easily. Loss of brow hair can also be linked to stress, thyroid issues and follicle damage from tweezing or waxing.”

Since I already have some tattoos, I wasn’t afraid of the needles used during the two-hour procedure, and even fell asleep during one of the sessions. This was going to be a breeze. The microblading process goes as follows:

A superfine “pen”, which is a cluster of 12 to 15 disposable needles, is used to implant pigment beneath the surface of the skin. The tip of the pen is so fine that it creates hair strokes that resemble the actual hair of your eyebrow and seriously look legit. The needles reach into the superficial layer of your skin, making your microbladed brows semipermanent – unlike traditional cosmetic tattoos that are permanent. The needle strokes feel like much less painful little paper cuts. Sure, it’s a bit sore, but your brow artist would apply a numbing cream frequently and instead of a painful experience, the procedure feels like a visit to the dentist – you can hear everything that’s happening, but you can’t feel it.

For those wondering what is being used to colour in your brows, Samson says the cosmetic tattoo industry calls them pigments.

“These pigments have smaller molecules than regular tattoo inks and therefore fade in a different manner. Because the molecules are smaller, they also fade faster, which is why we recommend an 18-month touch-up or colour boost.”

In the first few days after your appointment, you will notice your brows will become darker, start flaking and might itch. This is the body’s natural healing process.

“Your brows will scab and the dry skin will naturally fall off. It is important not to pick at your brows. The healing process will be the same for your touch-up appointment. The healing process varies from five to 14 days,” she says.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

What are the do’s and don’ts?
Before your appointment:

• Do not consume any alcohol or painkillers.
• No brow waxing, tinting, or threading 2 weeks prior, the more natural hair growth you have, the better.
• If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 2 weeks after the procedure. 
• Botox and fillers on the forehead, temple, and eye area should be avoided 2 months prior to procedure, and no Botox for 4 weeks after your touch-up appointment.
• If you have been on prescription Accutane / Roaccutane or Oratane in the past, you must wait at least 1 year before considering this procedure.
• If you are on Warfarin or other blood thinners, you need to discontinue use 1 week prior to your appointment with permission from your medical doctor.
• If you have been on prescription Tetralysal / Doxycycline you will need to wait at least 6 months before your micro pigmentation appointment.
• If you are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, we will require a 1 year post-chemotherapy doctor’s note in order to go ahead.
• It is highly recommended that you avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 30 days before your procedure, and 8 weeks after your touch-up. 
  
  After your appointment (14 days) :
• No scratching, picking or peeling the affected area to prevent scarring and the pigment from being removed.
• No sun exposure, sun tanning, salon tanning.
• No laser or chemical peels, and any other form of exfoliation.
• Do not participate in sports and activities that induce perspiration.
• No long, hot baths or steamy showers.
• Do not apply any creams to your face or neck containing retinol or glycolic acid.
• Do not engage in tasks like heavy household cleaning where airborne debris can become prevalent.
• Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol, as it can cause wounds to heal slower.
• No Botox for 4 weeks after your touch-up appointment.
• Once your scabs have naturally come off, you may resume your usual skincare regime.

Microblading is used to fill in sparseareas of the brows and to create apolished look. Picture: Lyndsay Raine Samson

New Moon Brow Studio charges R1 500 for the initial procedure, R800 for the touch-up six to eight weeks later, and R1 000 for annual touch-ups

• For more information, phone or send a WhatsApp message to 078 055 5127 or email newmoonbrowstudio@outlook.com