Anyone who isn’t happy with their eyebrows and may have tried all kinds of ways to make them look thicker and fuller, including a pencil or tints, now has the option of a new beauty method called microblading.

Microblading has grown steadily in popularity over the past few years and is quickly becoming a ‘mainstream’ service for those who want a more permanent solution for sparse eyebrows.

If you’re curious about the technique but don’t want to commit before knowing more about it, Yello has some more information for you.

What is microblading?

Microblading is a type of tattoo where pigment is implanted into fine incisions in your skin with a manual handheld tool. The beautician will draw hair-like strokes with the tool to mimic the natural hairs in your brows.

There are various forms of microblading including ‘microfeathering’ which is a lighter touch that basically adds to the brows’ existing shape and ‘microshading’ which mimics the look of brow makeup with a filled-in look instead of more natural looking hair-like strokes.

How long does it last?

Beauticians describe microblading as semi-permanent. Depending on a person’s skin type the effect can last for 12-24 months before the pigment fades and your eyebrows return to how they looked before the treatment.

However, it is claimed that with regular touch ups the look can last for much longer.

What are the downsides?

The procedure is like a tattoo, so just as you might think twice before having ‘mum’ emblazoned on your face you should carefully consider all the pros and cons before getting this treatment done.

In addition, some experts warn that it’s very common for your body to initially reject the ink with some people experiencing up to 60 to 80% rejection after the first session. This will be disappointing if you’ve paid hundreds of dollars for the treatment.

It also takes quite a bit of time, up to two hours, and may be painful although most people say it’s not as bad as having an actual tattoo and feels like little scratches. You may also experience some skin irritation like redness, swelling and itching.

What about the after-care?

After-care is very important after microblading.

You’ll be advised not to get water any where near your eyebrows for at least 10 days so that the ink isn’t washed away, and that includes sweat so avoid washing your face and being out in the sun, as well as gyms, swimming and saunas.

You should also keep the area clear of make up while the healing process takes place.

Regular touch ups are necessary, and you’ll probably need to do your first one about six to eight weeks after the initial session, but after that you can just go back whenever you think the effect has begun to fade which is usually once every six months.

If you have any questions before doing the procedure you should ask your beautician.

Sources: Elle / Glamour UK / Marie Claire