By now, you have probably heard the news – The Gilded Pear offers microblading! This blog is your one-stop shop to get all of your microblading questions answered when you book with us!

What is Microblading?

Microblading is also known by a variety of names such as eyebrow embroidery and microstroking. It is a form of semi-Permanent makeup meant to partially or fully camouflage missing eyebrow hair using very fine deposits of cosmetic tattoo pigments. Each microblading stroke is applied by a professional technician individually. Due to the intricacy of the microblading’s specialized application, it allows for the full control of your eyebrows’ shape, color and density according to your personal preferences.

It is important to realize that microblading is a type of tattoo. Pigment is deposited into the upper layers of the skin so as to make the pigment last, and even though these pigments will likely fade, they are still a tattoo. The microblading tattoo, as with all other kinds of tattoos, will fade depending on the pigment used, the environment and skincare products used for maintenance on a regular basis.

What happens during a treatment?

The treatment is typically a 2 step application process: the initial appointment which includes consultation and initial application and the second appointment (approximately six weeks later) to touch up and ensure longevity of the colors used. The 2nd application ensures that the micro-pigments are healing properly and responding well.

The treatment begins with developing the desired shape for your eyebrows, then using individual tattoo strokes or ‘feathers’ in the area to plot the shape and style requested. The color choice is specific to your preferences and skin tone. It is mixed using a natural selection of micropigments to complement your style and look.

Immediately post treatment, your eyebrows will most likely appear a bit darker than expected, but fear not as they will fade by 50% during the healing process over the following 2 weeks. Just be prepared to budget yourself this appropriate time and refrain from booking your microblading too close to important occasions and photography sessions. You should also refrain from booking any vacations or excessive sun exposure for at least one month after your treatment.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my treatment?

Ideally no. In fact, it is not recommended that you tweeze, pluck, thread, wax or modify your eyebrows in any way for at least two weeks prior to your appointment. Shaping will be part of your microblading treatment and should be done your practitioner. Only after your brows have healed over the two weeks following your treatment should regular maintenance techniques then be applied.

If you have specific ideas in mind about how you would like your brows to look, please bring a couple of reference images on your phone or in print to your consultation appointment.

Will I feel anything?

A local anesthetic is applied in order to the numb the area for the procedure and in order to mitigate any discomfort you may feel. Be aware that individual levels of sensitivity vary and while most clients notice that the procedure is no less tolerable than a regular tweezing, threading or waxing treatment, your individual tolerance may be less depending on a few factors. Regular smokers should be aware that topical anesthetics tend not to work for as long as clients who do not smoke. Additionally, if you suffer with fibromyalgia, the sensitivity tolerance of your skin will be dependent on your condition.

How long does it last?

Microblading typically lasts between 6 – 18 months if proper aftercare instructions are observed to the best of your abilities. In order to keep the color and look of your microblading crisp, a touch-up service is required up to every 2 years depending on your skin and how well it holds the applied pigment.

Factors which might affect your microblading include: sun exposure (which can soften the look of your pigmentation); exfoliation and skincell regeneration; pigment colour choice (lighter colours tend to fade faster); and bleeding during the procedure. Bleeding can be mitigated by avoiding caffeine, alcohol and certain medications (if possible) at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. Be sure to not pick or rub the healing area to ensure that you do not aggravate your skin. Additionally, avoiding extreme heat, sweating and public sources of water, such as steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs and swimming pools, is best.

Can anyone do microblading?

Microblading is not available to minors (youth under the age of 18) at this time. Additionally, we do not perform microblading on pregnant or nursing individuals. Please note that it is extremely important to notify your doctor or technician if you plan to go for a chemical peel, MRI, laser treatments or other medical procedures after you have done microblading. Microblading involves iron-oxide tattoos which can be turned black by laser tattooing or can dramatically interfere with other procedures mentioned above.