When you look back at old photos of yourself, what do you see? For many it’s the outfit choices, but for others, especially those who lived through the 90s, it’s the brows.
Enthusiasm for beauty trends can be contagious, but there’s more than a few of us regretting being overzealous with the tweezers.
It’s a good reminder that a beauty trend that seems harmless at the time, can have lasting effects. For pluck-happy enthusiasts, know that hair follicles are very sensitive to damage. Repeated plucking can mean they stop growing back for good.
We’ve been on a wild ride with eyebrow trends over the years- think bushy brows, bold brows, boy brows, and laminated to attention.
Now, rather than a dominant trending look, it’s all about creating the most flattering set of brows for your own face.
There’s a huge array of makeup products that can help, but if you’re after something that means you won’t have to apply them each day, there’s a solution.
What is microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure used to enhance the appearance of eyebrows.
A handheld tool with fine needles, or a blade, is used to create hair-like strokes that mimic natural eyebrow hairs. Then pigment colour-matched to your own hair, or the look you’d like, is implanted just below the skin’s surface.
The result can be beautifully-shaped and full brows you don’t have to touch-up each day with makeup.
It’s a win for the time-poor and those with a naturally-sparse set. As we age, we tend to lose a degree of colour and fullness in our eyebrows, so microblading can be a flattering option to return dimension to the face.
That being said, there are risks involved.
What are the risks?
Beyond the sanitary risks from a provider not following basic safety processes correctly, the colour can last longer than you might expect.
Unlike traditional tattooing, the pigment does not penetrate deep into the skin, so it fades over time, typically lasting 1-3 years.
However, in the wrong hands you could end up with that surprised-looking set for much longer, or worse, the potential for infection and scarring.
Every person’s skin reacts differently to pigment, the pigment used can vary and application techniques can differ, which means on some people, the results can last for many years.
Pigment can also oxidise, or change colour slightly over the years. For some, the only way to improve an unwanted result is with laser removal. Even then, the pigment may not be able to be completely removed.
How do I ensure I’ll get a great result?
There is little official guidance to rely on when choosing a provider.
Microblading (and semi permanent makeup in general) is unregulated and there is a lack of education training standards which means anyone can claim to be, and practice as a microblader.
Training is carried out through private institutions using local and international providers. Each course varies in length, depth and aesthetic, so it’s key is to find out how much training each person has completed and who with.
It’s a good idea to have a good look at work carried out by the person you are booking, rather than just Instagram photos from the clinic or salon in general. Be very wary of any practitioner using stock imagery.
As the look is customised to each person’s face, consider how the microblading they display or show you flatters the person’s features and the pigment is the right tone. If possible, ask for photos of healed work, not just those that are freshly applied.
In terms of safety, local councils may give guidance around sterilising the equipment, safely preparing skin and the use of dyes, pigments and solutions, but this can vary.
Along with following council guidelines, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also developed a ‘Tattoo and Permanent Makeup Substances Group Standard’ to manage chemical risks with substandard (often imported) inks, and practitioners should follow this closely when purchasing their supplies.
What to consider before getting microblading
If you do not get asked to complete a health questionnaire and provide accurate medical and health history you should not go through with the treatment. Find someone who will take this step seriously.
Semi-permanent makeup processes are unsafe for people that are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as potentially varied or risky outcomes for those taking certain medications including skin treatments like Accutane, blood thinners, some antibiotics and products that affect hormones, so you should be queried in detail around these.
Similar to many things, if it looks too good to be true it probably is. Some further red flags that should guide your choice or provider are:
Hygiene: The hygiene of the location and the process.
Consultation: There needs to be a consultation process including understanding of the process, the result, the pros and cons, contraindications and the commitment required. Consents should include a health and medical questionnaire so all possible outcomes, risks and considerations can be fully explained.
Previous work: Visuals of the artists work and their understanding of the brow and proportions. Do they have a process to assess, measure, and explain their plan?
Background of the artist: Do they come from a background in understanding brows and the face? Have they completed thorough training? Is there support behind them?
Cost: Beware of very low-cost providers. This is a very specialised treatment, a tattoo, and on your face, a deal is best left to something else.
Finally, communication is crucial, so take the time to find the right provider for you. Ask all the questions and don’t rush! It is a big investment, it is on your face and it is there long term.
