This is also known as semi-permanent make up and can be used to on various areas of the face.
Framing the brows and lash line, applying blush for areas like the cheeks and lips and even creating the appearance of freckles and beauty spots.
Micropigmentation has come a long way from the days of blocky looking brows to over lined lips and is now performed with a more refined technique to create realistic brow hair strokes. Techniques which create a more natural look are widely used and when done on the lips it simply enhances one’s natural appearance.
The technique can also be used medically (which is called “medical micropigmentation”) on an area of skin affected by a health condition. For example, it can be used to:
- create the appearance of a nipple for women who have had a mastectomy
- give the illusion of hair for people who suffer with hair loss
- camouflage scars and or any skin disorders such as vitiligo
In this blog I want to focus on brow micropigmentation as the brows frame the face and there has been an evolution of brow trends over the decades.
The full healthy brow is everywhere but for those who endured the 90’s…. over plucking, threading, waxing was heavily promoted in order to achieve pencil thin brows. For a lot of people, their brow hair never grew back and we are left wondering was the severe look of having a startled expression with high raised brows even worth it?
Thank goodness for micropigmentation you can have an ombre makeup effect of micro shading to give a subtle change, have hair strokes with microblading to look completely natural or have a combination of the 2 which starts with hair strokes and ends with micro shading towards the tail of the brow.
The technique artists use for the brow is done manually with a hand tool and a nano needle which forms a blade. This creates micro wounds into the skins outer surface for ink to penetrate. This creates a long-lasting natural hair line strokes to create a fluffy fuller brow.
Microblading is ideal for people with fine haired or sparse eyebrows or anyone who would like a more structured brow look.
There are some contraindications and microblading is not recommended for the following:
- Diabetes
- Breastfeeding or pregnant
- Are taking blood thinning medications or have glaucoma
- If you have skin disorders on your brown area such as dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis
- Taking skin medications like steroids or Accutane
- Active skin cancer and or undergoing radio or chemo therapy
- Heart conditions, pacemaker, blood pressure disorders
- Haemophilia
- If in doubt check with the Artist and always declare any health conditions
If you have had microblading or shading on your brows in the past then it is worth checking with the Technician/Artist to see if this needs to be removed before having microblading. If you repeatedly have top up pigment on the same area, it can become saturated and definition of hair strokes can appear blurred over time.
Sending the Technician/Artist photos of your brows in advance is recommended so you can be advised of what can be achieved during the session.
It is important to avoid caffeine, aspirin, ibuprofen for a minimum of 24 hours before your appointment. This can thin the blood which can cause more bleeding during the appointment which not only makes the procedure more difficult to carry out but can affect the end result and look of the brows.
Avoid using retinoids, Vitamin A chemical peels, skin acids or products that contain AHA’s, BHA’s, PHA’s for a minimum of 2 weeks before having microblading, until the brows are completely healed and it is advised to avoid using them on the brow area all the time. This will prevent the pigment from fading.
It is recommended to stay hydrated before, during and after the appointment as hydration aids with the healing process.
During the session you will start by having your eyebrows mapped, the artist will measure the points where your brow should start and finish. If you have a natural arch in your brow the artist will measure where this should sit and, in some cases, it is recommended to curve this point slightly to create a natural softer brow appearance.
Once your brows are mapped you will be shown the outline of how your brows will be filled with hair strokes. Then the microblading can begin you may feel a scratch type of sensation as the hair strokes are done.
It is recommended you have a top up on the area 8-10 weeks after your initial appointment as some areas may reject the pigment and will need going over.
If you have oily skin then micropigmentation tends to fade much quicker due to the sebum content that the skin produces.
Follow the aftercare guidance strictly and if you take care of your brows. Avoid sun and apply SPF onto the brows when exposed to the sun. Avoid using strong skin care products on the brow area your brow pigment can last from 12 months to 3 years.