Everything You Need To Know About Microblading

I finally did it, I got my eyebrows microbladed.  I have been thinking about doing this for years and I couldn’t be more happy with the results.  If you follow me on Instagram I have talked about my experience but thought I wanted to break it down a bit more for you guys and answer some questions I have received.  I sat down with Sandy who does my brows and lashes and asked her all of your burning questions. 

How long does microblading last?  How often do you need touch ups?

Sandy: Microblading lasts 12-18 months until you need a color boost. The desire for a touch up is completely subjective to you as far as how light becomes too light over time as it fades.   

Does it hurt?

Sandy: Our goal is to make your procedure as comfortable as possible but it is a procedure that implants pigment into the skin. We use numbing solution but towards the end it can feel like a sunburn. It is no where near as painful as a tattoo and the uncomfortable feeling is very temporary and the sunburn sensation only lasts for the day in most cases. Kilee: It did hurt, but Sandy added numbing solution multiple times throughout the procedure and that helped. And the results have been so worth it. I would say it feels like a strange sharp scrubbing sensation initially and then afterwards it’s like a sunburn for about twenty minutes.   

Is it worth the money?

Sandy: In my opinion, it is worth saving the 5-10 minutes per day having to try and fill in your brows to be symmetrical. Even if you go for a very natural look with Microblading, you will save time when applying makeup to your brows because the guess work is done for you and you will have a great template to help you fill in your brows quickly. Kilee: I’ve gotten so compliments on my brows and so many people think they are natural or are filled in with makeup. They don’t look like a tattoo or like microblading. And yes, it saves me so much time. I’m not worried about my brows wiping off and they always look good. I’m so glad I finally went for it!  

How much does it cost?

Sandy: Microblading or ombré is $500 for the first session and $100 for the recommended touch up at 6-9 weeks post first session. Combination of the two is $100/$50 more, respectively.   

How permanent is microblading? 

Sandy: A common misconception of Microblading is that it is semi permanent. I want to give full transparency in informing everyone that while the pigment does fade over time and, yes, it gets so light that it can match your skin tone, the molecules pigment can remain in your skin for many years. So, please, do you research and go to someone with great HEALED work that matched your desired results because ITS YOUR FACE!   

What happens if you no longer want microbladed brows?  

Sandy: The great thing about Microblading is that it does fade. If done properly, in 2.5-3 years it will look as though you didn’t receive permanent cosmetics. Pigments have come a long way from my grandmas tattooed brows that are still solid and blue 15 years later.   

Does it look fake?

Sandy: Microblading is the process of mimicking your hair pattern by implanting strokes of pigment into your skin. When done properly, it should blend beautifully, look as though it is fuller and transition flawlessly. The great thing about Permanent cosmetic brows is that it is customizable to each person’s desires and with different techniques we can make it the perfect amount of natural or defined and bold as you wish.   

How is ombre, powder and combo different than regular microblading?

Sandy: All use the same pigment. Just different methods to implant the pigment. Microblading used a manual tool that is a row of needles to create a stroke. Strokes are spaced apart to simulate hair strokes. This will NOT replace makeup since the strokes are spaced apart to give a very natural appearance and makeup is not this. Ombré brows aka shading we use a machine that is a modified tattoo machine that is a more gentle and best for working on the face. It creates pixels on the brows and we layer the pixels to give the desired amount of “ombré” to either wake up and go or replace your makeup completely. The combination of the two. A little bit of fluffy strokes and a little bit of definition and filling in the blanks with shading. The great thing about all of these is that they are customizable and we can go as natural or as bold as desired based on your skin type and lifestyle.   

What should you look for to make sure the person doing microblading is reputable?

Sandy: Did you know Missouri is not regulated in Microblading?! I know! Crazy right?! What does that mean? Not every person offering Microblading is a licensed tattoo artist or even thoroughly trained in assessing the skin in what’s best for them, how their skin will heal, or even sanitation. With that said, there are many great artists in Kansas City and surrounding areas. First, I recommend you look at their portfolio. Not only are you looking for their HEALED work, because many brows look good right after, but don’t heal well. It’s a common learning curve for beginners. Trust me. It’s just as frustrating for the artist as it is for the customer, so if you are really wanting to research for the best for you, healed work is everything. Also, when you look at their work, pay attention to the styling. Every artist is different so, love the shape they create because that’s generally their signature style. Next, GO TO A CONSULTATION. Even a call or text consultation is great. I think when you mesh on a personality level with your artist, it makes the world of difference on the results. Finally, check accreditation. Did they take a 2 day class and open up shop. Do they have background in brow shaping, makeup artistry, tattooing, etc.,? Did they apprentice for 300+ hours and take multiple advanced training? Do they continue to learn and grow their skill? All of these are great questions to ask the artist and yourself based on what is important to you. All artists are different and not one size fits all. Check around and find your perfect match.    

Do you have your brows microbladed?  Have you thought about doing it?  If you have more questions ask them below!

Thanks to Sandy from Sandy Dav Studios for helping answer all of these questions. And for my brows too of course!