Eyebrows might just be the most important facial feature. They frame the face, create balance, and put the attention right where you want it—on your eyes. While pencils and plucking were once our favorite go-to groomers, microblading is taking over as the treatment for choice for more natural-looking, semi- permanent results.
“In the aesthetics industry, there’s a belief that brows are the new lips,” says Alex Thiersch, founder and director of the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa). “Microblading has taken the industry by storm thanks to the reception, the profit margin for spas, and huge patient demand.”
While microblading offers a lasting anecdote to an over-waxed, barely there brow, it also penetrates the skin, which means safety is a concern. Here are a few things to be on the lookout for when booking your brow makeover:
Tattooing certification: Most states treat microblading the same way they treat tattooing or permanent makeup. “The practitioner needs a tattooing certification and the business needs to register as a tattoo parlor,” shares Alex. “Estheticians who have a tattoo license can perform the procedure in most states, but they must be sure to identify themselves as a tattoo artist during the procedure because the practice falls outside their esthetic practice act.”
It should be a two-step process: “One of the most important parts of the process is the consultation and setting proper expectations,” shares AmSpa Member Maegen Kennedy, PA-C and Founder of Fleek Brows Microblading Training. Microblading is done in two steps, the initial consult/appointment and the touch-up session 6 weeks later. A detailed consent form outlining the potential risks is given during the consultation and should be reviewed carefully with the patient.
A trained hand: “Microblading is performed with a handheld pen that holds a sterile ‘blade’ on the tip,” explains Maegen. “After the eyebrow is drawn, the skin is cleaned and the blade is dipped into pigment. The pigmented blade is placed on the epidermis, and a ‘swiping’ or ‘stroking’ motion of the blade penetrates the upper layers of the skin while depositing pigment.” Do your research before you book, and look at examples of your provider’s past work to ensure you like their touch.
Post-procedure support: The excitement of your new brows will be unavoidable, but professionals suggest not touching them for at least 24 hours, due to skin sensitivity. Clients are instructed to avoid gyms, showers, sweating, sun, and makeup for this time frame as well. A form with detailed aftercare instructions should be given to the patient to take home. “Having a point of contact for the client post procedure can help through the healing phase,” Maegen adds.
[Source: Kelz PR]
