What to expect before eyebrow microblading
Microblading is somehow an eyebrow tattoo technique. It is done with a handpiece device like a pen. At the tip of it, there is a blade that is made of other smaller blades. They are too tiny and delicate to penetrate the lower layers of the skin. They only scratch the surface. With each stroke of the device, the blades insert a medical-approved amount of pigments on the epidermal layer of the skin. As a result, we have a realistic-looking natural eyebrow that lasts up to 10 months.
Eyebrow microblading steps
There are simple steps to go through with the procedure. Here is what you can expect on the day of your microblading treatment:
- Step 1: cleaning hair regrowth. The operator will clean the outline of eyebrows to prepare it for the next steps. But there’s no need to worry, the operator will not shave your eyebrows.
- Step 2: measuring. Each face is different, thus it requires a certain shape of the eyebrow. The combination of what you desire and what is suitable for your face, considering the face outline, its features, the symmetry, etc. The operator will measure your sizes to get more specific data on how to proceed in the next steps of the treatment and will also pre-draw your eyebrow shape.
- Step 3: numbing. There will be no injections, only some topical ointment applying on the skin surface. After that time, the operator will test your sensation on the area and see if it needs any more time.
- Step 4: microblading. The operator begins the work by using the hand piece device implanting pigments by gently scratching the area. Each stroke of the blades will mark a colored line on the skin. The procedure continues until both eyebrows attain identical shapes.
- Step 5: cleaning. The operator will add another layer of pigments on the skin area to stabilize the coloring. After a few minutes of absorbing pigments, the skin will get cleaned up and it is all done.
- Step 6: touch up. In the next few weeks ahead, there may also be a repair or touch up session. The operator will fill in any potential gaps where the pigments have not been absorbed properly.
What you should avoid before microblading
There could be a list of what you should avoid before any attempt on microblading. The procedure is harmless, aside from those who might have an allergic reaction to applied pigments. But usually following a few steps before microblading will secure the process. Here are some topics on not-to-dos before microblading.
Medication, drinking and eating before microblading
You should avoid using any medications or food supplements that will dilute your blood. Thus, avoid taking any blood diluting medicines such as Niacin, ibuprofen and aspirin at least 24 hours before your treatment.
Stop using fish oils or vitamin E a week prior to your session.
Also, quit taking retinol or any vitamin A products at least a month before visiting your clinic.
What to do on the day of your treatment
We already mentioned aspirin and ibuprofen are forbidden a day before your session but add alcohol and caffeine to that list. It’s better that you also avoid exercise before microblading. Physical activities will speed up your blood flow, which might affect the result. However if you are a long time athlete or if you can not pause your exercise routine before microblading, there’s no need to worry, since microblading technique is performed really shallow on the skin.
In addition to the points mentioned above, You should also be prepared for lying still for a considerable amount of time. So pack up well. You can bring your favorite selection of music or wear casual comfortable clothes.
Eyebrow Microblading Aftercare
After the treatment, the following steps of proper aftercare will be instructed to you. Eyebrow’s appearances will go through some phases and until the final results show up, do not panic. As we said, you might also need a repairing session to fill in any gaps that missed pigments.
Common questions about preparation before eyebrow microblading
Microblading is popular, but this method is almost lost in a fog of myths. We’ve tried to clear the air by preparing a list of what to do before the treatment and what to expect on the day you do the session. But there might still be questions left unanswered around the subject. Here we’ll go through the most asked questions:
Can I exercise before microblading?
As we said, it is better to avoid physical activity on the day of your treatment. But if for any reason you were sweating on that day, wash it off with lukewarm water. The salt in the sweat will prevent pigments from penetrating your skin and you will be left with poor results. So to sum it up: Preferably no exercise before microblading, however it’s not a deal breaker based on our experience, as long as the sweat is cleaned off properly.
Can I drink coffee before microblading?
In short, no. no matter how much you crave for it. The caffeine in the blood might cause swelling after the procedure is done or increase pain.
Can I shave my eyebrows before microblading?
No. Do not trim your eyebrows before eyebrow microblading, regardless of what the method is. Whether it is waxing, or shaving, or even for laser therapy. At the clinic, the operator should design your eyebrows based on the outline of your natural eyebrows. So any handwork on your eyebrows can make it hard for them to shape the perfect design.
Plus, remember step one of the procedure? They clean the outlines and prepare it for microblading.
Though that being said, it is also important to know you should not let anybody shave the whole eyebrow for the microblading. That is not how the process works.
Can I do eyebrow microblading treatment during my period?
In general, you can. There is no harm or danger in going through your procedure on your menstrual cycle, but some experts advise against it. They believe going through microblading on your period might aggravate the discomfort and you feel more pain than usual.
Can I laser my face before microblading?
Any radiotherapy even as weak as the hair removal lasers can increase the sensitivity of your skin and make it hard to get the real result out of microblading. So do not laser your face for at least a week before your treatment.
Can I wear makeup on the day of the microblading treatment?
Light makeup does not interfere with the process of microblading. As long as it is applied to the parts of the face, such as lips, cheeks, or eyelashes. But nothing around the microblading area, not even applying a small amount of cream. Any additional layer on the skin will affect the final result.
How can I know if I am not allergic before microblading?
It is rare but possible that some patients show allergic reactions. That is why the operator will perform a patch or scratch test to check whether you are allergic.
A few more tips to consider before eyebrow microblading …
We’ve already told you all the necessary details to know before microblading. But we also want to add a few extra tips. These tips are not technical, but might help you:
- Eyebrow tattoo sessions usually take about 2 hours, if you add the commute time, you might be away from home or work for about 3 hours. So consider arranging with your boss or colleagues or talking with someone to take care of your child.
- Before booking a microblading appointment, make sure to choose a good clinic for it. Take your time for it. A standard and professional clinic WILL DEFINITELY affect the final result. You can check out before and after microblading photos to make sure.
- Try to book a consultation session before microblading, just to ask all your questions or to consult with the tattoo artist about your desired eyebrow shape.
- Have your desired eyebrow shape picture with you on the day of the treatment, just to check it one last time with the operator.
Conclusion
Microblading might sound easy and with no side effects, but that is true only if you follow the protocol and precautions before starting your treatment. It can not be an impulsive decision like tattoos. So if you have wrapped up your mind about it, start planning and prepare yourself for your microblading session. But these preparations are not that strict since the technique is done on a shallow depth on the skin.
The most important rules to follow before microblading are:
- Avoiding blood thinners before microblading
- Avoiding alcohol before microblading
- Avoid getting microblading on your period