Whenever you hear the word tattoo most of us associate it with a loud buzzing noise and pain, lots of it! While Microblading (aka Nanoblading) is a form of brow tattoo, it's very different to those that you are used to. Lets take a look...
Microblading is a form of manual eyebrow tattoo that involves a hand held tool and blade. Individual strokes are gently cut into the skin to mimic real hair in the chosen shape and colour. It is used frequently for those that wish to see better shape, symmetry, colour or fullness to their existing brows and also for those with no brow hair at all.
Once it has been determined that you are suitable to receive the treatment and you have discussed your expectations, the first step is the mapping process.
In my opinion this is pretty much the most important step when it comes to your Eyebrow Tattoo. Deciding on the shape, style and size of the brows that will frame your face for several years to come is a big commitment so they need to be perfect!
Our face carries so many perfect ratios and symmetries that we could have a whole other blog on this but lets keep it simple. Everyone has their own unique face shape, muscle and bone structure. These all taken into consideration will give you your bespoke 'perfect' shape that will be the most flattering on you. Of course sometimes this shape can be swayed from, for personal preference, but as a whole your face mostly will determine the correct shape for you.
During the treatment, pigment is used to give the colour of the hair strokes. Again a combination of skin type, tone and personal preference are used to determine the colour the pigment will be.
Now we've got our desired shape drawn onto the brows and the colour chosen, its time to get to work.
Most artists will use a numbing agent at some point throughout the procedure to ensure maximum comfort. Depending on the chosen method they may numb entirely before the treatment and others may numb after the 'first pass' (more on that later). Numbing cream / gel is a type of local anaesthetic. It works by blocking nerve signals in your body so that you can no longer sense the pain and I find it to be extremely effective.
The second step involves choosing the correct tool to work with. Microblading always involves a
hand held tool with small 'blade' attached to the top. This blade is composed of several minute needles perfectly aligned, they come in different configurations with varying: number, size and shape. Your artist will choose the correct blade to suit your skin type and also desired outcome. The pen is manual and not a machine, this allows the work to be very intricate and controlled.
Next its time to start adding the strokes. It is important that when deciding where to place the hairs, the pattern of the natural hair growth is taken into consideration. The aim of the treatment is for it to appear as natural as possible. We want a seamless blend between the original hair and the new added
strokes via our nanoblading method. Each client is given a completely unique set of brows that follow an individual pattern. This will then be mirrored to the opposite brow. A good stroke pattern is vital for an attractive finished product, it should flow effortlessly into your own hair.
To implant the pigment into the skin, the skin will be pulled taught and the blade coated in pigment is gently taken across making a shallow incision in the shape of a hair. This process is repeated until the
eyebrow is complete with its first pass of hair strokes. During this process, little-no blood is seen as the depth is extremely shallow. We work at depths of up to 0.15mm in comparison to a body tattoo that sits at up to 2mm. If required, the artist may complete additional passes over any strokes not at the correct depth or to implant more pigment where needed. Final checks will be completed to ensure both client and artist are happy with the finished result. As easy as that! Typically you can expect to be in and out of the appointment within 90 minutes.
There is an associated healing process that comes along with the treatment. It is an open wound therefore it's important initial precautions are taken to keep the area clean and healthy. Your artist will usually provide you with the correct products to take care of the brows whilst they are going through their healing and you will receive specific instructions of what you need to do and avoid. Generally there is no down time with this treatment, most can continue with everyday life as normal with the exception of swimming or sunbathing for a couple of weeks for example.
By Katie Louise xo
By Katie Louise Microblading Portfolio
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