Understanding Semi Permanent Tattooing

The cosmetic tattoo industry has grown tremendously over the years due to the proliferation of microblading and microshading procedures. A microblading treatment is used in order to fill out the brow area for a unique and stylized look that can be natural or a bit more design-based. A brow artist will deposit pigment using natural hair strokes with a microblading needle. Tis pigment is placed under the first few superficial layers of skin, so they don’t last for as long as a traditional tattoo despite using nearly the same process and equipment. There are plenty of resources out there for someone new to the cosmetic tattoo industry, so take some time to do your own research as to what you should do and what to expect when you book your first appointment and beyond.

Microblading as a Cosmetic Tattoo

Microblading pigments tend to last for eight to twelve months, sometimes a bit less or more depending on how well you are taking care of your brow area over those months. Your skin type, exposure to the sun, and the way you wash or clean your face are all factors in to how well the pigment will show for the first few months. Luckily, even if you have just a little time each day to take care of your brows, microblading doesn’t require that much attention over the long term, but you should definitely make a plan as to how you will take care of your skin after getting the treatment.

Skin Types

The length of time it takes for the pigment to fade from your brow area will depend on your skin. Oily skin will cause premature fading, due to the inherently greasy nature of the oil on your skin. This can also cause you to wash your face more often and slough off the superficial skin layers that hold the pigment. You won’t experience a total loss, but over time, the fading will become more noticeable and can cause problems in terms of how your brow area looks. To prevent this, here is how you should take care of your brows based on your skin type: Prevent any long term sun exposure and use an effective, non-greasy sunscreen Don’t use exfoliants that can scrape your skin layers and consequently remove pigment prematurely Don’t use waxing strips on your brows, and keep from trimming them for the first few months if you’re growing out your brows.

Finding a Shop and Microblading Artist

Do your research online first, and find the best shops in your area through reviews and social media comments. A great shop will have an easy way to get in touch with a brow artist willing to help answer your questions and book your first appointment. Take a trip to the shop you’re looking at. Get a feel for the business and whether or not you would feel comfortable going there for an extended period of time. Talk with the artist and employees about what to expect during a microblading procedure. You should obviously feel comfortable talking with them as well as in the business itself, so go all out in asking questions about how they do things.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Numbing cream can be applied if you are concerned about pain. If you have had a tattoo before, you pretty much know what to expect, as the microblading needle doesn’t puncture as many layers of skin but still requires some level of penetration in order to effectively apply the pigment. Typically, you might be slightly uncomfortable for an hour or so, but there should be no severe pain or discomfort during your appointment. If you want to shave your brows in preparation for the appointment, do so at least a day before going in, so that your brow area is as free of hair as possible. If you’re trying to grow out your hair, you should be doing that a few weeks to a few months before first going in. This can be a great way to give your artist more to work with when your appointment arrives.

The Healing Process

Your brow area will look a bit different for a few weeks after getting the procedure, but there are a few things to know and look for during this time. Scabbing is entirely normal, and these should be allowed to fall off naturally instead of picking at them, which can cause permanent scars to form. As well as this, you’ll lose any pigment that was in that area and further treatment will be much more difficult to perform. You can expect scabs to fall off after about a week or week and a half. It may take longer or less time, so just keep an eye on the area and wait for things to happen naturally.

Normal versus Abnormal Healing

Obviously, scabs and some irritation are a normal part of healing, but sometimes there are complications, as well as possibility of a serious infection. You shouldn’t let any of this scare you as much as inform you, so that if you think something is going on, you can check to see whether it is something serious or just a normal part of the process that won’t cause you any problems. The important thing to remember is to talk with your doctor if you think you may have an infection.

What to Look For

Redness and swelling Severe pain that lasts for more than a day or two Bleeding or excessive weeping in the area Brow infections can potentially be serious, so taking care of the area after your treatment is essential to having a quick and easy healing process. It is up to you to have a cleaning regimen that is healthy and for your brow hairs and keeps your pigment intact until your next follow up appointment. Adhering to these steps will ensure that you look great for months to come.