What is microblading and microshading for eyebrows?

Microblading and microshading are essentially a semi-permanent tattoo on your eyebrows. During microblading, your artist will make short, hair-like strokes with a needle (not a tattoo machine). Then, during microshading, your brows are filled in more with a base color. Think of the microblading as drawing individual eyebrow hairs with a very fine point pencil, and microshading as filling in the brows with a powder.

Microblading and microshading last between 1-3 years, depending on skin type and lifestyle. Oily skin, exposure to moisture (sweat from working out, or water from swimming), and prolonged sun exposure will all result in your brows fading faster.

Why get microblading and microshading on your eyebrows?

I wanted to get my eyebrows done because like most women who came of age in the 90s and early 2000s, I overplucked my brows and they never grew back. Now, I am left with brows that are far apart, and very sparse, especially on the outside. I have never been especially talented at drawing on and filling my own brows either, so I feel like I am never completely satisfied with them.

Once you get microblading and microshading on your brows, you will be able to throw away all your eyebrow pencils and shadows and such, because you will have perfectly shaped and filled brows every day.

The Salon and the Artist

The absolute most important aspect to consider when getting your eyebrows microbladed or microshaded is the makeup artist! This is a mark that will last on your face for years. Trust me, this is not the time to be cheap or impatient. When choosing an artist, be sure to review their portfolio of work. Ideally, their portfolio will include many before/after photos, and even long-term after photos (like 1 year post appointment).

I have been stalking (I mean, following) Mary on instagram and facebook for a couple years now. I am mesmerized by videos and before/after photos of her brow work. I trust her because she has worked with all types of brow shapes, colors, and ethnicities. She has years of experience and a robust portfolio to prove it.

Mary works out of Charisma Salon and Day Spa. Charisma is located within the Laurel Park Mall in Livonia, MI.

The pricing for microblading and combo brows varies widely. Anywhere from $300-$600 for the initial appointment. Your yearly touch-ups should only be a fraction of the initial appointment cost.

Consultation

The first step to getting the brows of your dreams will involve a consultation with your brow specialist. Your specialist will look at your natural brows, so be sure to attend your consultation without any makeup on your brows. Your brow specialist will analyze your brow size, shape, and thickness, as well as your skin type to determine whether you are a better candidate for microblading or combo brows, which is a combination of microblading and microshading.

I met with Mary for my initial consultation, and she talked me through the difference between microblading and combo brows. Since I have oily skin and my brows go from dense to sparse, Mary recommended I get the combo brows.

Mary also provided me with a list of things to avoid the day of my next appointment.

Avoid the following to minimize bleeding during your appointment:

  • Stop vitamins and herbal supplements one week before appointment
  • No aspirin or ibuprofen 48 hours before appointment
  • No alcohol 24 hours before appointment
  • No caffeine the day of the appointment
  • No Retin-A, Retinol, Anti-aging creams, or acne creams the day of the appointment

Keep in mind, that you are not a candidate for microblading if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription blood thinners, have had cancer or cancer treatments within the last year, or have any serious health condition.

Once I had all my questions answered by Mary, at the end of my consultation I scheduled my big appointment! I head back to the salon on October 21 for my microblading and microshading combo brows. Stay tuned!