My Experience With Eyebrow Microblading

Have you been considering getting your eyebrows microbladed? Today I’m sharing my eyebrow microblading before and after + my honest experience getting them done.

I’ll be honest, I never thought I’d be writing a blog post about eyebrows. As I’ve gotten older, I started to notice that my over-plucking had taken a toll on my eyebrows and they had sort of lost any natural shape. The more I focused on my own eyebrows, the more I noticed how everyone else’s looked. Each time I asked someone with brows I loved how they maintained their shape, they told me: microblading.

For those looking to achieve the perfect brow shape (hello, it’s me), eyebrow microblading has emerged as a game-changer in the world of beauty. But the more I researched artists, the more I got nervous. Some eyebrows looked really good and others were not a a style I liked.

Eventually, I got brave enough to take the plunge and today I’m sharing my eyebrow microblading before and after, as well as what to expect, typical price points, and how long you can expect your beautifully sculpted brows to last.

My Experience With Eyebrow Microblading

What Is Microblading?

If you’re like “WTF is microblading?” – you’re not alone. Eyebrow microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that involves the careful application of pigment into the skin to create natural-looking eyebrows. Unlike traditional tattooing, microblading uses a handheld tool with tiny, fine needles to deposit pigment in the epidermal layer of the skin, resulting in a more subtle and realistic appearance.

Before getting started, it’s so important to find an artist you like whose work resonates with how you’d like your brows to look. When it comes to microblading there are a couple different styles: microblading (just hair strokes), powder brows (shading that is uniform in color across the entire brow) and combo brows (combines microblading and powder). I chose strictly microblading, but style is entirely up to you. You have to love them; it’s your face!

If you’re in the Washington, DC/NOVA area, my artist is Katie the owner of Citrus Club Cosmetics. She came highly recommended to me by Ashley at Aiyana Atelier, so I followed her on Instagram for awhile. I finally got brave enough to get on her waiting list (book ASAP if you’re trying to get in with her) and when my name came up, I booked. No going back!

The Process: What to Expect

Consultation: The journey to better brows begins with a consultation with a trained and certified microblading artist. You’ll discuss your eyebrow goals, shape and color preferences. Katie assessed my facial features and recommended a design that complemented my face.

Brow Mapping: After my consult, Katie meticulously measured and marked my desired brow shape, ensuring symmetry and alignment with my facial features. Honestly, this part of the process took the longest and I was happy she took so much time and care to make sure I liked the eyebrows she was creating. 

Funny side note…When I first saw the outline I gasped and was like, “OMG is that dark outline going to stay?!” I had immediate regrets about what I had signed up for. We both laughed pretty hard about this, because I suddenly got super nervous, but I just had to trust the process!

Numbing: Before the microblading procedure begins, Katie put on numbing cream to minimize discomfort. The needling/tattooing is the part I was most afraid of honestly, because it’s going directly into a very sensitive area of your face. Katie assured me that clients report only minor discomfort or a scratching sensation during the procedure, but I was still like “Hey can you double up on that cream?”

Microblading: Using the handheld microblading tool (it look like a pen), Katie got down to business. The process is making small, precise incisions in the skin and depositing the chosen pigment (we tested a few colors on my forehead before we got going). This step involves meticulous attention to detail, as each “hair stroke” is individually created to mimic the appearance of natural eyebrow hair. I was skeptical (as I always am), but wow – it looked so good immediately. 

Healing: After the procedure, Katie told me my brows may appear darker and more defined than the final result, that this is normal and they should fade over the next few weeks as the pigment settles and the skin heals. She was right! I was sent home with a healing kit, that include a spoolie for brushing out my brows, plastic visors to wear in the shower to protect them from getting wet and an ointment to apply for cleaning.

Worth noting: You cannot get your brows wet for a week and sun exposure should be severely limited. It’s important to schedule microblading with ample time for healing before a vacation or beach trip!

Touch-Up: A touch-up appointment is typically scheduled 4-6 weeks after the initial procedure to make any necessary adjustments and ensure long-lasting results. In my opinion, the touch-up was more “painful” than the original work. It felt like rubber band snaps on my eyebrows, so I hesitate to even say painful, but more uncomfortable.

My final results after my touch-up (top), my first session (middle) and my before (bottom). My microblading before and after is night and day and I love it SO much!

Cost

The cost of eyebrow microblading can vary widely depending on factors like location, the experience of the artist, and the specific studio or salon you go to. On average, you can expect to pay between $350 to $1,000 for the initial procedure (I found that new artists were not as expensive), including the consultation and touch-up appointment. Keep in mind that this cost may also include aftercare products to ensure proper healing and longevity of the results.

How Long Does Eyebrow Microblading Last?

Eyebrow microblading is considered semi-permanent, and its longevity depends on several factors:

1. Skin Type: Oily skin tends to break down pigment faster, requiring more frequent touch-ups. Dry or normal skin may retain the pigment for longer.
2. Aftercare: Proper aftercare, including avoiding excessive sun exposure and following the artist’s instructions, can extend the lifespan of microblading results.
3. Pigment Choice: The type of pigment used can influence how long the color lasts. Microblading artists typically use pigments designed to fade naturally over time.

Generally, eyebrow microblading can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, with some clients needing touch-ups every 12-18 months to maintain the desired look.

I cannot emphasize enough how happy my eyebrows make me…another sentence I never thought I’d write. While the initial cost can be an investment, the convenience and confidence boost it gave me has been worth it. If you’re considering have your brows done, I highly recommend finding an artist you love and taking the plunge!