Microblading is the semi-permanent way to filling in your brows and perfecting their shape -- similar to tattooing but not as deep and definitely not as permanent.

The more we looked into this trend, the more we realized there was not a lot of medical guidance to help you make safe choices when selecting a practitioner to do the work for you.

Here’s what you need to know.

What you need to know in general:

• Microblading is a way to perfect your eyebrow architecture and is the secret to faking fuller brows sans the use of brow pencils on the daily
• It should be bespoke for you, your face shape, your age, your hair color -- not a simple stencil
• The process is very precise thanks to the tool that is used which is effectively like a pen with the nib being a sloped blade with 10-12 little needles at the end - needles that don’t penetrate the skin but just delicately scratch the surface, much like a paper cut.
• Microblading, unlike tattooing, is not in the deep layer of skin, but more on the surface. It’s not permanent, and the color fades within 12-18 months.
• The needle very finely implants featherweight strokes with a medical grade pigment on the epidermis layer for the skin, creating fine, realistic and natural hair strokes.
• It can cost $300-$800 and has to be repeated ~15 months
• Nanoblading used an even finer needle and a highly skilled hand and is apparently only available in Europe at the time this post was written.
• Someone can offer microblading (illegally) with only a weekend’s worth of certification (eek!)

What you must ask for before selecting a microblading artist:

1. Ask if they have the THREE (3) required certifications for the State of Colorado:
1. Base level certification: Esthetician or Cosmetologist License
2. Must also have a Permanent Makeup certification, which is 132 hours of training plus licensure, and may include microblading instruction
3. Additionally, they must register with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as tattoo artists
2. Ask to see before/after pictures that include clients who have healed fully after the main session and all touch-ups. Usually 2-3 months post.

The only person in Colorado that we recommend:

Lea Curry  (720) 252 3182 or email, leacurry@thebrowbarandco.com

(no affiliation, not a paid post -- we have seen her work and know her certifications; she’s outstanding)

Don’t want to get microbladed?

Other options for fuller brows:

• Tint and shape
• Tinted Brow mousse
• Brow pencil
• All of the above together!

 

Sources:

https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/a31566/microblading-eyebrows/

https://www.allure.com/story/eyebrow-microblading-before-and-after-photos

https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/make-up/microblading-eyebrows-8123