So the big buzz in brows right now is Microblading. If you perform brow services, you may be fielding questions about what exactly Microblading is and if your client should get it done.
Let's start with...
MICROBLADING 101
Microblading, also known as Eyebrow Embroidery, has been around awhile now. Some parts of the world, like the United States, are just catching on. But other parts of the world, like Japan for example, have offered Microblading for many years.
So Microblading works like this: a pigment is manually deposited into the skin by use of a pen-like instrument, which contains several fine needles organized in a line, that resembles a scalpel. When the Microblading tool is pressed against the skin, the needles penetrate the skin making fine incisions that leave behind the pigment. In theory, the strokes made by the technician are to be thin and mimic the look of fine hairs.
There are usually two sessions. The first would be the bulk of the work and would last approximately two hours. And then a second session two to fours weeks after the initial session. This is to see how the brows are healing, how the color is fading and to do any necessary touch ups or corrections. Between the two sessions, the client's brows will scab over and there will be limitations as to what products can be used around the brows to keep the pigment intact.
But let's not mince words. This is a tattoo, period.
WHO SHOULD GET MICROBLADING?
Your client will eventually ask if they should get this done, especially once it is written about more and more in popular magazines and discussed on TV. I might suggest this procedure to clients who have sparse brows - brows that have lots of space between the hairs. I would also recommend this to clients who just can't seem to get their brows to fill-in in certain spots. Also, some clients with very fair brows may like a touch of deeper color blended in.
But these same issues can easily be solved with pencils and powders. So the real question is does any client really need Microblading? That will be up to your client. Do they hate filling in their brows everyday? Do they want the brows to look fuller, not by creating a softness and shadow with temporary pencils and powders, but with the look of actual hairs? Would their brows be perfected if tiny gaps and spaces were filled in with the hairlike strokes that Microblafing could offer?
Also, there is a pain issue. A numbing cream is applied before the procedure, but some sensitive clients may not tolerate the process as well as others.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF MICROBLADING LIKE?
The results vary, to put it politely. I have seen amazing work - online. Done by artists that are not in my area. But my clients that have gone off (against my advice, by the way) and found an artist through a friend-of-a-friend and had it done, have had less than stellar results.
Now, as with any beauty procedure, it is part art and part technique. The results I have seen have been neither. It was as if the artist could not even place an arch properly or decide where a brow should begin. I have also seen brows that look like someone took a magic marker to draw on the hairs. It is called MICROblading for a reason. The strokes should be thin look like real hairs.
If you don't know how to properly design a brow, you have no business allowing a client to wear your mistake on their face simply because you want to make more money with a trendy service.
Also, it seems as though the only color artists seem to use is jet black. Either they are not mixing the pigment properly or not accounting for the color of the clients skin and how the final results will read. But even ladies that have told me "she said she used blonde" seem to have jet black brows.
Many Microblading artists have taken the EyebrowMBA course to help round out their skill set. Brow design may not be a priority in most Microblading classes, but it is an absolute must if you want to be successful in the industry.
Microblading is not regulated by the Cosmetology Board in most states. So can you practice it? Perhaps not. Just because the Cosmetology Board does not regulate it does not mean that it is not regulated or does not require Licensing by another board. Many states require a Tattooing License to legally provide this service if you are not a medical doctor. So be sure you are not performing this service illegally.
SHOULD YOU LEARN HOW TO PERFORM MICROBLADING?
Are you considering performing this service? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
-Do you have stellar brow design skills now?
-Do you mind working around blood? There will be a little blood during the procedure.
-Are you comfortable doing a more "medical" procedure?
-Do you have a steady hand?
-How are your color theory skills?
-Are you willing to practice, practice, practice before charging for your work?
-There is a great deal of technique to Microblading, are you ready to work hard and learn the proper and precise techniques?
-The work can be difficult on your body, are you willing to have a bit of physical fatigue?
If you answered yes to the above, you might enjoy the work. I think if you are detail oriented, like precision and enjoy truly allowing your client to be freed from a pesky brow problem that has bothered them for years, you would do well.
But remember, this procedure has a medical component. You need to be comfortable with laying down the law and discussing serious aftercare with your client. Because you are cutting the skin, there is risk for real infection.
BOTTOM LINE ON MICROBLADING
Microblading is a tattoo procedure that is more medical in nature. It requires great eyebrow design skills and a serious amount of practice and patience to master. You may need additional Licensure, so be sure to check with your state board.
