How To Prepare For Your Microblading Appointment
If you’ve ever dreamed about what it would be like to wake up with perfectly sculpted and full brows – microblading might be for you!
This popular cosmetic procedure involves a semi-permanent makeup technique that will leave you with the beautiful and natural-looking brows you’ve always wanted.
Microblading is often the procedure of choice for those who have thin, light, or unevenly distributed brows as it alleviates the need to fill the eyebrows in on a daily basis. However, there are a few important factors to consider when considering microblading.
Preparation is key to making sure your microblading process is flawless and you end up with brows that you love!
In this post, I’ll outline everything you need to know about how best to prepare for your first microblading appointment, the do’s and don’ts before microblading, plus how to care for your newly tattooed eyebrows, the aftercare, and more!
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves using semi-permanent pigment to create hair-like strokes on the eyebrow area to enhance or reshape the eyebrows.
The microblading procedure creates the appearance of a fuller, more defined, and more symmetrical brow look.
Unlike a traditional tattoo or permanent makeup procedure which uses a machine and needles, microblading uses a handheld tool that creates tiny hair-like strokes or incisions in the skin that very closely mimic natural eyebrow hair.
Before beginning the process, the microblading artist will shape the brows and use a pencil or marker to draw the desired brow shape and thickness.
Although the end results are long-lasting, the pigment implanted into the strokes is semi-permanent meaning it will fade over time and an annual touch-up appointment is most often needed.
How long the results last depend on many factors including the individual’s skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare routine.
To achieve the best possible results, it’s crucial to prepare properly for your microblading appointment, as well as to understand the process and what to expect during and after the procedure.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Microblading
Before deciding on eyebrow microblading, there are a couple of factors to consider to determine if you’re an ideal candidate.
Microblading is not suitable for everyone, and some factors can impact the healing process, the outcome, and the longevity of the results.
Microblading (or other permanent makeup procedures) is not recommended for clients who are or have the following conditions:
- Pregnant or nursing
- Have had botox in the last two months
- Have used Accutane within the last year
- Major heart problems
- Current viral infections
- Have had an organ transplant
- Diabetics
- Are taking blood thinners
- Have had an allergic reaction to anesthetics such as lidocaine
It’s also important to note that if you’re a woman, you may consider avoiding microblading during your menstrual cycle. Your skin may be more sensitive during this time, which may lead to increased pain and swelling.
Another factor to consider is the timing of special events such as weddings and vacations. Because the entire microblading and complete healing period can take up to a couple of months, it’s recommended to schedule your initial appointment 3-4 months before any special events.
Consider Your Skin Type
While any skin type can be a candidate for microblading, your skin type can affect the results or longevity of your new brows.
Typically, dry skin types will have the best possible results as the skin retains the pigment and hair strokes. The pigment is not retained as well by those with oily skin.
How To Prepare For Microblading
What To Do Before Your First Microblading Treatment
- Find a qualified microblading artist
This might be one of the most important parts of the microblading process.
Make sure to do your research and find a microblading technician with a record of safety, cleanliness, and of course good results. I recommend researching photos of her work as well.
- Consider your skin type: As mentioned above, your skin type can affect the final results of microblading and how long it will last. Consider your skin type and talk to your technician about any concerns or questions you may have.
- Discontinue blood thinners: If you’re currently taking blood-thinning medications or supplements, such as aspirin, Advil, or vitamin E, they should be discontinued at least 48 hours before your microblading appointment.
These products can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during the procedure, which can not only affect the final outcome but has the potential to be dangerous as well.
- Avoid sun exposure: Avoid excessive sun exposure and the tanning bed for at least one week before your microblading appointment. Sunburns and sun tans can impact the healing process and make it more challenging to retain the pigment.
- Discontinue supplements: Vitamins such as prenatal vitamins, fish oil, and biotin should be avoided for at least two days before microblading.
- Avoid brow waxing, plucking, or threading: When it comes to microblading, the more natural hair growth the better to get an accurate eyebrow shape.
Discontinue harsh facial products: Some medications and face products, such as glycolic acid, RetinA, and AHA products should be avoided for 2-4 weeks prior to your appointment.
These products can cause premature fading as well as discoloration of the pigment.
- Avoid chemical treatments, peels, and microdermabrasion: These procedures as well as facials can cause skin reactions and skin sensitivities and should be discontinued for at least four weeks before getting microblading.
Before the microblading session, make sure to discuss any products or medication you’re currently using with your brow artist so that if necessary, alternative options or temporary adjustments can be made.
24 Hours Before Microblading
There are a few important do’s and don’t before microblading that you must consider. These include:
- Avoid Caffeine
If you’re a coffee drinker, it’s best to avoid coffee (even decaf coffee!) before the microblading appointment. Caffeine acts as a blood thinner and can increase blood flow and make you more sensitive to pain.
- Avoid excessive sweating
- Use a topical numbing cream
If you’re sensitive to pain, you can opt for a topical numbing cream on the eyebrow area before the appointment. However, you must inform your microblading artist of this, as some numbing creams can impact pigment retention thus the end results.
What To Expect During Your First Microblading Appointment
On the day of your appointment, the first thing the microblading technician will do is discuss your desired basic shape and color before drawing on the shape of the brows with a pen or pencil.
Once you approve, the first step will begin which is the numbing of the eyebrow area using a topical cream. The second stage of the treatment will include the eyebrow tech using a handheld tool to create natural hair-like strokes with pigment on the brow area.
This 2 step process doesn’t take much time, typically about 2 hours.
Initially, your brows will look darker and bolder than you’d likely expect, especially during the first week, but they will fade over the following weeks as the complete healing process takes place.
You will leave your appointment with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure the best results.
After-care Instructions
The aftercare of your new brows is extremely important to make sure you achieve your desired look. The list of things recommended will likely include:
- Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area
- Keep the area clean to lower the risk of infection
- Apply the provided ointment with a clean cotton swab
- Avoid getting the area wet
- Avoid sweating or anything that requires exhaustive physical effort
- No makeup or skincare products around the affected area
- Avoid excessive heat – this includes hot baths, hot showers, and steam rooms
- Avoid sun exposure
This list is not exhaustive and all aftercare directions from your technician should be followed for the best results!
Microblading Touch-Up Appointments
Now you know how to prepare for microblading, however, what you do in the few short weeks after your initial appointment is crucial as well.
The majority of microblading artists recommend that their clients come back for a touch up appointment 4-6 weeks after their initial procedure and don’t consider the process complete until after this second appointment.
During the touch-up appointment, your microblading artist will assess the healed area and make any necessary adjustments to the color and shape. She may also recommend more than one touch-up appointment.
This is because it can take up to 6-8 weeks for the microblading to fully heal and for the best results to be achieved, though this isn’t as common.
After this initial touch-up appointment, you should only need to return every year for an annual touch-up.
Microblading FAQ’s
Can I shower before microblading?
Yes, you can certainly shower and wash your face before microblading. However, you will want to refrain from using the products listed above.
How soon after microblading can I shower?
While you can shower immediately after microblading, it is most often recommended to wait 24 hours at the very least to get the eyebrow area wet. Doing so gives the pigment time to sink in without being diluted.
Can I drink coffee before microblading?
It’s recommended to avoid caffeine – even decaf coffee – for at least 24 hours before microblading. This is because caffeine, like some pain medication, can act as a blood thinner resulting in more bleeding during the microblading process.
Conclusion
The best way to ensure you get the microblading results you’re hoping for is to research your artist’s work, follow all pre-care instructions, and follow all post-care recommendations.
Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll have the brows you always wished for!
