We have many different options when it comes to eyebrow grooming, styling, and care, and picking out the perfect new look can be a challenge. After all, eyebrows play a big role in how we express our emotions and feelings and how complex our makeup and daily routine may be, so there’s a lot of pressure to get it right.
One of the options that has been popular over the years is microblading, which is a type of cosmetic tattooing with semi-permanent lasting power, so you don’t need to worry about filling, trimming, or fixing your brows. But with all the benefits of microblading, there are some drawbacks, as well. 10PM Curfew has your closer look.
What Is Microblading?
Before you can decide if microblading is the right option for your beauty and skincare needs, it’s useful to understand what microblading actually is and how you can achieve the best microbladed looks.
Microblading is a type of cosmetic tattoo, but don’t get worried about long-lasting looks just yet. The style is meant to be a natural and organic look and ultimately to appear like a well-trimmed and groomed version of your very own brows.
This is achieved with a tool lined with very tiny needles that create small lines right alongside your brow, where hair would be or currently is. Ink or pigment is then put into those lines in your skin to give the appearance of naturally growing eyebrow hair.
While the process of microblading may seem a little bit scary, there can be many benefits to getting it done. To start, the final product is very long-lasting. We’re talking anywhere from one and a half to two and a half years with just a couple of touch-ups. That means no worry about your brows for a good long time. You’ll also save money on products and procedures, and you won’t have to worry about the pain associated with waxing or tweezing.
What Are the Long-Term Impacts of Microblading?
Because microblading lasts so long, it’s useful to know what to expect in the months and years to follow a procedure, especially since there can be a downside or two to getting your brows microbladed. Here are just a few of the potential long-term impacts that have been associated with the procedure.
You May Have Allergies
You always want to do your research when picking out an eyebrow professional, skincare treatment, or new product. This is especially true when it comes to microblading because the pigment will actually be injected into the skin, where it can cause reactions and irritations that can be difficult to address. In fact, it’s recommended that women who are breastfeeding or pregnant don’t get their brows microbladed simply because of the small risk of infection.
One long-term complication you will want to keep an eye out for is allergies. The pigments and procedures aren’t regulated by the FDA, and you may find over time that your skin develops a sensitivity to the products being used, one that can lead to rashes and irritation. Remember, microblading requires touch-ups, and that means future exposure to products that impact your skin. When in doubt about products and potential reactions, speak with your doctor before scheduling a procedure.
You May See Pigment Stains
Microblading doesn’t use the same kind of ink as traditional tattoos since it’s not a tattoo in the regular sense. That said, it does use a pigment that is designed to stain and to last several years at a time. Unfortunately, that means your skin may be left with remnants of faded color for a long time to come.
A lot of this depends on the kind of skin you have and how it reacts to irritants and allergies. For instance, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, you’re more likely to see premature fading on your microblading, and individuals with sensitive or damaged skin, or even low iron and vitamin levels, may also see a rejection or reaction to the pigment. Even after your brows begin to grow back to their natural state, you may see lingering pigment stains for a long time to come.
Your Brows Lose Definition
That is assuming that your brows do grow back to their natural state. You may notice that, over time, your regular brows grow a little differently than they did before. If you’ve ever messed with tweezing or waxing, this likely won’t come as a huge surprise. Whenever damage is done to the surface of the skin, there’s the possibility of permanent scarring — you might see the hair growing back differently, or not all.
You May See Sun Damage
People who spend a lot of time in the sun are already vulnerable when it comes to microblading. Not only can it make the microblading fade earlier, but it can also lead to damage over time. In fact, professionals advise their clients not to go out in direct sunlight after they’ve had their brows microbladed to avoid sun damage and sun sensitivity. The recommended time is three to four weeks without tanning or sun exposure immediately following the procedure — and don’t forget about sun exposure after touch-ups.
But in the long term, you may still see challenges and effects associated with microblading and sun exposure. The more your brows are exposed to the sun, the more quickly the pigment is going to fade, and the shorter your microbladed style will last. That even includes sun exposure in the winter and cold climates, which means you may spend a lot of your time looking for shade just to protect your brows.
You May Damage Hair Follicles
One of the benefits of microblading is that it may actually stimulate hair growth, in which case you’ll see your brows grow in thicker and healthier than they were before. That said, any time there is trauma around sensitive skin, like the skin around the eyes, or in a location where hair grows, you can see permanent damage that prevents future hair growth.
Part of this has to do with touch-ups. Because microblading is designed to be long-term, you’ll have to return to the salon to get the look touched up over the years, and that means more damage to the sensitive skin around the eyes. Too much microblading, and you may see that your brow shape changes, that your skin becomes scarred, or even that there is halted hair growth where the tools have been used.
Brow Trends May Change
Anyone who went through a thin eyebrow fad in the late ‘90s knows that eyebrow looks are always, always changing. In fact, one of the very best ways to figure out what era a photo is from is to look at the eyes. Bushy, square, thin, pencil, thick, and sharp all represent different trends and styles from different periods in fashion and beauty history.
So what happens if you find yourself stuck with a microbladed look well after the style has gone, well, out of style? That’s definitely one of the risks you’ll have to take on when you decide to get your brows microbladed. Because the look is designed to last upwards of two and a half years, you may find yourself rocking an eyebrow fashion that is well and truly out of fashion, and there’s not much you can do about it until the pigment begins to fade.
Learn About Microblading and Beauty Trends
Beauty trends come and go — just look at your mom’s hair in her high school yearbook. One element of beauty styling that can have a huge impact on your fashionability, comfort, and overall skin health and wellness is your brows. They say windows are the eyes to the soul, but brows can tell us how you feel, what trends you follow, and the best methods for grooming and styling.
Just look at the styling trend of microblading, which has a long-lasting impact and can be useful for cutting down on grooming costs over time. While there are many benefits to microblading, there are a few things to consider in the long term, like how it affects your skin, how your hair will grow back, and if you will be left with any staining from the procedure.
You can learn about microblading and other beauty trends from social media experts with their noses to the ground right here at 10PM Curfew. Find the best methods for getting the stylish, fashionable, and comfortable looks you love with support from our team, and find out how you can join our growing network of beauty lovers today.
Sources:
How to Build a Skin Care Routine - T Magazine Guides | The New York Times
Iron deficiency anemia - Symptoms & causes | Mayo Clinic
Sun damage and your skin | American Academy of Dermatology Association
’90s thin eyebrows: Get the look without damaging your brows | Vogue Singapore