pmu brow basics | Is Microblading Right for Me?
Who is a good candidate for microblading?
The simple answer is, anyone that wants to have full, beautiful brows all day, every day! That would include busy parents or business people who don’t have much time to apply brow makeup, active people who don’t want to worry about sweating off makeup while working out or swimming, or any person who struggles with getting that perfect shape that the celebrities and YouTube makeup artists always seem to have. Other clients include those suffering from scarring, Trichotillomania, Alopecia, and Cancer, or other diseases and disorders that have led to natural hair loss.
Unfortunately, pre-existing skin conditions and skin treatments can heavily compromise the effectiveness of microblading, leaving both you and your artist in a compromising situation.
Here are some items to consider prior to scheduling a microblading consultation or appointment:
Skin Conditions - Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, and dermatitis.
Chronic Conditions - Chronic acne and rosacea.
State of Skin
Sensitive Skin- If your skin is sensitive, it is likely to be easily aggravated and bleed easily. A good way to know if your skin is sensitive is if turns pink very easily from a little scratch.
Oily Skin/Large Pores - People who have oily skin or large pores, specifically in the region of the eyebrows and forehead (aka the T-Zone) will have trouble holding pigment and risk the chance of the color blurring. This will cause the strokes to appear blown out or have a powdered look.
Deep Wrinkles - Deep wrinkles will not lay properly on the skin around the eyebrow area. This can make the overall look of microbladed eyebrows appear uneven.
Moles, Bumps, Piercing, and Generally Raised Skin - We cannot microblade over these types of raises skin due to excessive bleeding and the fact that those raise skin areas will not be able to retain the pigment color.
Skin Type - Clients who are determined to be a Fitzpatrick Skin type 1 (Redheads, thin, translucent skin with light eyes), will have a harder time retaining pigment due to their skin being more than likely hypersensitive. Clients who have thin skin will also bleed easily and not retain the pigment color as well. You can determine your Fitzpatrick Skin Type by downloading and completing this form found on our site: Fitzpatrick Skin Type
Sunburn - If you have recently been in the sun and have gotten sunburned or tan, it will be best to wait until your skin is healed and back to its normal color prior to booking a microblading procedure.
Previous Permanent Makeup - If you have had previous permanent makeup done, it is best to schedule a consultation that will allow your artist to determine if microblading will work for you. You should always let your artist know if you have had previous permanent makeup so the artist can treat you accordingly.
Accutane/Retin-A - If you have been taking acne medications such as Accutane or Retin-A within the last year you will have an altered skin condition. This condition will not allow microblading to heal properly after the procedure. We recommend waiting at least a year from the last time Accutane and/or Retin-A were used on your skin before microblading your brows. We also recommend that you discontinue the use of anything with Retinol or Vitamin A in it at least one month prior to your procedure.
Client Expectations - Microblading is a three-step process that includes your consultation, initial session, and perfecting session. At your consultation, your artist will review the process, your skin type, and your undertone and understand your needs. During this time they will determine the best course of action, which may or may not be microblading. At your first session, they will build the foundation of your brows and during your second session, they analyze and make any necessary changes to your brows to perfect them. Understanding the process will allow you to determine if microblading is best for you.
Additionally, Microblading is NOT ideal for:
Individuals with previous permanent makeup
Individuals who have had deep chemical or laser peels within the last 6 weeks
Individuals who have had Botox within the last 2 weeks
Individuals on blood thinners – excess bleeding can cause the pigment to not retain (may receive a note from the doctor to stop blood thinners for a period of time prior to service)
Individuals who are allergic to Nickel
CONTRAINDICATIONS (Depending on the severity of the medical condition, some individuals may still be able to have the procedure with a note from their doctor):
Individuals with diabetes type 1 or 2
Individuals with thyroid disease
Individuals with auto-immune diseases
Individuals with a high risk of infection or slow healing time due to any medical condition
Individuals currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
If you are pregnant or nursing
As microblading artists, we want to ensure that you have the best outcome with your microblading procedure. Educating yourself on the basics including the process and your expectations will allow you to have a positive microblading experience.