Whether you’re dealing with sparse, patchy, or overly dark eyebrows, microblading is a great way to make your eyebrows look fuller and more defined. This semi-permanent tattooing technique involves adding thin and light hair-like strokes that mimic the appearance of real brow hairs, enhancing your brow shape, and filling in any sparse or bald spots. The results of a session can last up to two years.

If you’re considering this treatment, it’s important to choose a skilled and experienced artist. Many people who offer this service do so out of their home or a private studio and may not be as reputable as those with years of experience. Additionally, they may not have proper training or adhere to health standards as required by your state’s regulations. Before you decide to get your brows done, check out the salon’s reviews and ask the technician plenty of questions:

What Happens During Your Appointment

The exact steps will vary slightly depending on your artist. However, most will walk you through a full consultation and talk through your color and style preferences (don’t forget to bring inspo images!). Then, they’ll apply a topical numbing cream and wait for it to set.

When the numbing is set, your artist will begin the actual microblading process. They’ll start by making a pass with the tool without any pigment to lay down where the “hairs” should be, then go over those original strokes two more times to create your final look. If you’re getting ombre, your artist will need to use even more numbing before they begin the coloring part of the process.

As with any beauty procedure, there’s always a risk that your new brows will turn out different than expected or that you might develop an infection after the treatment. That’s why it’s important to research your artist carefully and only go to someone who uses sterile needles and clean tools for every client. If you’re not sure, it never hurts to ask the salon to show you their sanitation certification and before-and-after photos of previous work.

After your appointment, you’ll need to keep your brows dry for the first week to avoid any infections. In addition, the color will need time to settle in and fully heal. Depending on your skin type, this can take up to a month or more.

Ultimately, microblading is an excellent option for those who want to save time and money on their makeup routine. Instead of spending money on a variety of brow products, you’ll only need to visit the salon for touch-ups every couple of years. That’s a huge savings in the long run! So if you’re thinking about this semi-permanent beauty treatment, do your homework and find the best artist to suit your needs. You’ll be glad you did!