Have you ever wanted to try out a new beauty treatment but weren’t quite sure what it involved? Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could road test it for you first? Well our new video series aims to do just that. Introducing WTF (#wetriedfirst – see what we did there?) a series in which we demystify both lesser known and up and coming treatments – we try them, we test them, and we take you with us every step of the way. This month we sent our Beauty Content Editor Rebecca to try out microblading (just check out her before and after!), a modern form of eyebrow tattooing that’s taken the internet by storm, promising to give you thick perfectly arched brows that can last up to two years. Tremble at the idea of a needle that close to your face? Spoiler: it’s not as scary as you might think…
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1 Step 1: Brow mapping
Each and every brow is unique and your therapist will take this into account when creating your bespoke brow shape. For the first stage of the treatment, they will carefully map where your new brow is going to start and finish, based on the geometry of your face. The general rule is that your brow should be in line with where your tear duct starts.
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2 Step 2: Shape sketch
The next stage is to sketch the outline and shape of your new brow. Ask your therapist to make each slightly different so you can compare and contrast, and don't be afraid to ask for adjustments if you're not 100% happy. Once you’ve selected your arch and style, you’re ready to get started.
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3 Step 3: Numbing cream
Numbing cream is then applied, taking about 20 minutes to take effect. Microblading isn’t the most comfortable of procedures (it’s basically a continuous scratching sensation, but less painful than a tattoo you’ll be happy to hear) so this cream is pretty helpful if you have a low pain threshold.
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4 Step 4: Microblading
The tool itself is a small blade made up of several even smaller needles. It is dipped into your pre picked pigment and then applied directly to the skin in light, feather-like strokes that mimic real eyebrow hairs.
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5 Step 5: Layering
Throughout the microblading process, your therapist wipes the dye back and forth over your brows several times to ensure the pigment absorbs deeply in the the brushstrokes.
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6 Step 6: The Reveal
Ta da! Roughly 2 hours later you’ll have full, thick, insta-worthy brows. There are some strict after care rules you'll need to follow to ensure they heal properly (bare in mind these sometimes differ depending on your therapist) but the general rules are to keep them dry for an entire week, to stay out of the sun, and to apply a serum for 2 weeks after to help sooth your skin post-treatment.
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7 Step 7: 6 week top-up
After your first microblading session your body naturally rejects up to 60% of the pigment, so this is a two part process, and a top up 6 weeks later is crucial if you want your new brows to last as long as possible. On your second visit, from start to finish, the whole process is repeated to ensure optimal brow thickness and shape.
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8 Step 8: Killer brows
And voila. They’re done!
Got a treatment you want us to try? Send us your suggestion and we’ll give it a spin.
This treatment was done at Browhaus.