03 Mar Microblading After 50- Would I Recommend it?

Back in February I treated myself to getting my eyebrows microbladed.

Microblading Over 50? Would I Recommend it?

Let’s first talk about- What is Microblading?

From Wikipedia ,“Microblading is a tattooing technique and form of permanent makeup in which a small handheld tool made of several tiny needles is used to add semi-permanent pigment to the skin.

Microblading is typically used on eyebrows to create, enhance, or reshape their appearance in terms of both shape and color. It deposits pigment into the upper region of the dermis, so it fades more rapidly than traditional tattooing techniques, which deposit pigment deeper into the skin. ”

I am usually very good at researching but didn’t realize all of the steps and patience I would have to have.

Microblading after 50? Was it a good idea?

With all of my health issues, I really felt like I wanted a treat. Not just any treat. I have wanted to get microbladed eyebrows for years now.

The key for me was, the design, how would it heal, and who would I go to?

I was not looking for the shocked eyebrow appearance, an arch to the eyebrows that just wasn’t there.  The funny thing was, I remember back in middle school, hating my “Brook Sheild’s Brows”.  Well, eyebrows have come a long way since then, and I decided to go with a lady I came across, in Charlotte, on Instagram. I was looking for defined, yet natural looking eyebrows.

My brow artist did tell me that if one has oily skin, it may not be recommended, as the pigment from the dye may not take. My skin is not oily, so I decided to go for it.

The Process

I first was given a numbing cream on my brows and to sit for 30 minutes to let it get numb. Then the process is, creating the shape, and mapping out the spacing between your brows for accuracy. That was all fine. Then you discuss color with the artist, and you’re soon on your way.

When she started with the strokes, there was no pain, just a scraping sound, as they are making small cuts into your skin. It’s always the sound of the tools, for me, not the actual cutting. (Like the dentist with the drill!)

I opted for microshading as well, which creates a more natural look shading and drawing hairs.

I’m used to dry needling and such, so there really was no pain with the procedure.

The Steps of Microblading

Day 1 of Microblading-right after

So, this  above was right after the microblading experience. It was darker than I expected, but my hair had faded quite a bit, so there was that contrast.  I was a bit surprised at how dark it was, but I was told to “trust the process.”

Don’t Panic! 

It will not stay as dark as when you get it done, and there is a fading and healing process. They will look more natural!

With microblading they fade about  40-50% when the healing is finished. Ok, no need to worry!

Day 2-4

Over the next 2-3 days after microblading, it gets even darker, then begins the healing process.

This is when the pigment is darker as it gets into your skin and the strokes may seem thicker. Just be patient. (That is not always my forte)

This is when some people tend to have an “eyebrow crisis”, when they say to themselves, “What did I do? ”

I didn’t as I was told what to expect!

You could see it flake a bit or have some scabbing

Day 5-7- Scabbing and flaking stage

Here they started to itch, but you aren’t supposed to touch them or get water on them. I was also told to not pick the scabs, as they would fall of naturally.

I’d say during this process, I was a bit obsessed with this process, as evident by the tons of eyebrow pictures on my camera card!

Day 8-10- “Ghosting Stage” 

This is where my artist told me that because the pigment is new to the skin, there will be a “ghosting stage” where it looks like some of the strokes have disappeared. I was told to “have no fear” that they do come back.

I don’t think I took pictures during this phase, but I was glad to be aware of it.

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Pigment will be back and you can see more defined strokes 18-30 days

Hubby just loves this picture above ^ Showing some healing eyebrows! Now imagine 75 of these on your camera roll LOL!

Touch Up ( About 6 weeks after the Microblading session) 

This was after right after the touch up was done. So again, darker, but I knew it would fade.  You go through the same stages at the touch up, only the healing time is less, since the pigment is already there. The healing for the touch up is about 7-10 days max. I had hardly any flaking, ghost stage after the touch up.

She told me it again, would fade, but at about 30%.

Final Outcome

I am happy with the outcome. I find the shape followed my natural brow line and I don’t have a surprised look or tall arch.

The strokes are visible, and I don’t have to put on eye makeup. Sometimes I do to add to it, but most often, you are good to go. The beauty of microblading is that you don’t have to spend all that time on brow maintenance, and money on brow products. They do make a difference to my face- as they are more defined.

Age didn’t really factor here, as I wanted a low maintenance brow, and learned that people heal differently. I seem to have a fine healing process that was typical for microblading. So, would I recommend? Yes! Yes, I would. I would say, do your research and also know the artist’s skills.

Key Points

• Find a reputable brow artist. One that is certified, has experience, and one that you can look at their work. You can ask for their portfolio or see their work on-line (on Instagram).
• Know what shape you want. If you want a natural brow, do say so.
• Be prepared not to get your eyebrows wet, no sweating, and follow the aftercare religiously for a great outcome. I used a shower cap and took baths. If they do get wet, pat them dry right away.
• You have to be patient, and you can’t do anything to expedite the process.
• Do know, that if you aren’t crazy about the outcome, other artists often do not want to do the touch ups of someone else’s work. You would have to wait until it fades, and start over again with another artist.
• If you have questions, make sure you can text or get in touch with your artist.

Would you or have you had microblading? What was your experience? 

Let me know in the comments.

Have a great weekend.

Jess xx