I’ll never forget the moment I realized I’d been drawing on my eyebrows for twenty years. Two decades of waking up early to carefully pencil, powder, and gel my sparse brows into something resembling sisters (let’s be honest, they were barely distant cousins). The math was staggering – ten minutes every morning for twenty years equals over 1,200 hours of my life spent on eyebrows. That’s when I knew it was time to explore microblading at Raise The Bar Med Spa.
If you’re considering microblading with our certified artist Chanel Jamerson, you probably have questions. Lots of them. And you should – this is semi-permanent makeup we’re talking about, not a decision to take lightly. So let’s dive into everything you need to know, addressing the questions we hear most often and some you might not even know to ask.
What Exactly Is Microblading?
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent makeup where pigment is implanted under your skin with a manual handheld tool to create hair-like strokes that mimic natural eyebrow hairs. It’s not traditional tattooing with a machine – it’s an artistic technique that requires incredible precision and skill.
The artist uses a tool that looks like a tiny blade (hence “micro” and “blading”) made up of several small needles. These create fine, crisp strokes that look remarkably like real hair. When done well, it’s virtually impossible to tell where your natural hair ends and the microblading begins.
What makes microblading different from other brow treatments is the realism. Unlike older permanent makeup techniques that created solid, blocky brows (we’ve all seen those unfortunate blue-gray tattooed brows from the ’90s), microblading creates dimension and texture that looks completely natural.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Microblading works best for people with relatively healthy skin that’s not too oily, not too dry, and has normal healing capabilities. If you have sparse brows, gaps from overplucking, scars that hair won’t grow through, or asymmetrical brows you’re constantly trying to even out, you’re likely an excellent candidate.
Age matters less than skin condition. We’ve successfully treated clients from their 20s to their 70s. What matters more is realistic expectations and commitment to the process and aftercare.
However, microblading isn’t for everyone. If you’re pregnant or nursing, we’ll need to wait. If you have certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis in the brow area, active acne, or very oily skin, microblading might not be your best option. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners or Accutane, can affect healing and results.
During your consultation at Raise The Bar, we’ll thoroughly assess your skin, discuss your medical history, and determine if microblading is right for you. Sometimes we might recommend waiting or trying other options first.
What Happens During the Consultation?
Your microblading journey at Raise The Bar starts with a comprehensive consultation. This isn’t just a quick chat – it’s a thorough assessment and planning session that sets the foundation for your results.
Chanel will examine your natural brow hair, skin type, and facial structure. She’ll ask about your daily routine, your brow goals, and any concerns you have. Do you want dramatic, Instagram-worthy brows or something subtle that just fills in gaps? Do you prefer a high arch or something straighter? These preferences matter.
We’ll discuss the color selection, which is more complex than you might think. The pigment needs to complement your skin undertone, hair color, and personal style. Too dark and they’ll look harsh; too light and they won’t make an impact. Too warm and they might heal orange; too cool and they could fade to gray.
The consultation includes drawing and mapping your new brow shape. Using specialized measuring tools and techniques, we’ll create a template that complements your facial features while staying true to your natural brow pattern. This is your chance to provide input – speak up if something doesn’t feel right. We’ll adjust until you’re completely happy with the proposed shape.
The Actual Microblading Process
On treatment day, you’ll arrive with clean skin – no makeup on or around your brows. We start by numbing the area with a topical anesthetic. While it’s working, we’ll finalize your brow shape and confirm the color selection.
Once you’re numb (this takes about 30-45 minutes), the microblading begins. Chanel will create hair-like strokes, following the pattern of your natural hair growth. The sensation is unusual – most clients describe it as a scratching or light dragging feeling rather than pain. The numbing cream makes it quite tolerable, though some areas (like the tail of the brow) might be more sensitive than others.
The process involves multiple passes. First, the initial strokes are created. Then pigment is worked into the skin. More strokes might be added for density. The whole process takes about two hours – this isn’t something to squeeze in during lunch break.
Throughout the procedure, we’ll check in with you about comfort and show you progress. Remember, the brows will look very dark and bold immediately after. This is normal and temporary – they’ll soften significantly during healing.
The Healing Journey: What to Really Expect
Here’s where expectation management becomes crucial. Your microblading healing journey will be a roller coaster, and knowing what’s coming helps you not panic along the way.
Days 1-3: Your brows will be dark, bold, and might feel tender. They’ll look too dark – everyone thinks this. Trust the process. Keep them dry and apply the aftercare balm we provide.
Days 4-7: Welcome to the itchy phase. Your brows will start to scab and flake. Do NOT pick or scratch, no matter how tempting. Picking can pull out pigment and create patchy results. The color will start looking lighter as the scabs form.
Days 8-14: The flaking intensifies and your brows might look like they’re disappearing. This is the phase where clients often panic, thinking the treatment didn’t work. The pigment is still there, just hidden under healing skin. Keep moisturizing with the provided balm.
Days 15-30: The color starts to return as the skin completes its initial healing. Your brows might look patchy or uneven – this is why the touch-up appointment is mandatory, not optional.
Days 30-60: Your skin continues healing internally, and the true color emerges. By your touch-up appointment at 5-8 weeks, we can see exactly what needs to be adjusted.
The Critical Touch-Up Appointment
The touch-up isn’t just recommended – it’s essential for optimal results. During initial healing, your skin might not retain pigment evenly. Some strokes might fade more than others. The color might need adjustment.
At your touch-up, Chanel will assess how your skin healed and retained the pigment. She’ll add strokes where needed, adjust the color if necessary, and perfect any asymmetry. This session is usually shorter than the initial appointment but equally important.
Some clients need additional touch-ups, especially those with oily skin or those who didn’t retain pigment well. This is normal and doesn’t mean anything went wrong – different skin types heal differently.
Aftercare: The Make-or-Break Factor
Your aftercare commitment directly impacts your results. For the first week, keep your brows dry. This means no washing your face normally (use wipes around the brows), no sweating (skip the gym), and definitely no swimming.
Apply the provided aftercare balm 2-3 times daily with clean hands or a Q-tip. This keeps the area moisturized and protected but not oversaturated. Too much product can interfere with healing.
Avoid sun exposure, as UV rays can cause pigment to fade prematurely. Don’t use any acids, retinols, or exfoliants near your brows for at least two weeks. No makeup on the brows until fully healed.
Sleep on your back if possible to avoid rubbing your brows on the pillow. If you’re a side sleeper, use a clean pillowcase nightly.
How Long Does Microblading Last?
Microblading typically lasts 12-18 months, though this varies significantly based on several factors. Skin type plays the biggest role – oily skin breaks down pigment faster, while dry skin tends to hold it longer.
Your lifestyle affects longevity too. Sun exposure, swimming, intense exercise, and certain skincare products can all accelerate fading. Using retinols or acids near your brows will definitely shorten their lifespan.
Age matters as well. Younger clients with faster cell turnover might need touch-ups sooner than older clients. Hormonal changes can also affect how long the pigment lasts.
Most clients come in for a color boost once a year to keep their brows looking fresh. This is less intensive than the initial treatment and helps maintain those perfect brows indefinitely.
The Cost Factor
At Raise The Bar, microblading includes the initial consultation, the treatment session with brow wax and lamination, and the crucial 5-8 week touch-up for $600. This comprehensive package ensures optimal results.
When considering cost, think about the long-term value. Calculate what you spend on brow products annually. Factor in the time spent daily on brow makeup. Consider the convenience of waking up with perfect brows. For most clients, microblading pays for itself in both time and product savings within the first year.
Common Concerns Addressed
“Will it look fake?” Not when done correctly. Chanel’s technique creates natural-looking hair strokes that blend seamlessly with your existing brows. We aim for enhancement, not obvious makeup.
“What if I don’t like them?” That’s why we spend so much time on consultation and mapping. You approve the shape before we begin. The color might seem wrong initially, but remember it softens significantly during healing.
“Will my real brows grow?” Absolutely. Microblading doesn’t affect hair follicles. Your natural brows continue growing normally, which is why we include brow maintenance in your treatment.
“Is it really semi-permanent?” Yes. Unlike traditional tattoos that go deep into the skin, microblading pigment is placed in the upper dermis. Your body gradually breaks it down over time.
“Can I still shape my brows?” You can still pluck stray hairs outside the microbladed design, but be careful not to alter the shape we’ve created.
Making Your Decision
Microblading is an investment in convenience, confidence, and appearance. It’s perfect if you’re tired of daily brow makeup, have sparse or uneven brows that affect your confidence, want to look polished even bare-faced, lead an active lifestyle where makeup doesn’t last, or simply want to simplify your morning routine.
But it’s also a commitment. You need to be ready for the healing process, the initial bold appearance, the aftercare requirements, and the ongoing maintenance.
Your Perfect Brows Await
At Raise The Bar Med Spa, we understand that your brows frame your face and express your emotions. They’re too important to trust to anyone but a true artist. Chanel Jamerson brings not just technical skill but artistic vision to every microblading treatment.
If you’re ready to wake up with perfect brows, to stop the daily drawing and filling, to feel confident even without makeup, microblading might be your answer. Book your consultation today and let’s discuss how we can create the brows you’ve always wanted – natural, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
Remember, good brows aren’t just about beauty. They’re about confidence, convenience, and that little boost you feel when you catch your reflection and love what you see. At Raise The Bar, we’re here to give you brows that make you feel as amazing as you truly are.
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