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I had been contemplating for a few years on whether or not I should try microblading. I read reviews, watched YouTube videos, and stalked Instagram accounts of dozens of certified microblading techs. So, last year, I decided to give it at try. I found a MUA with great photos, and I was impressed with her work. Her prices were affordable, so I was ready to go for it.
Here's what my brows looked like before microblading (taken last year). YIKES!!!
First Attempt One Year Ago
The day of my appointment, I was excited. I got there and she placed the numbing cream on my brows, and it didn't work. Apparently she didn't leave it on long enough. One stroke of the blade and I immediately told her to STOP!
I was disappointed and left. I really don't think she had the proper type of numbing cream, and she didn't offer to leave it on longer, and I really didn't know if that was safe to do so.
Let's Try This Again
A year later, and I decided to give this a try again. Why? Well, my brows are very fine, naturally, but became worse with years of threading (another beauty technique) that became popular in the U.S. I continued to do more research and once again, found someone through Instagram. Paid my deposit and a few weeks later, I found myself at the salon - ready! I was so nervous. I did not listen to my gut - always listen to your gut, (that's God talkin to ya). This time, this MUA left the numbing cream on for at least 1 hour. I voiced my concerns prior to the appointment about my first attempt at trying microblading.
Here It Goes!
The first stroke wasn't so bad. I could barely feel anything, but the thought of this blade purposely cutting my eye area was creepy. Less than 15 minutes, the numbing cream seemed to wear off. I think she placed a little more on my brow, and then started with the left brow. No issues with that one, perhaps the numbing cream stayed on longer. I felt more of a "tolerable" pain. Back to that stubborn right brow - the pain started to get a little more intense, but I suffered through it. She, (her name is Kat) was so proud of me for pushing through - we kinda joked about it. At that point, I was like, "this was worth the pain," because I was very pleased with the look. I forgot all about the actual process that I'd be enduring over the next several weeks. Whew!
I really loved the look on Day 1, and I wish it kept that look throughout the healing process. Compared to the before pic, my brows look great now! (KEEP READING)
The Aftermath
During the drive home, which was about 45 minutes, my brows felt like they were on fire. You know the feeling, if you've ever had a perm or relaxer back in the day, and it was left on too long? Imagine that feeling on that thin, sensitive area of your FACE! I could not get home fast enough. But guess what, I realized that I needed to fill up my tank. Yeah, that's what happens in 2020, ugh! Then, I somehow managed to take the longer way home. Yeah, lucky me!
Finally, I make it home and I take something for pain. What a relief! I was still happy. Things we do for beauty, right? Even my boyfriend at the time (As I write this part of my blog, we're on our annual 1-week break. By the time I complete this whole brow journey and publish the blog, we might be back together.)
One Week In
Working remotely was a life saver because I spent the first week looking crazy. Besides the pain, the cuts began to scab, and eventually peel. It looked gross. But I was trying to embrace the process. I have Type 2 Diabetes, but I had no major issue with healing. I did my research, and I know that every skin type responds to microblading differently. I used natural oils and antibacterial ointments. You'll have aftercare instructions on what to use. I used what worked best for me.
An Emotional Week
Well, brows are looking better, but remember when I mentioned that I was on a "break" with my boyfriend. Now, it's more of a "break-up". It's very devastating. So here I am dealing with the emotions of "How are my brows are going to turn out?" and "I'm heartbroken from the loss of the LOVE OF MY LIFE."
Anyway....I was getting used to the changes in my life (including my brows).
Time for the 4-6 Week Touch-Up
I think I went back about 5 weeks later. This time, it wasn't as painful. I was already dealing with another type of pain that kept me distracted, haha!
The Final Results
I'm satisfied. With what the MUA had to work with, I think her job was great! I think one brow took the dye better than the other, but I understand that there are so many factors that interfere with how well the microblading works.
If you're considering getting microblading, do your research, read reviews, watch YouTube, look at before and after pics, etc. LEARN your skin and understand how it reacts. If possible, find out the brands of products and ingredients. Most times, your skin may react differently to products used on your face versus on other parts of your body.