Photo Credits: Getty Images | Model Used for Illustrative Purpose Only
It’s not exactly news that microblading is BIG. The “permanent-makeup-with-a-fine-tuned-twist” method uses 3-D hair strokes (yes, it’s technically a tattoo-meets-semipermanent-makeup) to create the look of fuller brows—but, as many experts warn, it’s not without it’s blunders. “The use of hand tools is the oldest form of tattooing that dates back thousands of years. In recent years, celebrities like Angelina Jolie brought similar style of tattooing (Sak Yant) back to the mainstream,” says Kerry Spindler, celebrity beauty expert at Sain Visage Med Spa & Beauty Bar, which has multiple locations in the Boston area. “Today’s micropigmentation tools have amazing and precise blade configurations that helped practioners rediscover great techniques like microblading, which are carried out by trained permanent makeup artists.” Spindler also stresses that this is “a skilled art form” and if you see any of these red flags, you may want to stay away.
“As
a trained practitioner providing a safe and clean environment is a top priority
and concern,” Spindler says. “Cleanliness is godliness when it comes down to
opening ones skin. Having hospital-strength sterilization and an organized work
area free of distractions provides for a safer work environment.”
2/10
Training
Is No Joke
Spindler
says the education portion of becoming a trained practitioner is pretty
serious. “Make sure the practitioner has in-depth training that consists of
multiple days and the availability of ongoing ad support after class. Every
client is different and continued support is instrumental.”
3/10
Remember
That It Is Semi-Invasive
Microblading is not just an art; it is a semi-invasive procedure
that requires careful care and attention. Watching a YouTube video or online
training does not make someone a trained professional.
4/10
So
Make Sure You See a License
Spindler stresses to make sure whenever you are going complies with
town/city rules for semi-permanent makeup “Look for the licensing and make sure
it’s posted.” You should also be sure the practitioner is insured for
semi-permanent makeup. “Cosmetology/aesthetics insurance does NOT cover
microblading,” Spindler says. “Microblading insurance is not provided without
proof of training.
5/10
Ask for Examples of Work
New
York celebrity brow expert Elke Von Freudenberg says she’s actually seen an influx
of women coming in in the past year who need help fixing “botched brows” from
microblading. One big scam she’s certain is a problem? People using stock
images of before-and-afters. “Make sure
images are showing not only a close up of the eyebrow, but of the whole face.
How does it look in proportion to the bone structure? The eyes and hair? If
you’re only seeing a tight close up of the brow, you’re not really seeing the
whole picture.”
6/10
Avoid
the Deep Discount
Like
most things in life, deeply discounted prices are the biggest red flag. “The
cost to get trained, to carry the correct insurance, the cost of quality inks
and sterile implements make the procedure costly to perform if done correctly,”
Spindler says. “If someone offers steep discounts, something has probably been
skipped!
7/10
Don’t Go Too Dark
Von
Freudenberg stressed that you want
to make sure that the brows look as natural as possible because brow trends do
change. “Avoid going too dark, or too ‘square’ in the shape. Brows are not a square, but rather hairs that create the shape. The lines should be going in the same
direction that the hair growth is going to keep a natural look.”
8/10
Remember That It’s Still
Pretty Permanent
“One to three years is too
permanent if it’s done badly, so there are still risks involved,” Von Freudenberg says.
9/10
…And
the Color May Not Fade
Von
Freudenberg has seen this one a bunch. “Note that the color may not fade as it’s supposed to, and uneven
eyebrows can still happen. And in that case, this is permanent. No amount of
brow correction will be able to fix it. I see a lot of clients with bad microblading
and sadly in those cases, I’m not able to fix it because it’s not the brow hair
that is wrong, but color on the skin that is too dark or in the wrong place and
it cannot be hidden.”
10/10
Still
Not Sure? Schedule a Consultation
Spindler
says this is standard: “Schedule a consultation ahead of time with the practioner
to make certain it’s a good fit.”
It's Personal
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