Microblading can enhance and reshape eyebrows, but it requires precision and skill to achieve realistic and long-lasting results.
What is microblading?
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent makeup (SPMU) used to enhance the appearance of brows by depositing pigment into the skin. A small blade composed of tiny needles creates the effect of naturally growing brow hairs, adding fullness, definition and structure.
However, achieving realistic and long-lasting results requires precision and skill.
As a microblading artist, understanding why clients experience thinning eyebrows and how various SPMU techniques can address their needs is essential.
You’ll also need to stay aware of common challenges like product quality and eyebrow design to ensure consistent results.
What qualifications and skills do I need for microblading?
"Microblading requires skill and expertise to create undetectable and natural-looking results. Ensure that you are qualified and experienced enough to create customised designs that cater to your clients’ unique features and preferences," says Monika Ludwiczak, senior educator at the microblading and SPMU brand Everlasting Brows.
"It’s also essential to be knowledgeable about alternative procedures, such as combination or ombre brows, which might be better suited for some clients. By having diverse skills and knowledge, you can best serve your clients’ needs and establish a strong reputation for your business.
"Attention to detail is crucial for delivering successful and long-lasting results for your clients. By using high-quality products, educating clients on proper aftercare, and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure a positive experience and excellent retention for your clients, and establish a strong reputation for your business."
Read these top tips for succeeding as a semi-permanent makeup artist.
Common microblading challenges and how to overcome them
Uneven pigmentation and low pigment retention can impact the quality of results, often due to factors like product quality, application technique and aftercare.
"Uneven pigmentation can occur due to several reasons, including poor product application, unstable pigments, and improper aftercare. To avoid this, use premium blades and high-quality pigments to ensure longevity of the results," says Ludwiczak.
Ludwiczak also emphasises the importance of educating clients on aftercare. "Make sure to educate your clients on proper aftercare procedures, including avoiding excessive sweating and sun exposure, as well as using gentle skincare products that don’t contain abrasive or exfoliating ingredients."
What are the best products for microblading?
"Poor product quality can not only pose a threat to your clients’ wellbeing (think of blades that haven’t been sterilised) but also prevents you from creating great results. Blades that are not sharp enough fail to create crisp, natural-looking strokes," says Ludwiczak.
"Unstable pigments cause poor retention or 'rainbow effect' fading. Products that are not designed for skin use can cause irritation or allergies. It is important to only use safe, certified products to ensure the wellbeing of your clients and safeguard your reputation."
Top tips for achieving optimal pigment retention in semi-permanent makeup
Great pigment retention is vital for client satisfaction, as it ensures that results are long-lasting. Here are some expert tips for achieving optimal pigment retention:
- Use high-quality, reputable pigments designed specifically for semi-permanent makeup. Opt for pigments that are free from heavy metals and impurities and have proven safety and stability.
- Comprehensive training from a reputable institution is essential for understanding skin anatomy, different skin types, and correct pigment application techniques.
- Keep a clean, sterile workspace and use single-use tools whenever possible to prevent cross-contamination.
- Prepare the client’s skin by cleansing and exfoliating to remove oils and dead skin cells, which allows better pigment absorption.
- Deliver pigment to the correct skin depth, as shallow implantation can lead to fading, while deeper implantation can cause an unnatural look.
- Select appropriate needle configurations and sizes, with fine needles suited for precise techniques like hair strokes, and larger configurations for treatments like ombré brows.
- Maintain a gentle, controlled movement to minimise skin trauma, which can lead to pigment loss.
- Provide clear aftercare instructions, tailored to each treatment and skin type, to support optimal healing.
- Schedule touch-ups as needed, as some clients may require multiple sessions to achieve desired results.
- Stay current with techniques, tools and industry standards through workshops, seminars and professional networking.
By following these steps and continuously refining your skills, you can achieve the best pigment retention and client satisfaction, which is essential for building a strong reputation in the SPMU industry.
Choosing the right SPMU brow style for your clients
When it comes to semi-permanent brow makeup, different styles like ombré and hyper-realism offer varied looks, from a fuller, makeup-like brow to a natural, fluffy appearance.
Understanding these differences helps artists guide clients toward the right choice based on skin type, lifestyle and aesthetic goals.
Check out the latest brow trends here.
Ombré brows
One of the most popular SPMU styles is ombré brows, which is a shading technique that mimics makeup to create a fuller look and enhance or improve the shape of the natural brows.
“Ombré brows leave a light layer of pigment at the fronts of the brows to allow the gradual build of colour towards the tails, creating a softer and more harmonising look on the face,” explains Handan Keser, a cosmetic tattoo specialist who offers a variety of SPMU treatments as well as professional development opportunities for fellow SPMU artists, with locations in Edmonton and Canary Wharf, London.
“This procedure is suitable for all skin types, although dry skin would hold the pigment more aggressively compared to oily skin.”
Skin type is an extremely important factor to take into consideration when helping a client to decide which procedure to go for.
Keser says, “Even though ombré is generally universal, and we wouldn’t turn away a client for ombré purely due to them having oily skin, it’s important to inform the client that their brows will fade quicker than a client who has combination or dry skin so they will need to have more frequent maintenance.”
Hyper-realism brows
For clients seeking a more natural look, especially those with dry skin, hyper-realism brows might be the ideal choice.
This style builds on traditional microblading, but instead of using a blade, a digital machine implants pigment at a controlled depth, creating fine hair strokes with a tiny liner needle for a more realistic appearance.
"Hyper-realism can look as natural or as filled-in as a client wants. For those with longer hair strands and dry skin, I would recommend hyper-realism because the hairstrokes blend perfectly with their natural hair strands, creating a fuller, fluffier look," Keser says.
How to match brow style with skin type and lifestyle
A thorough consultation helps artists determine the best treatment based on the client’s natural brow structure, skin type and lifestyle. For example, oily skin clients may see faster fading and could benefit from regular touch-ups.
External factors like UV exposure, exercise, and sauna use can also affect pigment longevity, so it’s essential to provide personalized advice.
"Remember, the natural brows and skin type come into play when choosing the best treatment. Therefore, it’s best to carry out a consultation before deciding on any treatment," says Keser.
Ludwiczak also emphasises the importance of consultation, saying, "One of the worst scenarios that can happen is when the client is completely unhappy with the final result. Eyebrow design issues can result in the need for additional touch-up appointments or even removal.
"To avoid this, it’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with the client to understand their expectations and preferences, and to make a note of these for the record. Take into account their facial features, natural brow shape and hair flow to create a design that looks natural and suits their style and features."
By selecting the right brow style, educating clients on aftercare, and setting realistic expectations for maintenance, SPMU artists can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results that align with clients' lifestyles and skin types.
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