Have you ever wished you could wake up with perfect eyebrows every day, without having to spend time and effort on drawing them? If so, you might have heard of eyebrow embroidery, a semi-permanent makeup technique that can give you natural-looking and long-lasting brows. But what exactly is eyebrow embroidery, and how does it work? And more importantly, how do you take care of your brows after the procedure? In this blog post, we will answer all these questions and more, so you can decide if eyebrow embroidery is right for you.
What is Eyebrow Embroidery?
Eyebrow embroidery, also known as microblading, is a technique where a brow artist implants color pigment beneath the surface of the skin with tiny disposable needles. This helps to create fuller-looking brows, shape the eyebrows to the perfect design that fits individual face shapes, and fill in any gaps or scars. There are two main types of eyebrow embroidery techniques to create different effects: the shading technique creates a misty or powdery effect, and the microblading technique creates hair-like strokes that resemble your natural brow hairs.
Eyebrow embroidery is not the same as eyebrow tattooing, which is a permanent coloring technique that uses a machine to inject ink deep into the skin. Eyebrow embroidery is considered semi-permanent makeup, as the pigments will fade over time, usually lasting for one to three years depending on your skin type and lifestyle. Eyebrow embroidery also uses different kinds of ink, which stay true to the original color even if they fade, unlike eyebrow tattoos, which may turn blue or green over time.
How is Eyebrow Embroidery Done?
The whole process of eyebrow embroidery will take approximately two hours to complete. First, your brow artist will trim and design your eyebrows to the desired shape, and apply a numbing cream for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure comfort throughout the process. Then, the pigments will be inserted into your skin with disposable needles, following the natural direction of your brow hairs. In between the procedure, you can ask for more numbing gel to be applied to keep the process pleasant. It’s a delicate process, therefore, it’s important to have your eyebrow embroidery done by a certified and experienced brow artist to minimize the potential risk for infection.
What is the Eyebrow Embroidery Healing Process Like?
After your eyebrow embroidery session, your skin should heal in 25 to 30 days. However, the healing process is not linear, and you may experience different stages of healing along the way. Here are some of the common stages of healing that you can expect after the procedure:
- Day 1 to 3: Your brows will appear darker and bolder than expected, due to the excess pigment and scabbing. They may also feel tender and swollen, but this will go away over time. You should avoid getting the area wet for at least 10 days, and keep your face dry during showers. You should also avoid putting soap, lotion, or makeup on your brows for at least a week, and avoid sweating, meaning no strenuous activity. Avoid direct sunlight, including tanning, for a month after the procedure.
- Day 4 to 7: Your brows will start to lighten and soften, as the scabs begin to form and flake off. You may notice some patchiness or unevenness in your brows, but this is normal and part of the healing process. Do not pick, scratch, or rub the scabs, as this may cause scarring or infection. Let the scabs fall off naturally, and do not panic if some of the strokes seem to disappear along with the scabs. They will reappear later as the skin heals.
- Day 8 to 14: Your brows will continue to lighten and may look too light or faded. This is because a new layer of skin has formed over the pigment, creating a milky or cloudy appearance. This is also normal and temporary, and the pigment will resurface as the skin matures. You may resume your normal skincare and makeup routine, but avoid applying any products directly on your brows. You may also resume your normal exercise routine, but avoid excessive sweating or swimming.
- Day 15 to 30: Your brows will gradually darken and reveal their final color, as the pigment settles into the skin. You may still notice some minor imperfections or asymmetry in your brows, but this can be corrected during the touch-up session, which is usually done four to six weeks after the initial session. The touch-up session is important to ensure the longevity and quality of your brows, as it will fill in any gaps, adjust the shape, and enhance the color of your brows.
FAQs
- Is eyebrow embroidery painful? Eyebrow embroidery is not very painful, as a numbing cream and gel are applied before and during the procedure. However, the level of pain may vary depending on your pain tolerance and sensitivity. Some people may feel a slight discomfort, pressure, or scratching sensation, while others may not feel anything at all. If you are worried about the pain, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller before the procedure, but avoid any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as they may cause more bleeding and bruising.
- How much does eyebrow embroidery cost? The cost of eyebrow embroidery may vary depending on the type of technique, the skill and experience of the brow artist, and the location of the salon. In general, eyebrow embroidery can range from $300 to $800 for the initial session, and $100 to $200 for the touch-up session. However, you should not base your decision solely on the price, as cheaper services may compromise the quality and safety of the procedure. You should do your research and look for reputable and certified brow artists who can provide you with the best results and care.
- How long does eyebrow embroidery last? Eyebrow embroidery can last for one to three years, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. People with oily skin may experience faster fading, as the oil may break down the pigment over time. People who are exposed to more sun, chlorine, or salt water may also experience faster fading, as these elements can bleach the pigment. To maintain the color and shape of your brows, you should follow the aftercare instructions carefully, and avoid any products or activities that may affect the healing process. You should also get regular touch-ups every six to twelve months, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Eyebrow embroidery is a great way to enhance your natural beauty and save time and money on makeup. It can give you the brows of your dreams, whether you want them to be fuller, thicker, or more defined. However, before you book your appointment, you should know what to expect from the procedure and the healing process, and how to take care of your brows after the procedure. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful eyebrow embroidery experience, and enjoy your beautiful brows for years to come.