Welcome to our ultimate guide to microblading in Pittsburgh! If you’re in search of the perfect solution to enhance your brows and achieve a natural, long-lasting look, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we will delve into everything you need to know about microblading, including who is the ideal candidate, the procedure itself, pain levels, preparation, and what to expect post-treatment. So, let’s get started with the basics.

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a cutting-edge technique in the world of permanent makeup. It involves the use of a small blade to create individual, hair-like strokes throughout the brow area. The key distinction of microblading is that it is semi-permanent, with results typically lasting from 1 to 3 years.

The primary goal of microblading is to create a natural enhancement and give the appearance of full, beautiful brows. This procedure is best suited for individuals who already have fuller brow hair and are looking to enhance their shape and fullness. If you desire a filled-in or makeup look, you might be better off considering alternatives like combination or ombre/powder brows.

It’s worth noting that microblading is most successful on young, normal/dry skin types. If you have combination/oily or mature skin, you may want to explore other options like combination or ombre/powder brows.

Who is a Candidate for Microblading?

While microblading can work wonders for many individuals, it’s not a suitable option for everyone. To ensure optimal results and safety, there are certain criteria that must be met. Here’s a list of factors that disqualify individuals from receiving microblading:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Currently using or have been on Accutane within the last 12 months
• Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face/body
• Rosacea (permanent makeup clients only)
• Taking blood-thinning medications (may be a candidate for ombre brows, please contact us to discuss)
• Currently undergoing treatment for cancer, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment within the last 6 months
• Under the age of 18 years old

If you have specific questions or concerns about your eligibility for microblading, we encourage you to reach out to us directly.

Does Microblading Hurt?

One of the most common questions we receive from clients is whether microblading is painful. Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but most clients report little to no pain during their procedure. In fact, some clients have found the experience so comfortable that they’ve even fallen asleep during their appointments! To ensure your comfort, we use topical anesthetics throughout the procedure. If you’re concerned about sensitivity, it’s worth noting that having the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase it, so planning your appointment accordingly can help.

How to Prepare for Your Microblading Appointment

Proper preparation is crucial to achieving good, healed results from your microblading treatment. Failure to follow pre-care instructions can impact your results and may even lead to appointment forfeiture. Here are the essential preparation steps you should follow:

2 Weeks Before Your Appointment:

• Botox: If you regularly receive Botox or Dysport injections, these should be done at least 14 days before your microblading appointment to allow them to settle in the skin.
• Waxing/Threading/Tinting: There’s no need to have your brows waxed or threaded prior to your appointment, as we will clean them up as part of the service. If necessary, have these procedures done at least 2 weeks before your appointment. If you tint or use henna on your brows, please do so at least 7 days prior.
• Retin-A: Refrain from using any retin-a products in the brow area for 2 weeks leading up to your appointment.

24 Hours Before Your Appointment:

• Please avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine 24 hours prior to your appointment to minimize bleeding.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications such as Ibuprofen, Advil, and Fish Oil unless advised by a doctor. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications from your doctors without their approval first.
• Ensure you have mapped out directions to the studio and plan accordingly. We have a strict 15-minute late policy, so knowing your commute time and accounting for potential traffic is crucial.

Day of Your Appointment:

• Makeup is optional! We will be taking before and after photos, so come as you are most comfortable. If you regularly fill in your brows, wearing brow makeup can help us understand your regular shape and color preference. No makeup? You can bring it along too. If you have any inspiration photos, feel free to bring those as well. We can discuss whether your desired look is achievable and dive deep into your permanent makeup goals.
• Most importantly, relax! It’s normal to feel nervous, but rest assured that we’re here to work together to create your dream brows. You are an integral part of the entire process, from designing and shaping your brows to selecting the perfect color. Take a deep breath and get excited about your upcoming transformation!

What to Expect Immediately After Your Microblading Appointment

Right after your microblading session, you may notice some minor redness or swelling around the treated area. This is normal and usually subsides within 24 hours. Over the next few hours, the pigment in the skin will oxidize, causing the brows to appear darker and warmer (red) than they initially did. This is an expected part of the healing process. In fact, pigment typically fades by around 20-40% once fully healed.

Around day 3-4, you may notice light scabbing and flaking on the treated area. This is also normal and should not be picked at, as doing so can result in pigment loss and potential scarring. Your brows may appear somewhat spotty or patchy until the entire brow has finished healing. Once all the flaking is complete (usually around day 10), the brows will appear much lighter. Over the next 4-6 weeks, the pigment will darken, returning to its healed color.

In 4-8 weeks, your brows will be fully healed. Any pigment that does not return will be addressed at your touch-up appointment. During this follow-up, we will assess your retention, touch up any areas that need it, and adjust the pigment color to ensure your brows are perfect.

If you have more questions about microblading or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also see some beautiful before and after examples on our IG feed. We’re here to help you achieve the beautiful, natural brows you’ve always dreamed of.