Microblading: Is It Safe?
Microblading has easily become the hottest new trend for brows in 2016. Women all over America are seeing the benefits of the sharp crisp look that microblading offers. Using a manual blade, pigment is implanted into the epidermis of the skin, only penetrating 3 layers. The results are breathtaking, making it virtually impossible to tell the difference between real hair and those that have been added. Given that microblading lasts up to 3 years and that women are finding that their eye brows are on point without having to be touched, it has taken the world by storm.
One of the most important questions that I get asked regularly about microblading always involves its safety. After all, you are putting your face in the hands of the microblading artist and trusting their ability to do the correct job. Microblading is the most superficial form of semi-permanent makeup, so the risk of unsatisfactory results is limited to the epidermal layer of the skin, which renews itself continuously. In the correct professional’s hands, microblading is actually very safe! But there are some possible complications. Let’s cover that and get you educated on the matter!
Possible Microblading Complications
The most serious complications that could result from microblading virtually all involve the artist performing the process negligently or incorrectly. Though very rare, complications can include scarring, infection, poor healing, hair loss, keloid scarring, and hyper/hypo/de pigmentation.
What can go wrong?
As stated before, most of what can go wrong sits in the hands of the microblading artist. The artist has to have the correct instruction and experience to perform the technique in a manner that will work with your own unique attributes. Some women have thicker or oilier skin than others. A truly well trained and experienced microblading artist will quickly decipher these differences and adjust her technique to make sure the process goes smoothly.
Having said that, here are some common mistakes that unexperienced microblading artists can make.
Blade too deep- One of the first things a microblading artist is taught is the amount of pressure it takes to get deep enough into the skin without over penetrating so that the pigment settles correctly. If she goes too shallow the pigment won’t hold. If she goes too deep, the pigment will blur.
Unsterile tools/blades/pigments- In the state of Nevada, microblading is considered and regulated like tattooing. By law, the artist is required to keep her work environment sanitary. At Ivy Lase Salon, we sanitize all our tools, always use a new blade, and keep proper body substance isolation protocols in place. If you walk into a microblading room and see that it isn’t tidy, clean, and well-kept that should be a red flag. Your artist should always be wearing a face mask and gloves as well!
Improper aftercare- So you just got your microblading session done and you’re sent home. Did your microblading artist take the time to go over the proper aftercare that you should be following? Remember, you’re leaving the salon with an open wound that needs to be kept safe from certain environmental factors and has specific aftercare needs. Make sure your artist it taking the time to explain the healing process and your obligations to it. If you don’t, there is a likely possibility that the color can heal grey or ashy.
Avoid less-than-satisfactory results by researching technician. This should be the most obvious thing to do before getting microblading done. You should not get microblading done as an impulse buy. Ask to see healed results of the microblading artist you want to work with. Each microblading artist should have a strong portfolio of before and after pictures. If they don’t, know that it is a strong indication you are working with an amateur. Ask for consultation and make sure all questions are answered. There should be no reason why your microblading artist doesn’t want to take the time to answer all and any questions or concerns you may have.
By Neena Jay
Head microblading artist/educator
Ivy Laser Salon