Microblading, a procedure to perfect your eyebrows, claims to save you time on your beauty routine and offers new hope for people whose eyebrows have disappeared due to health problems.
“The main difference between microblading and the traditional tattoo is we're giving the illusion of actual hair strokes,” said Maggie Noel from Impressive Faces in Southwest Houston.
The blade scratches the surface of the skin, leaves a pigment color inside the open skin but does not go as deep as a tattoo.
After a quick numbing ointment goes on, Noel outlines the brows and begins to fill in where the natural brow should.
“I don't really have time to be doing my eyebrows so I wanted something that was going to be ready when I wake up,” Anita Gonzalez said.
It's a time saver for Gonzalez, who has four kids, but Noel recommends the procedure for a variety of people.
“People who have thinning eyebrows,” Noel said, “The traditional over-plucked eyebrows and even individuals who have medical conditions such as alopecia or trichotillomania where they have the urge to pull their hair out and even individuals who may have undergone chemotherapy.”
She says the cosmetic procedure can have a profound effect on self-esteem.
“It's definitely one of the most beautiful things that we've seen in the beauty industry as of lately because we all know that brows are the frames to everybody's face,” Noel said.
However, it is not permanent. For $350 to $500, depending on the technician, you're getting two sessions within six weeks of each other and it's expected to last eight to 18 months.
Gonzalez said she is a satisfied customer.
“Now all I’ve got to worry about is my contour,” Gonzalez laughed. “I mean, it'll just make it easier because really my eyebrows is what would take up a lot of time to get ready.”
Gonzalez said it did not hurt her. The business said sensitivity varies with everyone.
So does the durability, Noel said, depending on a person's skin type. If they sweat a lot or if they have oily skin, they may need more frequent touch ups.