Brow microblading: What is it, how is the process, and how long will it last?

Brow microblading, also known as semi-permanent brow tattoo, is among the trending cosmetic techniques that have grown in popularity in recent years.

For those not in the know, the microblading process is comparable to getting a tattoo on any body part. While getting a tattoo is permanent, microblading, on the other hand, is only semi-permanent, and it uses a different type of ink and technique to achieve a brows-on-fleek look through finer pigments. 

To give you detailed information on microblading, I tried the procedure in one of the well-known brow studios in Manila, Eyebrowdery.

I went to Eyebrowdery's SM Megamall branch to try the powdered ombre service, but speaking with Klarisse Tabao, Eyebrowdery founder & CEO, she said that adding the 3D strands will make the overall look better as it will mimic my eyebrow's actual hair strands. So, I went on to try the 3D + powdered ombre.

Pro tip: Always seek advice from brow experts to know which service fits your brow needs. 

The first step is cleaning the brow area, followed by mapping the shape of my brows based on my face shape.

After the measurements, they consulted me on the shape of my brows to see if it was already okay with me, and then we proceeded to apply topical anesthesia.

After 30 minutes, the brow technician wiped the numbing cream off. I have quite a high tolerance for needles, but if you're the other way around, I would recommend you take a painkiller before the procedure.

The first part of the microblading is the powdered ombre technique, which shades the brows and fills the sparse areas.

When the shading part was done, the 3D technique followed.

Like the former step, this part didn't hurt thanks to the numbing cream, but I could hear faint scratching sounds with every strand drawn on my brows.

After the main parts of the procedure, a pigment mask was applied to my brows for better pigment retention.

The procedure took around three hours, so I suggest you schedule your appointment in the early afternoon or after a meal.

Immediately after the procedure, my brow area was red, and the output may look too dark, but it was just part of the process.

I was given a mild soap and a lotion that I should use for the next few days as an aftercare at home. 

The day after the procedure, the brows started looking darker, but again, it was just part of the healing process.

Three days later, my brows started peeling off and were feeling itchy, but Eyebrowdery strongly reminded me not to peel or scratch my brows as they may cause unwanted scars.

Five days later, I had already started seeing the healed look, which made me glad to follow Klarisse's advice to get the 3D + Powdered Ombre procedure. 

Final deliberation: my microbladed brows look just like my natural brows with makeup. But this time, I don't have to go through the hassle of putting brow makeup on whenever I need to, and I can finally say, "I woke up like this," with made-up brows in the next two years.

Another aftercare reminder, if you like going on facials, is to have your brows covered when doing steaming, laser, and peeling procedures to avoid early fading.

If you want to keep the pigment of your microbladed brows last longer, avoid overexposure to the sun, and always use sunscreen if you're going out. Retouching after six months to one year is advised but not necessary.

Eyebrowdery's 3D + Powdered Ombre ranges from P10,999 to P30,998. It's located in SM Megamall, Greenhills, Ayala Feliz, and SM Seaside Cebu.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News