Daily Vanity Logo

The fluffy brow trend has paved the way for fuller, textured eyebrows. We’re totally into brows that emphasise each natural hair stroke, creating a three-dimensional look rather than having a flat or drawn in appearance.

Fluffy brows can be created by using a thin brow pencil to draw delicate, hair-like strokes, or by emphasising each natural strand with a clear or tinted brow gel. However, there is another way that you can also flaunt this eyebrow style without having to pull out your brow products each morning – microblading.

When you get your brows microbladed at a brow salon in Singapore, you’ll get to flaunt full brows without having to touch your brow tools, at least for a few years.

Sounds like an “oh yes”? Read on, because we share everything you need to know about eyebrow microblading and the best microblading brow services for your next salon appointment!

What Is Eyebrow Microblading?

microblading brows singapore - (2)

Microbladed brows. Photo source: Jo Artysan

Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique used to enhance or create the appearance of brows. It’s highly popular for those who want to achieve fuller, more defined brows, or just to correct uneven and sparse brows.

Unlike other brow treatments, microblading can grant you a very natural look since each “stroke” is meant to complement and mimic the look of natural eyebrow hairs.

The process involves using a super-fine pen (a handheld tool with fine needles) to implant pigment into the upper layers of the skin. As the tip of the needle is extremely fine it doesn’t reach the deep layers of the skin, making this service semi-permanent instead of permanent like tattoos.

The technique differs from shading (another eyebrow embroidery style) which creates a misty or powdered effect.

Thus, shading is employed to create a powdery makeup look, whereas microblading is ideal for designing realistic, natural-looking hairs that are similar to yours!

Related read: This brow embroidery technique from Korea gives you feathered, natural-looking brows compared to microblading

How Long Will Microbladed Eyebrows Last?

The longevity of microbladed eyebrows can vary with everyone and is based on several factors. On average, microbladed brows can last for up to three years with touch-ups and proper care.

However, there are a few things that can influence how long the eyebrow microblading results will endure:

  • Skin type: Oily skin tends to break down pigments more quickly than dry or normal skin. If you’ve got oilier skin, you may find your microbladed eyebrows fade sooner or may require more frequent touch-ups.
  • Aftercare: Following the technician’s instructions for cleaning, moisturising, and protecting the treated area from sun exposure can significantly impact how well the pigment holds.
  • Sunlight exposure: Sun exposure can cause the pigments to fade more quickly. It’s advisable to protect microbladed eyebrows from direct sunlight and use sunscreen to prevent UV damage.
  • Lifestyle and activities: Activities that involve excessive sweating, such as intense workouts or swimming, can contribute to pigment fading. Additionally, certain skincare products or treatments containing exfoliating agents may affect the longevity of microbladed eyebrows.
  • Pigment quality: Higher-quality pigments used in your eyebrow microblading procedure may retain their colour better over time.
  • Individual metabolism and healing: Our bodies react differently to eyebrow microblading processes. Factors like metabolism and our body’s natural healing response can impact the pigment’s retention rate.

Can Eyebrow Microblading Be Reversed?

Yes, you’ll be pleased to know that microblading can be removed!

Since it’s semi-permanent and doesn’t work like tattoos, microbladed brows can be removed with a couple of laser treatments so you don’t have to worry too much about botched eyebrow microblading results.

However, laser treatments aren’t very cheap and can cause a hole in your wallet — you don’t want to spend a few hundred to thousands of dollars just to spend even more after the microblading in attempts to salvage your brows.

If you were unfortunate enough to meet a bad eyebrow microblading job, you can also look for skilled artists to help fix them!

But, of course, to prevent all the hassle and frustration, it’s best to make sure you choose a qualified and experienced eyebrow microblading artist for safe and successful procedures.

Related read: Botched microblading treatment left woman with 4 eyebrows semi-permanently

What Happens During the Eyebrow Microblading Procedure?

Before the procedure, you typically have a consultation with the microblading artist to discuss your desired eyebrow shape, colour, and overall expectations.

Then, the technician will measure and map out the natural shape of your eyebrows, taking into account symmetry and facial features. Think of it as a stencil or blueprint for the microblading process and the artist to follow!

A topical anaesthetic or numbing cream is applied to the eyebrow area to minimise discomfort prior to the artist making hair-like incisions in the skin. The deposited pigment is left to absorb into the skin while the excess is wiped away.

After, the healing process takes a few weeks during which the colour may initially appear darker before settling into the desired shade. There may be some redness and slight swelling in the first few days.

Lastly, a follow-up appointment is usually scheduled four to six weeks after the initial session to make any necessary adjustments and ensure the longevity of the results.

Related read: How to shape your brows according to your face shape

Who Should Go for Eyebrow Microblading?

If you’re looking to enhance or redefine your brows, eyebrow microblading can be a suitable option for you especially if you’re bothered by sparse hair, thin eyebrows, or uneven eyebrows.

Microblading is also a great semi-permanent solution for those with busy lifestyles and who want to save time on their daily makeup routine. Plus, you’ll get to wake up with your brows on fleek and won’t have to worry about uneven brows or your eyebrow makeup fading midday!

It’s also perfect for anyone experiencing hair loss, due to conditions like alopecia or other medical treatments, to restore the appearance of eyebrows.

And as we age, our brows may lose their natural shape and density which is where microblading can come into play by granting a well-defined brow line and a more youthful appearance.

However, do take note that pregnant or nursing women, individuals with certain skin conditions or autoimmune disorders, and those prone to keloid scarring may need to consult with an eyebrow microblading professional to determine if the procedure is suitable for them.

Related read: 11 best eyebrow serums for darker, fluffier brows

Top Eyebrow Microblading Services in Singapore

Before embarking on your brow transformation, it’s crucial that you choose a qualified and experienced technician.

That’s why we’ve also curated a list of the best eyebrow microblading services in Singapore!

Potential Side Effects of Eyebrow Microblading

While microblading your eyebrows is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced professional in a clean and sterile environment, it is still a cosmetic procedure that carries some potential side effects.

  • Redness and swelling: Some immediate redness and mild swelling in the treated area are common after the procedure but will subside within a few hours to a few days.
  • Itching and tenderness: As your skin heals, it’s important to keep from scratching the treated area to avoid disrupting the healing process.
  • Scabbing and peeling: It’s also common to experience scabbing and peeling while your skin heals but just like how you would with pimples, don’t pick at the scabs or you’ll risk scarring, prolonged healing, and potential infection.
  • Pigment changes: The colour of the microbladed eyebrows may appear darker immediately after the procedure and then lighten as the skin heals. The final colour will be more apparent after the healing process is complete.
  • Allergic reactions: While this is rare, some may be allergic to the pigments used in microblading. Hence, it’s essential to inform the technician of any known allergies before the procedure.
  • Unsatisfactory results: In some cases, individuals may be dissatisfied with the final results due to unevenness or colour fading. This emphasises the importance of choosing a skilled and experienced microblading professional.
  • Corneal abrasion: If the anaesthetic or numbing cream used during the procedure comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause irritation or corneal abrasion. Technicians take precautions to prevent this, but it’s important to keep the eyes closed and protected during the procedure.

After-Care Tips for Eyebrow Microblading

Proper aftercare is crucial for the successful healing and longevity of your microbladed eyebrows!

Here are some general aftercare tips to follow:

  • Keep the area clean with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water using a clean cotton pad or your fingertips. Avoid harsh cleansers and don’t rub or scrub!
  • Apply the recommended, specialised ointment provided by your microblading artist.
  • Avoid water exposure for the first few days post-procedure, including saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools, and even excessive sweating.
  • Keep your eyebrows dry for a week or two. Be cautious when washing your face and hair to prevent water from coming into contact with the treated areas.
  • Protect your microbladed eyebrows from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If you need to be in the sun, wear a hat or use sunscreen on the treated area.
  • Avoid applying makeup, lotions, or skincare products directly to the microbladed area during the initial healing period as these products can interfere with the healing process.
  • Resist the urge to pick at scabs or peel the healing skin — let the scabs fall off naturally to avoid scarring and ensure proper healing.
  • Limit strenuous physical activities like intense workouts for the first few days to minimise sweating and prevent irritation.
  • Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your microblading technician. A touch-up session may be necessary to refine the results and address any areas that may need additional attention.

Remember that individual healing experiences can vary, so it’s essential to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your microblading artist!

If you have any concerns or notice unusual reactions during the healing process, contact your technician or healthcare professional for guidance.

Related read: 9 best salons for men’s eyebrow embroidery to get bold yet natural-looking brows

Featured image credit: Lebellbrow Studio, Jo Artysan