What if you could get the perfect natural looking eyebrows with no work? I say; sign me up! Whether you want to fill in gaps, give them more definition or arch or completely cover up all of that junior high over-plucking (come on, we all did it), microblading is a great semi-permanent, natural procedure to get your brows to WOW!
What exactly is eyebrow microblading? Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo-like procedure using special tool to create hair-like strokes within your eyebrow. This procedure should only be performed by a trained and licensed professional. I chose Amy of That Brow Gal to do my eyebrows, and I couldn’t be more pleased with my choice!
My Experience
So why did I choose to get my eyebrows microbladed? The recent eyebrow trend had me questioning my very blonde and non-existent brows! My quick fix was to dye them but I just wasn’t getting the fullness I wanted. When I filled them in with a brow pencil, I felt like I wasn’t getting my shape right and always second guessed my brows. In the event I did finally get the brows just right, I wanted to cry when washing my makeup off at night! So when I heard there was a semi-permanent, non-invasive procedure I could do to get just what I wanted, I was so excited!
I stumbled upon That Brow Gal’s Instagram account where I learned a little more about microblading and thought it might be for me! Before and after photos get me every time! I have permanent eyeliner, but it had never crossed my mind to enhance my eyebrows in a semi-permanent way. I want to say, this is more than just a trend; it’s a confidence boost for me because I had NO brows before!
I had some misconceptions in my head about microblading and was a little nervous to agree to get mine done! I want to solve those misconceptions, share my experience and also share my LIVE video doing the procedure. Eyebrows come in all shapes and sizes so finding someone like Amy of That Brow Gal to create the perfect brows specifically for YOU is so refreshing. I went with my friend, Jordan, and we didn’t get the same color or shape. It’s customized for your face. If you like them arched and more natural or bold and powdered, she can make them perfectly for you!
We flew to the Ft. Worth area for Amy to perform the procedure for our eyebrows. I was so nervous upon arrival, but Amy was so comforting. We talked about the procedure as she applied the topical numbing cream and then she drew on my eyebrows with a removable pencil. This step takes the longest because she gets them perfect and then wants you to approve them in the mirror before going any further. We talked about the color and thickness I wanted, and I opted to go natural color and more feather-like with less powder (more like hairs instead of colored in all the way). Once approved, she got started and used the tool to create the hair-like strokes in the lines she created. After 3 passes, she was finished with one eye and onto the next. The whole process took about 1.5-2 hours start to finish. The pain wasn’t bad – I wouldn’t even call it pain. It was more of an annoyance, and not painful AT ALL. I highly recommend using the numbing cream. After finishing, she cleans the pencil off and applies medicine for healing. I saw my eyebrows and…..well, just watch my reaction!
You can watch the full process in the live video below! My response at the end is priceless!
I’m blown away with the results. I was worried that it would look like I had sharpie-drawn on eyebrows if I ever got anything permanent! This is such a natural-looking technique.I had it in my mind that it was more like a tattoo with a machine, but there is no machine and no noise that is scary. Actually, nothing about this procedure is scary!
There is little to no down time, we went to dinner and shopping an hour later! No one even noticed! They were a little red, but with the medicine she recommends you don’t have any discomfort! The next day, they seem VERY dark when you wake up but don’t worry because they will fade! After two-three days, they started itching which means they are healing! I tried not to touch them, only when I was cleaning them with proper care. After one week to ten days, they were fully healed and lightened to what I wanted them to be! Today, 3 weeks later, I am scheduling my touch up and loving the way that they look!
What do you need to know before microblading?
- Find an expert
- Do your research & don’t go to just anyone
- Don’t choose because of the price, choose because of the results
- Eyebrows are NOT one-size-fits-all
- Your eyebrows will be shaped for your face and the color chosen/mixed perfectly for YOU
- Search for a licensed professional who is trained specifically in microblading
- Know what you want your eyebrows to look like
My Before/After Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you shave the eyebrows before the procedure?
No, the hair-like strokes fill into your natural brows.
How long does it last?
The microblading lasts 1-3 years with touchups every year. The first touchup is 6-8 weeks after initial procedure.
How much does it cost?
If you use That Brow Gal, the cost is $450 which includes your first and second appointments. Additional appointments within 6-8 weeks after your second appointment will be $50-$100 depending on what needs correction. If you cannot make it to your touchup appointment, your price set will restart.
How often do you need a touch up? How much does it cost?
This is a timely process and each session must be done within the correct time to get the best results. Amy suggests a refresher appointment every 1-2 years. 1 year refresher starts at $275 and 2 year starts at $350, prices as of January 2017 (subject to change). After 3 years, you will be charged full price.
Where is That Brow Gal located? Does she travel?
Amy does procedures in Ft. Worth and Utah. At this time, she cannot travel to you but has a possibility to in the future.
Does it hurt?
In my experience, it did not hurt. I would say it was more of an annoyance than a pain. I don’t have a high pain tolerance, either. Amy used topical numbing cream.
How long is the healing process? I heard you go through a shedding period where your eyebrows kinda peel away?!
The healing process was 10 days for me. After the procedure, I never had any pain and no down time. They began to itch after 3 days because of the healing process. I applied Aquaphor and Witch Hazel to keep them clean and hydrated for healing. After 10 days, I felt like they were healed. They have lightened since, and will get a touch up in a few weeks within the recommended time frame. No scabs. No peeling! (This is just my experience)
How long did they take to appear “normal”?
Mine looked normal (color) after 10-15 days. They lightened quite a bit!
How can I make an appointment?
You can find That Brow Gal on Instagram, as well as email her for an appointment at thatbrowgal@gmail.com.
What if I cant get to Ft. Worth or Utah? Where can I find a good provider for this service?
Amy recommends searching the hashtag #microblading + your area (ex: #microbladingdallas)
What is the difference between microblading and tattooing?
Microblading is semi-permanent and a special tool is used whereas tattooing is permanent and a tattoo gun is used with ink. Cosmetic color is used for microblading.
Can you do this procedure while pregnant or nursing?
Always talk to your doctor before any procedure.
Any other questions? Just email Amy at thatbrowgal@gmail.com or comment here for a response from me and my experience!
Photography by Angie Garcia Photo.
This post was in collaboration with That Brow Gal, but all thoughts and opinions shared are 100% my own.
Wow! I have been so curious about this procedure, so the post is so timely for me! Definitely going to give it some serious thought after reading your post!
Can’t wait to hear what you think! I love mine!