The reality of blurred lines of Microblading and Powder Brows
It is getting blurred
The world of microblading and permanent cosmetics, in general, can often seem like a dream come true - the promise of perfect, low-maintenance eyebrows for up to two years is certainly appealing. However, it's important to understand that not all experiences are created equal, and much of what we see online may be the immediate results of a procedure rather than the long-term reality.
“Envisioning oneself as a unicorn is undoubtedly a whimsical fantasy, but it remains just that - a fantasy. Transforming into a mythical creature that doesn’t exist in reality is beyond the realm of practicality. Similarly, dreaming of sporting bold, statement eyebrows like Halle Berry or Kim Kardashian, when naturally bestowed with sparse brow hair, is an expectation set for disappointment. A retouched photograph can only capture a moment, not a realistic outcome.”
No permanent makeup or pigmentation technique can be considered good or bad reflectively per se. However, more often than not, clients just build their expectations based on perfect-looking and very appealing advertising pictures, not realizing that those depict the moment just after the procedure and are far from the long-term results over time.
With this post, we aim to dispel common misconceptions and present a more accurate picture of what one can expect from microblading, to help you make an informed decision.
Immediate versus long-term results
Most images of microblading that you see online are taken immediately after the procedure when the lines are sharp, fresh, and have yet to fade or blur. In reality, these crisp lines will soften and appear more natural as they heal and settle into the skin. That does not by any stretch of the imagination mean that microblading would be bad or obsolete. We would never want to make such a claim, especially taking into account the fact that more than one of the team members of Powderbrows.com has completed over 10k microblading procedures in their lifetime. What we are saying is that it is of utmost importance that also the client realizes what she will eventually get. The problem arouses when the expectations of the client are that the sharpness of the lines will remain. In reality, quite often Microbldaiing will become similar to Powder Brows over time.
Duration of effect
While marketing materials often suggest that microblading lasts up to two years, the typical duration is considerably shorter. Most clients find they need a touch-up within a year, primarily due to the natural skin regeneration process that causes the pigment to fade over time. Although sometimes artists claim that the result of the Microblading or Powder Brows procedure "can last up to 2 years," it should not be concluded that you have two years carefree life when it comes to your brows. Often those claims are closer to a campaign in some large store chains that claim certain sorts of products be discounted up to 90%. It is not false by any means because some products indeed are discounted up to at least 90% (one product minimal), however, that does not mean one would be able to save 90% in total. In a similar fashion the fact that for some clients when all stars are aligned (skin type, age, lifestyle, aftercare, etc) microblading result is still clearly visible after 2 years, however, that is something that even seasoned artist experience rarely.
Considerations for different skin types
Not every skin type is ideally suited for microblading. For example, individuals with oily skin or larger pores might experience less pigment retention and more blurring of strokes over time. Unfortunately, motivated by profit, some technicians may overlook this and proceed with the treatment anyway. What sets a true professional apart from the myriad of average artists is the willingness to refuse the procedure if they clearly understand that it would not meet the client's expectations. Also, expectations in their essence are often nothing more than dreams and one can dream of everything.
For example, one can dream that she was a unicorn. Such dreams are from the practical perspective unrealistic on many levels of analyses: a human being can not magically transform into a creature, first of all, and secondly, unicorns do not even exist. The same is the case when a client who bears no resemblance to let us say Haley Berry or Kim Kardashian and has extremely thin brow hair, wishes to have large prominent brows she has seen in a retouched photo.
Obviously, the artists should not refute the client by starting laughing hysterically, imitating a jump-scare reaction, or refuting the dream by bluntly asking if it is a joke. She should explain the situation to the client with love, care, and professionalism, nudging the expectations of the client toward the realm of reality in baby steps by staying firmly on the course. Often clients believe in utopic transformations and find role models whose images may not always depict the actual situation because those are also retouched and modified.
Always all realistic alternatives should be considered
If your skin type isn't ideal for microblading or if you're looking for longer-lasting results, there are alternatives worth considering. Procedures like Powder Brows or Combo Brows might offer a more practical option.
Remember that the long-term effects of microblading and pigmentation largely depend on the technician's skills and the client's skin type. It's crucial to choose a certified artist with a thorough understanding of skin types and the microblading process to ensure the best results and minimize potential problems. Whether you're a client considering the procedure or a technician looking to perfect your skills, understanding the reality behind the results is key to success in the world of microblading.
Technical aspects of microblading and (S)PMU
The lines created by this process are sharp and distinct immediately after the procedure, providing the illusion of naturally full and well-shaped eyebrows. However, over time, these sharp lines may fade, blur, or change color. To understand why this happens, we need to consider both the technical aspects of the procedure and the natural characteristics and processes of the skin.
Depth of pigment application. The depth at which the pigment is implanted plays a crucial role in how the results age. If the pigment is placed too shallowly, it can be quickly lost during the skin's natural exfoliation process, leading to fading. On the other hand, if the pigment is placed too deep, it may spread in the dermal layer, causing the lines to blur almost always.
Pigment quality and composition. The quality and composition of the pigment used can significantly impact the longevity and appearance of the lines over time. Low-quality pigments or those not specifically designed for facial use may not break down evenly or may change color as they fade. For example, one can not compare a high-quality pigment by a reputable maker with a no-name (often Asian) pigment the background and contents of which is obscure (or worse yet the label just lies about the actual contents).
Technician's technique. The technician's skill and technique significantly impact the outcome. Inconsistencies in stroke depth or angle, or a heavy hand, can result in blurred lines over time. Most professionals rather opt for being more careful with delicate skin, or if they are in doubt about the receptiveness of the skin to the pigment and wait until the retouch to finalize the brows.
Dermatological aspects and skin's natural processes
Skin type. The skin type of the client plays a pivotal role in how the pigment ages in the skin. For instance, individuals with oily skin or larger pores might experience blurring of the strokes due to the overproduction of sebum. This can cause the delicate strokes to spread and no longer look natural.
Skin regeneration and healing. Our skin is a living organ that constantly regenerates itself. This process involves the shedding of the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and the creation of new skin cells from the bottom layer (stratum basale) of the epidermis. This constant turnover can gradually "push" the pigment particles toward the skin's surface, causing the microblading or nano brows strokes to fade and lose their sharpness.
Skin's response to injury. Microblading and PMU procedures involve creating micro-wounds in the skin to implant the pigment. The skin's natural response to these wounds is to heal, which involves the production of collagen and other repair processes. This healing response can cause the pigment to spread or blur in the skin.
Sun exposure and lifestyle factors. Sun exposure can accelerate the fading and blurring of microblade brows, as UV radiation can break down the pigment particles and stimulate the skin's turnover process. Other lifestyle factors, like the use of certain skincare products (especially those with active ingredients like retinol or acids) or habits like smoking, can also affect the longevity and sharpness of the microblade and powder brows. This is also a topic we have discussed a lot on many posts.
In conclusion, while the initial results of microblading or PMU procedures can be impressive, various factors contribute to the lines becoming blurry and less sharp over time. Understanding these factors can help clients manage their expectations and help technicians improve their techniques for better long-term outcomes.