Microblading is when the ink is tattooed on the superficial layers of the skin using a handheld bladed pen or small electric machine. A microbladed brow typically lasts from 12-18 months, and fades gradually with the skin shedding. A range of organic pigments can be used with microblading, because it does not need to be implanted too deep under the skin. Microblading also allows more natural hair-like strokes, because of the tools and methods used.

On the other hand, micropigmentation is done using a more industrial machine, and implants the pigment much deeper into the skin. This is why micropigmentation is the preferred method for more elaborate tattoos such as lip liner, nipple reconstruction and camouflaging scars. Although micropigmentation may last longer (3 years or more), the method in which it is tattooed, often requires the use of iron oxide pigments, and is better for styles such as powder and ombre brows where the result looks more akin to makeup and less like natural hair strokes.

A microblading session is typically 2 -3 hours long, and the tattoo itself consists of two parts (or two “passes”):

1. Building the frame of the brow, from the inner brow to the arch, with natural hair-like strokes. This is what we refer to as the “skeleton frame”

2. Filling in the frame with complementary hair-like strokes that add depth and movement to the brow so that it looks like real hair.

Microblading lasts anywhere from 12-18 months and can last less or longer when influenced by a variety of factors.

• Factors that affect the longevity of microblading are:

• Use and frequence of skin peeling treatments

• Contrast between your hair colour and skin colour

• Excessive sun exposure, swimming or sweating

• Poor/Good aftercare of the skin

• Skin texture (oiliness can affect long-term pigment retention)

• Pigment quality (At TNE, we use pigments that are 100% free of iron-oxides. This has allowed us to create long-lasting brows for 100’s of clients, free of nasties, and no surprise colour changes)

Yes. If you come across a microblading artist that tells you that your skin tone or hair colour isn’t suited for microblading, it says more about their skill, than it does about your suitability.

That is what prompted the start of The Natural Esthetic.

Micropigmentation is equal parts artistry in adapting hair strokes to a face, as it is about science in mixing perfectly matching colours.

Microblading is suitable for the lightest of hair colours, and the darkest of skin tones. And we cater to all of them :)

If you have a face, you are most likely eligible for microblading.

Although microblading has often been advertised as a “female cosmetic tattoo”, the truth is that microblading is the perfect solution for any person that has thinning eyebrows, damaged hair follicles or simply has brows that don’t do their face any justice.

We would even argue that microblading can be more beneficial for men, as a nice pair of thick, well shaped natural brows can help them enhance the rest of their features.

Is the process any different?

Fundamentally, the technique is the same. However, the procedure often takes longer (3-4 hours) because of the need to create bigger or more bushy brows.

Our microblading for men is typically done “free–hand”. This is because men have fewer curves to their brows, and instead of using a stencil approach that works with women, we have found that adjusting the art to the features of a man’s face has produced the most natural and beautiful results.

Unfortunately, there are some things that are beyond our control. Here are conditions that could make you ineligible for microblading:

• Extreme eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions

• Transmittable blood diseases, such as hepatitis or HIV

• Allergic reactions to the ingredients of our pigments

• Epilepsy

• Diabetes or a heart condition

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you have one of the conditions above and are unsure about its severity, please contact your doctor for medical clearance.

We’re not going to lie to you. Microblading doesn’t feel like angel kisses and silk gloves. However, the amount it hurts is entirely dependent on your personal pain threshold.

Microblading is a process of making tiny hair like strokes with a blade, by breaking the superficial layers of your skin to implant pigment. We do however offer numbing cream on the second pass of the treatment, and this has had resounding success in reducing the pain felt.

After this, you are more likely to feel the sensation of pressure or a strange sensation of tickling or scratching. Some clients even experience phantom sneezing, as microblading goes over sensitive areas for our sinuses.

We understand that this isn’t always ideal, and each microblading treatment allows for breaks, for extra numbing to be applied, and for general chit chat to put you at peace.

Here are some factors that can cause microblading to hurt more:

• If you have thinner than normal skin

• If you are particularly sensitive to touch

• If you are on medication that thins your blood

• If you are on your period at the time of the treatment

We’re not completely against numbing cream, but as you’ll see in the answer to “Does microblading hurt”, we strongly recommend only applying numbing cream on the second pass.

This is because numbing can cause the skin to swell and become rubbery, which can affect the pigment retention and the crispness of hair strokes that are being designed on your brows.

When applying it on the second pass, it allows the numbing cream to set deeper into the open skin (having a stronger impact), and also allows for the first set of hair-like strokes to be created without interference.

However, whilst we may advise this from our experience and expertise, if a client prefers to have the numbing cream applied at the very start (accepting the possible effect), we are happy to oblige.

At TNE, we will refuse to offer microblading to anyone that is pregnant or breastfeeding.

For us, your safety must come first.

However, if you choose to take that risk with another microblading studio, please keep the following risks in mind:

• Ingredients in pigments can negatively affect a foetus.

• Ingredients in pigments can contaminate breast milk.

• If you were to get an infection as a result of microblading, it could put your baby at risk.

• Numbing creams may contain epinephrine, which on some occasions, has been linked to foetal tachycardia and cardiac problems.

• Swelling and blood thickness as a result of pregnancy can lead to inaccurate microblading results.

Allergies can present a Pandora’s box of possibilities. If you have allergies to hair dye, other tattoos, or other beauty treatments, you may be allergic to pigments used in microblading.

In any case, please contact us at “hola@thenaturalesthetic.com” or on our instagram, and we will be happy to answer any questions and book you in for an allergy test.