Nowadays with the advancement of technology in cosmetics, it is possible to improve your facial features even without going under surgery or spending so much more money. If you aren’t satisfied with the look of your thin or light-colored eyebrows, it is now possible to have thicker, bushier, fuller, and better brows thanks to microblading. Microblading yields natural-looking brows. Here you can read our guide on microblading, eyebrow tattooing and permanent makeup procedures, plus top salons and beauty centers for the best microblading and eyebrow tattooing in Istanbul, Turkey.
Why Microblading?
It is performed on those who are unsatisfied with their brows but also on those who have medical conditions leading to eyebrow hair loss, such as alopecia. Think about microblading a semi-permanent makeup treatment or a tattoo involving a procedure that improves the appearance of your eyebrows by placing special pigments under the top layer of your skin to fill the gaps between the brows to make it look fuller and natural.
There are alternatives to microblading, as such you can fill in the sparse areas with an eyebrow pencil, too. However, eyebrow pencil fades away during the day and it makes it hard to retouch and refill the gaps of your brows. Microblading is sometimes called micro-stroking, or feather touch. Let’s learn more about the microblading procedure closely.
What exactly is Microblading?
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattooing whose procedure requires a special tool with little needles to draw hair strokes for realistic-looking brow hair. It essentially cuts into the skin of your eyebrows and implants pigment into the cuts involving hundreds of tiny strokes. Most people, just want to be an improved color and natural look on their brows. The pigment used in microblading is also different from the ink used for tattooing.
Who does microblading?
Microblading is performed by a trained and licensed technician who does all the drawings carefully using a special tool.
How to prepare for it?
The first and most important thing you can do to prevent a microblading infection is to research your technician so well that your brow technician needs to have an occupational license.
How is microblading done?
As explained earlier, think of microblading just like a tattoo, but not an as deep one, involving 7 to 16 micro-needles which mimic brow hairs by creating thin strokes attached to a pen-like bladed tool in various configurations that creates lines resembling eyebrow hairs via hundreds of tiny little cuts filled with semi-permanent pigment that is applied under the skin using a bladed tool. The tool used in microblading is a disposable one-time use the only tool.
The artist may also use a shading technique involving plucking the skin to deposit the ink manually, too. The procedure is generally not a painful process thanks to numbing cream, you’ll most likely only feel pressure from the microblading tool on your face, or you might feel a scratching sensation.
However, depending on the patient’s pain tolerance, some patients may feel a bit of minor pain, a bit of discomfort, etc. Ensure you discuss the use of an anesthetic with your practitioner before starting the procedure. Your skin may begin to feel irritated or burned, sort of like sunburn.
How long does it take?
The first session is more of a test to give the artist insight into how your brows respond and what tweaks need to be made next time. The initial appointments can last from 30 minutes to 1.5 or 2 hours. The duration of the procedure is dependent on how skilled the technician is and the client’s brow structure. This process includes paperwork, consultation, and developing a plan with the technician for the brow shape you would like to have on your face.
It is important to go to a trained, skilled eyebrow artist who has someone a lot of experience in the treatment or makes this the mainstay of their work. Make sure you follow all the pre/post-care instructions.
Steps to lessen the discomfort before your appointment?
- Avoid caffeine or alcohol on the day of the procedure.
- Avoid tanning or sunbathing for a few days before the procedure.
- Don’t pluck or wax your eyebrows for a few days before the procedure.
- Avoid chemical peels, laser treatments, and other facial treatments for a few weeks before the procedure.
- Stop using vitamin A (retinol) for a month beforehand.
Microblading Aftercare
Sometimes the target area may be sensitive, bruised, or feel itchy, tender, or so following the microblading procedure. It is normal to have red skin after the application. Although the wounds heal over time, however, you may still feel some sunburn-like redness on your face for a few days. It will fully heal in about 10 to 14 days as soon as the pigment settles. To help prevent complications, it is advised you follow the aftercare instructions provided by the microblading technician including:
- Coconut oil application to your eyebrows 2 times a day until healed.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Avoid rubbing, touching, rubbing, or wetting the brow area for 1 week to 10 days.
- Avoid using harsh skincare products.
- Don’t apply makeup to the area for a week.
- Try to avoid sweating for a couple of weeks.
- Stay out of direct sunlight, including tanning beds.
How long does microblading last?
Microblading doesn’t last forever although it is accepted as one of the cosmetic permanent makeup. It will fade away as time goes. The typical microblading is expected to last for about 2 or 3 years at max; however, the results differ depending on the skin type of the person, their preferences, and reaction to the ink.
It is dependent on the type of skin that the person has, therefore how long the microblading lasts varies from one person to another. Sometimes some clients repeat some touch-ups for the color and shapes every 6 months. Sometimes the post-treatment may take about 3 to 8 months. For some people, touch-ups may be required every 18 months. Before your microblading procedure, make sure you do your research well, read the reviews written on the websites, ensure you are comfortable with your technician or provider, and you can also ask your technician before/after portfolios.
Skincare after microblading
Now that you have had microblading, it is now required to follow your aftercare carefully. Although your technician or provider will give you personalized follow-up instructions, however, some people use an antibacterial ointment or a Vaseline-like ointment for the first 24 hours. Some acids and retinoids may fade the pigments away, therefore make sure you don’t pick off any scabs from your brow area.
Just after the microblading, your brow area where the microblading took place may seem quite dark with some red circles underneath. Although it is accepted normal, however, for some clients, running a cotton swab dipped in sterilized water over the area after 2h of the procedure is advisable which helps get rid of the excess dye from your brows, too. Complete healing is expected to appear in 7 to 14 days. To fasten the healing process, you may want to read the following steps:
- Avoid getting the area wet for at least 7 days. This includes keeping your face dry during a shower.
- Make-up isn’t recommended for at least a week.
- Don’t pick at scabs, tug, or itch the eyebrow area.
- Avoid saunas, swimming, and excessive sweating until the area is completely healed and you have a follow-up appointment.
- Keep your hair away from your brow line.
Potential complications
Microblading comes with some healing time and a few risks. Some complications or infections, as well as allergic reactions, are due to the pigment used in microblading. It’s also okay to have some pain and discomfort during the procedure, and you might feel a slight residual stinging afterward. After the microblading, the microbladed area is to see if it becomes puffy or raised.
To understand if there is an infection in the microblading area, look for any yellow-tinged discharge or excessive redness. If the area is swollen, consult your doctor immediately. You will need prompt treatment with antibiotics if you get an infection from microblading. You should avoid microblading altogether if you are pregnant, or you are prone to keloids, or you have had an organ transplant. If you have a compromised liver or a viral condition, such as hepatitis, pay extra attention.
Who can have microblading?
People with healthy skin are good candidates for microblading, and that goes a long way in tipping the scales in your favor for safe treatment and satisfying results. Since the procedure requires traumatizing the skin, if the skin is unhealthy, the outcome will be unpredictable and most likely not ideal. Microblading isn’t recommended for people with bleeding disorders, inflammatory conditions, eczema near brows, psoriasis, or people struggling with shingles, or those who have allergies to ink, or who are taking acne medications such as blood thinners or supplements, etc.
Top Best Salons for Microblading & Eyebrow Tattooing in Istanbul Turkey
We are Istanbul insiders that were born and lived in the city for more than 40 years, and here we only suggest the proven and top rated ones with the patients’ comments. If you are planning a trip to Istanbul, already in the city or living as expat, and want to have a well organized microblading and eyebrow tattooing, we would recommend the below beauty centers and salons.
Also bear in mind that price shouldn’t always be your guide. You can get offers with much lower cost than the average prices, but cheap treatments can cause problems and may mean that there may be some compromise in the skill of the center or the quality of the treatment.
