Microblading: Your Complete Guide

PMU: Semi-Permanent Makeup

Beautiful thick eyebrows are the growing trend these days and having beautiful brows for many, takes a lot of effort and sometimes a little help by an eyebrow expert. If you are one of those who have not been gifted genetically with beautiful thick eyebrows or have spent the 90s and early 2000s over-plucking your eyebrows to keep them thin and in trend, then we have the perfect solution to give you those beautiful in trend eyebrows for the year 2024 and onwards: PMU - Semi-Permanent Makeup.

PMU is a modern semi-permanent tattoo procedure with many different techniques; Microblading, Phibrows, Nano Brows, Ombre Brows, Powder Brows, Hybrid Brows, Fusion Brows and more. In this guide we will walk you through the most prominent technique: Microblading.

1. What is Microblading?

First off, what is Microblading? This procedure is a method of manually creating natural-looking eyebrows by carefully and skillfully using a handheld multi-blade tool to make incisions into the upper epidermal layer of the eyebrow skin. We literally draw in your eyebrows line by line to achieve eyebrow perfection through using golden proportions, your style and facial morphology. Here at Iconbrows - Professional Microblading there is no one shape fits all when it comes to your eyebrows, we create unique tailor-made eyebrows specific to you.

Microblading is quite different from other permanent makeup treatments, the pmu artist carefully determines and creates the depth and thickness of the lines, shape and design of the lines by drawing out single individual crisp hair strokes. The hair strokes are usually more natural-looking because unlike Phibrows, Nano Brows, Ombre Brows, Powder Brows, you aren't using a machine to make the lines, it is very dependant on the PMU artists skill and techniques. Iconbrows PMU Experts have trained with world-leading pmu artist all over the world to bring you the best techniques and styles to offer you Microblading in Toronto, Microblading in Canada.

The history of microblading is quite interesting because the technique of implanting pigment while creating fine incisions into the skin date thousands of years back, but the trend of using the technique specifically for eyebrows emerged first in Asia and was known as feathering or embroidery before being coined Microblading or Microstroking.

2. Why Should You Consider Microblading?

Iconbrows - Professional Microblading offers the best Microblading in Toronto specifically for those who want to improve or add definition to their eyebrows, to those who wish to cover gaps of lost hair, to extend their eyebrows or those who want a full reconstruction of their eyebrows to give their face better symmetry and balance. If you are seeking a natural-looking way to give your eyebrows new life and correct any issues you have with them, then Iconbrows Microblading is a great way to achieve eyebrow perfection. Since each individual line is added manually, we truly are creating art on your eyebrows to fit your specific individual style and look.

You should consider microblading if you have one or more of these common eyebrow problems:

• Have missing hairs or gaps in the arch, tail or anyplace on the brow.
• Have asymmetrical eyebrows.
• Have thinning eyebrows.
• Want to have thicker or more lush eyebrows.
• Tired of filling in your eyebrows.
• Want natural looking eyebrow.

3. Who is Microblading Ideal For?

Microblading is an amazing procedure to gain natural looking eyebrows but it isn't ideal for all skin types, some groups of people would better suit other services more applicable to all types of skin such as Nano Brows or Fusion Brows. These are some of the requirements to be an ideal candidate for Microblading:

• Ideal for those that don't want to fill in their eyebrows every morning.
• Ideal for those that want fuller looking eyebrows.
• Ideal for those that want natural looking eyebrows.
• Ideal for normal & dry skin Types.
• NOT Ideal for very oily skin types. We recommend Nano Brows or Fusion Brows instead.
• NOT Ideal for mature skin types (50+ years old). We recommend Nano Brows or Fusion Brows instead.

4. How long will Microblading stay intact?

Iconbrows Microblading lasts between 2-4 years, but it really depends on the individual and their lifestyle, skin type and daily routine. If you are more in the sun or have a more oily skin type then it will fade faster while if you take care of your eyebrows and follow aftercare instructions well, they will last longer.

We recommend a touchup every 12-24 months, depending on your skin type, to keep your eyebrows looking crisp and fresh.

5. What are the downsides of Microblading?

Although there are minimal downsides to having your eyebrows microbladed, we won't lie and say there are none. You will still have to do some regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure your eyebrows stay looking perfect for as long as possible.

• You will still need plucking/threading depending on your natural hair growth pattern around your eyebrows. Hairs in between eyebrows or around the desired shape of your eyebrows will need the occasional routine plucking and threading. Lucky for you Iconbrows also offers the best Threading and Eyebrow Shaping in Toronto. Best Threading in Canada.
• Limited choices in hair color change. Because we are injecting pigment into the upper epidermal layer of your eyebrow skin, you wont be able to easily change your natural eyebrow hair color. If you often like to experiment with different eyebrow hair color styles, you will have to choose more similar colors to the pigment we have used.
• You will have to endure 4-7 days of aftercare. Your aftercare for your eyebrows include protecting them from bacteria, makeup, sweat and sunlight to not disturb the eyebrows natural healing process. Ensuring you follow the aftercare instructions well and keep your eyebrows safe from water, makeup, sweat and sunlight will allow your eyebrows to retain as much pigment and definition as possible as well as avoid any potential infections or allergic reactions.

6. Does Microblading change the shape of your eyebrows?

It depends if you want to alter the shape of your eyebrows. Microblading is an amazing procedure to get full natural-looking eyebrows drawn specifically to your style and facial shape to give your face symmetry and balance. If you want to retain a thin eyebrow then we will design the microblading so that you continue to have the thin shape, if you want a thicker look for your eyebrows we will design the microblading so that you get a thicker shape. It really depends on how you wish your eyebrows to look after hearing our suggestions and tips in regards to your specific style and facial symmetry.

7. Do you have to shave your eyebrows before Microblading?

No. There is no need for you to shave your eyebrows off before we do the microblading procedure. We work on top of your natural hairs weaving in our microblading strokes alongside your natural hairs to ensure you get a perfect natural finish.

8. Is Microblading painful?

Although the idea of having multiple incisions made into your eyebrow skin sounds intense, the procedure is actually quite painless. Many clients barely notice anything more than a slight pricking sensation, some even fall asleep. We always use a topical anesthetic to numb the area to negate and minimize any pain during the procedure.

The microblading procedure is not painful, it's mostly about the fear and expectation of the pain. We recommend you bring your headphones and enjoy a nice rest while we work magic on your eyebrows.

9. Will Microblading make my eyebrows too dark?

If you choose a experienced PMU provider like Iconbrows - Professional Microblading, you do not have to worry. We always work conservatively during the initial procedure. By that we mean that we are always gonna go slightly lighter with the colour and smaller with the shade to allow your body's natural healing processes to carefully absorb the pigments and shape and allow your skin to get familiar with your new brow design.

We understand the client's natural fear of their eyebrows being too dark, but our professional team is experienced with thousands of clients and their individual brow shapes and skin types that we have developed techniques to ensure you get a complimentary shade of pigment that matches your skin and natural hair color.

10. How much does Microblading cost?

The price of Microblading varies depending on the expertise and talent of the PMU provider. Some offer very low prices around CA $350 minimum to as high as CA $1,500. You may risk facing more complications by going with someone offering the cheapest service and you may end up over-paying by going with the highest price. It is more important that you look at the knowledge and talent of the PMU provider and their reviews and pictures to determine if they match not only your budget but also your style.

The Microblading Process

An Iconbrows Microblading treatment lasts about 2 to 3 hours. Our Perfecting Touchup appointment lasts anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the amount of work that needs touching up and correcting after your initial appointments aftercare and healing result.

A standard Microblading appointment will have the following steps:

• Step 1: The Iconbrows Eyebrow Microblading Expert will shape out and design your brows with a brow pencil after taking several measurements of your face to determine the ideal placement and layout of your new eyebrows. We will always wait until you review and approve the design, before we begin making any incisions on your eyebrows.
• Step 2: We select and combine different pigments to match your natural hair colour and skin type to create a unique blend of pigment that compliments your natural look.
• Step 3: We start the microblading procedure and begin making the initial strokes with the approved pigment being worked into each individual stroke to shape and define your eyebrows.
• Step 4: Once we have completed the procedure of both your eyebrows, we have you review the eyebrows and make any additional changes you may want.
• Step 5: The Microblading procedure is complete and we provide you with aftercare instructions, and contact details for any worries or issues you may experience during the healing period. We schedule your touchup appointment 4-6 weeks after your initial treatment day.

Microblading Aftercare

After your microblading procedure it is very important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your PMU provider. Following the aftercare instructions can help ensure that your natural eyebrow skin retains as much pigment and definition as possible before we fix any issues during the touchup session.

Here are some guidelines and tips to help ensure you experience a optimal healing process:

• Do Not Touch! You must not touch your new brows or the surrounding area around your new eyebrows that have just had microblading for at least 24-48 hours after your appointment. The eyebrows need to heal, let them heal in peace.
• Use A Gentle Cleanser! 24 hours after your microblading appointment, you can keep your brow area clean by using a gentle FRAGRANCE-FREE cleanser and water, gently cleaning with your hands. Do not use a washcloth or sponge! Clean the brows by moving your fingers and hands gently in the direction of the natural hair growth of your eyebrows.
• Air-dry Those eyebrows after washing! It is best to air dry or gently dab the eyebrows with a clean towel to remove water and other moisture. Make sure you use a clean towel as you do not want to introduce any bacteria to the area.
• Apply Aftercare Serum! Use the aftercare serum given to you by our brow experts with freshly washed hands or a Q-tip. DO NOT apply vaseline, petrolium, A & D ointments or Bepanthen to the area during its healing as they can increase the risk of infection.
• No Picking or Rubbing! We know it will itch, and scab. That is a normal part of the healing process for your brows, but if you pick, rub or scratch the treated area you may cause scarring and pigment loss leading to much more work and potentially more touch ups to get the desired final result. Let the healing process naturally make it fall off, it is completely normal and will be corrected in the following perfecting microblading touchup appointment.
• Avoid Sun Exposure! The sun is going to be your enemy for the 3 (Three) weeks after your appointment. Avoid it at all cost, direct sunlight on your eyebrows will cause the pigment to fade much faster and irritate your brows. Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, pools (chlorine will irritate your brows and may cause an infection afterwards), sauna, steam rooms, hot showers and hot baths for 3 weeks after your eyebrow microblading or shading procedure.
• Avoid Intense Activity! Relax those marathon runs, gym squats and dead-lifts that cause sweat to run down your face. Limit physical effort, gym and any other intense activity that causes you excessive sweating for at least 7-14 days.
• Avoid Sleeping On Your Face! Sleep is important, but you cannot sleep on your face for at least the first 10 days after your eyebrow microblading or shading service. Become like dracula for two nights and sleep on your back to ensure the oils, dust and other bacteria on your pillow doesn't seep into your brows and affect its natural healing process.
• No Makeup, Botox Or Facials! Do not use any makeup, botox or skincare products for at least 2 weeks after your eyebrow microblading procedure. Do not get any facials, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion treatments for at least 4 weeks. These may impact your eyebrows natural healing processes and affect your healed results.
• Avoid Retin-A! If you use Retin-A, try to avoid using it close to the brow area.
• Wear Sunblock When Going Out! After around 14-21 days when the brow area has healed properly, please consider using sunblock when going out in places under direct sunlight to stop the colour from fading. (SPF 30 or 50)

Please Note: Your eyebrows microbladed area will appear to be anywhere from 20-40% darker and bolder in color and shape 24-48 hours after your initial microblading procedure. The complete healing process takes about 4-6 weeks depending on how well you follow the guidelines above and your bodies natural healing ability. During the eyebrows healing process, your microbladed eyebrows will soften and lighten and undergo changes that may seem worrisome, but rest assured it is a completely normal part of your healing process. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is naturally regenerating and exfoliating to bring out the pigment and shapes we have added. Any loss in pigment and shape will be corrected in the Perfecting Touchup appointment 4-6 weeks after your initial appointment when your eyebrows have fully healed.

To learn more about the healing process of eyebrow microblading, microshading or fusion brows service, please read our helpful guide here to give you more insight and information about your Iconbrows PMU microblading, shading or fusion brows healing journey.

Conclusion

Microblading is an amazing procedure that can give your eyebrows a incredible transformation that uplifts your natural beauty and provides you confidence and strength even on those no to low makeup days. From the explanations we have provided you can rest assured that Iconbrows - Professional Microblading is one of the best providers of Microblading services in Toronto, Microblading services in Canada.

We recommend you take the initiative and book your eyebrow permanent makeup transformation appointment as soon as possible, and get a eyebrow transformation that lifts your natural beauty, gives you confidence and strength and saves you time and money during those busy mornings by avoiding to have to fill in your eyebrows with makeup, since you have gotten the best microblading in toronto by beauty clinics like Iconbrows - Professional Microblading.