If you’ve tried every pencil, powder, gel or stencil in the kit and your brows are still off fleek, perhaps the more permanent procedure of microblading is your solution. Microblading, also known as eyebrow embroidery, is an ancient form of cosmetic tattooing using a manual hand-held tool to insert pigments of hair-like strokes which mimic the hairs of your natural brows. Today, celebrities like Rihanna, Gwen Stefani and Taylor Swift have taken the procedure as practice to improve on their newly fleeked red carpet ready brows.Under the Dryer invites you in as cosmetologist Jahrene Wilson gives you an exclusive look at this trendy method of semi-permanent make-up which might be right for you.

Under the Dryer (UTD): How long have you been microblading?

Jahrene Wilson (JW): I have been microblading for over a year now. I learnt the technique last May from a microblading course I did at a small beauty school in Miami named Threaded Beauty.

UTD: How does microblading work?

JW: Prior to the actual procedure, the eyebrows are threaded to give a clean definition. After this an outline of the customer’s desired shape is drawn and a numbing cream is applied. Hair strokes are carefully drawn in the designated areas of the skin with the manual hand tool to create volume.

UTD: How long does the procedure take?

JW: It can take anywhere between 1 to 2 hours depending on the amount of volume being created.

UTD: Is the procedure painful ?

JW: Painful is relative. A lot of my customers have taken the procedure well, due to the fact that I use a numbing cream. I ensure that they’re comfortable enough to minimise the discomfort that is felt. The pain is the least. The results are usually more impactful.

UTD: Who should not be doing microblading?

JW: Microblading is not recommended for women nursing or pregnant and also people with blood-thinning disorders.

UTD: How long do the results last?

JW: The results averagely last 12-16 months after the procedure.

UTD: What are some important tips for the after-care of microbladed brows?

JW: 1. Avoid direct sunlight, sauna or any extremely hot temperatures for the first two weeks . Why? Extreme temperatures will result in fading of the results sooner than intended.

2. Do not touch brows with unclean fingers. Why? Any contact with bacteria will cause an infection.

3. Do not use products containing alpha hydroxy acids (skin-lightening products).

4. Avoid using make-up on eyebrows for 10 days. Why? Use of make-up will result in the clogging of sore pores which will trigger an infection.

5. Apply coconut, almond or grapeseed oil twice a day, 48 hours after procedure. These natural oils aid in the process of healing.

6. Do not pick or scratch scab during healing. Why? You risk losing the pigment.

7. No facials, botox, chemical treatments, or exfoliation for 4 weeks. Why? You don’t want to apply additional chemicals to the body to risk the possibilities of a chemical reaction.