It’s all about the brows — thicker, fuller, natural-looking brows.

It’s no wonder then that consumers are seeking more permanent options for fuller brows. Microblading is one way to achieve that look.

Microblading involves creating small cuts in the skin and introducing pigments to mimic the look of real hair. The treatment differs from tattooing in that the pigment lasts two years on average, with touch-ups, and tends to have a more realistic effect than traditional, cosmetic tattooing. The pigment is applied using thin blades, not a tattoo machine, which helps to create a more precise, natural look.

Who is an ideal candidate?

Generally, if you are interested in having your eyebrows professionally microbladed, you’ll make a great candidate. Microblading is an amazing choice for both young and old, and is an incredible anti-ageing technique.

Full brows will make you appear more youthful, bringing great lift to your face. Younger women with families or involved jobs also appreciate the results they see from microblading because it makes getting ready in the morning simpler and quicker.

Eyebrows add great definition to your face and bring another element of lines and angles to your unique beauty, allowing it to be noticed even more. Microblading can be tailored to your personal look. If you only prefer a little definition and thinner lines during your treatment, your microblading professional can make that happen. If you enjoy a stronger, bolder look, you can also emerge with a brow of that nature.

Who is not an ideal candidate?

Consultations are key to providing the best experience possible for the client and to eliminate contraindications.

Contrain­dications include:

• Anyone under 18 years of age;

• Diabetes;

• Pregnant or lactating women;

• Glaucoma;

• Skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and undiagnosed rashes or blisters on the site that is to be treated;

• Allergies to make-up or colours;

• Easily triggered, post-inflammatory hyperpig­mentation;

• Certain blood conditions;

• Active skin cancer in the area;

• Mole in the area;

• Haemophilia;

• Thyroid medication;

• Healing disorders;

• Blood thinners;

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or mitral valve disorder;

• Taking Accutane or steroids;

• Epilepsy;

• Keloid scarring;

• Alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic, glycolic, citric, retinoic, and tartaric acids, or any over-the-counter creams and lotions for tone correcting, anti-ageing, exfoliating, and fading, which can result in discoloured pigment;

• Flu, cold or post-nasal drip (reschedule when the client is healthier);

• Recent botox or fillers (wait two weeks after injections);

• Trichoti­llomania, also called hair-pulling disorder;

• Shingles;

• Recent eye lift/​blepharo­plasty (wait three to six months for client to be healed fully);

• Poor hygiene.

Aftercare

Microblading post-care is very important to the appearance and longevity of your new eyebrows. Do not let any water, lotion, soap, or make-up touch your eyebrow area the first seven days after your procedure.

After five to seven days, make sure your hands are completely clean and gently apply the post-care ointment with clean hands. This can be done once at night-time, but be sure to use the ointment sparingly as your skin needs to heal itself. Please continue to apply the ointment for seven days.

The following must be avoided 14 days post-microblading procedure:

• Increased sweating;

• Swimming;

• Hot sauna, hot bath or jacuzzi;

• Sun tanning or salon tanning;

• Any laser or chemical treatments or peelings, and/or any creams containing Retin-A or glycolic acid on the face or neck;

• Picking, peeling, or scratching of the micro-pigmented area in order to avoid scarring of the area or removal of the pigment.

Please wash your face carefully around the eyebrow without getting water on the treated area. During your shower, keep your face away from the showerhead or take a bath.

Itching and flaking may appear during the first seven days post-microblading procedure. However, experience has shown that by following these aftercare instructions, these symptoms may quickly disappear.

Michelle Vernon is a licensed aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare located at 20 Constant Spring Road, Mall Plaza, Kingston 10, and Fairview Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800; IG @ bodystudioskincare ; E-mail: bodystudioskincare@gmail.com ; Website: www.bodystudioskincare.com.