(Before we start…Microblading is a semi-permanent tatooing technique that creates the look of fuller eyebrows. It has been popular in Europe for many years and recently became popular in the US several years ago.)
Sorry, Mom. I’m about to blame you for my thin brows. Let me take you back to a simpler time. The year was 1999 and thin brows were a thing. I remember going to my mom is tears, because I just had to get rid of my unibrow. (It used to top my list of “Portuguese Girl Curses”.) Off we went to some lady named Geri who waxed the crap out of my brows. I’m quite certain she obliterated any and all hair follicles in my brow-line.
About three years ago, I decided I was sick of filling my skinny brows in with powder every morning. I went to get my brows microbladed at a local studio and paid about $600. I would not recommend this place to any of my local friends! She did an okay job, and they honestly looked better than the skinny ones I had. That being said, the color had a bit of a blueish, grey tint to it. I later learned that this is a common mistake in brunettes or anyone with dark brows. I just continued to powder my brows and figured it was still better than my usual brows. If this has happened to you, please don’t be discouraged by microblading. It is all about finding the right eyebrow artist (more on that below)
About six months ago, I visited Laci at Newtown Medispa up in Newtown, Connecticut. Local friends- Laci is worth the drive. In total, I paid about $400 (tip included) for my initial appointment and my touch-up. One look at my brows and Laci remarked, “Oh no no. This color is wrong. I promise I can make your brows match.” And she did.
Question 1: How do you know where to go?
Do your research. I’m not talking Yelp. Talk to current clients and ask questions about what tools they use. Laci confidently told me she is the best in my area. Upon research of my own, I found that everyone agrees. I have since referred several girls to Laci, and they feel the same way. I have friends who have paid upwards of $1500 at fancy Manhattan studios and ones who got a $200 deal off of Groupon. Bottom line is this- neither scenario is right. I’ve seen some pretty expensive messed-up brows.
Question 2: Does it hurt?
Like a mother. I used lydacane to numb my brows, but it still felt like someone was dragging a razor-blade across my face. Which is precisely what was happening. I don’t have any tattoos, so I can’t comment whether it is a similar pain. I also don’t have any children yet. But I can almost promise it hurts way less than childbirth.
Question 3: Is the dye safe?
I will say this- there aren’t any semi-permanent or permanent make-up dyes that are FDA-approved in the United States. That being said, most of the dyes used at studios are approved in Europe, which tends to have stricter quality requirements.
Question 4: What happens when they fade?
I get my brows touched up every 6-8 months. That seems to stop the fading from being noticeable. That being said, you can always use some powder to fill them in if you want to space out your touch-ups. I am also starting to put a lash growth serum on my brows in the hopes that my real hair will actually start to grow back.
Question 5: How expensive is it?
It depends where you go. Some brow artists charges upwards of $1500, while others charge several hundred. A higher price-tag doesn’t mean a better brow. I paid about $400 initially, including my touch-up. Then, every 6-8 months, I will pay $150 for a touch-up. Yes, it is expensive. That being said, if you wax or thread your brows, it really is comparable.
**My make-up was done by the lovely Rachel Toussaint**
