TRENDY MOMS
Brow Power
Everything you need to know about microblading
BY ADRANISHA STEPHENS
A s we all know, there are a dizzying num-
ber of products and services at our dis-
posal to help us achieve lush and thick
brows. But one treatment has recently taken the
beauty industry by storm: microblading.

Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo
technique used to create the illusion of fuller
brows, explains Lucy Murrell, owner of Laveda
Lash and Brow Boutique in Hyattsville. “With
this method, we create almost any look or shape,
from a very natural light finish to a beautifully
bold brow,” she says.

Pre-coronavirus, I sat in one of the salon’s
cozy chairs for two hours so Murrell could work
her magic on me. Here’s what my experience
was like.

PREP TIME
Before my appointment, I was given a list of
instructions from my technician: Do not pick,
tweeze, wax or have electrolysis one week prior.

Don’t use sunbeds or leisure in direct sunlight
or have a facial or peel two weeks before. And
I should stop using retinol and certain vita-
mins—A and E or fish oil—as these are natural
blood thinners.

I was also told to refrain from drinking alco-
hol or taking aspirin or ibuprofen at least 24
hours before my appointment, again because
of the blood thinners. I couldn’t exercise on the
day of treatment, as sweat can push the pigment
out and cause the microblading strokes not to
retain. And I should arrive for my appointment
without any makeup, with my skin cleansed but
not packed with heavy moisturizers or oil-based
products. ©HDESERT/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
GO TIME
At the salon, Murrell recommended the best
brow shape for my face and then helped me
choose a color that matches my natural hair color
and skin undertone. Then she used tools to begin
measuring the area around the brows, taking
into account my face shape, symmetry and facial
features. My brow area was cleaned, shaped and
numbed for the treatment—this took approxi-
mately 25 minutes.

14 Washington FAMILY MAY 2020
TREATMENT Next Murrell began the needling process, gently
implanting a medical grade pigment via feather-
weight strokes. Rather than using a tattoo machine,
she used a little handheld tool to draw my new
brows manually. It didn’t actually penetrate the
skin but just delicately scratched the surface, much
like a paper cut. If you feel any discomfort at this
stage, the technician will add another quick layer of
numbing cream to the area—or in my case, three.

Afterward, an ointment was applied to help with the
healing process.

AFTERCARE TIPS
The most important product you’ll need after
treatment is sunscreen. Like with other tattoos,
sunscreen helps extend the longevity of your
brows and prevent fading. While they heal, do not
get your brows wet or use any makeup for at least a
week. Once the skin is mended, it’s OK to go back
to your normal routine. You’ll also need to avoid
any picking or scratching, as you can damage your
new brows. Throughout the process, they will
change color, become flaky and look like they’ve
faded, but this is normal. They’ll reveal their final
color and shape after a month.

Clients are encouraged to schedule a follow-up
appointment four to six weeks later to make sure
they are satisfied with the results or see if they
need little tweaks. Microbladed brows can last
anywhere from one to three years, depending
on your skin type (the ink fades quicker on oily
skin), products and lifestyle. While the proce-
dure lasts longer than waxing or threading your
brows, it costs more, too. Laveda Lash and Brow
Boutique charges up to $450 for each treatment,
but prices can vary based on a technician’s expe-
rience level and location.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Microblading is a great option if you’re search-
ing for a more permanent solution to improv-
ing the appearance of your brows—and are not
afraid of a little needle. This has been by far one
of my favorite beauty procedures, and when it
wears off after a year or two, I will continue with
the process. ■