A Microblading Expert Shares 6 Things You May Not Know

Gone are the days of thin, penciled-in eyebrows. Thick, bushy brows are all the rage as of late thanks to the famous arches of stars like Cara Delevigne, Lily Collins and Sarah Hyland. But, for those who weren't blessed by the brow gods, microblading has become a chic alternative. 

Microblading, a form of cosmetic tattooing, is completely revolutionizing the cosmetic brow industry. With semi-permanent strokes, microblading can transform a set of eyebrows with results that last up to three years depending on at-home maintenance. What's more, the service holds a rather steep price tag for clients—ranging anywhere from $500-$1,000 dollars in some cities—but is rather inexpensive for a salon or spa to offer the service, making it an incredibly lucrative offering that you may just want to jump on. 

If you're considering offering the service in your salon, there are several things you should know before taking the plunge. We talked with Kaitlin DiDominica, microblading expert at Boom Boom Brow Bar in New York City's West Village, to get the lowdown on all things microblading. 

What does the process entail for microblading certification?

Every state is different dependent on regulations; I've seen some courses for a week and some for three days. I've also seen courses for several months. My experience was a bit different because I went for my tattoo license and took courses with an instructor from the American Academy of Micropigmentation. However, with that, I learned permanent make up (eyeliner and lip liner) and microblading, then got my tattoo license, so I was able to perform all services. I would recommend looking deeper into your state and what the laws and regulations are.

How does microblading differ from a permanent makeup service?

Technically, semi-permanent micro-pigmentation is considered permanent because the color is implanted into the upper dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, the pigment is implanted more superficially than a traditional tattoo, so it naturally fades over time.

What is the fade-out process like? 

Your client's eyebrows will appear darker and more intense the first few days, along with some redness. The eyebrows will then lighten and seem to somewhat disappear before they heal completely. This is when you need the client to come back in for a touchup. 

How soon after the first appointment is a followup recommended? 

Because it's a two-step process for most clients, a majority of touchups are done six weeks after the first appointment. 

For someone looking to become certified in microblading, what should they know? 

Look into the course, the style and the instructor and their work. Yes, it will cost you money, but if you learn the right way, you're setting yourself up for success. Don't go to the cheapest course, because without knowing, you could be trained the wrong way. For example, I found a microblader whose work I admired and asked her where she went. This helped me narrow down my search on where to go to get trained. 

Do you have any tips for mastering precision with microblading? 

I would say practice, practice, practice! Once you can repetitively draw a set of eyebrows with ease and a steady hand is when you can build the confidence to work on a person. It can be scary in the beginning, so you want to be able to confidently know what you're doing and have your client get the best results possible. A happy client is the most important thing