New brows, who dis? Yesterday, I had my 1 year after microblading touch up appointment, and as promised on InstaStories, I am sharing my experience!
Be sure to CLICK HERE to read my first microblading post with what to expect at your first appt, as well as answers to some FAQ I received before continuing on with my 1 year after microblading update!
Microblading: 1 Year After
Here is my before and after from yesterday:
This time last year, I was prepping to walk into my microblading “perfecting” appointment. This is the appointment following the initial microblading, and the goal is to tweak/perfect any areas where you may want more tint, more arch, etc. After this appointment, your brows can last anywhere from 6-18 months (according to the internet).
At just shy of the 12 month mark, I felt like my left brow was still flawless… while my right brow (aka the bane of my face’s existence) was starting to get patchy.
I was more than impressed with how long they looked amazing!
the appointment
This appointment took about 3 hours. We started by measuring and drawing. We both agreed on a little bit more arch. Once we had a plan, it was time to start the process.
This time around, I knew more of what to expect. It still sounded like velcro with each little movement of the blade, but I found it to be relatively pain-free and kind of relaxing.
I did wince and have some stinging when the tint is applied. The tint sat on my brows for about 10 minutes — and it DID NOT sting the whole time 😉
the cost
I had a TON of questions about the cost this time and the first time. It’s hard to say “oh, yes, it will cost $X,” since it’ll vary depending on where you live, how much product is needed, as well as time and a variety of other variables. The average cost is $600, and can vary from $400-900 (according to the internet), and my 1 year after touch up was around $400. I am told this is about half of the first appointment.
That said, anytime anyone is putting something semi-permanent on your face, near your eyes… I would opt for the salon charging $600 versus the one offering it for $250. Google search “bad microblading photos”, mmmkay?
is it worth it?
For me, abso-freaking-lutely. I am not at all joking when I say microblading my eyebrows has been nothing short of life-changing. I mentioned above that my touch up was $400, and I anticipate it being the same from here on out.
Maybe it seems like a lot for eyebrows, but if you think about buying a $40 eyebrow pencil multiple times a year, and the time spent doing your brows daily, and the time spent worrying about them running down your face if you get wet… $400 once a year sounds more like an investment in yourself!
did it hurt?
I mentioned above that the tint did sting a bit, but it was a fleeting sting (like getting lotion in a cut). A few hours after the appointment, my brows did feel a little sore. The best way to explain the sensation is like a sunburn on my eyebrows. They were tender and a tiny bit itchy (do NOT scratch them!!), but I woke up today with no tenderness and no pain!
why are they so dark?
They are a lot darker now than they will be once they heal! Just like a tattoo, there is a healing process. They will scab and peel (super not cute haha), but once they heal, they will be a few shades lighter and look a lot more natural on my face.
Again, if you missed my blog post from last year, you can find a bit more info on Renewal Skin Spa, where I get mine done at. If you’re local, I cannot CANNOT CANNOT recommend them enough.
Having my eyebrows done has been something I have wanted since I was in 8th grade, if we are being real here. I have no idea why I put it off until I was 31! If you’ve been considering it, or keep putting it off, here is my advice: make the damn appointment. I know they’re “just my eyebrows”, but now, I feel more confident, and more put-together (I can just curl my hair and leave the house without people questioning my sanity 😉
If you had any questions that I didn’t cover in this blog post or my original microblading post, about microblading in general or about the 1 year after touch up appointment, leave it in the comments below!
xo -j
