Microblading is the hottest trend within the hair and beauty industry, it has been for years and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Many people get microbladed brows to help with hair loss, brow sparsity, get a confidence boost or simply just for one less task in their morning routine.
However, we’ve all heard the horror stories of microblading gone wrong. This article will discuss the causes of common microblading disasters and guide you through how to prevent mistakes from happening. Your clients’ satisfaction and reputation are paramount, so let’s protect that!
How do microblading disasters happen?
Microblading disasters can happen for a variety of reasons. Often, this happens because the microblading technician is unqualified or uncertified, or has been poorly trained. However, other disasters can happen through poor consultation, such as the technician not using the right shade or creating the correct shape that the client is looking for. It can also happen through poor aftercare advice, causing the microblading to heal badly.
Is microblading dangerous?
Microblading is not dangerous if done by a qualified, certified and insured technician. This training and insurance is paramount to providing the best service for your clients.
How often does microblading go wrong?
Unfortunately, microblading goes wrong more times than we’d like to admit. This is because many unqualified ‘technicians’ can go on bogus courses and/or purchase microblading kits off of the internet. This can be avoided by attending a certified training course with a trusted supplier, and purchasing the correct equipment and products once you have done so.
Signs of bad microblading
Signs of bad or disastrous microbladed eyebrows can include:
- Blue-coloured strokes
- Patchy or blurry eyebrows
- Strokes that are too thick
- Strokes with empty gaps
- Uneven shapes
- Colour that does not match the client
- Pigment present in healing scabs
- Infection
Top 5 microblading mistakes
We’ve compiled the top 5 microblading mistakes that technicians can make, resulting in eyebrow disaster. Prevent these by attending a course by a trusted training provider and getting the correct qualifications.
1. Overuse of pigment
Overusing pigment can result in unnatural-looking eyebrows and pose the risk of your client’s colour changing over time. Your training course will provide you with the best techniques to pick up and apply the correct amount of pigment. Remember – healed microblading looks far different from the finished result straight after.
2. Inadequate numbing
Inadequate numbing of the eyebrows before the microblading procedure not only causes the client a large amount of discomfort but can also cause them to move or ‘tap out’ because they are struggling with the pain. Be sure to provide the optimal amount of numbing cream and leave it on for the correct amount of time, before starting the procedure.
3. Incorrect brow shape and symmetry
Incorrect brow shape and symmetry are some of the most obvious microblading mistakes to make. Precise measurements and perfect mapping are the best way to achieve symmetrical and flattering brow shapes for all brow treatments, but especially in eyebrow microblading. Learn how to do this properly, with the correct tools and techniques, on your training course. And remember – your first map isn’t always perfect. Keep going until both you and your client are happy with the results.
4. Depth of strokes
The depth of your microblading strokes can have a huge impact on the longevity and appearance of your client’s eyebrows. Little depth won’t get the pigment deep enough into the client’s skin, which will cause their brows to fade quickly. Too deep depth can create harsh, thick stroke lines, which can make the brows look too dark and impact the shade.
All tattooing, like microblading, is an art and requires training and experience to get right. Take time to invest in these for happy clients and perfect results.
5. Not working in a sterile environment
Not working in a sterile environment is a recipe for infection. Microblading is a tattoo technique and, more often than not, can cause your clients to bleed. Make sure that your workspace, equipment and body are clean, properly sanitised and protected before starting the procedure.
What can you do if microblading goes wrong?
If microblading your client’s eyebrows does go wrong, there are things that you can do or advise your client to do. Whilst microblading is a tattoo procedure, or categorised as ‘permanent makeup’, it doesn’t last forever.
Touching up microbladed eyebrows
If your client isn’t happy with the depth of their shade or the shape of their eyebrows, you can use microblading techniques to remedy it. This could either be by touching up their eyebrows with the same microblading method as you did before, or by using a microblading technique such as ‘microshading’.
‘Microshading’ is using pin-like dots of pigment to create a powdered eyebrow look, which can add to the depth of the client’s colour.
Can microblading be faded?
Yes, microblading can be faded. The most effective way to do this is to have saline or glycolic acid tattooed over the microbladed area. The saline or glycolic acid breaks up the pigment particles underneath the skin, which then exits during the scabbing process. These procedures are only recommended for fading microbladed eyebrows, not removal, as multiple treatments can cause potential scabbing and skin damage.
If you are not trained and qualified in saline or glycolic acid tattoo removal, refer your client to a trusted specialist who is. We offer an extensive saline tattoo removal course for experienced permanent makeup technicians.
Can microblading be removed?
Yes – microblading can be removed, the same way as tattoos, using laser removal. Laser removal is when the microbladed eyebrows’ pigment is broken up underneath the skin, using a concentrated laser, and exits the skin during scabbing. This is a non-invasive procedure and the safest removal method, however, it may take several sessions for the microblading to be completely removed.
If you are not trained and qualified in laser removal, refer your client to a trusted specialist who is.
Steps to prevent microblading disasters
Whilst microblading disasters can happen, taking these imperative steps will help you prevent them from happening to you and your clients.
Comprehensive consultation
The first step of any procedure or treatment, including microblading, should always be a comprehensive consultation with the client. Here you can understand your client’s expectations fully, their skin type and any concerns they may have or that may arise.
Remember, you are not always going to be the perfect technician for every client, nor is every client going to be the perfect one for you. You shouldn’t be offended if a client goes elsewhere, or be afraid to turn a potential client down.
Proper training and certification
Obtaining proper training and certification from a trusted training provider is paramount to becoming the best microblading technician, and preventing any mistakes from happening. Stay away from scam courses and training without board-certified qualifications.
Have a look at our CPD-accredited fast-track microblading course or machine brows course – both suitable for beginners getting into the permanent makeup industry, with no microblading experience or prior qualifications necessary. Or why not book onto our-five day permanent makeup course, covering machine brows, microblading and lip blush?
Continuous education and further qualifications will also help you stay up to date on the latest techniques and recommended safety protocols. If you’re looking to update your microblading skills and services, check out our microblade to machine conversion course – suitable for experienced and qualified microblading technicians.
Worried about training costs? All RJL Education permanent makeup courses have finance options available to help fund your course.
Quality pigments and tools
Whilst your education is going to teach you the techniques for microblading, high-quality pigments and tools are going to ensure that the final result of your client’s microbladed brows is just what they’re looking for. Part of this quality is also keeping your tools, workspace, your client and yourself in a sterile environment, which is going to minimise the risk of any adverse reactions and infections.
Precision and attention to detail
Precision and attention to detail during the mapping and microblading process are going to help you achieve the best, natural-looking results for your client. Take your time and put your extensive training and knowledge into practice. Remember that your first map isn’t always going to be perfect, so keep trying until both you and your client are satisfied with the results.
Effective aftercare instructions
Providing your clients with effective aftercare instructions is the final step in your microblading service. This is going to help you promote proper healing to your client, along with what to expect on their healing journey, and enhance the longevity of their microbladed eyebrows.
The career outcomes in the hair and beauty industry are endless! With a huge range of boosters, NVQ and CPD-accredited hair and beauty courses based in the North West, RJL Education has training options for everyone. Get in touch today to find out more.
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