The world’s most popular permanent makeup procedure, Forever Studios provide Manchester’s leading microblading service from our clinic in Whitefield. Microblading redefines your look and gives you the brows you always wanted.
Millions of women use microblading to redefine their eyebrows. Very few women are born with perfect brows. Microblading creates shape and definition, fills in sparse areas and adds thickness and fullness to the eyebrow.
The process itself uses a tiny microblade that superficially penetrates to the skin to the upper dermis. The tiny opening is flooded with pigment, and as the brow heals over the following days, the result is beautifully crisp hairstrokes that are virtually indistinguishable from the natural brow hair.
Microblading is incredibly common, however this is an artistic application, so choosing the right technician is crucial. At Forever Studios, all procedures are carried out by Liyah Imani, a highly talented microblading artist, with hundreds of treatments to her name and a 100% record of client satisfaction.
Microblading usually requires an additional topup session, included free as part of your treatment. Typically your topup will take place 4-6 weeks after your main treatment session.
Microblading is an eyebrow tattoo. It is a semi-invasive procedure, whereby a licenced artist creates a manual incision in the skin creating a lacerated channel. Pigment is then placed within that channel and left to rest for about 10 minutes (this is known as the “pigment soak”).
During the pigment soak, the pigment-filled wound awaits Neutrophil cells before the skin is wiped clean, leaving the channel engulfed with pigment and cells (for more about the process of healing and the function of the skin cells, refer to the “WHAT WILL HAPPEN” section below). When properly placed within the Dermis, the pigment will comfortably settle into the skin during the healing process.
The art of microblading requires precision and skill and is a manual technique that micropigmentation artists consider to be an advanced procedure. It is easy to create an incision that is too deep or executed too aggressively, which can create scar tissue compromising the skin once it heals. Therefore, the technician must be skilled enough to understand the layers of the skin, the ideal depth to enter the skin, and the exact pressure for which to open a proper channel.
A liquid pigment, specifically formulated for tattooing, is then introduced into the opening in the skin, and deposited directly into the incision. Over the course of a few weeks the liquid component of the pigment is eventually absorbed by the body, leaving behind its pigment particles to permanently rest within the skin, showcasing the tattoo created by the technician.
It is essential that the artist have a general knowledge of skin histology and skin anatomy, in an effort to successfully implant micro strokes without causing damage to the skin. In addition, the artist must understand all aspects of skin type, skin tone and colour theory in order to execute an end-result where the healed colour is compatible with the client’s skin tone.
It is important to note that the skin around the eyes is the thinnest skin on the body. Certain areas of the body have a total depth of 1-4 millimeters of thickness, however, the skin around the eyes is about 1/2 to 1 millimeter in depth; this is very thin, delicate skin. Think of a paper cut on the finger. This cut can exceed 1/2 a millimeter in depth, therefore, successful implants are relatively superficial, yet targeted to live in the Dermis none the less.
A tool is not one size fits all; it can come in a myriad of configurations, but allow me to use a “9-blade” as an example. The number 9 means there are 9 small-gauge, razor sharp pins lined up in a fence-like configuration, typically on an angle. When these pins line up, they form a blade, and from a certain distance the pin-configuration will resemble a scalpel. Depending on the number of pins, microblades can come in angled, curved, slanted and straight configurations. The configuration chosen by the technician depends on the execution of the tattoo that he/she wishes to achieve.
Like machine implants, the technician must stretch the skin properly to prevent snagging and tearing of the skin. With a small amount of pressure, the technician then enters the skin revealing an open channel awaiting the pigment soak.
The common misconception is that microblading is a semi permanent procedure. This is false. Microblading is a permanent pigment implant, also known as a tattoo. This treatment has recently become popularised, because of public misconception, that the hair-like strokes achieved by this technique are semi permanent, and will only last 9-18 months.
This false claim has created a great deal of controversy within the permanent makeup arena, and, as a result, has propelled better education within the industry.
The skin is comprised of three primary layers: The Epidermis, the Dermis and the Subcutaneous tissue (also known as the Hypodermis). If you have ever seen a blue eyebrow tattoo, or unsightly tattoo blurring (known as migration), it may have been a result of pigment implants placed too deep beyond the Dermis, placing them within the Subcutaneous tissue of the skin.
As tattoo artists, our elusive “sweet spot” is the Epidermal/Dermal junction; the area where blood vessels are introduced, and sits just below the border of the Epidermis. When a pigment implant is introduced within the Dermis (known as the “live layer”), it is considered to be permanent and “of the body”.
The confusion lies with the belief that these hair-like microblading strokes will eventually disappear after a year’s time; this claim is absolutely false. The upper layers of the skin (the Epidermis) shed approximately every 28 days. The Epidermis, which is made up of six layers, is not considered living skin because it does not contain blood vessels, yet is perpetually turning over skin cells to generate new skin.
This process is continuous and the phenomenon of cell turnover can be documented after the skin is exposed to the sun for an extended period. When the skin is exposed to the sun’s UVB rays, it goes into defense mode and sends skin-protective Melanocyte cells to the outer surface. These Melanocytes release a tint, called Melanin, which blankets the Epidermis, with a tinted stain, to create a protective barrier. This stain, known as a suntan, is a response to an injury (the injury primarily being the harmful radiation emitted by the sun); this radiation can burn and injure the skin.
Although the bronze glow of sun-bathed skin is visually appealing, the result is (unfortunately) temporary and expected to fade within a few weeks. Have you ever seen a suntan last a year? The answer is no. This is because Melanin is sloughed away from the upper skin as cell turnover occurs, exfoliating these protective cells away.
In other words, Melanin only enters the skin’s Epidermis, the upper layers, rather than the underlying Dermal layers. The Dermis is the sweet spot for a pigment implant (a tattoo), therefore, similar to a suntan being semi-permanent, if microblading wants to support its “temporary” claim to fame, it must fade within a few weeks’ time (like a suntan) to support that title, otherwise it is a permanent dermal implant like any other tattoo.
This implanted pigment may indeed fade within a years’ time, however, there will most definitely be pigment particles still present in the skin. Moreover, it is impossible to predict when and if the pigment will fade, if at all, once it has been deposited into living skin.
The histology of an individual is unique and will vary from person to person. While one individual may experience significant fading within a few months post procedure, another may have robust implants which can last years. There is absolutely no way of predicting how an individual’s body will maintain the integrity of the original implant. Every case will have healed results which will differ, based on the person’s histology, health, and their lifestyle choices.
For example: repetitive exposure to the sun’s UV rays will break down pigment particles, within the skin, over time. If, however, the microbladed hair strokes completely fade away within a few weeks’ time, the answer is because the technician who performed the procedure, implanted too shallow (within the Epidermis) and failed to enter the Epidermal/Dermal junction.
There’s a long-running debate over whether or not microblading is permanent or semi-permanent, and there are valid arguments on both sides. The simple answer to this hot topic is really dependant on the angle you approach it. For this reason, we’re going to look at it from both sides of the coin.
Our skin comprises of three primary layers. The first is the Epidermis which is the outer, waterproof layer which could also be considered to be a protective barrier. The Epidermis is renewable and sheds each month or so, depending on age and skin types. Thereafter, beneath the epidermis is the Dermis. This contains your connective tissues and hair follicles and like anything under the Epidermis, it’s a live organ. If you dig deeper, you’ll find the subcutaneous tissue which is also known as the hypodermis. This is made up of fat and connective tissues & what should be obvious by now is that it’s also a living organ.
There are two considerable differences between a traditional tattoo and microblading which lead to the debate on permanency. One is down to the depth of the implanted pigment and the other is owing to the type of pigments used.
When a microblading artist performs the techniques correctly, the incision and pigment are implanted into the very top of the Dermis layer of your skin. It really must only scratch the surface. If the pigments penetrate deeper into the dermis layer it’s, without doubt, a tattoo. If it hits the subcutaneous tissue it’s also a tattoo, albeit not a great one, and subject to very disagreeable and disastrous discolouration and migration.
Because of the depth of pigment implantation with microblading, pigment fading will occur, to nigh on insignificance which is why microblading is considered to be semi-permanent. But why the fading to insignificance with microblading and less so with a tattoo?
It’s all down to Macrophages.
Macrophages are types of white blood cells of your immune system. Their job is to police your body for foreign objects and eat up all the trash and waste. Macrophages will identify pigments as just that and gradually absorb them, thereafter dispersing around your body. The deeper the tattoo, the longer they take to work. So, like a regular tattoo that fades over time… Microblading is no different, only the process is quicker and much more noticeable.
Moving over to the second reason microblading is considered to be semi-permanent and differs from a traditional tattoo – pigments.
There is a somewhat fine yet also vast contrast between the pigment types used in tattooing and microblading. In a nutshell, cosmetic makeup pigment particles are smaller than that of traditional tattoo ink. Because of this, the result is a softer colour that can be layered but it will also fade – a lot. With tattoo inks, they are decidedly more concentrated. Couple that with the depth of pigment implant and you’re left with a stronger, bolder colour that’s not only richer in clarity, but will take a deeper hold under the skin and make for a bigger mouthful for your macrophages to eat up.
If you search anywhere on the net you’ll find ads for microblading. The claim is that those pigments will disappear after a year or so. This means that your semi-permanent brows can be either left to natures devices and return to your previous ones – or be redone. To an extent, this is actually true. The pigment can fade to a visual zero and thereafter, you choose.
However, once pigment hits the dermis level of your skin, it is trapped. And once it’s trapped underneath the skin, the process itself becomes an indelible one scientifically.
Now, that doesn’t mean to say it is visible, but it is still going to leave traces of pigment particles permanently trapped underneath the Epidermis, or outer layer, of your skin. Therefore, it’s permanent.
If we delve further into this, we need to go back to the physiology of the skin. The top layer, or Epidermis, of your skin is the only layer that is not “living”. The Epidermis renews itself every 27 to 28 days yet that process will change dependant on age. The minute you go in deeper, you go down to a living organ. For this reason, if you break the Epidermis level and attack the Dermis or subcutaneous it leaves a sign. You only need to look at a scar to get how this works. Is implanting ink any different to this?
When microblading takes place, it has to hit the Dermis layer, otherwise the process is just makeup, nothing more, nothing less, so what could possibly be the upshot of it all?
In essence, it’s true that scientifically, it’s a no-brainer. Microblading is permanent. It’s a process whereby pigments are implanted into a living organ that traps the said pigments under a waterproof layer, meaning they can’t get out. However, cosmetically, given it fades into insignificance it has to be deemed as semi-permanent as it (should) disappears to beyond a trace.
Your skin type is a factor. Microblading is widely publicised as the cosmetic procedure that fades, and in the majority of cases it does just that. However, not everyone’s skin is the same. There are absolutely no guarantees that the treatment will actually fade completely just like you’ve no guarantees that it won’t oxidise if inorganic pigments are used. Not everyones macrophages work the same.
Microblading is a form of permanent makeup, however to clarify the terminologies – ‘microblading’ usually refers to a permanent eyebrow procedure performed using a hand tool (a microblade), whereas ‘permanent makeup’ usually means the procedure is performed by machine.
The manual hair-like strokes rendered through microblading can also be successfully achieved with a machine, however the term ‘microblading’ is the one that most people are familiar with, and therefore the procedure they’re most likely to ask for by name.
The art of microblading creates the same results as a procedure performed by machine implants, the primary difference is the modality used to create the affect. The only difference between a simulated machine stroke (achieved with a needle) and a simulated manual stroke (created by a microblade), lies within the integrity of the skin. Machine strokes create implants via a series of reticulated penetrations in the skin which deposit pigment at the same time (think of the reticulated motion of a sewing machine). This technique relies on manual pressure and accuracy to properly create channels where the pigment will eventually rest and implant.
Many clients are not good candidates for microblading due to their skin type. For this reason, we often use permanent makeup to achieve the same results. To discuss your individual needs please contact us.
Basic answer, yes. Microblading as a whole is a safe procedure, it is much less invasive than body tattooing, but it has to be done properly by a professional with extensive training and knowledge! The only risks from microblading are either risks that could have been easily prevented by finding the right artist, following the care plan or risks that are completely unavoidable due to the clients body.
To make sure you’re definitely getting the best quality treatment, you HAVE to find the right artist. They need to be professional and safe.
The only way microblading is unsafe is if you haven’t done extensive research to find the best artists.
Any form of micropigmentation can cause scar tissue and infection. If quality, sterile tools are not used, the health of the client will be compromised.
Even a so-called “sealed” microblade can be exposed to contaminants such as bacteria and/or other harmful pathogens. It is our responsibility to ensure that the tools used for the procedure are of the highest quality, and are indeed sterile. We only purchase well known, trusted, premium brands from reputable suppliers, to ensure our tools live up to their quality standard.
False claims of sterilisation appear on the labels of countless counterfeit tools sold across the internet. A good artist should never trust low cost supplies purchased from sources that cannot be verified.
When cheap microblading deals are offered, consider how that price is possible. It is simply not viable to offer a quality microblading service using safe, quality consumables, at these knock-down prices. If you take one of these ‘deals’ you’re almost always choosing an inexperienced or poorly trained artist, or the artist is cutting corners with the tools they’re using or the pigments they’re putting into your skin.
As you would expect, Forever Studios is fully licenced and approved by Bury Council and fully insured. Our artists are impeccably trained, and have the certifications, results and reviews to prove it.
You should not get microblading if you have any of the following health conditions. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire on arrival, and for your own safety, it is important that you disclose any relevant conditions to your artist.
To get the best from microblading, the following is recommended:
So you’re looking for a new set of perfect brows and you’ve decided that microblading is for you? Congratulations!
We provide all our clients with an initial consultation to discuss your needs and preferences. We’ll talk about the best brow style for your face shape, we’ll assess your natural brows, discuss the procedure and aftercare, and answer any questions you may have. If you have specific requirements concerning your brows, please let us know.
Depending on your schedule and how you choose to contact us, this discussion may already be covered by phone, email or WhatsApp, however we always allow time to answer any additional questions when you arrive on the day.
During the treatment, you may experience some discomfort and levels will vary with each individual. It’s safe to say that microblading doesn’t specifically hurt, but it may feel a little scratchy. However, generally speaking, most people adjust to the sensation relatively quickly.
Your first appointment, from initial consultation to finished procedure will last anywhere between 2 to 3 hours. A second treatment for touch-ups is needed and recommended at the 4 to 6 week mark.
The healing process usually takes four to six weeks. During the first ten to fourteen days the colour, definition and texture will change almost daily.
The healing process is different for everyone, some may recover quickly without any scabbing at all and others may take longer to recover and scab a lot. The pace can depend on your age, skin type, lifestyle, daily routine and overall health.
After the procedure the eyebrow area may be swollen and tender to touch. You could have some redness around the area and some bleeding. You may see some clear fluid spots appear, this is completely normal and is called lymphatic fluid, it’s job is to start the healing process and cause scabbing. Your eyebrows will look a bit too dark and the blade strokes will look too thick but it will all change in time.
Your eyebrows will be starting to look better. They will still be too dark as the pigment is still settling and the strokes are healing.The pigment will be starting to gradually fade.
At this stage your eyebrows will begin to scab. They will be itchy and the scabs might be flaking slightly. Do not scratch or rub the irritated area. Leave it to heal naturally.
By now your scabs will be flaking, this could be just light flaking or you could have rather bad flaking, depending on the person and sometimes whether you have been advised to do dry or wet healing. Let your eyebrows flake naturally. Picking the scabs can cause the pigment to peel. during the flaking period of healing your eyebrows may look too light. This is due to the freshly healed skin and will gradually rectify it’s self.
Your eyebrows will now finally have taken shape. They may look a little patchy but the strokes of pigment will gradually begin to reappear.
The healing process is over and you are ready to go for a touch up, this is just to ensure you have the shape and colour you were wanting and the artist can fill in any areas that haven’t taken properly.
The microblading healing process completely depends on how much has had to be done. If you have gone for an extended period of time without getting a touch up since your initial procedure or since your previous touch up, then the artist may need to make more blade stroked leading to longer healing. If the aftercare hasn’t been followed correctly then this could mean more touch ups will need doing.
It is possible you may have to go through the above stages again, but more than likely it will only be a few blade strokes and the healing process should only take a few days. The fresh pigment will look darker than the original ones but they will soon blend in and look natural.
How well and how quickly your microblading treatment will heal, depends heavily on how closely you follow our recommended aftercare guidelines.
If you’re interested in the science behind the healing process, here is a more thorough explanation.
Within a few minutes of the skin being broken with a microblade, cells known as ‘neutrophil cells’ are introduced to the wound.
After the neutrophil cells make their appearance, the ‘macrophage cells’ enter the site to gobble up the debris that may be harmful to the body. I like to describe this phenomenon as the Pac Man effect. In the namesake video game, hundreds of yellow heads gobble up everything in site. Macrophages work similarly, except upon multiplying, their numbers will range into the thousands or higher. These waste-disposal cells will linger in the wound for a few weeks to properly manage the waste released by the healing wound. The “Platelets” which create clotting and scabbing, provide the necessary growth factors needed to sustain the macrophages until they are no longer needed.
This is exactly why micro strokes can fade in and out, during the healing process. Clients should not assess the finality of the healed result, until several weeks have passed. Within about 2 weeks post procedure, the macrophage (Pac Man) cells hold on to the pigment particles deposited in the dermis. Their job is to make sure that the body will not be harmed by this foreign entity.
Once a few weeks have passed, and the cells realise that no harm will come to the body, the macrophages release the pigment particles which then float back up to the Epidermal/Dermal junction, and reveals itself through the surface of the skin. This sudden colour surge which occurs once the macrophages complete their duty, is known as “blooming”, and is expected to happen during the healing process of a tattoo. For this reason, the client should not assess their healed result until, at least, 6-8 weeks post procedure.
We request all Forever Studios clients follow our recommended aftercare. This ensures the best possible result for you, and avoids invalidating your guaranteee.
Microbladed eyebrows are low maintenance, meaning you can ditch the pencils and gels. However, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. So what do you need to know and do?
Not everyone is a good candidate for microblading. This is determined by your skin type, style preference, and any previous microblading you’ve had done.
Over time your micro-strokes will lose their crispness, and after repeated touch-ups will eventually evolve into a blurred effect, resembling a powder brow. This means that the more the skin is microbladed, over time, the denser the pigment will become.
This is not necessarily a bad thing. “Powder Brows” simulate a pencilled-in effect, and can also create a pleasant aesthetic for the client. Once the micro-strokes have accumulated, after years of touch-ups, it may be in the client’s best interest to receive manual shading or machine shading for their yearly colour boost appointments.
Additionally, severely oily skin may cause the pigment implants to blur upon healing, causing a less desirable effect. For clients with oily skin, we often recommend a powder brow procedure by machine instead of microblading.
If you have pre-existing permanent makeup in your eyebrows, you are not a candidate for microblading. This procedure is only successful when bladed on virgin skin.
Clients who wish to correct a discoloured eyebrow that was previously powder-tattooed, must understand that they only have two options: pigment removal/pigment lifting, or a colour correction achieved by a machine implant or a manual shading tool.
If a microbladed hair-stroke is placed over a pink eyebrow, for example, the pink will show through between each hair-like stroke. If the technician insists on working an eyebrow in need of colour correction he/she must shade over the entire eyebrows (after the micro-strokes have been placed), by using a hand-shading tool or a machine.
As professionals we offer our clients options and consider what is in your best interest. Therefore, our technicians are fully educated in colour correction.
Although numbing cream is sometimes used, most people report feeling minor pressure or discomfort, but state it is less painful than a typical tattoo.
The procedure is hundreds of tiny breaks in the skin to create cuts that are then filled with pigment, so some pain and discomfort should be expected. Anesthetic numbing cream is applied to the area, this takes thirty minutes to take effect and is advised as it does tame the discomfort and pain as much as possible for each individual person. Numbing cream can also be applied during the procedure if the pain begins to get worse. If no anesthetic cream is used then the pain will be much worse, although it is the decision of the client.
Some people are more uncomfortable with the sound of microblading rather than the actual microblading itself. The sound is described as a scratching or crunching sound and can be worse when the artists begins to go over cuts or very close to the already existing cuts. At this point you eyebrows may feel irritated or like they’re burning, almost like the feeling of sunburn. After the procedure some soreness is to be expected but it is all part of the healing process.
Without numbing anaesthetic you may feel some discomfort and it may more significant for some more than others. With numbing anaesthetic? It completely depends of the person receiving the treatments and their pain tolerance. Pain and discomfort is to be expected either way, but the chances of pain and discomfort reduces drastically with the numbing anaesthetic cream.
