Microblading originated in Asia over 20 years ago and has gone by many names: eyebrow embroidery, feather touch, microstroking and even “the Japanese Method." By 2015, microblading became popular in the United States.

Technically, microblading is a form of eyebrow tattooing. But unlike traditional tattooing, which uses a machine, microblading artists apply each hairstroke with a handheld microblade. This produces a very fine line that resembles real hair. Each individual hairstroke is hand drawn by the artist and blended in with the client’s existing eyebrow hair. With a strong artist at the helm, the results can be gorgeous and very lifelike. There are many techniques and approaches to microblading. There are 1D Eyebrows, where the hairstrokes all go in one direction. There are 3D Eyebrows, where the hairstrokes are laid out in a specific pattern across the eyebrow ridges, creating a 3D effect. World renowned artist David Zhang of David Brow Art, creates what he calls “6D Eyebrows” where the actual depth of the microblade varies on each individual hairstroke. This creates an even more dimensional and natural result. All of these approaches are valid and part of the art of microblading, but our artists at Microblading Miami use 3D and 6D techniques only.

A lot of modern techniques are now taken for granted and commonplace. Originally, many artists would cross hairstrokes in an “x” pattern, since in real life hairs do cross. However, this would injure the skin and looked less natural. These days, most artists are taught never to cross hairstrokes.

Today, more advanced techniques such as 3D Eyebrows are popular throughout the United States. Newer techniques are still being innovated in Asia, such as the 6D Eyebrow by artists like David Zhang of David Brow Art.

Microblading typically takes two appointments to complete. In the first appointment, the client is profiled and the eyebrows are drawn on with a waterproof pencil, so the artist and client can agree on the look. The artist then microblades the eyebrows and the client is ready to go back into the world. There is some mild scabbing and aftercare required, but your microblading should be completely healed in 30 days.

The second appointment is a touch up at least 30 days after the first session. This allows enough time for the ink in the epidermis to naturally slough off, and the color to settle into your skin. In the touch up appointment, the artist can see how your skin has received the ink and make any necessary corrections.

Sometimes a client’s skin undertones may have unexpected effects on the ink’s color, and the artist may need to add color to adjust. These kinds of corrections are normal with any microblading artist and an essential part of the process, as everyone’s skin is different and receives ink differently.