Microblading (3D Hair-Stroke Technique)

Microblading (3D hair-stroke technique) adds fine, hair-like strokes to sparse, patchy or poorly defined eyebrows by placing pigment in the superficial layer of the skin with a fine-tipped hand tool. Unlike the hard, solid look of permanent make-up, it aims for a natural result. The brow shape is first drawn to suit your face. It takes about 1.5–2 hours, and the result is semi-permanent and fades over time.

How does microblading work?

Instead of a motorised device, microblading uses a pen-shaped hand tool with a row of very fine needles at its tip. With it, the practitioner makes fine strokes in the uppermost layers of the skin that mimic the direction and thickness of natural brow hairs, and places pigment into them. Because the pigment sits superficially, it is not permanent like a tattoo and gradually lightens as the skin renews itself. The result is a hair-by-hair look that is hard to tell apart from your own brows at a normal distance.

How is it different from eyebrow design?

The two are often confused, but they have different aims. Eyebrow design shapes your existing brows by measuring them against your facial proportions and removing excess hairs; no pigment goes into the skin, and it needs repeating as the hairs grow back. Microblading adds new pigment strokes where there are no hairs or where hair is sparse, and lasts for months. If your brows are full but shapeless, eyebrow design is often enough; if there are gaps, asymmetry or sparseness, microblading may be considered. Many people have both. To complete the look, YUMILashes eyelash keratin for the lashes can be done in a separate session.

Who is it suitable for?

• People with naturally sparse or very fair brows
• People whose brows have thinned after years of over-plucking
• People with gaps, scars or noticeable asymmetry in their brows
• People who do not want to fill in their brows with make-up every day

If brow hair loss has started recently and quickly, a doctor should first check for an underlying cause such as a thyroid problem or iron deficiency.

How is the treatment done?

At our clinic in Etiler, microblading is one of the treatments in our skin care section and follows these steps:

• Consultation: your expectations, skin type and medical history are discussed, and the pigment shade is chosen to suit your skin and hair colour.
• Mapping: the start, arch and tail of the brow are measured and drawn, and your approval is obtained.
• Numbing: a numbing cream is applied to the area for comfort.
• Hair strokes: fine strokes are made with the hand tool and pigment is placed into them.

Including preparation, the whole procedure takes about 1.5–2 hours. Single-use sterile blades and strict hygiene reduce the risk of infection.

What is the healing process like?

In the first days the brows may look darker and bolder than planned; this is normal. Within about a week they scab and flake slightly, then the colour looks faded for a while before settling over the following weeks. Because pigment does not take equally in every skin, a touch-up session is usually planned 4–8 weeks later.

• Do not wet, rub or apply make-up to the brows in the first days.
• Do not pick the scabs; let them fall off on their own.
• Avoid sauna, swimming pools, the sea and direct sun until healing is complete.
• Do not apply any cream to the area other than the aftercare product recommended to you.

How long does microblading last?

The result usually lasts around 1–2 years, but this varies from person to person. Pigment fades faster on oily skin, with frequent sun exposure and with exfoliating or retinol products. As the colour lightens, it can be refreshed with a top-up session.

Who should not have it?

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Active infection, eczema, psoriasis or an open wound in the brow area
• A tendency to form keloids or thick scars
• Uncontrolled diabetes, a bleeding disorder or use of blood thinners
• Recent use of isotretinoin (an acne medicine) or ongoing chemotherapy
• Known allergy to pigments

Frequently asked questions

Does microblading hurt?

Because a numbing cream is applied beforehand, most people feel only a light scratching sensation. Sensitivity varies from person to person.

When will I see the final result?

The scabs clear in about a week, but the colour takes a few weeks to settle. The final look usually becomes clear after the touch-up session.

Is a touch-up necessary?

For most people, yes. Because pigment does not take equally everywhere, a touch-up 4–8 weeks later fills any gaps and evens out the colour.

Is microblading the same as permanent make-up?

No. Microblading is a superficial, semi-permanent treatment with strokes drawn hair by hair using a hand tool. Classic permanent make-up can create a fuller, harder look.

Do I need microblading if my brows are already full?

If your brows are full but shapeless, eyebrow design is often enough. Microblading is mainly preferred for sparse or patchy brows.

This content is for information only and does not replace a medical examination. To find the right approach for your brows together, please get in touch with us.