Microblading - Does it Hurt?
Microblading procedure at Tina Davies Studio
Now that we know what microblading is, we understand that it isn’t just a regular beauty procedure, it’s a form of tattooing. That said, permanent makeup differs from actual body tattoos because the pigment is implanted in the thinner layers of facial skin which creates a less permanent effect.
One of the main questions we’ve received about the procedure is whether or not it hurts. There is no straightforward answer here - it really depends! However, your comfort is our priority and when our customers are relaxed it means we can focus on providing a beautiful set of eyebrows for you in the easiest and most efficient way possible. Based on my experience, the level of sensitivity really depends on each individual and on a range of the following factors:
Your menstrual cycle: Clients who have the procedure done right before or while they are menstruating usually feel more pain. If you are squeamish about pain, it is recommended that you plan your procedure around your period.
Blood thinners: Caffeine and alcohol can increase the sensitivity of the skin during the procedure. Also, blood thinners such as ibuprofen and aspirin can cause the skin to bleed more than usual resulting in additional swelling and/or irritation. In addition to this, blood thinners can also negatively impact the retention of pigment. Please avoid consuming these substances for at least 24 hours before the appointment.
Skin type: Clients who have naturally sensitive or thin skin may be highly sensitive to pain during the procedure. Our artists make sure to gauge the thickness of each client’s skin and apply pressure accordingly.
Skin conditions: Certain skin conditions cause increased sensitivity. For example, clients with rosacea naturally have more dilated blood vessels, which equals added sensitivity. It is especially important for clients with this skin condition to avoid blood thinners before the appointment. Other skin conditions such as acne or sunburn can also result in hypersensitivity. during the procedure. Click here to see if you would be a good candidate for microblading.
Your natural pain tolerance: Everyone has a different tolerance towards pain and that all depends on personal experience and mindset. Just like anything in life, the more attention you focus towards something, the more the feeling multiplies. Clients who maintain calmness and focus on the end goal during the procedure are the ones who feel the most comfortable throughout, and those who focus on the procedure itself can be more sensitive to pain.
“Getting in the Groove”
To help you prepare and get into a calm state of mind, we take several steps to maximize your comfort during your appointment. Firstly, we recommend that you arrive 30 minutes early for your appointment so you won’t feel stressed. When you arrive, we welcome you into our bright, tranquil, and clean studio space where you can relax, read information and fill out a consent form at your leisure. While you wait, we apply a numbing cream to your eyebrows. We actually use two different numbing creams to maximize comfort during the procedure. The first numbing cream is applied 30 minutes before your appointment and contains 5% lidocaine. This numbing will desensitize the skin for the first set of strokes. The second numbing cream is formulated specifically for use on broken skin, which makes it substantially more effective. Throughout the procedure, we reapply this numbing cream so that the procedure becomes easier as it goes. By the end, you will hopefully feel nothing but a slight ‘scratchy’ feeling!
Applying Zensa numbing cream to a client pre-procedure.
On average, the most discomfort clients will feel occurs during the first ten minutes of the procedure. Most clients describe the pain level to be around a 3-5 out of 10 (10 being the most painful) and tolerable. A typical client would describe the procedure to be no less painful than having their eyebrows waxed or threaded. Most of the time spent during the appointment is during the consultation and design process. That said, clients have described microblading to be a life-changing procedure and totally worth it!
To find out more about what to expect during an appointment with us, click here to read our latest blog post: https://tinadaviesstudio.ca/blogs/news/what-to-expect-when-you-visit-us
Don’t be afraid to reach out to us with any questions you may have. You can call us on 416-291-4188 or email studio@tinadavies.com.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
xo