Client One – Before-Microblading
It is no secret that the cosmetic industry has always meant big business. A recent survey conducted by beauty e-tailer SkinStore, revealed that women in the United States spend around $300,000 on products solely for their face during their lifetime. SkinStore surveyed 3,000 women to find out their beauty habits. In addition to the astronomical amount over their lifetimes, it was discovered that women in New York wear $11 worth of cosmetics on their faces every single day.
Eyebrows in particular are firmly in the lead, in terms of growth in the beauty industry. Retailer QVC conducted a survey that demonstrates societies devotion to obtaining the highly sought after power brow, it turns out that women in the UK spend £2.3 billion a year perfecting our eyebrows.
Eyebrow makeup was once seen as an afterthought but it is now firmly a frontrunner. In a survey conducted by The NPD Group, it revealed that this year alone eyebrow pencils, gels and powders amassed over $164 million dollars worldwide. Eyebrow cosmetics have risen by over 32%, overtaking skincare and prestige haircare.
Cara Delevingne and Lily Collins are the brow icon’s of this decade, they have introduced the Power Brow, an enviable full natural brow which is now an essential makeup look. This look has provided sweet relief from the over-plucked eyebrow trend of the noughties. This more natural style has become extremely enviable and in order to supply demand, treatments such as microblading have been introduced.
Client One – Marking
The days of eyebrows tattoos that look as though they have been drawn on with a permanent marker are long gone. Microblading is an art form in itself that rather that try to disguise your eyebrows, it enhances them with additional natural feather-like strokes. Unlike eyebrow tattooing, the ink isn’t designed to last forever (up to 3 years), it should fade naturally so that you can have them redone as your face changes shape over time.
For those that spend way too long sculpted their eyebrows with expensive products, microblading can be absolutely life changing, especially for those undergoing cancer treatment or alopecia sufferers. Some of the world’s most influential stars, including; Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey and Olivia Palermo swear by microblading. When it comes to microblading, there is only one name you should know – Nez Hasan.
Nez is the microblading artist behind the eyebrows and eyelashes (she is also an LVL lash lift expert) of some of the fashion industries biggest models and the internets most popular influencers, including; Winnie Harlow, Samantha Maria and Nicola Haste Chapman co-founder of Pixie Woo. We visited her North London salon to learn everything you need need to know about microblading, first-hand from the master.
Client Two – Marking
Prior to the treatment, you are required to visit Nez’s salon for a consultation and allergy test. She explains the procedure in detail and conducts a quick patch test by dabbing the ink discreetly behind your ears and on the inside of your wrist. After 24 hours, if you experience any reaction at all such as redness or irritation, this treatment is not for you.
If all is well and good, you are invited back to the salon for the first stage of your treatment.
Nez expertly and efficiently tidies your eyebrows with tweezers and then measures both of your eyebrows so that the outline of the new shape is even. The notion that eyebrows are sisters and not twins, definitely applies here but Nez takes great care, using a thread at the top and a divider for a clean shape at the bottom of brow, middle arch and tail of the brows.
This is the must crucial part of the process and tends to take around 30 minutes to perfect as getting the right shape is absolutely critical. Nez beautifully shapes and lifts the brows, she then uses a special app on her phone to ensure that the dimensions are current. This is the perfect opportunity to access the markings and ensure that you are completely happy with the brow. For us, Nez was a master of her craft and curated the perfect brows first-time and required no adjustments whatsoever.
After both you and Nez are satisfied with the shape, the microblading process begins.
Client Two – Filling
The actual microblading process is much quicker than you may expect. It can take as little as 15 minutes to complete. Nez takes the natural colouring of each individual client and carefully mixes coloured inks to find the best possible match.
Nez then uses a very small handheld tool to implant pigment under your skin. She proceeds to apply light hair-like strokes that mimic natural hairs in your brows, which are filled with ink. Once the brows are finished, Nez rubs the excess ink all over the brows and leaves it to soak into the skin. She will then repeat the process for both eyebrows. She then gently wipes away the excess ink to reveal your fully transformed brows.
At the mention of microblading, the first question that most people ask is whether it hurts. Obviously, like anything it depends on your pain threshold. One client found the experience so painless and therapeutic that she fell asleep mid-way through the procedure, for another it felt like a light and completely tolerable pressure with a gentle scratching motion. Nez does apply a very efficient topical numbing cream which makes the experience
The moment you sit up and see your new brows for the first time is truly unforgettable and it is impossible not to smile.
Client One – Filling
After your treatment, Nez carefully explains the aftercare process, which is absolutely fundamental. Nez recommends washing your eyebrows with baby soap on the evening of your treatment, before applying a thin layer of the special recovery balm Nez provides.
During the aftercare process, it is essential to protect your freshly bladed brows from all moisture, this includes; sweaty workouts and washing your eyebrows. A light crust will form of your brows for the first week that will naturally flake away. During the first week of your treatment, it is normal to experience some itching and a little redness. Brows will appear darker at first but the colour will fade to around 40% by once they are fully healed. It is absolutely fundamental that you do not touch your brows at all during the aftercare process, unless gently rinsing with water or applying the balm. Picking at the skin can cause uneven pigment, so it best to leave them completely alone to heal naturally.
Nez tends to invite clients back for a touch up treatment after 4-6 weeks, which is included in the original price. This allows her to monitor the healing process and touch up the brows if needed to ensure they continue looking perfect.
Client One – Post-Microblading
Whether you like your eyebrows to be arched and feathered or straight and bold, eyebrows are one of your most fundamental facial features. If you would like to improve your natural eyebrows, there are many ways to update them; gels, pencils, tattooing or even extensions. However, none of these come close to the incredible effects of microblading.
It offers natural looking semi-permanent results through an embroidery of trompe l’oeil strokes that resemble real hairs. It is not an inexpensive option nor is it completely pain-free but it is absolutely a worth it investment. We could not recommend it highly enough and once you’ve been microbladed, you’ll never go back to time-consuming pencils or gels that could only dream of achieving these kinds of results.
Client Two – Post-Microblading
What you need to know:
- For new clients, expect the microblading procedure to last around 90 minutes.
- If you drink a lot of alcohol, take aspirin, or use retinol, stop one week before your treatment as it makes your blood thin and you are likely to bleed more during the treatment.
- Results can last up to 3 years, depending on your skin type and lifestyle.
Quote ARCADIA when booking for a 10% discount throughout June 2017.
Nez Hasan is available for bookings and consultations now, but procedure appointments are available from April 2018. Book now to avoid disappointment, email [email protected].
Sassy Salon, 38 Cannon Hill, London, N14 6LG, England
Follow Nez on Instagram: @Nez_Hasan
