When it comes to the beauty-tech revolution, Drake said it best—what a time to be alive.
Almost every other day, a new product with the latest and greatest formula ingredients, an innovative service, or a new technology is introduced. Take the world of permanent makeup, for example—just as the hype around eyebrow microblading hits a fever pitch, a newer, more concentrated, and uber-precise version of the technique is here to possibly usurp it forever. Named for the ultra-fine needles used to ink on impossibly lifelike brow hairs, "nanoblading" is the latest method for achieving true "woke up like this" brows. A great option for those interested in reshaping (correcting, enhancing, creating symmetry) their lips or eyebrows. And yes, I have tried it and I love it!
What exactly is nanoblading?
Similar to microblading, nanoblading is a form of brow tattooing that implements a handheld tattoo machine tool and one very fine needle (as opposed to microblading, which uses several) to semi-permanently lay pigment under the skin, approximating the look of actual eyebrow hairs.
Just like with microblading, the dermal pigment is designed to fade over time to allow for future augmentation—though microbladed brows fade faster than nano brows because the pigment is placed more superficially under the skin.
It really is a revolutionary treatment, that is so natural. I was wowed! (And trust me it takes a lot)
The purpose of nanoblading differs depending on whether a makeup technician performs the treatment on your eyebrows or your lips.
Nanoblading Vs. Microblading
The design of the tool used with nano brows tends to cause less trauma to the skin and allows for more precise pressure and controlled movement to create crisp hair strokes. With Microblading, the procedure is slightly more invasive as the tool has a blade that cuts into the skin—due to this, the skill level of the artist become slightly more important towards achieving a natural-looking result."
Another difference involves how long results last. Microblading may only last up to 12 months, whereas nanoblading may lasts up to 3 years.
What’s a nanoblading procedure like?
Nanoblading is a two-step process: the initial procedure and a follow-up, perfecting session. You’ll schedule two sessions with your makeup technician. Your consultation with the technician usually takes place during the first session.
To prepare for your treatment:
Don’t wax or tweeze your eyebrows a week prior to treatment.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, aspirin, and fish oil supplements at least 24 hours prior to treatment.
Don’t get a facial at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.
Don’t sunbathe or tan the day of your procedure.
Don’t use retinol or Vitamin A products 1 month prior to treatment.
Before your first session, your artist may do a patch test on your skin to make sure you’re not allergic to the pigment ink.
How long does nanoblading last?
Nanoblading results can last 1 to 3 years. For the best results, you’ll need to schedule a touch-up or maintenance treatment after the first year or year and a half.
Does nanoblading hurt?
Nanoblading is a minimally invasive procedure, so you can expect some pain. The discomfort is more than the discomfort of tweezing or waxing, but less than the comfort of microblading or getting a tattoo.
Your technician will apply numbing cream to your lips or eyebrows before starting the procedure, but you can still expect soreness afterward.
Are there any side effects or precautions?
Common side effects of semi-permanent makeup techniques include swelling, itchiness, and redness. These side effects should resolve within a few days.
Be mindful of the risk of an allergic reaction to the pigment or numbing agent. Let your technician know if you have sensitive skin.
Benefits of Permanent and Semi-Permanent Makeup
There are plenty of benefits to undergoing a cosmetic tattoo procedure. Many clients turn to permanent makeup so they can decrease their morning routine, while others turn to it as a solution if they're uncomfortable doing their own makeup. Some like the idea of perfecting their base look with permanent makeup and then building with topical makeup for a more glamorous look. Clients with allergies to many topical makeup ingredients turn to permanent makeup as a solution from reactions. Lastly, numerous medical conditions cause clients to seek solutions.For those with an active lifestyle, it increases the longevity of the makeup and reduces the need for makeup reapplication.”
Semi-permanent makeup is great for people who are new to it and don't want to commit too much—they can change the look later, depending on current trends or if they don't end up liking it. For lips, it's great that it doesn't last as long, so that you can change the color as you age or your preference changes. Permanent makeup is for people who want a one-and-done procedure and already know how they like their look to be and aren't likely to change.
Nanoblading for eyebrows
Nanoblading for eyebrows fills in scarce, thin eyebrows for a thicker appearance. The procedure involves the use of pigmented ink and a super fine needle to create hair-like tattoo strokes. These strokes literally look like natural hair.
This technique doesn’t only thicken the appearance of eyebrows, it can also change the shape of your brows, thus enhancing your eye area and taking years off your face.
Procedure for nanoblading eyebrows
You’ll start by discussing the desired shape and color of your eyebrows with your makeup technician. They’ll then draw out the desired shape, removing excess hair and making adjustments for symmetry.
Once you agree to the shape and color, your technician will apply numbing cream to the area being bladed. They’ll then use the needle and pigment to create hair-like strokes and fill in your brows.
After the initial session, you’ll return for a follow-up session in about 8 weeks at which the technician will perfect the look. They might add additional strokes and tweak the shape of your brows. This is known as the perfecting session.
Healing time for eyebrow nanoblading
It takes about 4 weeks for nanobladed eyebrows to heal. Initially, your brow color may be darker than expected. You may also have swelling, soreness, and redness.
The color will lighten as your eyebrows heal and new skin develops over the area. It will take 3 to 4 weeks for tattoo eyebrows to blend with your natural hair.
Post-procedure care for eyebrow nanoblading
Here are some post-procedure tips for eyebrow nanoblading:
After the procedure, keep your eyebrows as dry as possible.
Wipe your eyebrows daily with a damp cloth, and then apply moisturizing cream provided by your nanoblading artist.
Avoid sweating, saunas, and hot baths for the first 7 days.
Don’t wear makeup around your eyebrows for at least a week.
You should also avoid tanning beds, light therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels for the next 30 days.
Nanoblading for lips
Nanoblading for lips is a slightly different process. It’s also a semi-permanent tattoo procedure. However, while nanoblading for eyebrows uses tattoo ink to fill in brows, nanoblading for lips uses tattoo ink to apply semi-permanent lip liner or full lip color.
The lip liner procedure is often used make uneven lips more even and to appear fuller. Full lip colour, on the other hand, can change the color of your lips. You can choose a natural lip tone or a color shade, so that it looks as if you’re always wearing lip color.
Procedure for nanoblading lips
You’ll discuss the desired lip shape and/or lip color with your technician during the first session. If you’re getting lip liner, your technician will first draw out the shape on your lips. If you’re getting full lip color, you’ll choose a shade for your lips.
The technician will first apply numbing cream to the lip area being worked on. They will then use the nano needle to either apply the semi-permanent lip liner or the full lip color.
Healing time for lip nanoblading
You can expect some soreness, redness, and swelling for up to 5 days after your initial session. It will take up to 4 weeks for your lips to heal. Your makeup technician will schedule your perfecting session about 8 weeks later.
Post-procedure care for lip nanoblading
Here are some post-procedure tips for eyebrow nanoblading:
After treatment, avoid spicy, citric, and salty foods so as not to irritate your lips.
Keep your lips as dry as possible by using a straw for drinking.
Avoid touching your lips with your hands to prevent irritation or infection.
How can I find a qualified technician to perform nanoblading?
It’s important to choose a makeup technician with experience and one who’s not ponly qualified but one that is licensed to perform this treatment. I highly recommend Nadine and Zelda from Lillybele.
A bit about Lillybele
Since opening their doors, they’ve been committed to provide a service of the highest quality. At Lillybele you will find a range of different treatments such as Nonoblading,Combo Brows, Shading, Eyeliner, Nonblading Lips, Microneedling, Chemical Peels and Training. They cater for each client's specific needs to ensure excellence. Lillybele is located in Paulshof, Johanesburg North, South Africa.
About Nadine:
Nadine is an accredited Microblading, Shading, Combo brow, Machine Hairstroke, Powder Brows and Eyeliner artist with substantial experience in the industry. She is a Board Certified Master Trainer in Semi-Permanent Make up and her Training Academy is International Accredited.Nadine has attended numerous trainings and masterclasses to enhance her skills and to keep up to date with latest trends. To share her passion she is offering training at Lillybele and she enjoys teaching students and providing them with the skills to master this skill. She is a friendly, fun and loving person that finds pleasure in transforming every client’s needs into perfection.
For more information or general inquiries, feel free to get in touch today:
Nadine
nadine@lillybele.co.za +27 724465913