KEY TAKEAWAYS: Microblading is a popular way of achieving semi-permanent brows. It is a highly involved procedure, which increases the risk of potential issues like infection and scarring. Knowing how to avoid these risks is essential to being a successful microblading artist.

Bold, natural-looking brows are all the rage, and microblading is one of the best ways to get them. Without proper training and execution, however, microblading can go wrong, leading to infections or scarring.

Sounds pretty serious, right? Thankfully, understanding the risks of microblading can help you avoid mistakes and capitalize on this massively popular beauty trend.

As a microblading professional, you can rise above the influx of untrained microbladers and establish yourself as a true expert in the craft. After all, your clients deserve the best.

To kickstart your journey into microblading perfection, let’s explore the art and technique behind microblading, as well as the precautions that help achieve flawless brows safely.

The Risks of Microblading and How to Avoid Them

There is inherent risk to any cosmetic procedure, and microblading is no exception.

Because microblading involves needles, microcuts, and artificial pigment (similar to tattooing), it creates the possibility of certain negative outcomes. 

As a microblading artist, you should be aware of these risks and how to avoid them.

Microblading Risks to be Aware of 

Microblading Allergies

The use of pigments to create bold brows is typically quite safe. However, some clients may experience allergic reactions to this foreign substance being put into their skin. 

Adverse reactions to microblading can lead to symptoms like itching, redness, and swelling. Unfortunately, many microblading clients may be unaware of their allergy before coming to you for their dream brows. In other words, they might not be able to tell you they have an allergy even if you ask.

If your client experiences an allergic reaction to the microblading procedure, you should stop immediately and seek medical attention for your client. Usually, the reaction is mild, but it is best to take it seriously and respond appropriately.

Microblading Infections

Another health risk of microblading is the possibility of infection. The most likely cause of this outcome is the use of dirty equipment or ink that has been contaminated. Maintaining a clean, hygienic work environment is essential to avoiding microblading infections.

Some of the common infections associated with microblading include herpes and staphylococcus (staph infection). Treatment for these infections should be given by a doctor and usually involves a prescription of antibiotics, antivirals, or even antifungals.

Scarring Caused by Microblading

Like any procedure that involves needles, cuts, or pigment, scarring is a possibility when microblading. While rare, keloidal scarring is also possible, which can create noticeable scar tissue growth in the affected areas.

Asymmetrical Microblading Results

While not a medical risk, poor results are a noteworthy risk of microblading. This is especially true when the technician performing the microblading procedure is inexperienced, uses poor technique, or does not properly maintain their equipment.

Thankfully, unsatisfactory microblading results are often easily fixable by an experienced microblading artist. The downside? The client has to undergo additional procedures to achieve the look they wanted in the first place.

Poor Microblading Aftercare

Healing from microblading is important both to the final outcome of the procedure and to the health and safety of the client. It is during the healing process that the skin barrier repairs itself and the treated area must be cared for properly.

As a professional microblading artist, it is your responsibility to provide your client with step-by-step aftercare instructions. This helps prevent infection, promote healing, and otherwise ensure that the area does not experience avoidable setbacks.

A few key steps to microblading healing include:

• Cleaning the area with a fragrance-free cleanser.
• Avoiding sun exposure for at least a week.
• Going without makeup on the brows for at least a week.
• Using approved ointments to protect the area and help it heal.

Protecting Your Clients (and Your Career)

Mitigating the risks associated with microblading is key to keeping your clients healthy and avoiding potentially career-ending consequences. If you make a mistake, you open yourself and your beauty biz to the possibility of legal repercussions–from injury claims to malpractice lawsuits.

In other words, avoiding these common microblading mistakes and protecting your career is incredibly important.

• Secure proper training, certification, and the knowledge and skills that accompany that education. Your ability as a trained professional is key to safe microblading.
• Invest in high-quality equipment and supplies that allow you to perform your microblading services with confidence and safety. From sterile needles to trustworthy pigments, the tools and materials you rely on are vital.
• Take your client consultations and assessments seriously. You need to understand their needs, medical history, skin type, and so on to determine the safety of the procedure and the possibility of achieving their desired outcomes.

Protecting yourself, your business, and your livelihood by investing in a reputable and comprehensive microblading insurance policy is also a must. While you hope to never need it, you’ll be glad you have it to protect you every step of the way.

Whether you’re a professional microblading artist or a beauty pro with an insatiable desire to learn, we encourage you to subscribe to Elite Beauty Society and visit our blog. We love sharing our knowledge with you in the form of insights, trending topics, and practical tips and tricks!