What is Microblading? Reviewing the Sian Dellar method

Getting your eyebrows on fleek can be a time consuming, but essential part of your makeup regime, but if attaining that perfect shape is more miss than hit, then you might want to consider Microblading, a new makeup trend that will see you stepping out with beautifully shaped brows, every time, or at least for 18 months.

We were invited by Sian Dellar, permanent makeup specialists, to come along to try out their Microblading method. Our beauty intern, Bethany Deer went along and brings you her review.

Sian Dellar is an award-winning clinic in sought after location, Harley Street in central London. They specialise in semi-permanent makeup to enhance eyebrows, lips and eyes. It’s always a pleasure to see black-owned businesses doing well in their chosen fields, Sian Dellar is a winner of the London Hair and Beauty Awards in 2015.

As I arrived at the sophisticated clinic for my mid-day appointment, I was warmly greeted by a member of the team. We got down to business straight away as she applied some numbing cream to my brow area and handed me some consent forms that needed to be completed before treatment could begin.

I was led into a treatment room, and the first thing that I noticed was a heavily pregnant Sian! It was a pleasure to have her carry out my treatment as it was her last day of work before she went on her maternity leave. Her professionalism and passion for her work came through as she asked me about my everyday brow routine, whether I liked the big bushy look or the subtler 90s brow. I came prepared and showed her pictures of the brow shape I would like. Sian answered all my questions and eased any concerns I had about the treatment. In essence, Microblading is applied using a very fine-blade (made up of 10-16 tiny, fine needles, configured into a blade shape) to deposit pigment (colour) into the skin.

After our chat, she pencilled on the new shape of my eyebrows, ensuring that it would suit my face and after I checked that I was happy, she went forward with the Microblading. I’d obviously done my homework, and most reviews I’d read said that the procedure was painless and apparently some people even fall asleep during it. I was not one of those people. The process was excruciating, I had my fists clenched and my eyes were streaming. Imagine a scratching sensation but with a very sharp object on a sensitive area of your face! The application of the pigment was quite soothing after all the scratching though. After this, a new layer of numbing cream was applied, and all was well. This second round of using the blade was completely painless, I could finally understand how someone could nap during the treatment.

Following the treatment, I was given some aftercare advice, which involved keeping the area devoid of water. I was also given a small pot of coconut oil and asked to apply it to the area 2-3 times a day. I was asked to book a follow-up appointment in about a month’s time to complete the treatment and then I was off.

For the rest of the day I absolutely loved how my brows looked, they were the right shape, they looked natural and they suited my face. But, the next day, my brows had become dark and hardened with scabs. They were really itchy and even the skin around my brow seemed to be patchy. It was at this point that I recalled that Sian had warned that everyone reacts differently to the treatment, also, I have sensitive skin and think that contributed to this outcome. Thankfully, after a week, I was finally able to properly wash the whole of my face and the patchiness and itchiness went away.

I was once again able to appreciate my new brows. Just a couple of points though, while I was mostly pleased with the shape, one of the brow shapes had changed slightly and the pigment appeared to have faded with the result being that my brows were very light, but I guess that’s why a follow-up appointment is scheduled, to fix any issues.

This experience reminded me that most beauty treatments involve some kind of pain, threading, waxing etc, and for me, Micro-blading is one of them. The customer service at the clinic was fantastic and everyone was warm and welcoming. However, for me, the treatment itself was quite painful and the aftercare hasn’t been the easiest to maintain.

It’s really true what they say, “Behind every beautiful thing, there’s been some kind of pain.”

Microblading treatment costs: £595

Visit the Sian Dellar website