This week, You! talks to an Indonesian microblading expert, Suriani Wong, based in Karachi, who talks about how to up your eyebrows game...
beauty
This week, You! talks to an Indonesian microblading expert, Suriani Wong, based in Karachi, who talks about how to up your eyebrows game...
It doesn’t matter if you like them arched, feathered, straight or bold; eyebrows are arguably the most important facial feature. If you’re not satisfied with the ones you have, there are so many ways to update them, including brow gel, pencils, and even tattooing. But now there’s a very natural option that delivers semi-permanent results. Women, we would like to introduce you to microblading which is gradually making its way to Pakistan.
To talk about this oh-so-ahmazing innovation in the world of beauty, this week, You! got in touch with an Indonesian microblading expert, Suriani Wong, based in Karachi. The expert operates from her home studio called ‘Brow Works’. Being a fan of semi-permanent makeup, Suriani got microblading on herself in 2016, and suddenly found her interest in the process and technique. After her research, she got enrolled in Phibrows by PhiAcademy, which is based in Belgrade, Serbia, but conduct courses all over the world. At that time, the closest city to Karachi that had a training coming up was Dubai. Suriani flew to Dubai for her Phibrows course, graduated and got certified as an artist in January 2017. Meanwhile in April 2016, she also took a machine contouring course (PhiContour) also from PhiAcademy, for lips and eyeliners. She graduated and got certified as a PhiContour artist in June 2017 and promoted to PhiContour Royal Artist in December 2017. To add to her skills, Suriani also got certified as PhiLings artist for anti-aging microneedling and plasma lifting.
You! What is microblading?
Suriani Wong: Brow Microblading, also known as microstroking, is a 2-step semi-permanent manual technique whereby a superfine row of microneedles (that look like a blade hence the term microblading) is used to create thin, hair-like drawing on the skin. The pigment is deposited superficially in the top layer of the skin and as the skin exfoliates, the pigment also fades away in time.
You! How is microblading been received in Pakistan?
SW: It is still at a very early stage. Currently, it is more about spreading awareness regarding the benefits and advantages of microblading. Most of the clients that come to me, learnt about microblading from living or visiting abroad.
You! How often do you get clients?
SW: Being the artist who does different types of work, I only take enough number of clients to fill up my schedule each month. All the work is done by me personally, I do not have assistants. This is to ensure that my clients have the work quality.
You! What other services do you offer in your beauty clinic?
SW: I do semi-permanent eyeliner and lips micro-pigmentation, micro-needling, plasma lifting and non-laser tattoo removal.
You! What kind of brows are good candidates for microblading?
SW: Any kind, whether the brows have hair, less hair, no hair, asymmetrical or scarred. As long as the client wants it done.
You! What if one only wants a subtle change?
SW: The aim of microblading is to create a hyper realistic result, whether it’s just to cover some gaps or to create a bold-brow look, the brows will look natural and real.
You! What are the steps if one wants brow microblading?
SW: I do online consultation for initial assessment. The client can send a clear picture of her eyebrows. This way, I am able to see immediately her skin condition on the eyebrow area as well as any skin lesions and tell her if she is a suitable candidate for microblading or not. Then the next step is to see the health form which I send via Whatsapp or email. This is to see whether she has any of the health conditions or taking any medications mentioned in the form. If she is cleared, she can come for consultation or treatment. Microblading is a 2-step process. Step 1 is the main treatment. Step 2 is touch up/correction on faded pigment. The distance between step 1 and 2 is 4 to 15 weeks. Both steps are crucial in the longevity of the result. Besides the treatment post care, skin type and skin care routine is also essential.
You! Does microblading hurt?
SW: I apply a numbing cream both before and during the procedure. Depending each individual’s pain threshold is different. If the person’s threshold is low or if they have sensitive skin, a mild discomfort maybe felt.
You! Can you guarantee what one’s brows will look like?
SW: The final result depends 70 per cent on the client’s post care after the 1st week of treatment. If she follows the post care instructions, the pigment retention will be maximised and only minor touch up would be needed after 4 weeks. If not, especially when the client has oily/problematic skin, a lot of the pigment could be lost, hence redoing most of the eyebrows during the touch up session. The artist guarantees only on giving the best treatment using high standard tools and pigments.
You! How is your technique different to standard micro pigmentation/cosmetic tattooing?
SW: Phibrows microblading has a different standard of quality and perfection, using only Phibrows techniques and pigments. The microblading technique creates hair strokes, unlike conventional tattooing which looks like eyebrow makeup. The permanency is also different; microblading is semi-permanent.
You! How long does microblading last?
SW: Microblading lasts 6 to 12 months on oily skin and up to 18 months on normal/dry skin.
You! What is your hygiene protocol?
SW: I follow the strict European treatment hygiene standards from the academy, always using sterile tools such as new sterile needles, safety precautions such as gloves, mask and wrapping all my equipments to avoid contamination.
Microblading is an art. Please make sure you do your research on the artist’s original work. Why did I say original? Because false advertising happens a lot where the artist steals someone else’s work just so they can get clients. Do not have it done somewhere just because it is cheaper. I have seen many cases where clients opt for the cheapest microblading which leads to disastrous results. The clients then need to spend even more money for colour removal.
