Micro-bladding with the highly skilled artist Jen Kopolow, Elemental Esthetics Medical Spa.

Good morning beauties! The beauty industry has come along way in the past five years. Not only do I see these leaps in the hair industry but also in the cosmetic field. The latest trend that I've been following is micro-blading which is a temporary eyebrow tattoo that can last up to twenty months. I was getting pretty tired of always having to fill in my eyebrow with eyeshadow every day. I kept seeing more and more women getting this procedure done, but I kept having mix feelings. I was worried about finding the right artist, someone that wouldn't go overboard and make them look fake. There's nothing worse than having your eyebrows look like they were drawn on with a Sharpie.

Here is where the wonderful, Jen Kopolow, comes in. While out at a networking event, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of the Elemental Esthetics St. Louis Medical Spa, Jennifer Warmann Bloss. Jennifer and I hit it off immediately considering we're both in the beauty industry. As we where trading beauty secrets she mentioned she had a micro-blading artist in her office. When my eyebrows perked up (pun intended), she quickly scheduled me for a consultation for the following week. Now, this is where the story gets interesting.

Little did I know that my micro-blading artist would be none other than my very first

professional mentor, Jen Kopolow. We met about nine years ago back when she

was the educator for CND Nails, Creative Nail Design, and I was an eager stylist wanting to learn everything in the salon. She took me under her wing and indeed showed me what it meant to care for our clients. Once I knew she was going to be my brow artist, I knew I was in good hands.

Jen gave me the pleasure of interviewing her for this blog. Back at my studio, my clients were also just as interested in micro-blading. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for artist collaboration. Below you will find all the answers you need to know about micro-blading. The myths and truths, how long it lasts, why doesn't it last forever and much more. I was really impressed with how detailed her answers where.

Jen is a true professional and walked me through everything that she was doing. She took her time and made sure I was happy with the final shape of my eyebrows; I never felt pressured to go bigger or darker. Jen likes to be more conservative at your first appointment. She then schedules your touch up appointment six weeks later. It's at that session if you feel like you want to add more she goes for it. I couldn't be happier with my final results. I love how full and natural they look when I don't have makeup on. Mirco-blading was the best cosmetic decision I've made. To all of my beauties thinking about doing it, I highly recommend Jen Kopolow from Elemental Esthetics St. Louis Medical Spa. Located at777 S New Ballas Rd Suite #302W, St. Louis, MO 63141. She is a true artist and professional.

All you need to know about micro-blading!!!

1. What is microblading?

Micro-blading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo.

2. Is permanent?

When done properly, no. Brows should completely fade over time.

3. How long does micro-blading last?

When done properly, 6 to 20 months.

4. How often are touch ups?

Once a year.

5. What will the fading look like?

They lighten gradually and are easy to fill in when it gets to that point. When good ink is used the color fades, vs fading into another color. Some inks look gray over time as other color molecule fade more quickly. This is one reason a stable ink needs to be used.

6. What type of ink do you use?

I use PhiBrow ink.

7. What is the at home maintenance?

After your initial post procedure care, washing regularly and applying a post care cream, I recommend using an SPF so the color doesn't fade too quickly in the sun. Otherwise there is nothing to do but enjoy your brows.

8. Does it hurt?

People tolerate pain differently. To me if feels like a cat tongue is licking you very hard on the initial strokes. Most tolerate it without any issue. The anticipation is the worst part. But then we do numb and it's totally fine. There is very good reason to not numb for the initial strokes which I think is important for people to know. Numbing chemicals constrict the capillaries and that slightly changes the structure of the skin. So if we put the initial strokes in and the skin is in a slightly different shape, then when the numbing wears off the strokes move slightly. Also, surface numbing isn't very effective. Once the skin is open numbing works very well.

9. How long does it take?

It takes me about 2 hours for the entire service. The actual blading itself is literally a few minutes. We have to prep the area, do the art, perfect the art, choose a color and then blade. For me, the art is the longest part.

10. What if my skin is sensitive?

Sensitive skin is really a non issue. Often times I think people misunderstand the skins reactions and really aren't as sensitive as they think they are. However, a patch test is always recommended so a consultation and placing a small amount of ink behind the ear and waiting for a reaction is a reasonable thing to do if anyone has any concerns. Final thoughts....are there unrealistic expectations when it comes to microblading and if so what should we watch out for?!

Yes! I think the industry has confused folks as to what is microblading and what is microblading plus shading. Microblading plus shading looks like a fully made up brow. Microblading alone is just the base. Most people still fill in their bladed brows but it only takes seconds vs. minutes of drawing them on. Another important thing to keep in mind is that microblading isn't for everyone. Also, some people simply will not retain the ink. Its important to have an educated professional who can answer all of your questions.