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Your eyebrows need to be on fleek all the time, but for those of us who aren’t blessed with naturally flawless face-framers, it usually requires professional assistance … and that’s right where Urban Brow comes in. The trendy new brow bar, which happens to be the first of its kind to hit our city, is run by brow shaping expert Nicol, who raises the bar (or arch?) for perfect brows. (Remember: bad hair days can take refuge under stylish hats, but your frowsy arches have nowhere to hide!)
First things first, I must tell you something … I’m a tad obsessed with my eyebrows (it’s actually a bit out of control). There isn’t a brow product that I don’t own … my collection includes powders, pencils, gels, stencils … you name it! So, when I first heard about Urban Brow, I was instantly intrigued. I’d seen some very impressive before and after pictures of some of Nicol’s work online, and so I decided to pay her a visit myself.
I arrived at Nicol’s uber-chic brow studio in Bedfordview and was welcomed with a warm smile and a cappuccino. She sat me down and began talking me through what she does to achieve flawless brows on every one of her clients. She explained that for clients who have enough hair to work with, she achieves flawless brows through a detailed and precise sculpting process of waxing, tweezing, trimming and tinting.
Then, for clients who are suffering hair loss, who are guilty of overzealous tweezing in the past, or who simply weren’t blessed with full brows, there’s microblading … and this is the life-changing service that Nicol offers that sets her apart from the rest. Also known as 3D brows, feathering, etching or eyebrow embroidery, microblading is a semi-permanent makeup procedure that’s recently gained serious popularity all over the world.
It may sound scary (don’t worry, I thought so too!), but when you understand what it entails and the results it produces, trust me … it’ll seem very much appealing … especially given the beauty trend for thick brows that can earn a “brows on fleek” Instagram hashtag (right?). As the name suggests, microblading uses a tiny blade to deposit natural, crisp strokes of pigment under the skin, giving the appearance of hair.
Microblading is a two-step process. The first step entails a consultation and the initial procedure, which is then followed by a touch-up four to eight weeks later. Within an hour post-treatment, the client will experience redness and slight swelling. This is the beginning of what’s known as the healing process. Usually, it takes about ten days for scabbing to form and slough off (the same thing that happens when you get a fresh tattoo), and your brows are considered “healed” once this happens. After the touch-up session, further healing time is required. All in all, a good month should pass before the microblading process is considered complete.
Nicol says that dependent on how long you allow your brows to heal (no moisturiser or makeup on or around them is allowed during the healing period) and how well you maintain them, microblading can last for anything from one to three years. Your first session of microblading will cost you R1400, whereas your touch-up session (and any touch-ups thereafter) will set you back R700.
On a lighter note, I was relieved to have been told by Nicol that my brows are pretty full as they are, so microblading isn’t necessary for me. Though, at the same time I was a little sad, I must admit … I also wanted to walk out with Cara Delevinge brows (who doesn’t?!). So, Nicol got my brows into shape with her amazing waxing, tweezing, trimming and tinting skills. When I got up out of her chair and looked in the mirror, I was flabbergasted … my brows had been crafted to ultimate perfection. They’d never looked so fabulous! Nicol is seriously a brow genius.
After my brow shape and tint, which is priced at R230, I then went on to have a Vita Liberata spray tan. If you haven’t already heard about Vita Liberata, you simply must try it right away … it’s a completely organic, odourless and toxin-free fake tan formula that contains pure ingredients that are actually good for your skin.
It took under ten minutes for Nicol to give my face and body a gorgeous golden glow with her airbrush skills, and I’m happy to report that my faux tan lasted for a full two weeks (this is a very impressive life span for a spray tan, especially on someone like me who’s lazy when it comes to moisturising religiously to maintain it).
A Vita Liberata tan at Urban Brow is priced at R320, which you may think is a little pricy, but it’s well worth it … this very popular fake tan formula is just luxurious, and leaves your skin not only looking bronzed, but also feeling wonderfully hydrated and nourished! I must also mention that Nicol stocks Vita Liberata self-tanning products at her studio (and, if you buy one, you’ll get a spray tan for free – score!).
Plus, as if all sorts of brow treatments as well as spray tanning isn’t enough, Nicol also offers eyelash extensions, which go for R600 for a full set. You can bet that I’ll be returning to Nicol’s studio soon to treat myself to long, luscious lashes! Or I might just treat myself to the full brows, lashes and spray tan package at once (it’s tempting!).
I’m still blown away by the fantastic quality of service I received at Urban Brow. I’m terribly fussy when it comes to anyone touching my eyebrows, and am happy to report that I felt completely “safe” in Nicol’s hands. Her treatments are all highly professional and of outstanding quality. If you’re looking to “wow” your brows or transform them completely, this lovely lady is certainly your go-to person. You can book your beauty treatments of choice at Urban Brow online by going here now.
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