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Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo technique used to mimic hair strands on one's eyebrow.

A special handheld tool that consists of a small blade is used to make small nicks on the skin and deposit pigment there.

Here are five things we learned about microblading from brow specialist Angelo Ortiz

1. Brow styles change

Similar to fashion, eyebrow styles also change and evolve.

"In the early '90s the thinner the brow is, the better so women started plucking their brows until they stopped growing. Now, the trend is thick and bushy eyebrows. So the women from the '90s are now getting microblading to get that fuller look for their brows again. And since microblading is a procedure that mimics hair strands on the brows, it is a very popular procedure worldwide," he says.

2. Face shape should be a factor in choosing brow styles

While Angelo says that he takes his clients' needs and request into consideration, he also advises them on what brow style fits the shape of their face.

"Always look at the face in general. Round face should not have round looking brows. Otherwise, they will look all circles. The brows should have some profile at the arch and not too rounded. If they have angular facial feature then we can balance it out with a smoother arch on the brows. This way, they will not look too strong. Then the rest, like the length and thickness will depend on the preference of the client," he explains.

3. Brows should not be the exact same color as your hair

He also says that one's natural hair color should also be a factor in choosing the color of the brows

"Color should be close to their natural hair color. I normally let the clients choose the color from our list of micro pigment inks but I make sure that I guide them to what is the best color to match their skin tone. The goal is to make it look natural, so whatever that is darker than their natural hair color will make it look fake and will definitely cause anxiety to the client. Always a good choice to go one or two shades lighter than their brow color," he shares.

4. Not for every one

Angelo explains that while microblading is popular, it might not be for everyone. One must be at least 18 years old to undergo the procedure. Brow clinics usually evaluate their clients and make them sign a consent form prior to the procedure.

"[Microblading is for] people who are always on the go. Eyebrow microblading saves a lot of time in preparing to go somewhere. Clients with alopecia are one of the best candidates in this procedure while cancer survivors are subject to doctor's approval. People who are not allowed to do the procedure are those with compromised immune system, diabetic clients who have problems in healing, keloid-forming clients, pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, clients with anxiety problems," he says.

5. Requires care, before and after

Since microbladed brows are like a tattoo, there are certain things one must do before and after going through the procedure.

"I instruct the clients not to have alcoholic drinks within 48 hours in their system. The numbing cream will not take its full effect if alcohol is present in the blood. It will also cause blood thinning which will take a longer procedure since blood clotting is slow. After the procedure is more of like common sense," Angelo explains.

"Since it is somehow an open wound, do not let bacteria enter. I provide my clients with an aftercare cream that they need to put two to three times a day for about a week to keep it moist and prevent infection. Just like a normal body tattoo, in order for the ink to remain in the body, it should be kept moist while it is healing. Important reminders to clients are not to exercise, swim, go to steam or dry sauna for about a week and stay out of the sun and beaches for about 2 months," he adds.

Angelo is a certified and registered practitioner of the American Academy of Micropigmentation in New York, and Beverly Hills. He is the founder and owner of Browlesque, The Art of Sexy Brows which has locations in Quezon City and in Beverly Hills.