Brow, WOW!

Do your eyebrows need a shape up?

If yes, you may want to check out the newest business on Clearwater's Main Street.

Blade & Bliss, owned by Logan Kerkman, offers microblading and microshading services.

The business, located in suite two in The Office, at 522 Main Street, opened Feb. 23.

microblading businesses are rare in rural Nebraska, but the trend is growing.

"Microblading is a form of semi-permanent cosmetics," Kerkman said.

The tattoo technique can fill out or reshape brows by adding lines that resemble individual hairs.

A microblade artist applys pigment to the top layer of skin, "to give an illusion of fuller eyebrows."

The pigment does not go into the deep part of the dermis, like when getting a tattoo.

The process may take between two to three hours.

According to Kerkman, the first step is a consultation, where she maps the client's eyebrows so they are symmetrical to the face.

Kerkman uses a specialized tool to determine eyebrow shape.

"There are six different points on eyebrows," she said.

The tool determines four of the spots.

"Five and six are determined by what looks best on eyes or current eyebrow shape."

microblading results in a more natural-looking brow, while a fuller makeup effect is called microshading.

The difference is the type of stroke used. microblading uses brush strokes, while with microshading, color is deposited by pressing pigment.

Once the eyebrows are measured, Kerkman outlines the brow and applies a numbing cream. Then she uses a blade made out of needles to press an outline and add pigment to the skin.

After removing any excess pigment, Kerkman applies a second numbing cream and begins to either blade or shade.

"You go back and forth between each eye until you get a desired look," she said.

A pigment mask is applied toward the end of the procedure, which includes covering the brow with cellophane and wiping it away

Aftercare is vital to allow for proper healing.

"The brow will scab over," Kerkman said.

She recommends keeping the brow area dry for 10 to 15 days.

"Don't get shampoo on the brow," she said. "And use only water to wash your face."

The effect can last for one to three years, depending on skin type, age and sun exposure.

"As it fades, you receive a touch-up, which is half the price of the original procedure."

About the cost, Kerkman said it is "comparable to the annual amount of money people spend to dye their hair a year."

The cost includes a touch-up between six and eight weeks.

Kerkman, a graduate of O'Neill St. Mary's, said she decided to enter the microblading business because of her interest in the beauty industry.

"I thought this service would be great to add to this area," she said.

Kerkman's sister encouraged her to get a license and become certified after she had a microblade treatment.

Kerkman talked to a lot of people who wished they could do it, but did not want to drive to the city for the procedure.

To become certified, Kerkman took a three-day certification course and is licensed in Nebraska as a body artist.

To learn more about Blade & Bliss, contact Kerkman at bladeandbliss.business.site or call 402-340-1772. The business may also be found on Instagram at bladeandbliss.