Microblading FAQ's

MICROBLADING IS AN AMAZING COSMETIC TATTOOING PROCEDURE SPECIALIZED JUST FOR THE EYEBROWS. YOU WANT THEM, RIGHT? KEEP READING...

Please read through this guide, it will tell you everything that you need to know. This treatment is NOT ideal for everyone, so please read this carefully and if you still have questions, please feel free to contact me. This guide acts as a pre-consultation.

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

Microblading (also known as eyebrow embroidery, microstroking, featherstroke, and hairstroke tattoo) has actually been around for many years in Asia. The US is just catching on to this amazing technique. This is a manual brow tattooing method, a type of permanent cosmetics. With Microblading, the thinnest hair strokes are created with pigment using hand held disposable sterile microneedles, NOT A TATTOO MACHINE. The pigment is deposited beneath the surface of the skin, which makes the hair strokes appear very crisp and realistic. Microblading is considered a corrective brow enhancement. The goal of Microblading is to create a very natural looking brow. This technique may not eliminate the need for brow make-up, depending on your desired look.

DOES MICROBLADING HURT?

A Highly effective medical grade topical anesthetic cream is used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels differ from person to person. We will make every effort to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of your procedure. Having this procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker the topical anesthetic may not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COSMETIC TATTOOING AND TRADITIONAL BODY TATTOOS?

The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer, more subtle and natural-looking. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.

HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING LAST?

NO GUARANTEE CAN BE MADE AS TO HOW LONG RESULTS WILL LAST.

That said, Microblading is considered a semi-permanent brow procedure that can last about a year. The pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Microblading is an art NOT a science. Client results will vary from person to person. Although it is effective and can last up to a year in most cases, no guarantee can be made about the length of time they will last. Everyone’s skin is different, it is very important that each client understands that we cannot guarantee how long the pigment will be retained in your skin. Retention depends on your skin type, texture, oiliness, and aftercare. Most clients will need 12-18 month touch-ups/color boosts, but results will vary from person to person.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE? WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

We book 2 or 3 hour appointments for everyone’s initial procedure (depends on your artist). The consolation and prep work is a huge part of your procedure. We want to make sure we are both completely happy and on the same page before we start the procedure. It is a slow process. First, we will discuss your concerns and problem areas. Next, we will numb you. Once your numb we draw on a shape we think enhances your brow best. Your artist will show you and explain the process. Then we will pick out a color we think will be perfect for you and your brows, then once we have both found the shape and color we are both completely happy with we will start the procedure.

WILL I STILL HAVE TO TWEEZE OR WAX MY BROWS?

Yes. Your hair will continue to grow. Your maintenance will be a lot easier, though.

WILL I STILL NEED TO WEAR BROW MAKE-UP?

You might, depending on your desired look. Microblading is meant to enhance your natural brows, creating fine hair like strokes. If you prefer a filled in look, YES you will still need make-up to achieve that.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE HEALING PROCESS?

Healing can be a very hard process for some. Everyone's skin is different. Although eyebrow Microblading is effective in most cases, no guarantee can be made that everyone will benefit from the procedure. Microblading heals about 30-50% lighter than the initial service. If you have very dark hair please know the pigment may heal lighter than your natural hair color. Generally, the results are excellent but it very much depends on your skin texture, oiliness, and aftercare. There are many factors that could affect your healing.

Your new Microbladed eyebrows will go through several phases during the healing cycle.

1. FIRST- The pigment will appear very sharp and dark immediately after the procedure. This is because the pigment is still sitting on top of your skin, and has not yet settled in completely. Your brow area may be slightly swollen and your brows may look/feel slightly larger. While some are ok with this, some have a very hard time - just breathe, give it time and trust the process.

2. NEXT – The color of the pigment will soften gradually, for some, the pigment may seem to disappear. Again, just breathe and trust the process. Do not be alarmed if you see some pigment on the cotton swab, as this is excess pigment and/or lymph exiting the skin. Once the healing of the skin starts taking place, it will look like dandruff flakes or dry skin. This might give you the impression that the color pigment is fading too quickly, however, this is just superficial color and dry skin being naturally sloughed from your eyebrows. Your brows may develop some undesirable scabbing. DO NOT PICK! I cannot stress this enough, DO NOT PICK.

3. AFTERCARE – I will give you complete aftercare instructions which you MUST follow! 50% of your results are my technique and the other 50% is ON YOU!

MICROBLADING AFTER CARE

DOES EVERYONE NEED A TOUCH-UP?

this very much depends on the look the client is trying to achieve as well as the amount of hair each client has.

Book your touch-up/perfecting appointment no sooner than 8 weeks after your initial Microblading appointment . Please note again that everyone’s skin is different and will experience different results with this cosmetic tattooing procedure when it comes to retention. I recommend assessing your eyebrows a month after your appointment to determine if a touch up is needed, If so, email your artist to set up a touch up appointment (Must be within 16 weeks of initial appointment **Clients are responsible for emailing to book their own touch-ups** If an appointment is rescheduled more than twice you WILL be required to pay another deposit before booking again.

CAN MICROBLADING BE DONE ON ANYONE/ EVERYONE?

MICROBLADING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. PLEASE READ THE CONTRAINDICATIONS CAREFULLY. IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY TO YOU, THIS PROCEDURE IS NOT RECOMMENDED...

If you have previous cosmetic brow tattoing, send an email (before booking!!) with a picture or book a 15 minute consultation before booking your Microblading appointment. You need my approval before booking, this is for the good of your brows!

You have extremely oily skin and/or very large pores on your forehead (pigment may not retain properly-they may fade quickly or strokes will appear fuzzy and blurred).
You have dark/solid existing permanent makeup (laser tattoo removal may be necessary). Microblading can NOT be done immediately after cosmetic tattoo removal, you must wait at least 8 weeks.
You are a smoker (pigment may not retain properly, colors may distort).
You have a history of MRSA
You have psoriasis in the treatment area.
You have an auto-immune disease.
You have Diabetes type 1 or 2 (due to slow healing and infection, color may or may not retain well).
You have thyroid/graves disease (medication may cause pigment to not retain properly).
You have anemia (pigment may not retain properly).
You have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
You are currently undergoing chemotherapy.
You are pregnant or nursing. (You cannot have this service. No exceptions.)
You are under a doctor’s care and have questions at ALL about being able to have this procedure, it is your responsibility to meet with your doctor and get written approval.

Please note: even if none of the above apply, Microblading cannot be guaranteed. This is a cosmetic tattooing procedure, the skin can be unpredictable, it is up to your skin to retain the pigment. Generally, results are successful, however, due to skin type, healing or bleeding during procedure, some results can differ

IF YOU SHOW UP TO YOUR SCHEDULED SESSION AND DECIDE NOT TO PROCEED BECAUSE ONE OR MORE OF THE ABOVE IS PRESENT, YOUR BOOKING FEE IS STILL NON-REFUNDABLE AND YOU WILL BE CHARGED A LATE CANCEL FEE $100.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY MICROBLADING SESSION?

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT:

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, vitamin E, niacin, or drink excessive alcohol at least 48 hours prior to and after your procedure.
Do not take any prescription blood thinners at least 48 hours prior to and after your procedure.
Discontinue any vitamin A skin care products (Retin-A, retinols) close to the enhancement area at least two weeks prior to your procedure. **I recommend NOT using these products over or around the brow area after you receive Microblading. It could cause fading and distortion of hairstrokes.**
Discontinue use of AHA (chemical exfoliation) skin care products close to the brow area at least one week prior to your procedure.
No laser or electrolysis on or around the treatment area one week prior to procedure.
Do not have any chemical peels, dermabrasions, mesotherapy, or any other intense treatments which will cause faster skin cell rejuvenating and cause skin irritation 3-4 weeks before procedure.
No Botox or fillers in the procedure area less than one week prior.
If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment.

Suggestions:

Plan trips or events a minimum of 14 days after the procedure.
Limit the amount of caffeine you consume the morning of your appointment.
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure.
It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your booking fee. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.
If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment.
You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire.
If you have existing cosmetic tattooing you need to contact me BEFORE booking your appointment.

If you don’t take into account these instructions and we need to cancel your appointment day of, you will be charged a late cancellation fee of $100.

Please be realistic with your brow expectations, although symmetry is always our goal, no one's face is 100% perfectly symmetrical. IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR EYEBROWS TO BE PERFECT MIRROR IMAGES OF ONE ANOTHER, you've heard the saying "brows are sisters, not twins", that applies here too!!!!