Semi-permanent brow FAQ & AFtercare
What is microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup technique where a special hand tool and color pigment are used to etch hair-like strokes just under the skin’s surface (epidermis layer). Microblading can fill in sparse brows or create an entire brow. The 3D effect adds realism to the result, creating brows that look like real hair strokes, rather than a solid traditional tattooed eyebrow.
How long is the appointment
Two hours on average. During your appointment we will consult with you the entire time ensuring we are on the same page. Much of the time is spent measuring and drawing on a symmetrical set of brows and agreeing on your perfect shape and color. The actual procedure itself takes 30min to an hour. The touch-up appointment will take about an hour.
How Long does microblading last?
Microbladed brows will last anywhere between 2-3 years depending on how well you take care of them. No down time is required after the microblading procedure. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You’ll notice the color is much lighter right after the two weeks of healing.
Is Microblading Painful?
Because this is a cosmetic invasive procedure, topical anesthetics have been developed specially to reduce the discomfort to almost 0% in some people. These creams and gels are applied to the desired area before and during the procedure to assure you of the most comfortable experience possible. Some people describe the sensation as “tingling”, the sound of each stroke made is more annoying to the client than the feel of it. However, some people might still experience some discomfort depending on how well their skin can absorb topical anesthetics. How much pain? On a scale of 1-10, you will usually be somewhere between a 0-3. Rarely is anything stronger than Tylenol necessary for the discomfort and you won’t have to miss work or take time off to recover.
CAN I EXERCISE AFTER GETTING MICROBLADING?
You must avoid working out for 7 days following your microblading appointment. Light exercising is allowed (minimal sweating), but you must clean the tattooed area with lukewarm water as soon as you are done exercising. The salt in sweat will fade the pigment very quickly and give poor results.
CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I AM PREGNANT?
As a precaution to avoid any complications, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant women.
Microshading/Powder Brows
What is the Difference Between Microshading and Microblading?
As mentioned, microblading uses manual blades to make cuts which mimic natural hairs and are filled with the ink. Microshading technique on the other hand, uses mostly an electric tool (sometimes it is done manually as well), which resembles mini tattoo gun with numerous needles which ensures that the ink is applied consistently and evenly throughout the brow. Therefore, the ink is the same for both treatments but the application, and the final look is different.
Many consider microshading a gentle version of microblading since the process is less painful and the looks differ in a sense that microbladed eyebrows mimic natural hairs, whereas microshading gives a powdered effect to the brows. Many opt for the combination of these two treatments to achieve their perfect look.
What is Microshading?
Microshading is a semi-permanent makeup technique in which pigment is inserted under your skin using a manual or electric tool with needles which administrates tiny, pin-like dots in a gradient pattern, creating a semi-permanent powdered effect.
Yet another name for this treatment is powder brows, due to its subtler look in which the tail of the brow is darker and fades to a lighter shade towards the start of a brow, giving it a softer look. Note that some artists consider microshading and powder brows one and the same, while the others make a slight difference.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY EYEBROW PROCEDURE?
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 regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment.
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you must wait at least one year before considering this procedure.
You must stop using Retinol 2 weeks prior to your appointment and avoid using it for the 2 weeks following your appointment.
If you get Botox regularly please get that done no later than 2 weeks before your appointment. This is to ensure we can make your brows as symmetrical as possible.
Avoid chemical peels at least 4 weeks prior to your appointment.
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks before and after your procedure. Do not come to your appointment with a sunburn. In this case, email us at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to reschedule.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, or any blood thinning medication 24 hours prior to your appointment.
If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 10 days after the procedure due to the aftercare maintenance.
WHAT TO EXPECT After
Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker and bolder in color and more sharply defined. This will last 3-4 days. Do not panic! It is normal.
Swelling and redness is minimal with most clients, and will disappear within 24-48 hours. In some cases, it may last around the eyebrow area for up to 3 days, but will not prevent working or socializing. The treated area may feel a bit like a sunburn afterwards but there should only be minimal discomfort.
The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks, at which time the true color of the tattoo is evident. During this process, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 6 weeks to see the true color, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 6 weeks that your touch-up/adjustment can be done. Keep in mind that microbladed brows healed up to 30% softer than the initial color.
Please note that final results can not be guaranteed as each unique skintype will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. The tattooed hair strokes tend to have a more crisp look once healed on dry skin compared to more blurry strokes on oily skin. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary.
Healed results will vary with each individual client and using a pencil or powder may still be needed. Additional sessions (charged accordingly) may be required to obtain optimal results.
AFTERCARE
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattooed area.
- Week 1-2: Keep the tattooed area clean by applying cleaning solution and patting dry 2 times a day, then apply thin layer of the after care ointment provided as needed. Apply using a disposable cotton swab.
- You may shower or bathe normally, but avoid getting wet or using soaps/ cleansers on the treated area for the first week as they can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilize in the dermis.
-Week 2-: Scabbing will begin to shed
- Do NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It will appear as though the eyebrows are gone. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates.
- You must avoid working out for 14 days following your appointment. Light exercising is allowed (minimal sweating), but you MUST clean the tattooed area with lukewarm water as soon as you are done exercising. The salt in the sweat will fade the pigment very quickly and give poor results.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for the first 14 days. You MUST wear a hat while outside during the healing process.
- Do NOT apply make-up to the tattooed area for the first 2 weeks. Chemicals of any kind may interfere with the healing and color of your tattoo.
- No swimming pools, jacuzzis or other bodies of water for two weeks.
- Do NOT soak your face underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face for two weeks.
ONCE HEALED
- A follow up appointment will be needed 6 weeks after your initial session.
-Exposure to the sun over time can cause fading and discoloration of the pigment. Once completely healed, you may apply sunscreen on the treated area. Wear large sunglasses and a hat for further protection. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly when in contact with chlorine.
- Glycolic Acid, Retin-A, face peels and exfoliation must be kept away from the tattooed area as continued use could lighten the pigment.
- If you are having laser resurfacing or laser hair removal after your tattoo has healed, please inform the laser technician. Laser procedures may darken, lighten, or discolor the tattooed area.