Thank you for your interest in Microblading/Permanent Makeup! Here are some frequently asked questions. Please read below to learn a little more about what to expect!
What is Microblading?
Microblading, also known as micropigmentation, is a procedure categorized under permanent makeup. It is considered a tattoo, although more superficial, because the pigment isn’t placed as deep into the skin as traditional tattooing, therefore the pigment naturally sheds as the epidermis sheds. The procedure is done with a disposable hand tool made up of ultrafine needles in the form of a blade. Each hairstroke is gently etched into the skin, giving an incredibly natural & realistic look.
What is the difference between Permanent Makeup and Tattooing?
The purpose of permanent makeup is to enhance the natural features of a client and/or correct small imperfections such as asymmetric proportions, it is meant to be a natural looking beauty enhancement, that is why it looks softer and more subtle. Body tattoos contain ink while permanent makeup pigment contains ingredients intended to fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as a client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.
Is the procedure painful?
A highly effective, topical anesthetic is used for numbing before & during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure, as well as increase the chance of bleeding which in turn affects the color retention of pigment in the skin. If you were diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.
PLEASE NOTE: If you've ever had problems numbing in the past (at the dentist etc.) please inform me prior to your appointment. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment may not last as long.
Is the procedure safe?
It is absolutely safe. I follow the highest hygiene and safety standards, using single-use disposable needles and supplies. This means that the set-up for each client is discarded safely afterwards. Procedural stations are thoroughly disinfected before and after each procedure during the day.
How long does each procedure take?
You should plan on 2, to 2.5 hours in the salon. Please make sure you have enough time to complete a proper permanent makeup procedure. This time includes paperwork, proper numbing, mapping, procedure, aftercare instructions and pictures. None of these activities should be rushed. Follow up procedures usually do not require the same amount of time.
Are my brows going to have to be shaved off?
Your natural brow hair will not need to be shaved off. The more hair you have, the better! If you have natural brow hairs, I will work with what you have, subtly integrating my work to suit your natural brow style. Please do not alter your brows in any way prior to your procedure as I will clean up the area during the service.
How does the artist determine the shape of your brows?
I will take six measurements on your brow bone using a specialized measurement method called the “String Method”, as well as using a caliper ruler to ensure they are the same measurements on both sides. Once I feel the shape is the correct proportion for your face, I will check it with you (alterations can be done to change the shape) so we can both approve it and begin the service!
Are there different colors?
Yes, I have a range of colors from blondes to brunette. We will choose a tone to suit your natural hair as well as the overtones and undertones of your skin.
Are the pigments safe?
The pigments used for permanent makeup are FDA approved and have been strictly tested for safe use. A patch test may be performed 24hrs before the procedure at the clients request to determine if you have an allergic reaction, which is considered rare. The pigments used in permanent makeup come in a variety of colors. Some of them specially formulated with iron oxide, and some titanium dioxide - an ingredient safe for the skin, but your body will absorb it as mineral irons.
How long will it take to heal?
Everyone is different, but as a general rule, the surface skin usually heals between 5-7 days after the treatment, and 10-14 days below the surface. Many people will return to work the same day after a treatment.
What if I’ve already had microblading done by a different artist?
A picture of your current brows will need to be sent to me to determine if more Microblading can be done on top of the old work. I may recommend a different technique based on the saturation of the previous work and the condition of your skin. A face-to-face consultation is a MUST in this situation. Not all previous microblading work can be covered or corrected. Touch up pricing does not apply to those who have had work done by other artists. You must have an initial appointment done with me to become an established client and receive touch up pricing.
What is the difference between Microblading, Powder Brows, and Combo Brows?
Microblading is done with a disposable hand-held tool, which consists of tiny needles that make up a blade. It creates tiny lines (hairstrokes) that mimic hair which are etched into the skin.
Powder Brows are done with a small tattoo machine that creates a soft wash of layered pixels on the skin that resembles applying powder or makeup to the brows. No strokes are created - it is more of a soft, shaded look on the skin. It can be light & airy or dark & saturated. This is a personal preference to the client.
Combo Brows are a combination of Microblading and Powder Brows. The hairstrokes are applied first throughout the brows, followed by shading in between & behind the hairstrokes, creating a more filled-in, solid brow under the feathery look of the hairstrokes. Oftentimes, the shading will be applied first for a more defined outline to the brow. The shading can be done manually with a hand tool for a lighter, softer look, or with the tattoo machine creating a darker, bolder look, depending on how light or heavy you would like the shading.
What is the cost of the brow tattoo?
The procedure price varies from artist to artist. Please consult with your brow artist for current pricing. Forms of payment accepted are cash, credit cards, or money apps such as Venmo, PayPal, CashApp & Zelle.
What is the process like?
1. Before the appointment begins, I will provide a brief consultation to verify services being performed, cleanse/sterilize your brows thoroughly, then take “before” photos.
2. Next, I will exfoliate the skin on the brows and apply the topical numbing cream.
3. Once numbed, I then map out the eyebrow shape according to facial symmetry and features using measuring tools and string. Brows are measured perfectly to compliment your unique face shape and size.
4. I will then check with you to ensure you are happy with the shape, or make any adjustments that are desired (higher arch, lower tail, thicker or thinner etc.)
5. Next, I will provide color samples of pigment on the forehead skin. I will explain the difference between the tones of the pigment and the skin tones to get the closest match to your natural brow hair color, and we will choose a color together.
6. The procedure then begins, and the initial strokes are placed.
7. Pigment is worked into each stroke to define the brow.
8. When your shape is completed, a pigment mask is left to absorb into the skin.
9. This is when I may or may not add shading, depending on which technique is chosen.
10. Once that's finished, I cleanse the area thoroughly, blot and dry the brows, take “after” photos, and apply a medical barrier ointment that will help condition the skin and protect the brows, and go over aftercare.
What should I avoid before my treatment?
No coffee, alcohol, aspirins, or any other form of pain killers 24 hours before your appointment. Please also inform me if you are taking any OTC supplements, as these will affect how your treatment will heal. If you currently take daily vitamins or supplements, it is strongly suggested you stop taking them 1 week before your procedure, as they can make you bleed more during the procedure. No sunlight or tanning for at least 1 week prior to treatment. If your skin is sunburnt, we will not be able to perform the service.
Are there any pre-existing conditions that interfere with consideration for a permanent make-up treatment?
· Actively positive with the Coronavirus
· Have had the Coronavirus Vaccine within the past 2 weeks, or are scheduled to get it within 2 weeks
· Under the age of 18
· Old permanent makeup
· Pregnant or nursing (treatment is possible, though we cannot guarantee proper pigment retention or healed results due to pregnancy hormones, as they may alter the way the pigment heals)
· Diabetic (Insulin dependent)
· Actively on anticoagulants, blood thinners, or are under long-term use of Aspirin, Tylenol, and/or Ibuprofen.
· Serious diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and/or autoimmune disorders
· Glaucoma
· Blood disorders
· Heart conditions
· Prone to keloids
· Allergies to Lidocaine or Epinephrine
· Botox/Facials/Peels/Microdermabrasion/Lasers within 2-4 weeks of procedure
· Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
· Use of Accutane/Retin-A/Retinols within the last year
· Use of Latisse or any other eyelash/brow growth serums within 6 months
· Allergies to metal and/or color
· Poor reactions to prior tattoos
· Open wounds, rashes, broken capillaries, sunburns, and/or any skin conditions on the procedure area
· Undergoing/scheduled for Chemotherapy
· Epilepsy/prone to seizures or fainting
· Allergies to pigments or topical anesthetics
· Lupus
· Clients who have undergone an organ transplant
· Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism
What if I don’t like it?
As with all cosmetic procedures, you should do your research first to fully understand the procedure and research the artist before making a decision. I, as an artist, will do my utmost to shape and style the eyebrows to the clients’ satisfaction prior to and during the procedure. Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Expecting an absolutely perfect result is unrealistic. Eyebrows are “sisters” not “twins.”
Is permanent makeup a smart investment?
The permanent makeup costs as much as you would spend for hairstyling, facial sessions, nail care, etc. The permanent makeup will last for a long time until some “refresh” might be required, therefore, it will not cost much compared to regular expenses for keeping your everyday look.
How long does it last?
Powder Brows and Microblading are considered permanent makeup. The longevity of your brows depends on your skin type, products used, sun exposure, diet, genetics, environmental factors, and any oral medication taken. Everyone’s skin is different and retains pigment differently. A length of time should never be promised to you because it can truly range from a very short to a very long time. It’s recommended that you receive a touch-up when the brows are at least 50% faded to maintain them. Sometimes this only includes a color boost (adding warmth). If you choose you no longer want to keep your brows, saline or laser removal is effective.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out and let me know at any time! Thank you and I look forward to hearing back from you!