MICROBLADING FAQ
What you should know before getting permanent makeup
WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
Microblading is a semi-permanent brow tattoo performed with a small handheld tool, using a feather stroke technique to produce the appearance of fuller eyebrows or to enhance the natural features of the face. Microblading is a softer/more subtle cosmetic tattoo than some of older methods. 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 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.
IS THE FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT INCLUDED?
In order to ensure that the brows heal perfectly a minimum of two treatments are usually needed 8-12 weeks apart on average. This first touch-up is included as it gives us the ability to correct any areas that possibly faded or allows the client to make suggestions if they want adjustments with the shape or color.
DOES IT HURT?
We do all that we can to ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible. Before the Microblading begins, a topical anesthetic is applied to the area to minimize discomfort, followed by a liquid anesthetic during the procedure. Some clients may feel a slight discomfort, but it’s relatively pain free for most. (PLEASE NOTE that if you are a frequent smoker, or have your appointment during your menstrual cycle, the pain level could be intensified.)
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.
CLIENTS WHO CAN NOT GET WORKED ON:
No Botox four weeks prior to procedure
Diabetics
Skin that keloids
Sunburned skin
Persons of chemotherapy
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Eczema or psoriasis on the brows
Moles or birthmarks on the brows
An open wound
Autoimmune Diseases
If you take blood thinners
​
If you're a diabetic, I will need a doctor's note.
​
PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT
To ensure the highest quality of safety, all of our tools are one time use only. ALL blades, hand tools, wipes, and any other product used during the procedure are disposed of as biohazardous waste after each appointment, giving each client peace of mind.
Attention Please: We strongly advise prospective new clients to book their appointments at least 3-4 months in advance of Vacations, Weddings, and Special Occasions. This allows adequate time for healing of both your Initial Appointment as well as a Complimentary Enhancement Session 8-12 weeks after your initial visit. Dream brows cannot be achieved in just one session, this is a multiple-step process! Some clients may require more than two sessions to achieve their desired density and shape.
Permanent Cosmetics PRE-CARE
​​
-
Do not work out 48 hours before procedure.
-
NO alcohol or caffeine 48 hours before procedure (Yes, there is caffeine in decaf coffee and tea!).
-
Avoid sun and tanning on your face two weeks prior to procedure.
-
Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen 48 hours before procedure.
-
Avoid Fish Oil, Prenatal Vitamins, Nutritional Shakes (Shakeology, etc), "Hair, Skin, Nail" supplements two weeks prior to procedure.
-
Discontinue Retin-A, Chemical and Laser Peels, Microdermabrasion's, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), and any chemical exfoliant or "brightening" skincare at least 6 weeks prior (Once your brows have fully healed, you must cover your brow tattoo with VASELINE prior to the use of these products on forehead area to prevent premature fading).
-
Botox and filler on the forehead, temple, and eye area should be avoided 2 months prior to procedure for those who regularly receive injectables.
-
No brow waxing, tinting, or threading one week prior (the more natural hair growth you have, the better!
-
Please Note: You will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.
-
Must not have taken Accutane in the last year.
-
Please draw on your eyebrows like you normally do on a daily basis.
EYEBROW POST-CARE
A few hours after microblading, wash brow area with the soap, thoroughly pat dry with wipes provided. Once they've dried completely, use a cotton swab (provided) to apply after care cream also provided to you. Repeat this process of washing, patting and applying after care cream several times (every few hours) until you go to bed.
​
Apply protective cream several times a day, especially when they're itchy!
Keep your brows dry of all water/sweat for at least a week. The more moisture that is introduced to the skin, the higher the likelihood that your results will heal patchy or faded. Avoid your eyebrow area while showering or washing your face.
​
-
DO NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate off. Picking will cause scarring and pigment loss!
-
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for a minimum of 4 weeks after your procedure. Direct sunlight can cause the pigment to change color while it is healing and can also cause hyper pigmentation and scarring.
-
NO underwater swimming and bathing for 4 weeks to avoid bacterial infection.
-
Avoid pool, sauna, steam rooms, steamy showers, and hot baths for 10 days.
-
Avoid sweating on your face for 10 days. Sweating through or on the brows will expel pigment from the dermis producing poor "patchy" results.
-
Avoid sleeping on your brow area for the first 10 days.
-
Keep your bangs and hair pulled back from your face for the first 10 days.
-
NO makeup or skincare products to be used on the brow area for 7 days.
​
Protect your investment after you’ve healed!
-
Exposure to the sun and tanning beds will cause premature fading and discoloration of the pigment.
-
Apply a physical sunscreen daily.
-
For further sun protection wear hats, sunglasses, and stay in the shade!
-
Maintain removal of unwanted brow hair outside of your tattooed brow design by tweezing, threading, waxing, or razoring.
-
Lasers will alter the color of the pigment. 20% zinc oxide must cover your brow tattoo prior to any laser services.
-
Yearly touchups are recommended to maintain your results.
-
Certain skincare products and services will cause premature fading of your brow tattoo and may also alter the pigment color. Please apply a barrier layer of Vaseline over your brow tattoo before use of any of the following: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, hydroquinone, retinol/retin-a, vitamin c, peels, microdermabrasion, or anything that brightens or treats hyperpigmentation.
-
Frequent chlorine swimmers, please apply a barrier layer of Vaseline over your tattoo prior to swimming, to prevent premature fading.
-
Do not laser near your eye are (IPL). Some lasers distort the color causing it to darken or lighten.
​
-
Future touch-up appointments are required to maintain their shape and depth of color. If you do not maintain, the color will lighten over time. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, and iron deficiency.
The above Pre and Post-Care for brows will affect how quickly or slowly you heal. Age, diet, stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, general health, sleep/fatigue can all affect your healing process. The more fatigued you are the lower your immune system is and the more likely infection is to occur. Please get plenty of rest and drink lots of water to hydrate prior to your procedure!
​
*** We have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for those to those who fail to follow our Pre and Post Care Instructions. Failing to follow the above instructions will result in your artist denying your service and possibly future services. There are no implied or written guarantees, especially if you do not follow instructions!
ONCE HEALED
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR NEW BROWS
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.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION OR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL OR SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION. I LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR BROW GOALS!
WHAT TO EXPECT
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 microblade brows healed up to 30% softer than the initial color.
Please note that final results cannot be guaranteed as each unique skin type 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.
We reserve the right to deny service to anyone at our discretion. If you have (or had) any of the following contraindicative conditions below, please contact Olivia before scheduling to ensure you are a candidate. Diagnosed conditions that are waived may be required to bring a doctor’s note stating their approval.
Upcoming vacations
Pregnant or nursing
Diabetic
Viral infections and/or diseases
Epilepsy
Pacemaker or heart conditions
Had an Organ transplant
Tendency towards keloids or scarring
Seborrheic dermatitis
Skin irritations or psoriasis near the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
Had Botox in the past 2 months
Used Accutane in the past year
Taken Doxycycline in the past 6 months
Allergies to anesthetic (lidocaine) or epinephrine
Extremely oily or problematic skin
Cancer or chemotherapy
Auto-immune diseases