Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Microblading and Standard tattooing?
The purpose of microblading is to enhance the features with what appears to be undetected, natural looking eyebrows. Microblading is more subtle – it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Traditional body tattoos use electric tools and ink while microblading procedures involve iron-oxide based pigments and an manual hand tool. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the technician to make changes to color and shape.
How is microblading procedure performed?
The procedure is done using a hand tool, with a prepackaged, sterile, single use “blade” made up of a grouping of needles that are 3x smaller than the needles that would be used in a tattoo machine. With the appropriate amount of pressure, the skin is scored and the pigment is deposited into the epidermis (outermost layer of skin). Think paper-cuts!
Does it hurt?
Everyone has a different level of sensitivity. An anesthetic is applied for numbing during the procedure to alleviate discomfort. Every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure. Clients are usually pleased to discover that it is no more painful than having your eyebrows tweezed or threaded.
PLEASE NOTE: Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure.
How long does cosmetic tattooing last?
The treatment is considered Semi-Permanent and will not wash off, however, it will fade over time and may need a touch-up every 1-3 years. Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), iron deficiency (your body absorbs iron-oxide as a supplement), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results can not be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. I will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary.
Touch-ups are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring 2 visits. The initial procedure followed by a touch-up procedure about 6-8 weeks later. Previously tattooed eyebrows may require two touch ups.
Do my existing eyebrows need to be shaved off?
Most definitely NOT! Please do not tweeze, thread, wax or modify your eyebrows in any way for as long as possible, and no sooner than two weeks. The beginning of your service includes a brief consultation, followed by shaping and finally a discussion about color. Your regular brow maintenance of tweezing, threading, waxing and/or tinting may continue once the brows have healed.
How long does the procedure take?
Please allow up to 3 hours for Your first appointment as plenty of time will be taken to assure that we have created the shape you desire before the procedure is performed.
How many treatments are needed?
For microblading, at least two appointments are needed initially, at least 6-8 weeks apart. At the second treatment, we will assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first appointment, do not worry! We can always go bolder and add more density at your next appointment. :)
How do you choose the shape?
We choose the shape of your new brows together. Whether you are just looking to enhance the fullness of your natural brow, or create a whole new shape, we will take it one step at a time. Your new shape will be applied with a cosmetic pencil first so that you can see how it will look on your face. We will not start the procedure until you are happy with what we have created.
What is a Perfecting Session and Do I have to have one?
A touch-up is an appointment that is needed most of the time to complete the procedure process. The perfecting appointment is a fine tuning session to make any adjustments that may be needed or desired to the shape, fullness, and color and to go over any areas that may not have taken well the first time. Almost always the color implanted is not perfect the first time when healed that is why permanent makeup is almost always a two or more step process. My personal experience is that most will require one touch-up, whereas some will require a second touch-up appointment. Once in a great while I will have a client where everything healed just perfectly and a touch-up is not needed at all, rare, but it does happen. It is my opinion everyone should utilize that touch-up appointment, even if everything appears perfect. A second coat will give your procedure depth and longer life. We put a second coat on our nails and on our walls. Everything looks better and lasts longer with a second coat, so will your eyebrows!