Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microblading? (also referred to as Hairstrokes, 3d Brows, Feather Strokes, Micro-strokes)?
This is the process of delicately infusing pigment into the skin with a sterile micro needle to simulate the appearance of natural hair.
Hairstrokes are meant to be a subtle, natural enhancement and to create fuller more beautiful brows.
What are Semi-Permanent Powder Brows (can also be referred to as Ombrè Brows, Gradient fill, Micro pigmentation)?
This is the process of delicately infusing pigment into the skin with a sterile micro needle to simulate the appearance of beautifully shaped brows. Semi-Permanent Powder brows are meant to enhance and define your brows.
How long will my Semi-Permanent Cosmetics last?
Cosmetic tattooing is considered semi-permanent as it does not wash away, however pigments are designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, lifestyle, age, metabolism, medications, and pigment color affect the longevity of the tattoo. The sun and some kinds of lighting can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. To take care of your brows follow the aftercare instructions and touch-up your brows every 12-18 months (as needed). Touch-ups are normal and expected for Semi-Permanent Cosmetics.
*Please note that final results vary and CANNOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals. A follow-up appointment is recommended at 4-6 weeks where we can assess your pigment retention and make any changes necessary. Some clients may require more than one follow-up to reach their desired results at an additional cost. Again this will depend on aftercare, skin type, etc.
What factors will affect my Permanent Cosmetics?
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Oily Skin: Increased oil production can cause hairstrokes to blur and heal lighter and powdery.
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Smoking: Smokers may notice that their Permanent Cosmetics will fade faster
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Anemia and iron deficiency: Your body will absorb these iron based pigments more quickly.
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Sun exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading. You will want to use a special sunscreen for your Permanent Cosmetics; I recommend Color Guard. You can find it on Amazon.
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Age and metabolism. The Faster your metabolism the faster the pigment will fade.
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Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow before care instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinning medications, alcohol, and caffeine before your procedure.
Do Semi-Permanent Cosmetics hurt?
Topical anesthetics are used to make you comfortable during your Semi-Permanent Cosmetic procedure, however pain tolerance varies from client to client. Having the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.
Are Semi-Permanent Hairstrokes right for me?
Hairstroke eyebrows heal best on normal to dry skin types. Hairstrokes may not work well on clients with very oily skin, large pores or previous permanent cosmetics tattoos. On those with oily skin types and larger pores, results may appear softer and powdery.
Clients who want a more defined or “made up” looking brow may be happier choosing a Powder Brow or a Designer Brow (this can be discussed at your initial appointment).
Client’s with thin skin or Rosacea cannot receive hairstroke brows.
The hairstroke method is designed to blend with your natural brow hair, the more hair you have the more realistic results will appear. If you have very little or sparse eyebrow hair results will appear flatter, and it is possible that you may need more than two sessions to achieve your desired result.
Hairstroke brows are not meant to entirely replace makeup. Eyebrow pencils and powders may still be needed.
You cannot receive hairstroke brows if you are:
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Pregnant or nursing
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Are currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past year
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Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face
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Are on blood thinning medications or antibiotics
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Have Rosacea
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Are currently undergoing cancer treatment
Are Semi-Permanent Powder Brows right for me?
Powder Brows are beautiful on ALL skin types!
If you are a little “OCD” or describe yourself as a perfectionist this may be a better option for you. You can get more precise results with this method while still achieving a natural and beautiful look.
If you are nervous about your Semi-Permanent Cosmetics being painful…The Powder Brow technique can be less painful than hair strokes.
If you have rosacea or very red skin tones your results will be much better with the “Powder Brow” Technique.
You cannot receive Powder Brows if you are:
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Pregnant or nursing
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Are currently using Accutane or have used it in the last 3 months
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Are currently undergoing cancer treatment
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Have a sunburned face
Powder Brows are designed to look like soft powdery makeup. This can replace makeup but will still look natural. Some clients will add a touch of makeup if they want a “bold brow”.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
If you have reference pictures, please feel free to bring these to your appointment. Along with the pencil or powder you are currently using.
If you tint your brows you will want to do so 72 hours before your appointment.
If you prefer to have your eyebrows waxed/threaded please do so at least 48 hours before your appointment, otherwise we can remove stray hairs when we design your brows.
Shower and wash your face the day of your appointment.
You must not use Retin-A near the brow area 2 weeks before or after the procedure.
You will need to avoid pools, lakes, salt water and extreme sun exposure for at least two weeks following your appointment, so make vacation plans accordingly!
No Botox, fillers, Microdermabrasion, chemical peels or anything of the like for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
Doing any of the following will cause excessive bleeding during your procedure and will hinder your final result!
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Do not work out the day of your appointment.
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You should not take (unless prescribed by a Doctor) any medications that may thin your blood (i.e. Aspirin, Ibproferen, fish oil, Vitamin E) 72 hours before or immediately after your procedure.
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Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of your procedure.
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Avoid caffeine for 12 hours before your procedure.
What can I expect immediately after my appointment?
In the hours following your procedure your Semi-Permanent Cosmetics will appear much darker and bolder than it will heal due to oxidation in the surface layer of your skin. Your Semi-Permanent Cosmetics will also appear warmer in color. You may experience some redness or swelling around the treated area, this typically disappears within 48 hours.
Around day 3 you may notice some flaking or light scabbing on the treated area, do not pick at it, doing so can result in loss of pigment in those areas. Brows may appear spotty or patchy until the entire brow has finished healing. You may notice that some areas may appear very light or even to have lost pigment entirely after they have peeled, the epidermis will be thicker causing muting, hiding or diffusing of pigment underneath. The epidermis will normalize over the next 4-6 weeks and softened pigment should appear more clearly on surface of the skin.
At 4-6 weeks your brows will be fully healed. Whatever pigment that does not return will be addressed at your touch up appointment or if you’d prefer darker, bolder brows we can always add more color or dimension during that appointment!
Do I need a touch-up/follow-up appointment?
Yes! All Semi-Permanent Cosmetic procedures require and include 2 sessions, an initial session to establish shape and a perfecting session 6-8 weeks later. During your 6-8 week follow-up we can assess your pigment retention and make any adjustments needed. This follow-up also increases the longevity of your Semi-Permanent Cosmetics.
Do I need a consultation before getting Semi-Permanent Cosmetics?
I do not offer consult appointments, if you have a specific question or concern you are welcome to text. I book enough time to discuss your needs and wants at the initial appointment. if you are in need of correction work or have had your brows tattooed elsewhere, you will need to in text me a photo before booking. This way we can schedule adequate time.
How long does the procedure take?
Initial appointments take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes the designing process, numbing the area, and Semi-Permanent Cosmetics procedure. Follow-up sessions take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
I have had my brows tattooed before, can you fix them/touch them up?
I require that anyone who has had their brows tattooed previously by another artist text me a picture before booking an appointment. This way we can discuss price, your options and schedule sufficient time.
How can I book an appointment?
Appointments can be made by clicking the ‘BOOK’ button and you can book directly online.
A $100 deposit is required to ensure you are serious about receiving your Brows. Your deposit will go towards the final price of your Brows. The remainder of your balance is due at the time of your appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
Deposits are fully refundable as long as you give 72 hours notice. I also require 72 hours notice to make any changes to your appointment. Giving less than 72 hours notice for a cancellation will result in the forfeit of your deposit. If you cancel, are more than 15 minutes late, or do not show up to your appointment, your deposit will be forfeited. This may seem strict but it is to insure you are serious about your appointment and should you cancel it gives me time to fill your spot.