Microblading FAQs

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 colour and shape over the years as client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.

HOW LONG IS THE APPOINTMENT?

Three hours on average. During your appointment we will consult with you the entire time ensuring we are on the same page. The initial first hour is spent numbing you, this is to ensure the treatment is as comfortable as possible. Then much of the time is spent measuring and drawing on a symmetrical set of brows and agreeing on your perfect shape and colour. The actual procedure itself takes 30min to an hour. The touch-up appointment will take about 2 hours.

IS THE FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT INCLUDED?

In order to ensure that the brows heal perfectly a minimum of two treatments, your initial appointment and your touch up, this is usually needed 6 - 8weeks after your first appointment. 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.

HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING LAST?

The treatment is considered semi-permanent and will fade over time. Touch-ups are recommended every 1-2 years maintain shape, colour, and detail. Without any touch-ups your microblading should last 18 months - 4 years.

How often you need a touch up depends on a number of factors including:

- Skin type (oily skin fades faster)

- Pigment colour used (lighter colours fade faster)

- Sun exposure (over time can cause fading and discolouration of the pigment)

- Use of daily anti-aging products e.g.- (Tretinoin (Retin-A) & Alpha Hydroxy). These products increase your cell turnover rate and will shorten the life of your cosmetic tattoo

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 anaesthetic is applied to the area for one hour to minimise discomfort, followed by a liquid anesthetic during the procedure if needed. 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 10 days following your microblading appointment. Light exercising is allowed (minimal sweating), just as long as you are not getting your brows wet. 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.

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.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY EYEBROW PROCEDURE?

If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment consultation.
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.

DO I HAVE TO COME FOR A PATCH TEST OR CONSULATION?

A patch test and consultation is required at least 48 hours before treatment, this is to rule out any possible allergies to pigments, anaesthetic, needles being used or possible contraindications. The patch test is done by pricking a small amount of pigment behind your ear. If the skin becomes irritable or inflamed during the 48 hours leading up to your appointment we would not be able to proceed with the treatment.

Your consultation and patch test appointment should take no longer than 30 minutes, this is a great opportunity to ask as many question as you would like to understand the treatment you are about to receive, for you to share what you are hoping to achieve are and for us to help manage your expectations. This is our chance to determine your suitability for the treatment, by checking for contraindications, visually checking the skin around the brow, checking your general health and then agreeing on your treatment plan.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker and bolder in colour 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 socialising. 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 colour of the tattoo is evident. During this process, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much colour has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 6 weeks to see the true colour, 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 colour.

Please note that final results can not 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.

AFTERCARE

The best results come from the “Do Nothing” or “Dry Healing” method. The absolute best results come from keeping your brows extremely DRY for the next 10 days! Keeping them dry makes them retain more detail, better colour, and more crisp strokes, so they come out looking great once healed! It sounds like hard work, but can be done if you’re committed. Here’s how:

For the first 4 hours after the procedure dab the brows with a clean dry cotton pad or tissue. This is to make sure of no lymphatic liquid is remaining on the surface of the brow.
Microblading is a form of cut remember so for the first 7 days post microblading you will need to cleanse the brow area softly with a clean cotton pad and distilled water. Do this every morning and night to keep the brow clean.
Keep your face directly out of the shower stream & do your best to carefully wash hair and keep face as dry as possible. Also make sure showers aren’t to hot as too much steam can harm brows as well.
When washing your face, do no splash water onto your face like you normally do. Instead use a washcloth or disposable cleansing wipe to wash AROUND the brows, making sure they stay dry!
Do not apply any make up or moisturiser to either your brows for AT LEAST 2 weeks, If your skin starts to feel tight and dry around day 7 post treatment, you can use the smallest amount of vasaline IF NEEDED to gently moisturise the area once every couple of days.
No heavy exercising or sweating for at least 10 days post procedure. If you want the best colour and detail retention, this is crucial.
After 2 weeks you may wash your face normally, including your brows! with a gentle face wash. ( make sure for all your facial products to be oil free for longer lasting brows).
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.
Avoid direct sun exposure for the first 14 days. You MUST wear a hat while outside during the healing process.

ONCE HEALED

- Exposure to the sun over time can cause fading and discolouration 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 discolour the tattooed area.