MICROBLADING & SHADING FAQs
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup procedure whereby hair like strokes are created along the eyebrow to either enhance, reshape or create a very natural looking appearance on the brows, best suited for your facial features and shape.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Microblading?
Microblading is for men and women who want balanced, natural-looking brows, sans the hassle of daily maintenance.
Ideal clients understand and appreciate the convenience in time reclaimed through microblading. The results include having great-looking brows – something that is often a hit-or-miss when drawing them in oneself.
Microblading is also a beautiful solution for people who suffer from alopecia or trichotillomania, as well as those with medical conditions that make applying makeup difficult.
For those with very oily skin, we recommend Shading instead of Microblading or a combination of both.
How Long Does It Last?
1-3 years depending on lifestyle, age, skin type and sun exposure.
How Often Do I Need Touch Ups?
The initial Touch-up is the most important and can be scheduled 6 weeks after the first appt. Optional Touch ups can be done once a year to keep the color fresh and the strokes crisp.
Why is a Touch-up Necessary?
For both Microblading, Shading & Micropigmentation, it involves a 2 step process, usually 6 weeks apart. It is important to come back for touch up which is the perfection session. Remember this isn't a regular Tattoo, this is called semi-permanent tattoo for a reason. We do not go deep within the dermis layer, to allow for a more appealing and softer appearance than a tatto, so we need to see how the skin heals within the first 6 weeks and make the appropriate modifications.
Without touch up, the results will not be optimal. Color can fade 20 - 40% within the first 4 weeks as the skin heals, peels and fades. With dry skin, color will fade less in comparison with oily skin. Also, the brows may not look symmetrical due to parts of the skin that might not heal the same way, for various reasons one being that sections of the skin consist of different oil pockets, so, so ink may not be retained as well in other spots.
At touch up we fill the gaps or patchy areas that normally happen after the first treatment; for Microblading sometimes the hair strokes shrink and goes smaller in comparison with the other part of the brows. For Shading Ombre, the shape might change during the healing process, so we correct and focus on the areas needed. The Touch-up is where we Perfect the Brows.
Does It Hurt?
A topical anesthetic is used to numb the area before and during the service. Most are surprised on how little they feel but others say there is some discomfort associated with the procedure so depending on your pain tolerance as well.
What Should I Do To Prepare For The Procedure?
If you use the following; Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic acid, Retin-A’s, any bleaching or acne medication. Stop using two weeks before procedure. Botox should be done 6 weeks prior if used around or near the forehead. Leaving your eyebrows alone for a week (no tweezing, waxing or otherwise removing the hair) is preferred.
What Should I Do After The Procedure?
Other than make sure your skin is maintained clean and moist with Aquaphor, not much. You can still wash your hair and face right away with the Aquaphor on, but without getting your brows wet. First 24 hours no sweating or otherwise getting the area wet. First 7 days No water should touch the brows. First 14 days no tanning or prolonged sun exposure. NEVER pick, peel or scratch the tattoo. Once they’re healed up, you treat them as your own. An aftercare sheet will be given to you after the treatment is complete.
How Long Does The Appointment Take?
The procedure takes roughly about two hours for Microblading or up to three hours for Shading, sometimes more, sometimes less. Please allow a solid two hours for Microblading or for Shading three hour window for your appointment. We likely won’t need that much time, but this isn’t something we want to rush.
How Long Does It Take To Heal?
Healing time varies from individual to individual. Usually, it takes about a week to ten days for the epithelial crust to form and slough off. Your skin will be considered healed after that happens. Then, the pigment takes some time to settle into the skin. 4-8 weeks should pass before we consider the process complete and touchups are allowed.
How Do You Choose The Shape?
We choose a shape and style together. At the beginning of the procedure we will draw in a suggested shape for your new brows and then we work together to perfect this to your preference. Measurements are taken to check symmetry and placement.
Can I Have My Brows Microbladed or Shaded if I am Pregnant or Nursing?
No you cannot have this treatment done if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Will They Look Like After Immediately Procedure?
Your brows may be a little swollen, red and sometimes blanched (white). This is all very normal. They will be considerably darker for the first week before they begin to fade out to a softer color.
Will They Fade?
Your body’s skin changes over time and so will any permanent makeup coloration implanted in to the skins layers. However, this natural fading process takes years and touch ups are easily done as your colors fade over time.
What If I Don't Like it?
Although the procedure is considered semi-permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent. Colors will appear much darker immediately following the procedure but will often soften and lighten during the healing process. The healing time is different for each individual and remember it takes time to adjust to a new look!
Are There Any Side Effects During Or After Procedure?
During the procedure there may be some minor bleeding. This will depend on the client. If a person is taking blood thinners on a daily basis, then some slight bleeding may occur. Bruising is rare but if a person is on blood thinners, then bruising could occur. There is usually some tenderness for a few days. The color is much darker than you may expect for the first six to ten days.