What is Microblading?

Microblading is a technique where fine lines are scratched into the surface of the skin, and pigment embedded. The strokes accurately replicate hair. Microblading does not have the same permanency as a tattoo, the semipermanent treatment does meet the definition of “permanent makeup” in that pigment is embedded in the skin.

 

Am I a good candidate for microblading?

For your health and safety, if any of the below apply to you, unfortunately you are not a good candidate.

• Women who are pregnant or nursing.

• People with allergies to makeup, color pigment or to ingredients in topical anesthetics.

• People with easily triggered post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• People who have healing disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or had/have mitral valve disorder.

• Those who are currently sick: cold, flu, bacterial/viral infection, etc.

• Individuals with heart conditions, a Pacemaker or Defibrillator.

• People with diabetes.

• People with glaucoma or had eye surgery in the last 6 months.

• Have had Blepharoplasty or brow face lift in the past 6 months.

• Those on blood-thinning medication.

• People with skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and undiagnosed rashes or blisters on the treatment area.

• People with autoimmune disease.

• People with transmittable blood conditions like HIV or Hepatitis.

• Those with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

• People with active skin cancer in the treatment site.

• Those undergoing Chemotherapy.

• People with hemophilia.

• Those with a history of MRSA.

• Who had Botox or fillers in the past two weeks.

 

How should I prepare for my appointment?

   PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

• 24 Hours before - No alcohol, coffee or caffeine.

• 24 Hours before - Do not work out.

• 24 Hours before - DO NOT take anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Aspirin, Excedrin, or oil supplements like Omega-3/fish oil supplements, Vitamin E or primrose oil, or Niacin (vitamin B3).

• 2-3 Days before, try to avoid the following natural blood thinning herbs and spices: Black pepper, Cardamom, Ginger, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Garlic, Horseradish, Mustard.

• 1 Week before - DO NOT tan or sunbathe. The tan will exfoliate, taking color with it as it fades.

• 1 Week before - DO NOT exfoliate, tint, tweeze, or wax your eyebrows, including threading.

• 2 Weeks before - AVOID using skincare products with active ingredients, such as AHA, Acids (commonly ascorbic/Vitamin C and salicylic), Isotretinoin, Roaccutane/Accutane, Retinol/Retin-A (found in anti-aging products), or other retinoids as they can irritate and thin out the skin and lead to excessive bleeding during the procedure.

• 4 Weeks before - Discontinue Retinol/Retin-A products (found in anti-aging), or other retinoids as they can irritate and thin out the skin and lead to excessive bleeding during the procedure.

• 4 Weeks before - NO Botox, fillers,chemical peels,laser treatment, microdermabrasion, mesotherapy or any other intense treatments on or near the temple/brow area. This will cause skin cells to rejuvenate faster which will result in skin irritation.

   ADVICE:

• If you prefer a match to how you fill in your eyebrows, please wear your normal make-up to your appointment.

• Fix and/or wash your hair before the treatment. Your new brows will not be able to have direct contact with water for 7 days, apart from your cleansing instructions. Quick showers can be taken with the use of a brow shield (provided in your aftercare kit).

• Expect more sensitivity during your menstrual cycle.

 

Does it hurt?

These techniques are designed to be gentle, with minimal discomfort. A numbing cream is applied before the procedure. In the beginning, you will feel a scratching sensation while we create the shape and design of the brow. A secondary numbing gel is then applied which is absorbed into the skin within a few seconds, at which time you will have very little feeling on and around the treatment area.

 

How should I care for my new brows?

We will review your aftercare instructions in detail after your treatment, during which time you will be able to ask questions. The aftercare instructions card is included in your take-home kit. Although, expect your skin care and makeup routine to look different until your brows fully heal. Some key advice include:

• Keep your eyebrows DRY for 7-10 days, except during cleansing as instructed.

• Cleanse after 24 hours (twice daily) - follow instructions on how to do so and method for applying aftercare ointment. You will repeat for 7 days or until peeling has ceased.

• DO NOT soak in bath, and avoid use of swimming pool, hot tub, or sauna for 2 weeks.

• NO makeup, moisturizer, or any skincare product on or near treated area until fully healed.

• DO NOT touch, scratch, or pick at brows in any way, which can cause scarring or loss of color.

• DO NOT work out or exercise for 7-10 days to avoid getting sweat on brows.

• AVOID direct sunlight or UV exposure for 2 weeks. Use broad spectrum sunblock thereafter to help slow fading.

• AVOID sleeping on your face or brows for the first 10 days. Sleep on a fresh, clean pillowcase.

• NO Botox, facials, chemical peels/treatments, microdermabrasion, etc. for 4 weeks after procedure.

• NO hair removal or tinting for 2 weeks.

• AVOID skincare products on or near brows containing active ingredients, such as Retinol/Retin-A (found in anti-aging products), and Acids (commonly ascorbic/Vitamin C and salicylic), and products with perfume/fragrances for 30 days.

 

How should I choose my new brows?

Eyebrows frame your face, so what works for someone else may not work for your unique facial features or skin type. What we recommend is choosing a shape and look that best suits you as an individual. Factor in the pigment color that matches your natural brow color, hair color, and desired result. As part of the treatment, we will map out and draw on your new brows so you can see what they will look like before we begin the microblading/micro shading procedure.

 

What is the healing process and timeframe?

Everyone heals a bit differently. With that in mind, your eyebrows will look dark for the first few days. About two weeks into the process, your brows will lighten significantly. Refer to the “Healing Stages of Your New Brows” card included in your aftercare kit for what to expect. Although you may resume some normal activities after 7-10 days, the entire healing process takes 6 to 8 weeks.

 

Why do I need a follow-up appointment 4-8 weeks after my treatment?

After the initial treatment, your brows will heal patchy and light – this is normal. The incisions that were made during the procedure are covered by new skin; this gives the pigment a faded look. On average most people retain about 70-90% of their brows after their first appointment if they follow all aftercare instructions.

 

Microblading and Micro-shading procedures normally require multiple treatment sessions. For the best results, clients will be required to return for at least one re-touch appointment. This will take place between 4-8 weeks after the initial procedure.

 

Maintenance touchups are recommended every 6 to 12 months. Some may require more frequent touchups.

 

How can skin type impact your results?

Drier skin types hold microblading hair strokes much crisper than skin with a lot of oil. Those with dry and normal skin will see their final color last much longer than those with oily or combination skin. Clients with oily/combination skin may need more touch-ups (about every 6 months) for maintenance. Results vary for each individual.

 

Other factors can also affect the healing process, such as how carefully you follow the aftercare instructions, as well as pigment color (lighter pigments fade faster) and sun exposure without SPF will fade and discolor your brows.