FAQs: Microblading/Permanent Make-Up
Are you certified?
Abby is a Certified Permanent Makeup Artist.
Does Microblading hurt?
We get mixed reviews on pain. Everyone has a different level of sensitivity so topical anesthetics are applied before and during the treatment to alleviate and sensation or discomfort. Some clients naturally feel one brow sorer than the other. You will hear a scratching noise/sensation throughout the process.
Music is usually played during the procedure; however feel free to bring your own earphones and music to distract you.
Do I need to take a day off work?
No. There is no downtime associated with the treatment. Redness and swelling will dissipate within an hour. Your brows will appear darker initially, but not so dark that you will be prevented from your activities of daily living.
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. A good month should pass before I consider the process complete.
How many color options do you have?
Of the 9 main colors I use, I can blend several to achieve even more shades to suit the client. ALL clients who have the procedure done will leave with a much more defined brow and a darker color than preferred. This is due to the fact that the skin has been broken to allow the pigment to settle; healing has yet to take place. If you use a pencil, bring it with to your appointment — so I can match the pigment to the desired HEALED RESULT, which emerges after the crusts naturally fall off and the skin gently exfoliates naturally itself to reveal the new brow. Clients, who are used to having no brows for a long time, can find the first few weeks challenging. I usually advise clients who have little to no brows, to start with using a pencil or brow shading for some time before the process so they get used to having a brow! Keep in mind, the initial color will fade up to 50% over the first four to six weeks.
How do I extend the life of the procedure?
You beautiful eyebrows will last longer if you apply sunblock often and avoid abrasive facial treatments in the brow area.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Sterilized, disposable needles and supplies are used during the process.
Will my brows be swollen after my Microblading procedure?
You will not be swollen. You might have slightly red skin around the eyebrows, but this would last no more than one hour.
How long does Microblading last?
It will last as long as it is maintained. Untouched, the ink will last up to four years.
What’s the process like?
Eyebrow tattooing is a two-step treatment, consisting of an initial procedure and than a touch up between 4 to 6 weeks.
After signing consent forms and taking your before photo, I will draw the brow design in pencil so you will get an idea of the shape and form. (Please note that, nobody’s face is totally symmetrical and you need to be realistic with your expectations. There is no point in trying to make the eyebrows identical or match a photo of your favorite celebrities’ eyebrows if your face shape looks nothing like theirs.)
Once we have agreed on a final shape (ultimately it is your decisions — but I will always voice my opinion on what I think suits you aesthetically), I will shape your eyebrows then we will decide on the color. Shortly after that, a topical anesthetic will be administered to ensure comfort. Once you are numb, the pigment is deposited. During healing, it is normal to experience some pigment loss, this is why we have the touch up appointment in place.
Do you have to shave off my own eyebrows?
No. Every attempt is made to retain all natural hair and integrate it into the design of the permanent eyebrows. In some cases, where shaping of the natural brow is required, a few hairs here and there may need to be removed to create a clean and aesthetically pleasing result.
Can you guarantee your work?
Unfortunately, I can’t. How the skin will react is different for everyone and many factors are to be taken into consideration. Skin type, age, scarring, diet, stress levels, facial products used, etc., all play a key role in how the pigment will hold, which is why it is important to know that more than one touch up may be required. I can guarantee that your face is important to me and I will act in accordance with my experience and expertise to give you my absolute best work.
Will I need a touch up? If so, how often?
Most likely. Within a week of your first treatment the color will fade significantly and over the next four to six weeks may continue to fade as much as 50%. This is considered an extremely positive occurrence as it allows you time to reflect on your shape and color. After this period, your follow-up appointment is carried out. At this point any changes you would like to make are discussed.
In order to keep your eyebrow tattoo results looking fresh, we recommend a touch up every year.
Why do I need a touch up if this is semi-permanent?
Because color is implanted in the facial area, there tends to be more fluid circulation than other parts of the body. Your face sees the most wear of any piece of you — exposure to the sun, food, facial products — the list goes on and on. All of these things cause permanent color to fade; this is why you need a touch up.
What can I NOT do after the procedure?
You are advised to keep the skin clean and dry — that means no swimming, sweating or otherwise getting the area wet; no tanning or prolonged sun exposure; no picking, peeling, scratching or subbing the tattoo, this may result in a loss of color and scarring. You can still wash your hair and face as normal during the healing process, but cleanse around the brows. It is recommend to use just warm water to clean the brows within the first 7-10 days.
I have heard some clients just do not retain pigment even after a few visits. Could this happen?
Yes, this can happen.
A third appointment is often set up so that the client has the opportunity to return and I get a chance to review the work and sort out any (if any) tweaks that might need to be done. Often times the client cancels this appointment as all is usually well; however, there are the occasional few that may need one or two extra stroked to finish off the look.
For some, skin may react to the trauma of the tattooing, and the skin may try to push out the foreign body of the pigment by producing an extreme scab, so they eventually fall off taking the pigment with it. There is a condition called Pigment Allergy (PPD Allergy, a condition know by dermatologist) or Auto Immune Disease Symptoms (the client may not even be aware of it). The skin would have over reacted and become super sensitive to the pigment and reject it at any cost.