Frequently Asked Questions
Please do not hesitate to call me or message me if you need any clarification, or have a question not answered here. I am happy to provide more details, and schedule a free consultation if you would like.
What is Microblading?
Microblading, also known as Eyebrow Embroidery is a procedure categorized under permanent makeup, but unlike traditional cosmetic tattooing, it is less invasive and is considered semi-permanent. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type and skincare routine. The procedure is done by using a hand tool with ultra fine needles and each 'hair' is gently etched into the skin, giving an incredibly natural and realistic look. Microblading can dramatically correct or fully reconstruct lost eyebrow and is excellent for those wanting to enhance their brows or who have little to no eyebrows, thinning brows from age or over tweezed brows. Pigments used are chosen to match the natural or desired brow color and skin tone will also be taken into consideration.
How long does Microblading last?
Since microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid with fade faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the brows looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the microbladed area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.
Who cannot get the Microblading procedure?
Microblading is not suitable for the following candidates:
Using Accutane
Have heart conditions or using heart medications
Have diabetes (will require a physician's note)
Have skin disease or irritations
Have had Botox in the last 2 weeks
Have gotten a deep tan or chemical peels in the last 2 weeks
Allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine
Anyone who has any serious medical conditions may require a physician's note.
Pregnant or nursing clients who want to microblade can be done at your own discretion. We suggest discussing with your doctor first. Microblading is still considered a tattoo, and just like with wine or sushi consumption, it is a personal choice to do so during this period.
* We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who we deem not suitable for this procedure or for any other reason.*
How long does the Microblading procedure take?
For the first Microblading session, the entire procedure should take about 2 hours. During this session, the brow technician will shape and style the client’s brows for client approval. We then follow with pigment color selection. Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin the procedure.
The client is to come in for a follow up visit in order to have any minor necessary touch ups. The second Microblading session takes place after 4-6 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 1 hour to complete.
Is a touch up session for Microblading required?
Yes! A touch up session after 4-6 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcome will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment color may need to be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added. Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your brows to ensure it looks perfect and retains the color for the whole year!
Does the Microblading procedure hurt?
The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure your brow technician will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area, and also reapplied during the procedure. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine.
After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.
How long does the healing process take for Microblading?
The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure and color will appear very dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The color will fade by up to 40% as it heals. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you will notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the microbladed area. The eyebrows will lighten up in color as it heals. No down time is required after microblading procedure. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You'll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, please bring a couple reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we may take into consideration the shape you feel most comfortable with. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please refrain from doing so within at least one week of your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we will remove them.
If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 30 days after the procedure.
We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 48 hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen.
Do NOT drink any alcohol or caffeine 48 hours prior to your appointment. (Yes, decaf coffee has caffeine!)
NO Botox for 2 months prior to microblading and No Botox 4 weeks after microblading (We recommend that it's best to wait until after your touch up heals to get Botox, as an educated injector will take your new brows into consideration when choosing where to inject.)
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure. Doxycycline users are also encouraged to wait up to 6 months before receiving Microblading.
It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.
What is the after care for the procedure?
Within 2 hours after the procedure, clean brows using a q-tip and lightly moisten with distilled or cooled downed boiling water. Gently wipe away the old healing balm and any lymphatic liquid (clear yellowish liquid) that may have built up. Lightly pat dry with tissue and using a new q-tip, re-apply healing balm to the brows.
Make sure to apply a light layer of healing balm morning and night to brows for at least 5-7 days.
Do not over apply healing balm.
Do not immerse brow area in water for 14 days. When showering, make sure to avoid face area. When cleaning or washing face, make sure to avoid brows and clean around it.
Do not put makeup on the brow area for a minimum of 10 days. Microbladed area is an open wound, using makeup may cause infections.
Avoid alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 24 hours.
Brow area will feel slightly itchy as it heals and will start to lightly scab over. Do not peel or pick at the scabs as this can affect the outcome and pigmentation.
Do not go swimming, tanning or into saunas for at least 14 days.
No face scrubs or chemical peels at least 2 weeks after.
What can I expect to happen after the procedure?
During your appointment, we will analyze your skin tone to anticipate how pigment colors will heal and fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure the color blends well with your natural hair and skin color. There are some cases, however, where the color may fade to different tones according to the individual’s response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes. At your follow up appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial color. If needed, special formula alterations to correct the color is made at this time. Your eyebrow tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a "powdered" look. To keep your brows looking their best, a refresher appointment is suggested every 12 months. Results and preferences vary with each client.
What do I do if I do not like the results?
As with all cosmetic procedures, individuals should not make their choices lightly. We always recommend clients do their research, understand the procedure and compare different artists' work and portfolio when making their decisions. Our brow technicians will do their utmost to shape and style the eyebrows to the clients satisfaction prior to the procedure. Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Uneven appearance can be fixed during the touch up session. Pigment discoloration and color correction can also be fixed during the the touch up session. Microbladed brows will eventually fade away if no additional touch ups are done.
What is the price for Microblading?
Price for all services can be seen on our homepage. Click here.
How do I make an appointment?
The preferred method to make an appointment is to call me directly at 929-210-4354, and leave a message if I do not answer.
You can also book online, and I will call you back to confirm your scheduled appointment, and answer any questions. To book online, click here.
Can I get Microblading if I already have an eyebrow tattoo?
Often we cannot. But if the previous tattoo or permanent makeup has faded considerably, sometimes we can. We will have to use a combo or shading technique.
If the previous tattoo has not faded, I also provide service to remove tattoo's, and after that process is complete, we can do the Microblading procedure. Please call me at 929-210-4354 for a free consultation or more information on tattoo removal.
What is the difference between Microblading and Microshading?
You can see examples of my work on facebook to see the difference between microblading and microshading, https://facebook.com/katem1210.
This is also a good article outlining the differences: https://www.glamour.com/story/what-is-microblading-microshading-microfeathering
How old do I have to be to get Microblading?
You must be 18 years or older to receive Microblading.