FAQS

What is microblading?

This is the process of infusing pigment into the skin to stimulate the appearance of natural hair. It is a semipermanent technique that does fade over time. A touch up is suggested every 40 days to six weeks after in order to keep the color fresh and shape precise.

Microblading is meant to be a subtle natural enhancement, and to create fuller and more beautiful brows. It looks most natural on clients who already have semi-full brows hair and want to perfect their shape. The more hair you have, the more natural it will appear. Microblading heals best on young, healthy, and dry/normal skin. Oily skin and mature/thin skin are not recommended for microblading. Results will not heal as well, or might not look as natural. If you are in this category, you would be a better candidate for the Combo Brows that is performed with shading. If you have “mature” skin or too oily skin, I recommend Ombré Shadow.

What is Combo Brows?

Combo brows is a combination of two forms of semi-permanent techniques: microblading and powder brows (shading). Microblading hair-strokes are placed with a manual tool around the border of the brow to give the brow a natural look.

What is the difference between Microblading and Combo Brows?
Combo Brows as Microblading is a technique that uses the stroking method to create “little hairs” but also uses a shading technique for more density. This look will still appear natural, but it will be darker and fuller. Shading typically lasts longer than Microblading, as it uses more pigment throughout the eyebrow.

What is Ombré Shadow?
Unlike Microblading, the Powder Ombre process creates a soft, powder-filled brow similar to the look of makeup. The tails of the brow are darker, and they fade into a light start at the beginning of the brows, giving that eye-catching Ombre Makeup effect!

Does Permanent Cosmetics hurt?

Topical 5% Lidocaine and secondary numbing are used to make you comfortable during your Microblading procedure. However, pain tolerance varies for each client. Having the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.

Am I a candidate for permanent makeup?

You cannot receive microblading/PMU if you are:

Pregnant/breastfeeding
Diagnosed with epilepsy or have seizures
Currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past year
Freshly tanned/sunburned face
Taking blood thinning medications or antibiotics (Must be off antibiotics for at least 2 weeks before your appointment)
Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne or irritation in the brows area
Currently undergoing cancer treatment (Must be off Chemo or Radiation for 6 months)
Sick/cold/Flu - If you are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick, please reschedule your appointment.

If you show up to your appointment and have one of these conditions, I will not perform the procedure, and you will charged for the Cancellation Fee.

What will my home care be?

Clients need to keep brows dry in the shower! Steamy hot showers will cause the pores to open and scabs soften, so there's need to be cautious. You can use a dry washcloth on your forehead when rinsing shampoo from your hairline. Avoid shampoo and conditioner running down onto the brows because it may cause irritation or discoloration!
Gently apply healing balm to brows 2-3 times daily, with a q-tip or clean fingertip for 7-10 days. This will keep brows hydrated and prevent excessive scabbing or flaking of the pigment prematurely. If you have oily skin, only use balm once a day.
Keep brows dry until completely healed - No flaking left and brows appear smooth. It is usually between 10-14 days.
No excessive sweating or being in water - No saunas, hot tubs, pools, oceans, lakes, etc.
Do not pick, rub, or scratch scabs! Avoid sleeping on your face as this will remove and rub off pieces of flakes too soon, having an effect on your healed results.
No working out/sweating for 2 weeks - your brow will turn GREY or disappear if sweat gets into them during the healing process!!
Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 weeks. After the brows are healed, it is recommended to use a tattoo-safe SPF on the brows when you are in the sun.
No anti-aging or acne products on the brows, even when it's healed. These products will cause fading and possibly blurred strokes very quickly; this is anything with chemical exfoliants such as Retinol, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, etc.

How long does the appointment take?

The initial session takes about 2-3 hours total, depending on the service. This includes consent forms, taking before/after pictures, discussing brow shape and color, mapping the brows, 15-20 minutes numbing, and the actual microblading procedure. The 5 to 6 week touch up appointment only takes 1-1.5 hours.

How long will my Semi-Permanent Cosmetics last?

Cosmetic tattooing is designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, lifestyle, age, metabolism, medications, and pigment color affect the longevity of the tattoo. The sun and some kinds of lighting (tanning beds) can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. To take care of your brows, follow the aftercare instructions and have your annual touch up done every 10-18 months (as needed). Touch-ups are normal and expected for Permanent Cosmetics.

*Please note that final results vary and CANNOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals. A follow-up appointment is recommended to be observed at 6-10 weeks, where we can assess your pigment retention and make any changes necessary. A second touch up (at an additional cost) may be needed for completed results, depending on your skin type and healing.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

You must not use Retin-A, Retinol, anti-aging, or acne products around the brows area for at least 2 weeks before or after your appointments.

No Botox/wrinkle relaxers, fillers, chemical peels, micro needling, or anything of the like for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment, and also two weeks after.

I will be taking many before/after pictures. You can wear whatever makeup you like - I want you to feel comfortable having your pictures taken. I will be removing any foundation and eye shadow around your brows area during your procedure, so feel free to bring your makeup with you to touch it up before I take after pictures if you’d like.

Doing any of the following will cause excessive bleeding during your procedure and will hinder your final result:

Do not exercise on the day of your appointment.
You should not take any medications that may thin your blood (i.e. Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil) 72 hours before or immediately after your procedure.
Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of your procedure.
Avoid caffeine for 12 hours before your procedure. (Caffeine increases blood flow and will effect your healed results)

What factors will affect my Permanent Cosmetics?

Oily Skin: Increased oil production can cause hair strokes to blur and heal lighter and in a powdery form.
Smoking: Smokers may notice that their Semi-Permanent Cosmetics will fade faster.
Anemia and iron deficiency: Your body will absorb these iron-based pigments more quickly.
Sun exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading. You will want to use a special sunscreen for your Semi-Permanent Cosmetics; I recommend Canna Stick Ink Guard on Amazon.
Age and metabolism: The Faster your metabolism, the faster the fading of the pigment.
Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow before care instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinning medications, alcohol, and caffeine 24 hours before your procedure.

What can I expect immediately after my appointment?

In the hours following your procedure, your brows will appear much darker and bolder than usual, but it will heal due to oxidation in the surface layer of your skin. Your brows could also appear warmer in color. You may experience some redness or swelling around the treated area, but this typically disappears within 48 hours. Around day 4-8, you may notice some flaking or light scabbing on the treated area, DO NOT PICK AT IT, doing so can result in loss of pigment in those areas. Brows may appear spotty or patchy until the entire brows have finished healing. You may notice that some areas may appear very light or even to have lost pigment entirely after they have peeled, the epidermis will be thicker, causing muting, hiding, or diffusing of pigment underneath. The epidermis will normalize over the next 4-6 weeks, and softened pigment should appear more clearly on surface of the skin. At 4-6 weeks, your brows will be fully healed. Whatever pigment that does not return will be addressed at your touch up appointment. If you’d prefer darker, bolder brows, we can always add more color or shading during that appointment!

Do I need a touch-up/follow-up appointment?

Yes! All Permanent Cosmetic procedures require 2 sessions. During your 5-6 week touch up, we can assess your pigment retention and make any adjustments needed. This touch up is also called the “perfecting visit,” and it increases the longevity of your brows by adding additional strokes and pigment.

I have had my brows tattooed before; can you fix them/touch them up?

I require that anyone who has previously tattooed/microbladed brows by another artist send me clear pictures in natural light and with no brows makeup on them before booking an appointment. After I see pictures, we can discuss if I am able to touch up/correct them, your options, and schedule the correct service. Any client coming to me from a different artist is considered a new appointment at my full price for an initial session, with a required 6-10 week touch up. Typically, the previous work needs to be 80-90% completely faded a symmetrical shape, and no scarring, as this will help me to feel comfortable taking you as a client, being able to do my best work, and give you beautiful results. I may suggest that you have sessions of laser done to lighten the pigment before moving forward with a cover up.

WHAT is Lip Blushing?

It is a lip tattoo that enhances and defines your lips. It can help enhance and even out natural color, or add color if you are lacking any pigment. Your lips will look darker and more like lipstick on the first day, and soften as they heal to become a subtle, natural looking lip tint. Apply a little gloss or balm and your lips are perfectly kissable!

How long does it last?

Results will always vary from person to person, after your initial session and the touch up, your results should last between 2-5 years. Additional touch ups may be required depending on the person and look desired. Permanent makeup ink is not the same as body art ink, and by design it does not last as long as body art ink.

What to expect?

There will be moderate swelling, redness and bruising for the first 5 days.
Apply a Ziploc bag filled with water and ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is scabbing or flaking, do not pick, and allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own.
Expect the color to eventually lighten by up to 40% once the healing process is complete.
Color may appear uneven at different stages of healing. Be patient. This is a process that does not yield immediate results.

Does lip blushing hurt?

Pain levels vary from person to person. Strong medical grade topical anesthetic cream is used before and during your procedure to keep you as pain free as possible.

How long does the procedure take and what should I expect?

The procedure takes about 2 hours. The consolation and prep work take a good portion of that time. I want to make after we have discussed your concerns and I've drawn out a shape that we are both on the same page before I start the procedure. Once we are both happy I will apply numbing cream for 20-30 mins then we will start the process. During that time the non toxic ink can get in your mouth which doesn't taste the best, but is ingestible and non toxic.

Will I still have to wear lipstick? And can other colors still look the same on top?

This is up to the look each individual is trying to achieve. The colors I tattoo with are natural and intended to look very natural. We can certainly enhance your natural color or add color if your lacking, or add a specific tint that your looking for, but it remains soft and natural. That way when you do decide to change it up and want to wear lipstick it will still look great over top, and can cover you tattoo with whatever color we decide to use.

Can lip blushing be done on anyone/ everyone?

Lip blushing is not for everyone. please read the contraindications carefully. if any of the following apply to you, this procedure is not recommended...

If you have previous cosmetic tattooing, send an email (before booking!!) with a picture or book a 15 minute consultation before booking your appointment.

You are a smoker (pigment may not retain properly, colors may distort). ...If you have a history of MRSA
You have psoriasis in the treatment area.
You have an auto-immune disease.
You have thyroid/graves disease (medication may cause pigment to not retain properly). ...You have anemia (pigment may not retain properly).
You have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
You are currently undergoing chemotherapy.
You are pregnant or nursing. (You cannot have this service. No exceptions.)
You have Diabetes type 1 or 2 (due to slow healing and infection, color may or may not retain well).
If you are under a doctor’s care and have questions at ALL about being able to have this procedure, it is your responsibility to meet with your doctor and get written approval.
If you are prone to cold sores, please see instructions below.

** Please note.... even if none of the above apply, lip blushing cannot be guaranteed. This is a cosmetic tattooing procedure, the skin can be unpredictable, it is up to your skin to retain the pigment. Generally, results are successful, however, due to skin type, healing or bleeding during procedure, some results can differ**

If you show up to your scheduled session and decide not to proceed because one or more of the above is present, your booking fee is still non-refundable and you will be charged a late cancel fee $100.

General Precautions

If you are prone to cold sores, lip tattooing CAN cause outbreaks, which can result in loss of pigment. We ask that our clients take their prescribed anti-viral medication starting 48 hours prior to their appointment and after the procedure to prevent outbreak. You can still have lip blushing done!!! We just want to ensure you get the best results possible. Consult with your doctor for any additional questions. If you have an outbreak, or any other type of scratch/acne we ask that you reschedule your appointment as soon as possible. If you show up with any type of outbreak your appointment is considered cancel and you forfeit your deposit.

How do I prepare for my lip blushing session? Before your treatment:

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, vitamin E, niacin, or drink excessive alcohol at least 48 hours prior to and after your procedure.
Do not take any prescription blood thinners at least 48 hours prior to and after your procedure.
Discontinue any vitamin A skin care products (Retin-A, retinols) close to the enhancement area at least two weeks prior to your procedure. **I recommend NOT using these products over or around the tattooed area after you receive your cosmetic tattoo. It could cause fading and distortion of color.**
Discontinue use of AHA (chemical exfoliation) skin care products close to the area to be tattooed at least one week prior to your procedure.
No laser or electrolysis on or around the treatment area one week prior to procedure.
No Botox or fillers in the procedure area less than one week prior.
Plan trips or events a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. Due to unwanted elements Limit the amount of caffeine you consume the morning of your appointment.
Do not have any chemical peels, dermabrasions, mesotherapy, or any other intense treatments which will cause faster skin cell rejuvenating and cause skin irritation 3-4 weeks before procedure.
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure.
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 and will forfeit your booking fee. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.
Bring in your favorite lip color if you have a specific color your wanting to achieve.
If you have existing cosmetic tattooing you need to contact me BEFORE booking your appointment.

If you don’t take into account these instructions and we need to cancel your appointment day of, you will be charged a late cancellation fee of $100