What are microblading, powder/ombre brows and combo brows?
Microblading works by filling the brow area with thin "hairstrokes" that give the illusion of real hair! This technique is great for enhancing an already full brow that needs a little definition.
Powder/Ombre Brows are fully shaded using a tattoo machine. They give the appearance of a brow that’s been filled in with makeup, and can range from light and dusty to dark and defined.
Combo Brows combine the microblading technique with manual or machine shading. The microblading serves to mimick texure of real hair for a natural looking result, blending sparse areas with those areas covered in brow hair. The shading is very versatile, and can be used to add a makeup effect over the microblading, or simply to give the illusion of density where there is none. Shading paired with microblading is also good for clients who have old permanent makeup that the wish to correct or cover - we blend the old with the new while still acheiving natural results.
What are your services and how much do they cost?
Click HERE to visit our booking page for a list of services with associated costs and detailed information.
Is it painful?
The answer to this depends on several factors, however, most clients describe it as feeling light pressure or slight scratching. We use two numbing agents - one that numbs you prior to beginning the procedure and one that keeps you numb/increases numbness throughout the procedure. While most clients find it painless to tolerable, on occasion those with lower pain tolerance may experience additional discomfort. Many clients fall asleep! Clients on their menstrual cycle may experience increased discomfort, so it is advised to plan accordingly. Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be taken at the start of the appointment if discomfort is anticipated.
How long will it last?
This answer also depends on several factors - the skin type, skin care and amount/type of activity following the procedure are the greatest factors determining final results. In any case, typical results can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years before a refresh/touchup is needed. 100% fading/disappearing varies widely from person to person. Many clients appreciate this aspect of microblading, given that trends and facial features change over time, thus allowing clients to make adjustments if necessary.
How long does the procedure take?
The initial brow procedure takes around 3-4 hours - the first 60-90 minutes is used for numbing, paperwork, before-photos, design consultation, measuring and designing your eyebrows, consulting some more! The remaining 90-150 minutes is used for the application, post-consult, tweaks and changes, aftercare review and final photos. In summary, the majority of the appointment is spent making sure we’re absolutely on the same page throughout each step of the process.
Touchup sessions may only take 1.5-2.5 hours.
What is the process like?
CUSTOMIZE! Unlike many similar services, the whole process is totally customized to your needs and goals! The “cookie cutter” approach is a no-go in this studio.
DESIGN CONSULTATION! First, we’ll get your numbing going, and while that sits we’ll discuss every little detail of your new brows! We’ll discuss shape, color, texture, lifestyle needs, maintenance expectations, etc. Not sure what you need? That’s okay! The design consultation is as educational for you as it is for me. Most clients are learning to articulate their preferences better and better as we move along in the discussion, and I have a knack for picking up on consistencies in photos you like, and can clue into details as I get to know your personality.
MAPPING & TRYING ON! Once we’ve verbally dissected expectations, we’ll move onto mapping and designing. We’ll carefully measure out your ideal proportions according to bone structure, facial features and existing brow hair (if there is any)! Within that mapping I’ll draw on two variations of what we discussed, which you can pick apart and critique to your hearts content. Like the arch on the left and the tail on the right? Is one too thick and the other just right? Like trying on outfits, we’ll keep switching out details until you finally meet the brow you’re POSITIVELY confident about, we’ll match them up and finalize the design. We’ll take as long as we need for this!
COLOR SELECTION! Next, you’ll lie down under the lamps, and we’ll swatch some ideal colors on your forehead. Color selection will be discussed in advanced, but is only finalized once we’ve swatched and considered skin tone, brow hair color and head hair color (particularly at the roots around the face). Unless a client, on rare occasion, wants to go all in with a bold, dark brow, I like to keep the color MODEST! We can always add color, but taking away/lightening is a literal pain.
APPLICATION! We finally apply the design! Several passes will be made, gradually and carefully building detail and definition until the goal is met. I still like to give a modest, more natural application! We can always add more, but taking away isn’t so easy.
FINAL STEPS! Even though I’ve completed the process, we’re not done until you’re happy! We’ll take as much time as we need to tweak, discuss, tweak more, and then some more until you’re totally satisfied.
TOUCHUP! This is a two step process! 4-8 Weeks later, you’ll return for a touchup (included with your initial service). At this point you’ll have had some time to “get-to-know” them, and we can make adjustments to color, shape, size, texture, etc according to your final goals! This will also help to reinforce the pigment for longevity, and simply allows me an opportunity to see how you’ve healed so I can better understand your skin and continue giving the best customized results possible.
What is the recovery process like?
While you may experience some irritation, redness and other visible irritations for several hours afterwards, there is no actual downtime. Your brows may be darker than you desire for the first few days but they will begin fading to a more natural shade after that. They may be somewhat itchy for 2-3 days toward the end of the week, followed by light flaking/peeling in some areas. While the skin cycles through the full process of healing you may notice the pigment "disappearing" for a few days - this is normal and the pigment will resurface a couple of days later. You’ll need to keep them dry and free of products for one week, with the exception of provided ointment. Although most clients are visibly healed at about 1-1.5 weeks, it’s only after four weeks your brows will be fully healed and you will be able to see the end results!
Who is not a candidate for microblading and other brow permanent makeup?
Brow permanent makeup is not suitable for individuals to whom any of the following may apply:
Pregnant or nursing
History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
Uncontrolled diabetes (requires doctor's clearance)
Currently undergoing chemotherapy
Viral infections and/or diseases
Epilepsy
Pacemaker or major heart problems
Organ transplant
Skin irritations or psoriasis on or near the treated area
Received deep skin treatment (peels, etc) or deep tan in the last two weeks
Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
Botox in the past 2 weeks
Accutane in the past year
Heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, poor general health.