What is Microblading?

Microblading, also known as feather strokes or eyebrow embroidery is a procedure categorized under permanent makeup, but unlike traditional cosmetic tattooing, it is less invasive and is considered semi-permanent. Sparse eyebrows are filled in the most natural-looking way, creating the illusion of more hairs on the brow. The procedure is a very meticulous one.

Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on the person, skin type, age, sun exposure, lifestyle, and products used during regular skincare routines. 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 correct or 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. The microblading method is the finest form of cosmetic tattooing to date. The results are subtle, the most natural appearance, yet noticeable.

Most ideal results are achieved on individuals with mature, normal to dry skin.

What are Ombre Brows?

Ombré powdered brows is one of the many different techniques used for semi-permanent cosmetic micropigmentation. Ombré brows is done by using rotary machine, but can also be done manually with a hand tool - it will all come down to artists preference.

This technique consists of creating a beautifully defined brow starting with a very gradient appearance at the front section (head) of the eyebrow which gradually transitions into a more dense end of the brows (tail) for more defined shape - creating a soft, powdered, filled in “makeup” appearance. Depending on many different factors; this technique could typically last anywhere from 1-5 years. The touch up appointments for this technique generally won’t be required to be done as often as Microblading. Some clients can go 1-2 years before needing a colour boost.

This technique is suitable for all skin types, and highly recommended for those with combination to oily skin as the healed results can be a little more predictable than the results of Microblading on oily skin.

What are Nano Brows?

Nano brows is also one of the many different techniques used for semi-permanent cosmetic micropigmentation. Nano brows is done by using a rotary machine. This technique is used to create hair stroke patterns that flow beautifully with the clients natural hair growth. Similar to Microblading in the sense that hair strokes are created to enhance, define, shape and rebuild eyebrows; except this technique does tend to heal a little more prominent than microbladed hair strokes. This technique is done using a 1 round needle, so the hair strokes are about .5mm “thicker” in appearance than microbladed strokes. Because this technique is implemented into the skin with a machine, it can last longer than Microblading. Depending on many different factors; this technique could typically last anywhere from 1-5 years. The touch ups for this technique generally won’t be required to be done as often as Microblading. Some clients can go 1-2 years before needing a colour boost.

This technique is suitable for all skin types, and highly recommended for those with combination to oily skin as the healed results can be a little more predictable than the results of Microblading on oily skin.

What are Hybrid Brows?

Hybrid brows is when a combination of techniques is used to achieve a certain appearance - it can be a mixture of Nano brows + shading or Microblading + shading. It is tailored for those who want the hair stroke patterns at the head of the brow (front portion of the brow) along with a more defined, and more dense appearance on the tail (end of the brows). This technique is becoming more and more popular as it creates beautifully defined brows, and is great for all skin types.

HOW LONG IS THE APPOINTMENT?

For the initial visit, the entire appointment may take anywhere from 2-3 hours. During this session, the brow technician will shape and style the client’s brows for client approval. Followed by the selection of pigment, best suited for a natural result. Once the client is satisfied with the choices, the procedure will then begin. The client is to come back for a follow up visit to have any minor necessary touch ups completed. The second Microblading session takes place 6-8 weeks after the initial visit. This session will take approximately 1-2 hours to complete, depending on how much work is required.

How long does it take to heal?

Following the procedure, the eyebrow area will appear slightly red and darker in colour. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to appear dark and you will notice slight scabbing/flaking. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the eyebrow area. The eyebrows will lighten up by 30% - 40% in color when the healing process is complete. No down time is required after the microblading procedure.

It may take 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 after two weeks of 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 tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once completely healed.

Is it painful?

The pain level for this procedure is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure your brow technician will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area and also re-apply 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 at all. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, and epinephrine.

After the procedure, redness and slight swelling/tenderness in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil). Having any semi-permanent service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your session. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

How long does it last?

Since cosmetic micropigmentation is not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime. Microblading/cosmetic micropigmentation 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 will fade faster as your skin will resurface faster, the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), iron deficiency (your body absorbs iron-oxide as a supplement), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary.

To maintain the “fresh looking” brows, a touch up is suggested every 6-18 months. Clients can let the microbladed area fade over time if they no longer feel that this service is for them; please note a slight shadow may remain and further interventions may be required should the client wish for it to disappear completely.

What are the pre and post care instructions?

In order to achieve the best results, it is best to follow the pre and post care instructions.

Prior to your procedure, clients are advised of the following:

• Avoid alcohol, aspirin/ibuprofen, and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 72 hours.

• Avoid tanning so we can assess your natural skin tone.

• No face scrubs or chemical peels at least two weeks prior.

• Feel free to come in with the brow makeup on so your technician can see your everyday look that you prefer. Reference pictures of shapes and colors of brows are always welcomed. You will then work together to create the perfect brows!

After your procedure, clients MUST follow these instructions:

• 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/ointment 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/ointment to the brows.

• Make sure to apply a light layer of healing balm/ointment 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. Treat any cosmetic micro-pigmentation service as an open wound. Using makeup may cause infections.

• Avoid alcohol, aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 72 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 of pigmentation retention and risk forming scar tissue.

• Do not go swimming, tanning or into saunas for at least 14 days.

• No face scrubs or chemical peels for at least 2 weeks after.

• Apply an SPF50 over eyebrows daily (once it’s completely healed).

• Do not use Retin A or glycolic acids, peroxide or Neosporin directly on it.

• To avoid scarring and loss of pigment protective scab(s) should not be picked.

Who is not suitable for Cosmetic Micro-pigmentation?

Cosmetic Micro-pigmentation is not suitable for the following candidates:

• Currently using accutane (MUST be off of accutane for MINIMUM of 6 months).

• Have heart conditions or using heart medications

• Have diabetes (will require a physician's note)

• Have skin disease or irritations (seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and etc.,)

• 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, and 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.

What are the risks and complications?

Your technician takes all proper precautions for a safe session by using sterilized equipment, new needles and in a sanitized environment. Should clients follow the pre and post care instructions, there should be minimal risks or complications. Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals.

We suggest a pigment patch test for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:

• Topical makeup products

• Gold, silver, nickel

• Hair dyes

Patch tests should be performed 5-7 days prior.

What if I dot like it?

As with all semi-permanent 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. The brow technicians will do their utmost to shape and style the eyebrows to the client’s satisfaction prior to the procedure. Every effort will be made to achieve a symmetrical appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Uneven appearance can be adjusted during the touch up session, along with pigment discoloration and sometimes color correction (may vary). Microbladed brows will eventually fade away if no additional touch ups are done.