Manual microblading is a process that involves tiny, fine-point needles (instead of a tattoo gun) that make up a small disposable blade and handle (picture a very small tool that looks like a rat-tail comb) to scratch and deposit pigment simultaneously under your skin. The result? Realistic-looking brow hairs that don’t wash off. Keep scrolling to find out how microblading may be right for you. Learn all about microblading so you, too, can have a perfect brow without all the extra effort.
WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
Long story short: You basically don’t have to use brow products anymore.
SO, IS MICROBLADING A TATTOO?
Yes, but also, no. Unlike a tattoo that lasts forever, microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattooing (keep reading if you wanna know how long it lasts). For microblading, Piret uses a hand tool that lets her create thinner, more precise, hair-like strokes that aren’t as deeply ingrained into the skin (compared to, say, hair-like strokes created by a tattoo gun). The pigment also differs from that of a tattoo because (1) it’s only semi-permanent, which means your body eventually ends up metabolizing it so it fades away, and (2) the dye particles are less concentrated in microblading ink than in the ink of a traditional tattoo.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY SERVICE/PROCESS?
A typical microblading/ombre appointment lasts 2 to 2.5 hours.A touch-up appointment lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours,
depending on the amount of work that needs touching up.
A standard appointment will have the following steps:
- The brow artist will shape and style the client’s brows for client approval. Brows are measured perfectly to complement your unique face shape and size.
- Next, the artist chooses the perfect ink color.
- Initial strokes are placed, then an anesthetic is applied to reduce any discomfort.
- The pigment is worked into each stroke to define the brow.
- After, a pigment mask is left to absorb into the skin.
- Once that’s finished, the artist cleans the area thoroughly.
- Photography. All artists photograph their work for many reasons, not the least of which, to have a record of their own art!
- After the service, the artist will provide the client with an Aftercare package to use for 7 days.
- Microblading/Ombre typically requires a second touch-up appointment, because all clients’ skin is different and receives the ink differently. Clients are responsible to book for their touch-up appointment.
WHICH TYPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Any Shading, also called Ombre or Powder Brows, is done with a permanent makeup machine. The machine deposits the pigments deeper into the skin and the results can last up to 3 years before fading. It allows more saturation and prevents excessive scarring. With every treatment, the skin is less able to retain pigment. Any correction or cover-up of the previous microblading needs to be done with a machine for these reasons. The term permanent make-up is used as an umbrella term to describe various micro-pigmentation procedures and it does not imply that the results are life-long. Unlike tattoo ink, which changes its color after several years and might turn blue, green, or red, micro-pigmentation pigments are designed to fade into a lighter version of the color. We will suggest the best possible shape and look for you based on the structure of your face.
We Suggest To Avoid Waxing, Threading Or Tweezing Your Eyebrows 5 Days Prior To Procedure.
EYEBROW CARE
Please read through this before arriving at your appointment. Not adhering can impact your end results.
PRE-CARE
No excessive alcohol consumption 24 hours before your procedure.
Avoid sun and tanning one week prior to the procedure.
Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, or Advil/Ibuprofen 24 hours before the procedure.
No brow waxing, tinting, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels one week before.
Discontinue Retin-A one week prior to your procedure.
No Botox around the brow area 2 weeks prior.
Do not drink coffee or any caffeine on the day of your appointment.
Please Note: You will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.
AFTER-CARE
Please follow the instructions below to ensure proper healing from the procedure:
You may splash the brow area with water 5 hours after the procedure. Do not rub the brows with soap or cleanser. Pat dry with a clean towel or tissue.
No make-up application on the brows until the scabbing peels off completely.
No sun tanning, swimming, or excessive sweating.
No soap, moisturizer, makeup, creams, or sunscreen on the brow area.
Do not rub or pick at the dry flaky skin/scab.
Make sure you wash your face without rubbing your eyebrows to prevent infection. A minor splash of water is allowed, but prolonged exposure to water is not allowed. Do not rub your brows to dry them, please gently pat dry.
What you will notice in the next 7-10 days:
- Swelling and redness are normal for the first few days. To relieve the swelling, you can ice the area with soft gel ice packs.
- A slight stinging sensation in the first few days is also normal.
- The micro strokes will start to form scabs and they might look dark and thick. As the skin heals, the scabs will fall off in random pieces throughout the brow and might look patchy throughout the week.
- Flaking and crusting of the skin may occur.
- The color will fade approximately 30% – 50% when the scabs fall off. This is completely normal. Do not feel discouraged if the fading is more than you expected. The color will become darker 1-2 weeks after ALL the scabs fall off.
A follow-up touch-up is usually necessary and can be completed any time after 4 weeks from the initial appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MICROBLADING AFTER CARE
Please take a look at our “Brow Care” page on our website for all the updated information prior to booking your appointment or call us: 416-236-7778
WHAT METHOD AND SHAPE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
If you have previously tattooed done elsewhere, a consultation is required as we don’t know how much pigment has faded and if you have any scarring on your eyebrows. Please contact us for further information on assisting you.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
The length of time varies on a client-to-client basis. Not everyone’s eyebrows are exactly the same. Some are very thick, very thin, or non-existent. Some appointments can take one a half hours to up to three hours. This depends on how much needs to be done or discussed prior to the procedure starting.
DOES IT HURT?
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different so this will just depend. We use two topical anesthetics to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Getting tattooed when you’re on your menstrual cycle can elevate discomfort and weaken your pain tolerance so it’s highly recommended to schedule around your menstrual cycle.
HOW LONG IS THE HEALING PROCESS?
Healing can take up to two weeks. Right after your procedure, your eyebrows are going to appear very dark due to blood coming to the surface of the skin. Once you reach six to ten days, you’ll experience peeling and patchiness. Once you get to two weeks, your peeling should have stopped. Your eyebrows might appear on the light side, which is normal. Once you get to week four, you’ll notice the pigment get darker again and the eyebrow appears fuller and more natural.
TRUE OR FALSE: NO WORKING OUT FOR 7 TO 10 DAYS AFTERWARDS.
True! You absolutely must avoid heavy physical activity, excess sweating, and extreme heat for five to seven days after your procedure. Light exercise and minimal sweating are okay but you’ll have to clean your eyebrow area immediately after. The salt in sweat can actually fade the pigment resulting in less color retention.
ARE THERE ARE ANY SKINCARE PRODUCTS I NEED TO STAY AWAY FROM DURING THE HEALING PROCESS?
During the healing process, you do not want to use any acne cleansers because they typically have salicylic acid and glycolic acid in them, which can compromise your pigment and color retention.
AFTER EVERYTHING IS HEALED, CAN YOU GET YOUR EYEBROWS WAXED STILL? CAN YOU STILL FILL THEM IN A BIT WITH A PENCIL IF YOU WANT?
Waxing can take the speed up the exfoliation process around the eyebrow as well as increase skin cell turnover leading to your pigment fading faster. Threading is a great alternative that will give you a perfect, clean shape without causing trauma to the skin.
HOW LONG DOES THE SEMIPERMANENT PIGMENT LAST?
It can last up to one to three years but also varies on a client-by-client basis.
