Q: What is Micro-Blading?

A: Microblading is considered to be a semi-permanent form of a tattoo. The microblading brow procedure is more of a superficial tattoo that creates hair-like strokes to create the perfect natural brow shape. It is done using a very fine blade to slightly scratch the surface of the skin depositing pigment into the epidermis.

Q: What is Micro-Shading?

A: Shading is also considered a semi-permanent tattoo. Shading can be done with a small machine or hand tool distributing the pigment in a back and forth motion creating more of a “filled in” soft shaded look to the brows.

Aka: Ombré or Powder Brows

Q: What is Combo Brows?

A: Combo Brows is a combination of Microblading and Shading. Microblading gives a hair-like stroke effect, while Shading fills in the sparse and thin areas giving a more fuller and “filled in” look.

Q: What is the difference between Shading and Tattooing?

A: Both techniques use a fine needle to distribute the pigment/ink into the skin. Tattooing is using ink which is more of a concentrated solution and goes a little deeper in the skin creating more of a defined and saturated effect. Shading uses pigment which is more of a diluted ink and it doesn’t get distributed as deep in the skin. It’s a softer, more subtle, more transparent “fill in” look

Q: Does it hurt?

A: Most clients describe the sensation as painless or minimal to slight discomfort. Several clients have compared it to threading. Once the Topical Anesthetic is applied, it’s absorbed quickly so the area is numb during the rest of the procedure for the client’s comfort.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

A: The procedure length depends on the client’s needs and brow scenario. From either end of the spectrum, you can estimate anywhere from 2-3 hours.

Q: Will I Scab?

A: Once the healing of the skin starts taking place (Day 3-5), your body has now produced Thin scabs. Don’t Be alarmed! Scabs are not a bad thing. It’s your body trying to heal itself. It’s a mixture of skin cells, lymph, sebum, and pigment. It will look like a layer of dark skin covering the brow. It will also be dandruffy flakes and dry skin. Your brows will look double in color and look sharp. Once the scabbing process starts, Do NOT get the brows wet until ALL of the scabs have come off. The ointment can be used sparingly. As the scabs start to sluff off, this might give you the impression that the pigment has faded and your brows look too light. However, when the scabs come off, your skin is considered “New Skin”. This pigment is still under the skin and will resurface within the next couple of weeks.

Note: If you get your brows wet or apply too much ointment during the Scabbing process, your scabs will come off prematurely and will result in loss of pigment.

Q: Why do I need a touch-up?

A: With any abrasion to the skin, there is a natural defense mechanism your skin goes through. The skin will naturally want to heal itself creating a clear fluid to help protect the cut and unintentionally pushing the pigment out, which in result creates a scab. This thin superficial scab will slowly sluff off taking some of the pigment with it. As a result, there will be about 40% less pigment than there was with the initial procedure. The touch-up reinforces the pigment back into the skin, which creates more solid pigmented hair-like strokes that look more polished and finished. Without the touch-up, your brows will look faded and blotchy. Touch-ups/color boosts are recommended annually. Individuals with more oily skin will most likely need touchups more frequently.

Q: How long does the healing process take?

A: The skin is not considered to be completely HEALED until after 30 days of a full cycle of cellular regeneration, but your procedure area will appear and feel normal within 7-10 days.

Q: Are there any limitations after having the procedure?

A: You will be given a post-care sheet after your brows have been microbladed to further explain the healing process. For the first 7 days following the procedure, you should avoid things like saunas, chlorine, certain chemical face products, brow pencil, etc. After the brows are fully healed, there are no limitations. The pigment is smudge-proof, waterproof, and is under the skin so it won’t wipe off. You then can resume your regular activities. Sunscreen is recommended to prevent fading.

Q: How long will my brows last?

A: Microblading is considered semi-permanent. Depending on the care, your body chemistry, and skin type, brows can last up to 1-3 years. Note: Combination to oily skin tends to fade faster because of the constant sebum production and faster cell turnover rate which breaks down the pigment faster. With combination to dry skin types, it tends to last longer because the skin absorbs and almost locks the pigment into the skin resulting in slower fading. (Shading tends to be a better option for oily skin)

In general, Annual Touch-ups are recommended.

Q: Are there side effects?

A: Like any medical or cosmetic procedure, everyone has a risk of reaction. Allergic reactions or rash caused by the pigment or anesthetic is uncommon but possible. If the area is not cared for properly, following the procedure, infection or scarring is also a slight risk.

Q: Am I a good candidate?

A: Busy, active women who want to save time on their brows are great candidates. Women who have trouble filling in their brows or experience hair loss or thinning are also perfect candidates. Individuals with normal-dry/combination skin types make excellent candidates. The brow strokes will show up more crisp and clear for them. Women with severely oily skin could experience softer lines, and the strokes can fade quicker. Touchups are required more frequently.

Q: Are there different color options?

A: Yes! Each client receives a custom experience… from brow shape, hair growth pattern, to coloring. The color is based on your natural (or preferred hair color) and can easily be altered to an appropriate shade.

Note: I provide a color chart for reference.

Q: Do I need to schedule time off work?

A: No. There is no downtime following the procedure, but you may experience tenderness and swelling. That is common on the day following the procedure.

Q: Is the procedure and pigment safe?

A: Yes. It has been proven safe through time. Tattooing has been done for hundreds of years. Microblading techniques have been popular in Asia for the past 30 years and has been practiced in the U.S. for nearly 15 years. It is becoming more popular worldwide.

Q: What is the cost of microblading/shading?

A: Microblading procedure cost is $450, Ombré is $500, and Combo Brow are $525. These prices are quoted for the first session. The Touch up session is $150 and is done 4-6 weeks after the initial session. From there, annual touch-ups are recommended.