What is the difference between microblading and microshading / powder brows / ombre brows?

Microblading has gained popularity in recent years as the go-to for those who wanted to achieve a better shape and overall aesthetically pleasing eyebrows. The microblading method uses a group of small needles arranged into the shape of a blade, which are attached to a handheld tool to manually create small cuts into the skin to simulate hairstrokes. The next step involves covering those cuts with pigment, which is then wiped away, revealing a natural looking brow.

The microshading method involves a traditional or digital coil or rotary tattoo machine, and a variety of needles, from a single (nano) needle, to 3 or 5 needles, which are all arranged in a tight cluster. Pigment is applied using a variety of strokes, leaving behind a "powdery" look, much similar to powder brow makeup. Additional techniques, such as ombre and hairstrokes, can also be added for a natural but polished and enhanced look. It's ultimately a personal preference which method you choose, however those with thicker or oiler skin may find that microblading may not heal as easily or last as long as the microshading method.

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I've heard it referred to as permanent and semi-permanent makeup. Which is it?

The term "permanent makeup" is easily recognizable in the cosmetic tattoo industry, and the older methods actually involved traditional tattoo ink, which left behind a very harsh and unnatural appearance. Additionally, brows were often tattooed with black ink, which faded to a blueish - greenish gray color many are left with today. The current method involves pigment instead of ink, which lasts between 1 - 5 years, depending on the type of procedure, as well as the client's skin type, aftercare procedures, and daily lifestyle. The tattoo can be left alone to fade as the years pass, or it can be touched up every year to maintain or enhance the color to keep it looking fresh. 

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Does it hurt?

For lip blushing and lash liner, a topical numbing anesthetic is applied prior to the procedure for a pain-free experience. The brows are not numbed beforehand. After the first pass on each procedure, a different type of topical anesthetic is applied to restrict blood flow and calm any instances of discomfort. Most of my clients claim a 0-3 on a sale of 10, and some have even slept through their appointments!

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Am I a good candidate for cosmetic tattooing?

There are several factors that can effect retention therefore a consultation is necessary. Do not schedule a Microblading or Permanent Makeup Service if the following condition(s) apply to you:

• Pregnant or Nursing

• Sick (cold, flu, etc.)

• Any Blood diseases including Anemia

• Cancer (If in remission would require your physician's sign-off)

• Viral infections and/or diseases

• Epilepsy

• A Pacemaker or major heart problems

• Tendency towards keloid scarring

• MRSA-Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

• Used Accutane in the past year

• If you are knowingly under the influence of drugs or any mood altering drugs/medications. Please do not do any recreational drugs a minimum of 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.

• Have any Thyroid (Hyper/Hypo) related condition that requires any medication (ie: Synthroid ). Thyroid medications WILL cause the pigment not to retain properly.

• Seborrheic dermatitis

• Rosacea

• Super thin/vascular sun damaged skin

• Diabetes type 1 & 2 (prone to slow healing & Infection). If controlled, a physician's note will allow me to work on the skin.

• Have upcoming vacations or special occasions planned. Please book an appointment a minimum of two months in advance to give time for the healing process and touchup appointment.

• Platelet Disorders-Aggregation Disorders

• An aggregation disorder is when platelets do not bind with fibrinogen and other proteins in order to stick to other platelets. As a result the platelets cannot form a plug to stop the bleeding from a damaged blood vessel.

• Autoimmune Disorder of any kind (MS, RA, Lupus or the like) Due to the medicines to treat these diseases, pigment will not retain.

• If you are on any of these medications, you will bleed and the pigment WILL NOT retain:

       Triflusal (Disgren)

       Clopidogrel (Plavix)

       Prasugrel (Effient)

       Ticagrelor (Brilinta)

       Ticlopidine (Ticlid)

       Cilostazol (Pletal)

       Vorapaxar (Zontivity)

       Dipyridamole (Persantine)

       Coumadin

       Pradaxia (Dabigatran)

       Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)

       Eliquis (Apixaban)

       Savaysa (Edoxaban)

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Is there anything I need to avoid or know before my procedure?

• Social Events / Vacations - Scabbing and peeling of the tattooed area is a normal part of the healing process, and does not make for good pictures. It takes about 2 weeks for the brow area to finish exfoliating, and to be healed enough. Tattooing takes 4-8 weeks to completely heal. During this time, sun exposure, excessive sweating, heat, swimming must be avoided. Please make sure to schedule your procedure around social events such as weddings and vacations as to not compromise your tattoo.

• NO alcohol or caffeine 24 hours before procedure (Yes, there is caffeine in decaf coffee and tea!).

• If you have a history of cold sores, make sure to have a prescription to take 2 days before the procedure, day of the procedure and two days after the procedure.

• Avoid sun and tanning / Vitamin A / Retinol 30 days prior to procedure.

• Avoid botox 3 weeks prior to procedure.

• Avoid chemical peels 2 weeks prior to procedure.

• Avoid waxing / tinting / tweezing / electrolysis 1 week prior to procedure.

• Irritated skin and blemishes - Please wait until any irritated skin has healed before booking your appointment. This includes rosacea, eczema, blemishes, sunburns, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, electrolysis, botox and filler procedures

• AHA’s - (lactic, glycolic, citric, retinoids, hyaluronic and tartaric acids) or any OTC creams and lotions for tone correcting, anti-aging, exfoliating, encourages fading and can discolor your eyebrows. Completely avoiding the eyebrow area when applying these products will help prevent these issues.

• For breast cancer survivors or breast augmentation patients getting areola repigmentation tattooing: please allow the appropriate healing time after any surgeries before scheduling your tattoo, provide doctor's written approval. 

• Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen 24 hours before procedure.

• Avoid Fish Oil, Prenatal Vitamins, and "Hair, Skin, Nail" supplements 24 hours prior to procedure.

• Refrain from mood-altering drugs for at least 24 hours prior to any procedure.

• If you are not allergic to Benadryl, you make take one the night before and the morning of the procedure, which may help control swelling.

• Please Note: You will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.

• No doctor prescribed medication should ever be discontinued without first consulting your physician.

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*Please note: the above information is a general recommendation for all clients. Everyone reacts and heals differently. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please consult with your doctor before proceeding with any cosmetic tattooing. 

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