The Nitty Gritty Details
Is microblading painful?
A topical anesthetic is placed on the eyebrow area for 25 minutes before starting the process which leaves most clients numb during the procedure. After the first microblading pass (there are 3), a secondary anesthetic is applied that works in seconds. The average person will feel about the same level of mild discomfort as going to the dentist. If you are ultra-sensitive, we can perform your microblading in two sessions. Please contact us for more information.
What kind of anesthetic do you use?
We use lidocaine, tetracaine, and epinephrine to help prevent swelling. Please let us know if you are allergic to any of these medications prior to your appointment.
What kind of pigment is used?
Unlike body tattoos, which are made using carbon based ink, cosmetic tattoos are made using iron oxide-based pigments. These pigments are safe to use and are created to slowly fade over time. The pigments we use do not contain organic material (i.e. vegetables) as these have a higher risk of causing allergic reactions. If you are not allergic to everyday cosmetics, the occurrence of allergic reactions are highly unlikely.
How long will my microbladed brows last?
Cosmetic tattooing is considered semi-permanent as it does not wash away; however, the pigments are designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, iron deficiency, pigment color (lighter colors fade faster), and sun exposure can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. For best results, it is recommended that you follow the aftercare instructions and schedule a touch-up for your eyebrows every 1-2 years (or as needed).
Please note that final results CANNOT be guaranteed as everyone retains and breaks down pigment differently. A touch up appointment is recommended at 6-8 weeks where we can assess your pigment retention and make any necessary changes. People with lighter hair, correction work, or sparse eyebrows may require more than one touch-up to reach their desired look at an additional cost.
What factors affect microblading?
Bleeding during the procedure: excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow prep instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinner medications and alcohol before your procedure.
Oily Skin: increased oil production can cause hair strokes to blur and heal lighter and more powdery than you would expect. For example: Liesl has oily skin and although the strokes are not sharp looking on her eyebrows, she is still really happy with the results.
Smoking: smokers may notice that their microblading starts fading faster.
Anemia and iron deficiency: your body will absorb these iron oxide-based pigments more quickly.
Sun exposure: increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading.
Sun damage: healed ink strokes underneath the skin may have less clarity.
The color of pigment: lighter colors fade more quickly than darker colors.
How do I know if microblading is right for me?
Microblading heals best on normal to dry skin types. Microblading may not work well on oily skin types, those with large pores, or those who have skin that has gone through a laser procedure. For oily skin types and larger pores, results may appear softer and more powdery.
Who should avoid microblading?
While microblading is great for most people, there are some people who are ineligible for microblading:
Those prone to keloids or post-inflammatory hypo-pigmentation.
If you have a transmittable blood disease such as HIV or Hepatitis.
If you’ve had Juvederm or other fillers in that area. Depending on the timing, we recommend that you get microblading first. Otherwise, please check with your doctor.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy. Although microblading is great for restoring eyebrows, Liesl requires a doctor’s note in order to perform the procedure for anyone undergoing chemotherapy.
If you have any kind of skin condition on or near your eyebrows. This includes eczema, shingles, rashes, or anything else near eyebrows.
Children. We do not microblade anyone under the age of 18.
Clients with thin skin or Rosacea should not receive microblading.
This covers the major things that might exempt you from getting microblading. If you want to see a complete list, please see our Terms and Conditions.
Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us.