Microblading FAQ
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semipermanent makeup. It’s done using a very fine blade to deposit the pigment in the epidermis (the first layer) of the skin, simulating fake hair (strokes) that go with the direction of the natural hair of the brows.
Microblading is ideal for anyone who wants to enhance the look of their brows, this procedure gives a natural and fresh look.
People who have dry or normal skin might have the best results and best retention. But don't worry if you have oily skin, you would be a candidate for Ombre Brows or Combo Brow services.
What is Ombré Powder Brows?
This is a new and popular technique where the artist uses a rotary machine pen to deposit pigment into the epidermis (first layer) of the skin. It gives your eyebrows the appearance of being shaded with makeup. Ombré brows are dark at the end of the tails, gradually blending lighter toward the front of the eyebrow. Perfect for OILY skin, T-Zone, and anyone with bare brows. It’s great for anyone wanting a fuller-eyebrow look. Last 1-3 years.
What is Combo Brows (Microblading + Powder)?
Combo Brows is the best of both worlds. In this technique, the microblading artist blends microblade hair strokes (at the head of the brow) with Ombré (to create the rest). The combination of Ombré with microblading makes this technique optimal for ALL skin types. It heals soft and beautiful and lasts longer than microblading by itself. Last 1-3 years.
How can I make an appointment?
Yay! I'm excited you want to book with me! All the appointments are booked online by clicking the link in my Instagram bio @JamieWoodBeauty. If you don’t have an Instagram or Facebook account DONT WORRY, text me and I’ll send you the link to book.
How long is the procedure?
Microblading, Ombré, and Combo brows are done in two sessions. The initial appointment takes around 3 hours. In this session, the brow is shaped and styled according to the bone structure and client’s preferences, and then the pigment is applied. Four-to-six weeks later the client will return for the second touchup session which lasts up to 2 hours.
How long does it take to heal?
Microblading procedures take about two weeks to heal, also depending on how well the client follows aftercare instructions. In that time any redness will fade and the initial darkness of the brows will begin to lighten.
Why is it necessary to do a touchup?
A touch up is necessary because everyone heals differently. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the color and brow thickness by adding more strokes. In the touch-up session, there will be minimal adjustment to assure the client’s satisfaction.
Can I get the touch up in less than four weeks?
This is not recommended because the healing needs to be complete before the final results are seen. Final adjustments should only be done after the initial work has stabilized.
Is Microblading or Ombré Brows painful?
The level of discomfort is relatively minor. Some liken it to tweezing two-or-three hairs at the same time. Usually, a topical anesthetic is used to numb the area being worked on. The topical anesthetic is safe and may contain lidocaine, tetracaine, and epinephrine. Redness and slight swelling in the brow area are common after the procedure. Clients liken the feeling post-procedure to a slight sunburn.
How long does it last?
This answer depends on the client’s:
- skin type: oily vs dry
- age: young vs mature
- lifestyle
- metabolism
- medication(s), etc.
To maintain your brows, and to help the color last longer, I recommend using SPF and avoid bed tanning.
Microblading lasts 1 - 1.5 years.
Combo and Ombre Brows last 1 - 3 years.
What things should you avoid before your appointment?
Prior to the start of your session:
- Avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- Do not drink coffee for 12 hours before your appointment
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and any vitamins for 48 hours prior to your appointment. Sometimes these have the effect of thinning your blood and will cause excessive bleeding in the procedure, your brows also may not heal properly.
- Avoid tanning to help assess your natural skin tone
- Do not receive Botox 3-weeks prior nor 3-weeks after this procedure
- No chemical peels 60 days prior nor 60 days after (brows will peel quicker due to chemicals traveling under the skin)
- No Retinols nor Retin-A’s 1-week before (these will fade permanent makeup prematurely)
- Do not work out on the day of the procedure
- No waxing nor tinting brows 3-days before
What should I expect right after my brow appointment?
Immediately after treatment, the color will appear darker, bold, and maybe red/swollen; you may not be used to your new brows, but relax the redness will subside within a few hours and the darkness/bold-color will heal and lighten about 30% in 7–14 days. The shape will shrink slightly around the 3ʳᵈ-7ᵗʰ day.
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While healing, your brows will begin to peel and may feel itchy DO NOT pick at it (picking at it will remove the color leaving it lighter than the rest of the brows). Let the healing shed naturally. The top layer of the skin peels off leaving a softer, lighter color below. This is all part of the NORMAL healing process.
Are there aftercare instructions?
Yes! By following the aftercare instructions, you will have a better-healing process and better results!
- Do not immerse brows in water for two weeks (with the exception of gently rinsing your brows morning a night).
- Wash gently morning and night for 7 days with a gentle soap. Wash within 4 hours of getting your brows done **this is a REALLY IMPORTANT step**.
- Pat dry then apply a thin layer of the healing cream. Do not over apply.
- When washing your face, make sure to avoid your brows.
- Avoid face area when showering.
- Do not use makeup on the brows for 2 weeks.
- Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamins 24 hours: they may cause your blood to thin.
- Do not peel or scratch at the scabbing as the brows heal.
- No swimming, tanning, or saunas for 2 weeks.
- No face scrubs or chemical peels for 2 weeks.
Who should NOT have it done?
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you are using Accutane or have used it within the past year.
- Anyone with a heart condition or who is using heart medications.
- Anyone with diabetes will need a physician’s approval.
- Anyone with diseases or inflammations.
- Anyone who had Botox within the last 2 weeks.
- If you had a deep tan or chemical peel in the last 2 weeks.
- Anyone who requires anesthetic or is allergic to lidocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine.
- Anyone on blood-thinning medications.
- Anyone with serious medical conditions should consult with their doctor and obtain their approval.
- Anyone who is having, or has had, cancer treatment must be off of chemo or radiation for at least 1 year.
Can I have this done if I have had permanent makeup previously?
I recommend people, who had microblading done before from another artist, send me pictures of your brows without makeup to see if I can work with the previous tattoo. Your brows might be too dark for microblading. At this point, microblading removal may be necessary. It might also be possible to cover them using other procedures like combo or powder brows.
**People who come from another artist are considered a new client: it will not be a touch-up, it will be a new microblading.**
What is my Cancellation Policy?
You must reschedule/cancel your microblading appointment online (via the Square Appointment app) 1 week BEFORE your appointment start time, otherwise the $50 deposit is forfeit.
How can I pay?
I prefer cash or Venmo. But credit cards also are welcome.
Child policy?
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted inside the salon. Our salon area is too dangerous for kids to be unattended.
