Microblade and Cosmetic Tattooing

Microblading is a manual method for cosmetic pigmentation of the eyebrows to create the illusion of a fuller, more defined brow by using tiny, sterile needles to insert pigment into the epidermal layer of the skin. The “blade” is a hand-held, disposable tool with which small amounts of pigment are deposited into the skin with fine hair-like strokes. These strokes will blend perfectly with your own hairs or will create a three dimensional brow for those with little to no brow hair. Cosmetic tattooing is the same idea but uses a digital piece of equipment to implant the color, machine work lasts longer and is suitable for more skin types.

Unlike body tattoos, which require the use of carbon based ink, cosmetic tattooing uses iron oxide based pigments. These pigments do not contain organic material and are therefore more stable, predictable, longer lasting, and safer than pigments containing organic materials which carry a higher risk of allergic reaction.

Cosmetic tattooing is considered a semi-permanent service and pigments are designed to fade over time. Other factors such as skin type, skin care or health regimen, and sun exposure can all affect the rate at which the pigments fade. Results vary by client and as such, we cannot predict or guarantee the longevity of each service. The initial Cosmetic tattooing service requires a minimum of two sessions. On average a touch-up is only needed once every 1-2 years.

Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. It is important that you follow prep instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinning medications and alcohol before your procedure.
Oily Skin: Clients with an oily skin may notice that their hair strokes blur and heal lighter than expected.
Smoking: Smokers may notice that their pigments will fade faster. Smoking can also be detrimental to the healing process.
Anemia and Iron Deficiency: Your body will absorb these iron based pigments more quickly.
Sun Exposure: Increased sun exposure and failure to use an SPF over the brow area will cause premature fading.
Color of Pigment: Lighter colors tend to fade more quickly than darker colors.

After your first appointment you will need to book your perfecting session for six weeks later. Please be aware that some clients may still need an additional session after their 6 week touch-up to achieve the desired result. In order to keep the strokes crisp and the color fresh after your first fully completed service, touch-ups are recommended anywhere between 10-18 months.

There is minimal discomfort associated with the procedure. A topical anesthetic is used during the service. On a scale of 1-10 most clients rate the pain at around a “3”. After the numbing treatment is applied, the number decreases to a “0” or “1”. Please note that we do not “pre-numb” as this can affect color retention.

Microblading heals best on normal to dry skin types. Microblading may not work well on clients with more oily skin types, large pores, heavy scarring, or over previously tattooed or lasered skin.

You cannot receive cosmetic tattooing if you are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Under 18 years old
• Currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past 12 months
• Freshly tanned or sunburned on the face
• On blood thinning medications or supplements
• Diagnosed with Rosacea or have very thin skin

At this time any corrective and touch-up work requires a consultation ahead of time. Please do not book an appointment without a consultation and approval from our artist if you are in need of corrective work.

The initial appointment take 2.5 hours. The six week touch-up takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Please arrive on time to your appointment. From there you will have an initial consult with the artist who will then take your “before” photos, thoroughly clean the area, design your brow shape, and determine your pigment color. Once the design has met your approval, the application process begins. Using a new, disposable microblade tool or needle cluster, your artist will lightly etch the pigment, one hair stroke at a time, into the superficial layers of the skin.

**Please note that microblading does not necessarily replace the need for makeup, eyebrow pencils, and powders. Depending on the look you want, makeup may still be needed to achieve more dramatic brow looks once you have healed. If you desire a more full effect please consider a combo brow.

You will be given a copy of our recommended aftercare regimen and you can also find it here. You are advised to keep the skin clean and dry. That means no swimming, sweating or otherwise getting the area wet; no tanning or prolonged sun exposure; no picking or peeling of the treatment area for 14 days.

Following your procedure the color will appear much darker and bolder than they will actually heal to. Your pigment also may appear warmer in color. You may experience some redness or swelling in the area, though this typically will disappear within 48 hours.

For the next 5-10 days you will notice some scabbing or flaking on the tattooed area. The area may appear spotty or patchy until the entire area has finished healing and exfoliating. You may notice that some areas may appear very light or even to have lost pigment entirely after they have peeled. The epidermis will be thicker causing muting, hiding or diffusing of pigment underneath. The epidermis will normalize over the next 4-6 weeks and softened pigment will resurface.

During healing it’s normal to experience some pigment loss, which is why cosmetic tattooing is considered a two part service and a 6 week touch-up is necessary. Some clients have 20-30% retention after their first service while others have 80-90% retention. This is normal and does not mean that the service was performed incorrectly! Any faded or missing strokes will be addressed at your six week perfecting session.