MICROBLADING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on the question for more information


What is Microblading?

Microblading is also known as micro stroking, micro pigmentation, eyebrow embroidery, eyebrow feathering, and 3D eyebrows. It is the artistic technique of tattooing individual hair strokes with a handheld tool called a microblade. Unlike traditional tattooing, which uses a machine, microblading artists hand draw each hair to match the color and coarseness of your eyebrows. The result? Gorgeous, natural looking eyebrows.

Does Microblading hurt?

Clients tend to describe it as more of a sensation, rather than pain. Due to the application of topical anaesthetic, the process is not painful. Some clients report the procedure as a little uncomfortable, while others report feeling almost nothing at all.

We take every precaution necessary to ensure our client’s experience is as pain-free and comfortable as possible.

Can I be allergic to Microblading?

Some individuals may be sensitive/allergic to the pigments used. Although this is often rare, a skin patch/scratch test will be done prior to the microblading session to ensure that there is no allergic reaction.

Is the touch-up session necessary?

Your microblading session is not done until you receive a touch-up. A touch-up is done 6-8 weeks after the initial treatment. This is to ensure that there are no gaps where pigment did not take or did not heal properly.

This session focuses on making minor adjustments so that you will leave satisfied and happy with your new set of brows.

How do you choose the right shape?

The shape of eyebrows is calculated according to facial morphology and golden proportion (phi 1,618). The eyebrows will be mapped using a Phi compass. The individual’s face shape, facial features, and symmetry will guide the artist in deciding the best brow shape.

Clients are always welcome to bring in images of the style of brow they like. However, the artist will determine the colour and shape from their experience.

How do you choose the right colour?

Small amounts of different coloured pigments will be applied near the brow area in order to select the best match for each client. The artist will consider hair colour, eye colour, skin tone, and how the skin will change with sun exposure, using the Phi Pigment Chart to determine the best colour pigment.

Some individuals tend to want a darker pigment, but it is recommended to stay more natural. Adjustments can be made during the touch-up session for a darker colour.

How long does Microblading last?

Microblading can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry) and age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid will fade faster, as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the brows looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the microbladed area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.

For example, microbladed brows on people that have oily skin tend to fade quickly. They generally would need a touch-up sooner than those with normal skin to maintain their brows.

How do I know the equipment is clean and sterile?

Needles used during the procedure are sterilized, sealed and packaged. They are opened right before the tattooing begins. They are only used for one procedure and then safely discarded. Our trays, beds, and other instruments are sterilized before and after every procedure.

Does the procedure leave scarring or discolouration?

No, the pigment does not leave any scarring or discolouration.

What to do before the procedure?

○ Avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, Fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen.
○ Do not drink any alcohol or caffeine at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.
○ Botox should be done 4 weeks before or 4 weeks after the appointment.
○ Avoid booking during your menstrual cycle as it can increase your pain.
○ If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure.
○ It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.
○No tweezing, waxing or shaving of the hair will be required before your procedure. I will draw your preferred brow shape, then remove any unwanted hair.

What to do after the procedure?

You’ll be given a set of after-care instructions to follow such as, things to avoid. Your eyebrows will start to heal, which might cause irritation. This is normal.

The final colour and shape of your brows generally can be seen at around 30 days and a touch-up can then be done (6-8 weeks post initial treatment).

How long does the Microblading session take?

Most sessions take about 3-4 hours. This includes determining the best shape, colour, and style for the client. It also allows for adequate numbing time for the anaesthetic to reach its full effect so clients can be as comfortable as possible.

Touch-up appointments are quicker and usually last around 1 hour.

What will I look like immediately after?

Your eyebrows will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is normal, but minimal.

What is included in the cost?

  • All cosmetic tattoo appointments include;
  • A 30 min consultation
  • Face measurements
  • Custom brow design
  • Custom pigment color match
  • Topical anaesthetic
  • After care balm & instructions

How long is the recovery time?

Within the first 10 days or so, your eyebrows will change colour. At first, they will be significantly darker and defined, but will slowly look like they have faded. They can be up to 40% darker in shade for the first 10 days! This is normal. Note that during the healing process, it can continue to get darker as scabs begin to form. This is not the finished and healed result.
After the formation of scabs, they can become flaky, patchy, and/or itchy, as the scabbing start to naturally fall off. This is normal. Do not pick the scabs because you may pull pigment out of your skin prematurely.

The final colour and shape of your brows generally can be seen at around 30 days and a touch-up can then be done (6-8 weeks post initial treatment).

Typically, the complete healing process is about 6-8 weeks. Every individual is unique, and all have a different healing process and timeline, so please do not compare results.

Can I have my brows microbladed if I’m pregnant?

As a precaution to avoid any complications, we do not perform microblading on pregnant individuals.

Are there any side effects during or after the procedure?

During the procedure, there may be some minor bleeding depending on the individual. The brow area may be a bit swollen, red, and/or sore for a couple of hours, post-treatment, and tender to touch for a few days. Bruising may occur, but it is rare.

Can you microblade over an existing brow tattoo?

Microblading can be done over an existing brow tattoo, however it must be significantly faded for the hair strokes to show and appear natural.

Clients will be required to submit a picture to determine if they are eligible for microblading.

Who is NOT a suitable candidate for microblading?

Please let us know if any of these medical conditions apply and if you have any further questions to determine if you are a good candidate for microblading.

  • Under 18 years of age
  • Pregnant and/or breastfeeding
  • Transmittable blood diseases (ie. HIV, Hepatitis, etc.)
  • History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Circulatory, bleeding/blood disorder or on blood thinning medication
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer/chemotherapy
  • Viral infections and/or diseases
  • Epilepsy
  • Pacemaker, heart conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure, poor general health
  • Organ transplant
  • Severe allergies (ie. latex, metals, etc.)
  • Albinism
  • Steroid/cortisone treatment
  • Thyroid medication (medication may cause pigment to not retain properly)
  • Recent tattoo removal
  • Previous permanent eyebrow tattoo
  • Trichotillomania (compulsive pulling of brow hair)
  • Recent cosmetic surgery on the face
  • Hormone replacements
  • Oily skin (pigment may not retain properly, may fade quickly or strokes may appear fuzzy and blurred)
  • Iron-deficiency/anemia (pigment may not retain properly)
  • Hypersensitive or thin skin
  • Allergies to topical anaesthetics (Epinephrine, Lidocaine, Prilocaine, Benzocaine, Tetracaine)
  • Eczema, keratosis, dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis near the treated area
  • Skin irritations/blemishes (broken capillaries, rashes, acne, blisters, etc.)
  • Sick (cold, flu, sinus/respiratory infection, or weakened immune system)
  • Roaccutane/Accutane or strong medication/antibiotics within the past year
  • Any treatment, medication, or illness that compromises the immune system/healing would make you NOT a good candidate for microblading procedure

It is your responsibility to consult a doctor prior to scheduling a microblading procedure to ensure that it is suitable for you. If you have any concern regarding your suitability, please contact us and/or your local doctor.

Please Note: Even if the list above does not apply to you, microblading cannot be guaranteed due to the skin being unpredictable and due to people’s own unique skin type, healing, lifestyle, and/or bleeding during the procedure.

Generally, the results are successful, but due to these unpredictable circumstances and factors, results can differ and is not guaranteed.