Fabulously Flawless Permanent Cosmetics / Eyebrows (Page 7)
microblading

Everything You Need To Know About Microblading – Part 1

28.12.2016 Eyebrows, Micbroblading, Permanent Cosmetics, Permanent Makeup
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Microblading has become one of the most popular procedures in permanent makeup to achieve beautiful brows. Magazines like Cosmo, Elle, Marie Claire, Pop Sugar, Nylon, Instyle, and Allure have all touted the wonders of microblading for natural and amazing looking eyebrows. But what is microblading exactly, and how does it differ from other forms of eyebrow tattoo and permanent makeup processes? This is the first of our three-part series about microblading. We hope that this information gives you all the details you need about the procedure and its benefits.

 

So, what is Microblading?

Microblading, also known as Eyebrow Embroidery and Eyebrow Feathering, is a form of Permanent Makeup, Soft Tap Technique or Japanese Method Makeup which is implemented using a handheld tool comprised of between 6-14 micro needles in the shape of a blade, hence the name Microblade. This technique is performed without using a machine. The pigment is collected with the Microblades, which is attached to a handheld device, and then deposited into the epidermis. This technique gives the appearance of extremely fine, crisp, and natural looking hair strokes.

 

What are the benefits of Microblading?

Microblading is also referred to as semi-permanent eyebrows because they last up to 18 months. The color of the pigment will fade over time, and you will need touch-ups. This is a great choice for someone who isn’t sure they want to commit to a more long-term look or ready to go with a bolder brow using the powder fill or hair stroke method. The most attractive part about microblading for most is the subtle and natural look of the brow that the microblading tool allows the artist to create. Take a look at our brow galleries to see the difference between microblading, powder fill, and hair stroke.

 

Permanent makeup should not be a rash decision. Do your homework before you decide on who will be doing your microblading. Just because someone says they offer permanent eyebrow tattooing don’t assume they have knowledge or experience performing microblading!

 

Frighteningly, ANYONE can offer microblading. YEP, that’s right – ANYONE! The state of North Carolina does not require Permanent Cosmetics providers and their establishments to hold any certifications to perform Permanent Cosmetics or microblading. Anyone can do it anywhere without passing a test. That means even doctors or nurses that are performing microblading and permanent makeup could be doing so without any real practical training or artistic abilities. You wouldn’t want your permanent makeup provider to perform surgery on you any more than you would want a doctor to do your permanent cosmetics unless they are certified. So, no matter who you are considering, make sure they are certified.

 

Make sure your artist is Certified in Microblading with the American Academy of Microneedling.

 

After you have chosen a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Artist, make an appointment to meet and discuss the look, shape, and color you want to achieve. The technician should take measurements of your brows and draw on a test brow shape. They should also help you to choose the right color of pigment that will compliment your skin and hair color. Keep in mind that microblading is not an option for some people. Your permanent makeup professional should be able to tell you if microblading is right for you.

 

During your consultation ask to see the technician’s before and after photos – specifically of their microblading work. If they don’t have any or have very few – then look elsewhere. Don’t be someone’s guinea pig! You will also want to be sure to check their online reviews or ask for references of their clients who have had microblading.

 

Don’t choose an artist solely based on price! You do get what you pay for! This could not be truer in the permanent cosmetics industry! A bad makeup tattoo on your face is permanent until it is removed (if it can be). Permanent Cosmetics are NOT a service to buy on impulse or with a coupon. Don’t treat your permanent cosmetic procedure like a trip to a tattoo parlor!

 

To help you choose the right Permanent Cosmetics Artist, we’ve created a checklist for you to print out and take to your consultation appointment so you can be sure to ask all the right questions before deciding on a microblading technician.

 

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions about microblading, please contact us. We are here to help!

 

Permanent Eyebrows FAQ

Permanent Eyebrows – Everything You Need To Know

17.11.2016 Eyebrows, Micbroblading, Permanent Cosmetics, Permanent Makeup
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Powder, hair stroke, or microblading – no matter what kind of eyebrow procedure you plan to do, there are some very important things you should know before and after your brow makeover. Everyone’s skin and physical state of being are universally different. It is critical for you to understand what things should be considered and addressed before your appointment so that your expectations of what you want is met.

 

Prior to your procedure you will need to set up an appointment for a consultation with us to go over your wants, and for us to determine the best procedure for you, which pigment colors to use, review your health and skin history, as well as the course of action we will need take to achieve the best results for you.

 

After your consultation, you and the Permanent Cosmetics Professional will agree on a clear path to obtaining realistic results for the perfect brows that are customized just for you. Once the plan is in place, you know what to prepare for, what to expect after your procedure, and the longevity of your permanent makeup. The following information will provide you with just that. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with further questions.

 

BEFORE

  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine the day of and before the procedure; this will minimize any oozing, bleeding, and swelling.
  • Speak with your permanent makeup Permanent Cosmetics Professional and your physician about taking blood thinners (doctor-prescribed, over-the-counter or herbal supplements) before your appointment.
  • Stop taking the following supplements, herbs, and foods, as they contribute to the thinning of the blood and may affect the anesthetic efficiency; Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, omega 3’s, Gingko Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Ginger, Cinnamon, Licorice, Cayenne Pepper, Curry, Oregano, Peppermint, Garlic, Turmeric, and Paprika.
  • Getting a procedure while on your menstrual cycle WILL make you hyper-sensitive at the procedure site.
  • Wash your hair in the morning, as you will need to avoid getting the tattooed area wet for the first few days.
  • DO NOT work out the day of the procedure. Body heat expands the pores; it is recommended not to sweat for the first 14 days after the procedure. Sweat is salt and WILL prematurely fade, blur or cause the pigment not to retain at all.
  • If you like, you may come to your appointment with your eyebrows penciled or filled in the way you like them. Bring your colored pencil or powder of choice as well.
  • If you get your eyebrows waxed or tinted, please have this done at least 3-4 days before your scheduled procedure.

 

AFTER

  • Your eyebrows WILL appear bolder and thicker immediately after the procedure. This is common in all Permanent Makeup procedures. It will begin to soften up typically between 3 – 30 days. When choosing a color, it is recommended to go lighter until we see the healed results. We can always go darker at the touch-up. We CAN NOT go lighter.
  • Hair Strokes WILL appear crisp and bold at first but WILL soften up in appearance as the tissue heals. The area will shed, taking some color with it…. this is normal. The area will begin to oxidize and darken over the 1st month.
  • Avoid direct shower water on the treated area after the procedure. Nothing on the treated area – No Water, No Makeup, No Lotions, No Pencil or Powder. Avoid scrubbing the treated area for one month.
    Avoid sleeping on your face during the 1st 14 days after your procedure.
  • Avoid sweating. Body heat expands the pores; it is recommended not to sweat for the first 14 days after the procedure. Sweat is salt and WILL prematurely fade, blur or cause the pigment not to retain at all.
  • NO swimming until the area is completely healed. Salt water and chlorine WILL cause the pigments to fade or change color. It is recommended to apply Vaseline to the treated areas before swimming, even after healing, to prevent the chlorine and salt water from penetrating the area.
  • Only touch the treated areas with clean hands during the healing process.
  • DO NOT PICK AT ALL
  • It is very common to have areas fade more so than others…this is part of the healing process and will be treated at the recommended touch-up appointment. Previously done eyebrows may take 1-3 treatments to achieve the desired result. Scar tissue in the brow area of eyebrows done multiple times WILL require additional procedures, and fees will apply.
  • When you leave the office, your hair strokes are intact. That is the job of the Permanent Cosmetics Professional. There are NO GUARANTEES made as to how your body will heal them. If they fade, blur, or are not taken good care of, THAT is the result of YOUR skin, your lifestyle…NOT a result of the technique or the Permanent Cosmetics Professional. NO ONE knows how the client’s skin will heal. This is a potential risk all clients take when consenting to this procedure. NOT everyone is an ideal candidate for Permanent Cosmetics.

 

LIFESTYLE

  • Redheads, blondes, and fair skin types WILL experience more swelling, redness, and fading than darker skin types.
  • Clients with darker skin (Indian, African American, Filipino, etc.) Please know that the Hair Strokes WILL NOT appear as defined or as dark as lighter skin types due to the skin color already being naturally darker.
    Smoking WILL cause the pigment to fade prematurely, and anesthetics will not last as long during the procedure.
  • Regular makeup can be worn immediately after your procedure, just not on the treated area until healed. Absolutely NOTHING on the brows. No water, No makeup, No lotions, and No brow pencil for 14 days for ideal healing. A sealant will be applied immediately after the procedure. You can begin applying your ointment one hour after your procedure on top of your sealant. Do not pick at the sealant; let it come off naturally. Picking at the sealant and pulling CAN and WILL pull the pigment and your natural hair OUT.
  • If you are out in the sun a great deal, have oily skin, use anti-aging products, have chemical peels, or exercise frequently, your Permanent Makeup WILL fade prematurely. The better you take care of the treated area and follow the provided aftercare, the longer it will last.
    Permanent Makeup is an art, NOT a science. Clients’ results will vary, and a pencil or powder may still be needed. We have no control over your body’s healing process.

 

LONG TERM

  • As we age, our skin changes. The Permanent Makeup WILL eventually look more powdered; this is universal with ALL Permanent Makeup procedures.
  • Color WILL fade and soften anywhere from 10% to 50% or more. At the touch-up, we will fine-tune any area that has faded too much. Healing is specific to each client. It is important to realize that you WILL need a color boost every two years to maintain its fresh, natural appearance. Fading WILL happen after each procedure. We do NOT have control over your body’s healing process. You may still need to powder and/or pencil even after the healed results. This is an ENHANCEMENT to your natural brows, not a PERMANENT one.
  • Due to the buildup of scar tissue, touch-ups will not be done any sooner than two years after the 1st touch-up.

 

Check out our client before and after gallery and learn more about our permanent cosmetics services, as well as before and after-care procedure information.

 

If you have more questions about permanent eyebrow procedures or you would like to make an appointment for your consultation, please contact us.