Eyebrow Microblading FAQ

What is microblading? 

Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup procedure that allows you to dramatically correct or fully reconstruct any lost or thinned eyebrow hairs with the use of a medical grade, disposable pen-like instrument containing fine needles that are three times thinner than regular tattoo needles. The hand-held instrument gently deposits a special pigment into the basal layer of the skin, to create crisp, hyper realistic, hair-like strokes that are virtually indistinguishable from real hair.

What is an ombre/powder brow? 

An ombre, also known as a powder brow, is a technique done by machine where light layers of pigment are inmplanted onto the top layers of skin giving your brow a clean, powder filled shape. This technique can be done soft and natural or as bold and dense as you'd like. This is a great option for those with large pores and oily skin and for client's who prefer a defined brow. Results typically last a bit longer with shading vs. microblading.

What is a combo brow? 

A combo brow is a mix between microblading + shading & is necessary when a client wants a natural yet filled brow. In the case of a combo brow, microblading will be added to the frontal portion of the brow & the body and tail will be shaded. This gives the overall appearance of a natural brow with added brow powder. This technique is recommended to client's who prefer the makeup appearance.

Will I still need to fill in my eyebrows with makeup? 

Microblading creates the illusion of a thicker/ fuller natural eyebrow for an everyday realistic look however brow powder may still required to achieve a full make-up look. Please keep in mind that this is not a solid-filled tattoo and is rather tiny hair-strokes that make up the shape of your desired brow. (See portfolio for examples). If you would like to achieve the appearance of makeup, the combo brow (microblading + shading) technique may suite you best. 

Can I add shading at my touch-up?

Absolutely! If you feel that microblading alone does not give you enough darkness, depth, or fill - you can always add shading onto your touch-up session for a $50 fee. If you'd like to add shading, please mention this while scheduling your complimentary touch-up session. 

Does it hurt?

There is some discomfort associated with this procedure - however as everyone's pain tolerance is different, it varies for each individual. To help lower the discomfort, a topical anesthetic will be applied prior to beginning that will help numb the area. Many client's rate the pain a 2-3 on a scale of 1-10. 

How long does the full procedure take? 

The consultation, shaping of your brow, numbing and procedure usually does not exceed 3 hours. Combo brow sessions can take up to 4 hours.

How long does the touch-up session take?

6-12 Week touch-up sessions can take anywhere from 60 minutes to 2 hours depending on level of pigment retention, natural amount of hair growth, and overall quality of heal. Please allow up to 2 hours for your touch-up session. Yearly maintenance sessions can take upwards of 3 hours. 

What does my appointment include? 

Your first appointment will include a shaping/color consult, design, and chosen brow technique followed by a complimentary touch-up session 6-12 weeks post procedure. The free touch-up session must be booked within 12 weeks of your initial procedure - no exceptions. 

Touch-Up Sessions included one appointment only. A follow-up appointment is only needed during your initial appointment to determine your needed color and to make any shape adjustments based on how your skin has healed. Once you're an established client, that information is already known, therefor a follow-up is typically not needed or recommended.

Do my existing eyebrows need to be shaved off?
Most definitely NOT! I always work with my client's natural shape & hair growth & only remove hair that falls outside of your desired shape. Your regular brow maintenance of tweezing, threading, waxing and/or tinting may continue once the brows have healed. 

What is the recovery time? 

Healing time varies greatly for each individual. As everyone has different skin types - there is no "set" heal time - however many clients experience a fully healed brow within 7-12 days. The first 2-3 days, your eyebrows may appear much darker and red. This is completely normal! As your skin begins to heal, it may push out excess pigment as well as form scabs over the strokes. It is best to not wear product or makeup on your eyebrows for at least 7 days and it is recommended that you plan your session far enough in advance for any events post procedure.  

How long does it last? 

Microblading, ombre, and combo brows are all semi-permanent techniques and therefor will fade over time. Most client's will experience a lifespan anywhere from 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature).Oily skin with large pores typically has a shorter life-span, however TheBrowBrat specializes in oily skin clients and offers a technique and aftercare method that holds better than typical permanent makeup procedures done elsewhere. Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid with 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 12-24months.

Do I need to prep my brows before my session? 

It is not necessary to wax, tweeze, or thread your brows prior to your session - I will clean up any stray hairs that fall outside of your new shape - however if you do decide to come pre-prepped it is important to do this at a minimum of 3 days prior to your appointment to avoid skin irritation.

Do you use one eyebrow shape for everyone? How will you create my design?

No! I do not believe in the phrase "one size fits all," & I treat every face with a fresh look vs. a standard "pattern." I will build a custom eyebrow shape based off of your facial structure as well as your desires and each stroke will be placed based on your natural hair growth pattern. Please note that all brow measurements are based on your natural features & placement will vary per client. Although inspiration photos help to give me an idea of what you may want, ultimately, your design will be determined by what fits your face best. If you like your brow shape drawn in a very specific way, please submit photos to me prior to booking an appointment as I cannot always translate a makeup look into microblading. When working with each client, it is important that you trust my expertise when it comes to the design process and placement as this will yield the best results possible. As each brow artist is different, before booking, please look over my portfolio and/or social media networks to ensure that my specific style matches your brow goals. 

Can this procedure be done on anyone? 

No. Similar to any cosmetic procedure - not everyone is a candidate. Due to many factors, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not eligible for any permanent makeup services. Clients with previous tattooed eyebrows also may not qualify (depending on level of pigment/scarring.) If you've recently had botox in your forehead/brow region, it's important to wait 3-4 weeks to schedule your appointment. If you are currently on Retina or any other acne medication, you should consult with your physician prior to booking. If you're unsure if you are a candidate for a permanent makeup, please contact me directly before booking. 

Will I need a touch-up session? 

The purpose of a follow-up appointment is to ensure that the color and shape has healed to your liking. I typically like to start subtle during the first appointment & go darker and/or thicker at the touch-up, if needed. The follow-up also allows me to determine how your skin healed and make any necessary adjustments as needed. Based on your level of retention, your touch-up session may require additional hair-strokes and/or shading as well as filling any areas that had issues retaining the first time. This varies for each client and will be evaluated during your second session. Your first touch-up is included in your initial session price. Any additional sessions will be priced based on your last appointment date. Please make sure to book ahead of time to lock in any listed pricing. I book out weeks to a month in advance so last minute touch-up booking could result in the next level touch-up rate.

What is does the aftercare entail?

Your aftercare will vary based on your skin type & specifics will be covered during your initial session however all clients must try and avoid the following for 7-14 days to allow for optimal healing.

• Working Out/Sweating

• Swimming

• Hot Showers/Saunas/Jacuzzi's

• Sun Tanning/Salon Tanning

• Laser Treatments (on the face)

• Chemical Peels and/or using any creams with Retin-A or Glycolic Acid

Will I need to maintain my brows? 

Yes! Similar to most other cosmetic procedures, touch-up sessions are suggested to upkeep your shape and pigment saturation. Touch-up timelines will vary per client however all routine maintenance sessions (aside from your first follow-up and mini touch-ups) require a minimum of  9 months in between. This is to ensure that your skin has had time to heal and regenerate new strong tissue layers. Touching the brows up too many times within a short period of time can cause trauma to the skin and ultimately result in retention issues. It is best to wait until your brows have faded at least 50% to book a touch-up session. If you're unsure if your brows are ready for a touch-up, please email me clear photos of them without makeup in their current state. Aftercare also plays a significant role in your permanent makeup lifespan & an instructional sheet will be given to you at your appointment. Most clients will need a touch-up within 1-2 years.

When should I book a touch-up?

After you've completed your first appointment and follow-up session as a new client, touch-ups should be booked once your brows have faded 50% or more. Touch-up timelines will vary per client however all routine maintenance sessions (aside from your first follow-up and mini touch-ups) require a minimum of  9 months in between. This is to ensure that your skin has had time to heal and regenerate new strong tissue layers. Touching the brows up too many times within a short period of time can cause trauma to the skin and ultimately result in retention issues. If you're unsure if your brows are ready for a touch-up, please email me clear photos of them without makeup in their current state.

How much does a touch-up cost? 

Touch-ups are priced based on your last appointment date. A list of the different pricing tiers can be found under the "Pricing" tab. Appointments booked beyond 2 years will still be scheduled under an 18-24 month tier with the option to add on a discounted touch-up if needed. 

Can I book a touch-up with you if I have had my brows done elsewhere?

This is not considered a touch-up session. If your brows were tattooed ( including microblading, soft tap, powder brow) elsewhere, you will be required to book a corrective session. Permanent makeup is not one-size fits all and artists do not use the same tools, pigments, and patterns - because of this, your brows will need to be redone entirely in order to allow for a cohesive heal. Client's who've had previous work done on their brows will be booked under a corrective/rework session (prior approval required)

How do I book an appointment?

I would absolutely be honored to give you your dream brows! Appointments can be booked online. To schedule your appointment, please click on the "Book Now" link located in the contact section of my website. All sessions require a $100 non-refundable retainer. This fee is to hold your appointment date/time. Please understand, that once your appointment is booked, it is blocked off the calendar from other inquiring clients. For this reason any appointments that needs to be rescheduled, must be made at least 3 days in advance to receive credit (one reschedule is permitted). This credit can be applied to one new appointment at a later date without penalty, additional reschedules after the first will require a new deposit. Appointments cancelled last minute and/or no call, no shows, will result in a forfeited deposit & you will be required to pre-pay for your full session in order to schedule a new date - no exceptions. Your appointment includes: - Consultation and Design - Custom Eyebrow Shaping/Stencil - Chosen Brow Technique - A secondary touch-up/perfecting session 6-12 weeks after your initial appointment. ***Last minute appointment rescheduling for touch-ups will incur a $100 rebooking fee.  

Can I book a consultation?

Due to the nature of the design process, I do not offer in studio consultations, however I do offer free online consultations. If you ever have any questions or would like me to look at your current shape, please feel free to email me and I'd be more than happy to chat with you about your options!

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