What is Microblading
Microblading is a technique where fine lines are scratched into the surface of the skin, and pigment embedded.
The strokes accurately replicate hair (as in a brow or hairline). Results can last from six to 18 months, depending on a variety of factors such as color of pigment, skin type, and lifestyle.
Traditional tattooing uses needles on a rotary/coil machine to push ink 7 layers deep into the skin, microblading uses a manual blade and only targets 3 layers of skin.
FAQ
1. What is permanent make up?
Permanent makeup, a form of cosmetic tattooing is also known as micro-pigmentation, derma-pigmentation, and permanent cosmetics.
Permanent makeup artists use tattooing techniques to apply designs that resemble makeup. Eyeliner, color enhancement of skin on the face, eyelids, lips, and eyebrows are all areas that permanent makeup is traditionally applied to.
The results of permanent makeup are enhanced facial features that would typically be done with our everyday makeup. A permanent makeup artist will use tattoo machines to implant ink into the dermis (similar to our traditional tattooing), just getting shy of how deep a regular tattoo will penetrate.
2. What is the difference between Cosmetic Tattooing and Body Tattooing?
The purpose of Cosmetic Tattooing procedures is to enhance features, not necessarily create artwork that stands out (such as body tattoos).
Cosmetic Tattooing is softer and more subtle – it is meant to be a natural looking beauty enhancement. Body tattoos use ink, Cosmetic Tattooing procedures involve only iron-oxide based pigments designed to gently fade over time.
Fading is desired as it allows the technician to make changes to colour and shape over the years as client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.
3. Is semi permanent makeup(Microblading) safe?
Definitely – for people in general good health, who don’t have the contraindications that would make them ineligible to receive semi permanent makeup.
A good candidate should be in reasonably good health, be 18 or older, not pregnant or breastfeeding, not have a major medical condition at the time, and does not have skin conditions in the desired target areas (i.e. acne, blemishes, scars, burns, swelling, rashes, Psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, keloids/hypertrophic scarring).
Every client is treated with the utmost care regarding health and safety. New, disposable, unopened tools are always used for every single client—which is immediately disposed of after that client’s use.
It is incredibly rare for anyone to be allergic to the water-based, top quality inks that we use.
4. How do I prepare for my semi permanent makeup(Microblading) appointment?
Do not take blood thinning medications (i.e. aspirin, Advil), caffeine, alcohol, multivitamins (especially including vitamin E or fish oil), for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.
They will cause more bleeding, which makes it hard for the artist to see the lines clearly, but it also makes you as the client more sensitive during the procedure. Not following those instructions will cause more sensitivity and pain. Please come well-rested and relaxed.
5. What are aftercare instructions?
You must not expose the treated area to water or any products and makeup. Keep dry and clean during healing, whether you fully heal in 5 days or 4 weeks.
If a little water gets on them from showering, that is OK—But do not rub the area dry. Always gentle patting or air drying. Please do not shower for 24 hours following the appointment! Itchiness is normal and means your skin is healing properly. Do not rub, squeeze, scratch, or touch your eyebrows/lips for 2 full weeks (or longer, if you’re a slow healer).
This includes applying skin products directly onto the affected areas. Do not pick off scabs. Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure for 2 weeks.
6. Can I return to work right away? What is recovering time?
Yes. If you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, you may want to get permanent makeup done on a Friday or during a holiday/vacation. Most people have no problems going right back to work.
The color may be intense or darker than expected on Days 2-5, but do not worry! This all fades into the intended color after about a week.
7. Will my results change over time?
Yes. Although the fading is very subtle and occurs over a period of time, the skin’s natural dilution of the color will cause the appearance to change. That is why we recommend touchups when the fading becomes noticeable.
The name “permanent” does not mean that it lasts forever—It has now become known that no ink really lasts forever, and the conventional inks used in body art tattooing is not necessarily safe for the face.
8. Can you correct someone else’s work?
Yes. Our Artists specialize in Cosmetic Tattoo correction. As long as clients understand it may take some time and a few sessions.
Fixing previously done jobs is challenging, so the client must understand that sometimes the exact desired results may not always be attainable.
9. Will my brows come out exactly the way I want?
That is most definitely the goal! Please be advised, that although you may have the ideal vision of the outcome in mind, it is at the artist’s discretion to measure your face and show you what would look best according to your bone structure and proportions.
Our artists will not touch your face or start working until you and Artist are both happy with the shaping Artist draw a sketch with black wax pencil on your face to show you an outline of the eyebrows.
Our artists are meticulous about facial measurements, but they understand everyone has a preference in terms of styles. They do their best to give each client beautiful figures. The skin can sometimes heal unevenly on its own, color retainment can vary by individual and skin type, and ink places under the skin can sometimes spread out.
It is imperative that the client follows the aftercare instructions well for the best possible outcome and beautiful color. Half of the results are how you care for the brows during healing.
10. Is it painful?
We use effective numbing creams that are Health Canada approved. On a scale of 1 to 10 with “1” being no discomfort, clients often experience between a 2 and 3 with treatment. Other factors such as menstrual cycles also affect level of sensitivity.
11. If I am a visitor to this city, what about touch ups?
There is a technique which doesn’t require touch ups. This technique is not for everybody. Artist will let you know if your skin is a good candidate or not.