FAQ Microblading

What is microblading?

Microblading or Micropigmentation is the act of implanting semi-permanent pigment under the skin using a small grouping of single-use, sterile needles. I use this method to sculpt natural-looking eyebrows. The tool I use is non-motorized and implants pigment superficially into the skin. The pigment I use is designed to break down at a faster rate than traditional tattoo ink which is why it has gotten the term 'semi-permanent', however, it can often last for years. This method allows me to give individuals beautiful low maintenance eyebrows that won't wash off. To maintain the look of the eyebrows, annual refreshes are recommended and routine grooming would still be required if needed (waxing, tweezing, etc).

• Does Microblading Hurt?

  One of the biggest questions I get asked, almost on a daily basis is, is does microblading hurt or other permanent makeup procedures? Because I use a 5% topical lidocaine numbing cream, the pain is very minimal. I even numb you throughout the process. So most people feel nothing at all. That isn’t all, I put it in your aftercare so that the healing process is quite comfortable. Have more questions? Check out my FAQ page for more answers like this!

• Do you shave off my existing eyebrows?

  No! Oddly enough I get asked this quite frequently. The whole point of this process is to enhance your natural eyebrows or sculpt eyebrows for those who have very little to no eyebrow hair. In either case, we like to keep the bulk of your existing eyebrow hair, tweezing only where needed to enhance the shape we are trying to achieve. Waxing or threading is recommended at least 24 hours prior to your eyebrow appointment if needed.

• Does the pigment change color?

  The pigment I use comes from the USA and is well-known for being stable in the skin and not changing color. However, as with any brand of pigments and technique, there is no guarantee. Should the pigment start to fade out to an undesirable tone it would indicate that it's time for a refresh where the color can be adjusted/toned.

• How many sessions do I need?

  Most first time clients need two appointments spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart. Both of these appointments are included in the cost of new clients. I do about 80% of your treatment the first session, let your skin heal and have you come back for a perfecting visit aka touch up where the remaining 20% is completed. The touch up also allows us to go more conservatively on the first session so that your tattoo doesn't end up too big or too dark for you.

• Is it safe?

  Absolutely! My studio has been Alberta health approved which means I follow a strict set of guidelines to ensure maximum safety. All needles are single-use and opened in front of you at the start of your appointment then discarded in a sharps container at the end of your appointment. Hospital-grade disinfectant is used to clean any measuring tools that aren't disposable as well as all surfaces in accordance with AHS guidelines. In addition, all of the products I use are approved for use in Canada.

• What does the healing process look like?

  Eyebrows:

  There is no downtime and most find they can return to their normal daily activities immediately. However, due to the fact that we will be breaking the skin to implant pigment, there will be some healing time. Most find this lasts about 7 days. During this time:

  • The look of the Brows will be extremely bold and no indication of the finished result.

  • You will wear a healing ointment for 7 days which will make the brows a little glossy.

  • There may be some minor swelling or redness for the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment.

  • You will want to keep the brows as dry as possible while healing.

  • It may be difficult to see the final result at first and it may take up to 4 weeks to see the completed results.

  • The brows may itch while they are healing.

  • You will not be able to wear makeup on the treated area for 7 days.

  • You will want to avoid working out for 7 days as sweat could fade your pigment and the bacteria in the gym will increase your risk of infection.

  • Tanning/sunbathing should be avoided the week following your treatment.

  • You will want to avoid any facial treatments the week following your appointment. This includes eyebrow waxing, tinting, etc. (Do not tint your eyebrows prior to your appointment unless you plan on keeping it up post treatment)

  Note: Due to the reasons listed above many find that they don't want to schedule microblading appointments close to any major events (bridal showers, weddings, photo shoots etc).

  Lips:

  Your lips will be swollen immediately following your appointment. The color will be extremely bold and bright for the first 24-48 hours and no indication of the final result. You will wear a soothing ointment for 1 week following your procedure. Most find days 3-4 to be the worst in terms of peeling and uneven color. By day 7 your lips may look a little light but have no scabs left. It takes time for the color to "bloom" or settles in so be patient.

  During your week of healing, you will want to avoid biting into food (knife and fork only), drink through a straw for ALL liquids, avoid toothpaste with any whitening agents and no kissing allowed until completely healed.

  If you have ever had a cold sore anywhere (even 1), you will NEED to take a course of valtrex the day before your lip tattoo, the day of and the day after otherwise, you will most likely experience a cold sore due to the irritation caused by the procedure. This is non-negotiable and you will be asked to sign off on this, otherwise, your procedure will not be completed.

  Eyeliner:

  Your eyes will be slightly puffy following the procedure (as if you have had a good cry). The swelling reduces with 24 hours in most cases. You will not be allowed to wear mascara for 1 week and you will apply a healing cream. As with all cosmetic tattooing, the color will look extremely bold and defined until healed. Around days 3-4 your eyeliner might start to flake a bit as the thin scab comes off.

  You will be given a small aftercare kit with a complete list of instructions following your appointment. PLEASE be patient as your skin heals. Wait at least 2 weeks before contacting your artist with any concerns regarding retention, shape, and color. Your artist will NOT be able to adjust anything for at least 4 weeks following your appointment to allow your skin time to heal properly and avoid damaging your skin. Trust the process.

• How long does it last?

  The Microblading is semi-permanent and implanted superficially into the skin, so it will gradually begin to fade in time. In order to keep the look “fresh”, an ‘annual refresh’ is advisable every 12-18 months. With proper care, you can extend the life of your brow pigment as much as possible, but at the end of the day, it is ultimately up to you and your body. This is a low maintenance beauty treatment, but it will still require some maintenance over the years to come. The annual refresh will be at a lower cost of $225 provided you don't exceed 3 years in-between visits.

  Eyeliner and lip tattoos are still considered semi-permanent but are implanted deeper with a mechanical device. These may last 3-5 years depending on the person, but again many like to do a quick refresh every 12-18 months. The cost is half of the initial service at the time of booking.

• Do I get to pick the shape and color?

  Yes! This is a very interactive appointment. The client is involved in the procedure as much as possible, however; if the client is requesting a shape that does not suit the client's face/facial structure and/or the client would like a pigment color that does not suit the tones of the clients face I will not comply. Ultimately it is your face, your choice, but I do need to stand by my work and reputation.

  Note: Please note that our eyebrows will never be exactly the same as our faces are NOT symmetrical, however as a brow artist, I aim to create as much symmetry as possible. Sisters not twins (but I will always aim for twins).

• Is microblading for everyone?

  Unfortunately, there are certain reasons why microblading/tattooing would not be recommended for you.

  The following circumstances would make you ineligible for microblading with me:

  • You are pregnant (nursing is OK, you just may metabolize the pigment faster)

  • You have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring

  • You have diabetes (require doctor's clearance)

  • You are currently undergoing chemotherapy (requires doctors clearance)

  • You have skin irritations or psoriasis near the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)

  • You are sick (cold, flu, etc.)

  • You have used Accutane in the past year

  Note: Any treatment, medication, or illness that compromises the immune system/healing would NOT make you a good candidate for micropigmentation as we are breaking the skin and need your body to heal optimally.

  In addition, if you are female it is best to schedule your microblading appointment away from your menstrual cycle as this can affect pain tolerance and bleeding. However, a 24 hour cancellation policy would still be in effect even if you were to get your cycle unexpectedly.

Prior to your appointment:

• Do not drink coffee or energy drinks the day of your appointment

• Avoid alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen 72 hours before your microblading appointment

• Do not tan 72 hours prior to your procedure

• Do not work out the day of your appointment

• Waxing and tinting must be done at least 24 hours prior to your appointment 

• No chemical peels, dermabrasion, or any other intense treatments that will cause faster skin cell rejuvenation or skin irritation for 2 weeks prior

• Make sure to fix/wash your hair before the treatment as you will want to avoid direct water contact on the treated area for 7 days

• If you get Botox, make sure it is set before your appointment (usually 2 weeks)