What is microblading/cosmetic tattooing/semi-permanent cosmetics?
Microblading is the process of delicately implanting pigment into the skin via a tiny, sterile needle to simulate the appearance of natural hair. Microblading is meant to be a subtle, natural enhancement and to create the illusion of fuller brows.
What kind of pigment is used in cosmetic tattooing?
Unlike body tattoos, which are made using carbon based ink, cosmetic tattoos are made using iron oxide based pigments. These pigments are safe to use and are created to slowly fade over time. The pigments I use do not contain organic material (i.e. vegetables) as these have a higher risk of causing allergic reactions.
How long will my cosmetic tattoo last?
Cosmetic tattooing is considered semi-permanent as it does not wash away, however pigments are designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, iron deficiency, pigment color (lighter colors fade faster) and sun exposure can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. For best results it is recommended that you follow our aftercare instructions and touch-up your tattoo every 1-2 years (or as needed). Microblading requires a minimum of two sessions. Touch-ups are normal and expected for cosmetic tattoo procedures.
*Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed as everyone retains and breaks down pigment differently and follow-up appointments are recommended at 8-12 weeks where we can asses your pigment retention and make any changes necessary. People with lighter hair, correction work or sparse eyebrows may require more than one follow-up to reach their desired look at an additional cost.
What factors will affect my cosmetic tattoo?
· Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow prep instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinning medications and alcohol before your procedure.
· Oily Skin: Increased oil production can cause hair strokes to blur and heal lighter and more powdery than you would expect.
· Smoking: Smokers may notice that their tattoo will fade faster
· Anemia and iron deficiency: Your body will absorb these iron based pigments more quickly.
· Sun exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading.
· Color of pigment: Lighter colors fade more quickly than darker colors.
Does cosmetic tattooing hurt?
Topical anesthetics are used to maximize your comfort during any cosmetic tattooing procedure, however pain tolerance varies from client to client. Receiving the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.
Is Microblading eyebrows right for me?
Microblading heals best on normal to dry skin types. Microblading may not work well on clients with more oily skin types, large pores or over previously tattooed or lasered skin. On those with oily skin types and larger pores, results may appear softer and more powdery.
Client's with thin skin or Rosacea cannot receive Microblading.
The Microblading method is designed to blend with your natural brow hair, the more hair you have the more realistic results will appear. If you have very little or sparse eyebrow hair results will appear more 2D, and it is possible that you may need more than two sessions to achieve your desired result.
Microblading are not meant to entirely replace makeup. Eyebrow pencils and powders may still be needed.
You can not receive Microblading if you are:
· Pregnant or nursing
· Under 18 years old
· Are currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past year
· Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face
· Are on blood thinning medications
· Have Rosacea
Please make sure you are healthy enough to receive hairstroke brows before booking an appointment! If you have any concerns about whether or not you are a good candidate for Microblading please consider booking a consultation with me!
How should I prepare for my appointment?
If you have reference photos please feel free to bring these to your appointment.
If you prefer to have your eyebrows waxed/threaded please do so at least 48 hours before your appointment, otherwise we can remove stray hairs after we design your brows.
If possible, moisturize daily with coconut oil.
You must not go tanning for 30 days prior to your procedure.
You must not use Retin-A near the tattooed area before or after the procedure
Do not work out the day of your appointment.
You cannot take any medications that may thin your blood (i.e. Asprin, Ibuprofen, fish oil, Vitamin E) 72 hours before or immediately after your procedure.
Do not drink alcohol the night before or day of your procedure.
Avoid caffeine the day of your appointment.
Doing any of the above may cause bleeding, which will affect how well your body retains pigment.
As with every tattoo, we recommend avoiding pools, salt water and extreme sun exposure for at least two weeks following your appointment, so make vacation plans accordingly!
What can I expect at my appointment?
When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to fill out paper work and provide photo ID (license or passport).
Your brow area will be thoroughly cleaned and I will apply a topical anesthetic.
While you are numbing, we will have a consultation about your brows.
Once you have finished numbing I will begin designing your brows. I will take into account your skin type, existing brows and bone structure and give my recommendations. We will work together to create brows that are flattering and will look the most natural. It is important to keep in mind that Microblading is very different from applying makeup. Depending on your brows and bone structure, makeup may still be needed to achieve more dramatic brow looks once you have healed.
Once a shape is determined and approved, I will begin tattooing. Additional anesthetics will be applied throughout the process to help keep you as comfortable as possible.
What can I expect immediately after my appointment?
Following your procedure your tattoo will appear much darker and bolder than it will heal due to oxidation in the surface layer of your skin. Your tattoo will also appear warmer in color. You may experience some redness or swelling around the tattooed area, though this typically disappears within 48 hours.
Within a few days (typically 5-10) you will notice some scabbing or flaking on the tattooed area, do not pick at these, doing so can result in loss of pigment in those areas. Brows may appear spotty or patchy until the entire brow has finished exfoliating. You may notice that some areas may appear very light or even to have lost pigment entirely after they have peeled, the epidermis will be thicker causing muting, hiding or diffusing of pigment underneath. The epidermis will normalize over the next 4-6 weeks and softened pigment will resurface and "bloom" back into the surface of the skin.
At 4-6 weeks your brows will be fully healed. If you’d prefer darker, bolder brows we can always add more color or dimension during your follow-up appointment! Pricing for touch-up appointments past 12 weeks can be found in the 'Pricing' tab.
Do I need a touch-up/follow-up appointment?
All Microblading procedures require two sessions, an initial session to establish shape and a perfecting session 8-12 weeks later. During your 8-12 week follow-up we can asses your pigment retention and make any adjustments needed. This follow-up also increases the longevity of your semi-permanent tattoo. All appointments, including touch-up appointments, are first come, first served. It is your responsibility to book your follow-up at least 8 weeks in advance.
Do I need a consultation before getting a cosmetic tattoo?
Consultations are free of charge and offered to anyone who would like to discuss their tattoo before booking an appointment. While not required for all procedures, it is required that you come in for a consultation if you are in need of correction work or have had your brows tattooed elsewhere. If you book an appointment without disclosing previous cosmetic tattoo work your deposit will be forfeited and your appointment cancelled.
How long does the procedure take?
Initial appointments take approximately 2.5-3 hours. This includes the designing process, numbing the area, and tattooing. Follow-up appointments take approximately 1.5-2 hours.
I have had my brows tattooed before, can you fix them/touch them up?
I take correction and touch-up work on a very limited basis and require that anyone who has had their brows tattooed previously by another artist come in for a consultation before booking an appointment. If you book an appointment without disclosing previous cosmetic tattoo work your deposit will be forfeited and your appointment cancelled.
What is your cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable. The shop requires 48 hours notice to cancel or make any changes to your appointment. Giving less than 48 hours notice for a cancellation will result in the forfeit of your deposit. If you cancel or do not show up to your appointment, your deposit will be forfeited. If you need to reschedule your appointment you may transfer your deposit over ONE time, as long as you give more than 48 hours notice. If you cannot make it to your rescheduled appointment your deposit will be forfeited and you will need a new deposit to book again. If you reschedule your 8-12 week follow-up to a later date you may be subject to 13 week-1year pricing.
What is your lateness policy?
I have a 15 minute late policy. Please call the shop if you are going to be late. Being more than 15 minutes late to your appointment may result in the forfeit of your deposit and cancellation of your appointment. A new deposit will be needed to book any appointments that were cancelled due to lateness.
Do you tattoo men's eyebrows?
Due to the technique I use, hairstroke brows are more suited for feminine brow shapes. I am happy to accommodate consultations for any men who would potentially like to book an appointment!
I want to become a cosmetic tattoo artist, can you help me?
Unfortunately I cannot provide information/advice or training to become a cosmetic tattoo artist. Best of luck!
Do you travel?
I will occasionally and do guest spots at other shops. I will try to return within six months to provide touch-ups, however a return visit is not guaranteed. Pricing for tattoos and touch-ups may vary during travel dates. Pricing on this website is for ILLINOIS & MISSOURI only unless otherwise stated.