FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

The initial procedure takes approximately two hours and includes brow shaping, customized color matching, numbing and microblading. The first half of the session is the consultative component of the appointment, and the second half is the microblading itself.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST

Please visit the Rates + Services page for the most up to date pricing.

WHAT ARE COMBO BROWS?

“Combo Brows” refers to the addition of machine shading over traditional microblading; it is used to achieve the look of denser hair and is often utilized to help one’s natural brow hairs blend more seamlessly with their new microblading. This shading technique is also particularly useful when doing corrective work.

WHAT KIND OF PIGMENT IS USED IN COSMETIC TATTOOING?

Unlike body tattoos, which are made using carbon based ink, cosmetic tattoos are created using iron oxide based pigments. These pigments are safe to use and are designed to fade over time.

DOES IT HURT?

Topical anesthetics are used to maximize your comfort during any cosmetic tattooing procedure; however, pain tolerance varies from client to client. You can expect some minor level of discomfort during the procedure similar to threading.

HOW LONG WILL MY COSMETIC BROW 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 my aftercare instructions and touch-up your tattoo every 12-18 months (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 CANNOT be guaranteed as everyone retains and breaks down pigment differently, and a follow-up “touch-up” appointment is recommended at 6-8 weeks where we can assess 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 CAN AFFECT MY 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, alcohol, and caffeine before your procedure.

-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.

If you are unsure if you are a good candidate for microblading, please feel free to book a free consultation!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT 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 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!

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 6-8 weeks later. During your 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. It is your responsibility to book your follow-up in advance. The touch-up takes approximately 1.5 hours and is included in the price of your initial procedure.

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. Due to Covid-19, I have suspended in-person consultations but am happy to discuss any questions you may have via phone or email. If you are in need of correction work or have had your brows tattooed elsewhere, it is required that you provide detailed photos of your current brows in order for me to assess their condition. If you book an appointment without disclosing previous cosmetic tattoo work, your deposit will be forfeited and your appointment cancelled.

I HAVE HAD MY BROWS TATTOOED BEFORE, CAN YOU FIX THEM/TOUCH THEM UP?

I take correction and touch-up work on a limited basis and require that anyone who has had their brows tattooed previously by another artist provide detailed photos of their current brows before scheduling. If you book an appointment without disclosing previous cosmetic tattoo work, your deposit will be forfeited and your appointment cancelled.

DO YOU TRAVEL?

I will occasionally travel. 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.