Frequently Asked Questions

Microblading is the process of  implanting pigment into the skin via a tiny, sterile needle to simulate the appearance of natural hair.  This is done with a hand tool.  Like Microblading, Nano Strokes create the appearance of natural hair but is far more predictable as it works for most all skin types.  Nano is done with a machine and needle cartridge.  Both are meant to be a subtle, natural enhancement and to create the illusion of fuller brows.  Sometimes shading is needed to blend the existing hair and new strokes more efficiently but we will discuss the need for this during your appointment if it is necessary.  Note: microblading isn't for all skin types. Oily skin, thin skin, thick skin, sun damaged skin, large pores, or skin that bleeds easily are not ideal for microblading. On the other hand, Nano Strokes works for most all skin types. 

Powder brow is using a tattoo machine to pixelate color into the skin and create the the look of makeup.  It works for ALL skin types and has a beautiful soft finish.  It's also referred to as Ombre brows.  

Hybrid brows are exactly as it sounds.  A combination of both hair strokes and shading.  This is dependent on the skin texture. 

Assessing your skin is part of the process.  However, overly sun damaged skin may not fair well for tattoos.

Please avoid aspirin, vitamins, Aleve, fish oil, or ibuprofen for at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.  Do not apply retinol to the forehead area for a month prior.  In addition, avoid ALCOHOL 12 hours prior.  This is important to limit bleeding.  If you are having eyeliner done, take an adult dose of Benadryl the night before OR -even better- the morning of your appointment.  This prevents the eyes from watering during liner.   For eyeliner or lip color procedures, it is great to have an ice pack made up of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water.  Leave this at home for later in the evening. 

 AVOID any lash serums on the lashes at least 1 MONTH prior to your procedure to prevent increased pain, bleeding, bruising, and swelling of the eyes.

8 weeks before:  Avoid laser tattoo removal, chemical peels

4 weeks before: Avoid tinting your eyebrows or using Retinols on the forehead.

2 weeks before: Avoid tweezing, waxing, tanning beds/sunburns.

72 hours before: Avoid ALL blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve), Alcohol, Fish oil, and Vitamins.

When you arrive for your appointment, our Assistant~ Anne~ will greet you and get you seated.    

After you are seated in our procedure room,  Anne will thoroughly clean the area, and then apply topical anesthetic.  She will go over the procedure planned and answer any questions you may have.   After 30 minutes of numbing,  Jenny will map the area, pick the proper shade of ink, go over any photos, and allow you to approve the shape.  Additional anesthetics will be applied throughout the process to help keep you as comfortable as possible.  Total time on each procedure is generally about 2 hours.  Bring a book, headphones, relax, or take a nap while numbing....you deserve it and are in good hands!

*If you would like a patch test, please call us ahead of time and we can book this a week before your  appointment.   Allergic reactions are rare. For your research,  we use Brovi, Monica Ivani, Mara, Permablend, and LI inks. ....these are amazing inks with extensive research behind them.

Cosmetic tattooing is considered semi-permanent as it does not wash away.  However, pigments do fade over time.  Factors such as skin type, iron deficiency, pigment color, skin care ingredients, and sun exposure can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down.  

Can you do Permanent Brows?

All brow tattooing is "considered" permanent in the sense that they will almost always leave color behind.  Several factors can determine how long your new brows will last.  Skin type, the type of ink used, the age of the client, sun exposure, and the type of brow procedure done are all factors.  If you are oily, you will fade much faster than if your skin is dry or more mature.  Mature clients tend to have longer lasting color because the skin cells turnover at a slower rate.

Most all pigments will start to fade once you implant them in the skin.  Certain colors may fade first (such as yellow) and this may cause you to need a color boost within a year to three years.  We prefer your eyebrows to be faded by 50% before implanting new color in the skin.

Our goal is to give you a natural "Saturday morning" look, not a Saturday evening look. You can always add more color to your eyebrows, lips, or eyeliner- but as we age- TOO MUCH color doesn't look as fresh or as natural.  Permanent makeup is LOW maintenance, not NO maintenance. Adding a little eyeshadow or brow pencil to the brow for a night out is is considered LOW maintenance.  

Contraindications for Permanent Makeup?

Cannot be pregnant, nursing, going through Chemo, have uncontrolled Diabetes, or any other acute health issues.  Please refrain from retinols anywhere on the forehead a month before your eyebrow procedure. 

What about Botox before?

It is best not to have Botox or Dysport prior to your eyebrow visit.  Sometimes neurotoxins can cause one brow to sit higher than the other brow, or worse, throw off your arch.  This in turn makes it difficult to map and find your correct shape.  You can, however,  have your Botox done 1-2 weeks after your Eyebrow visit!

Do I need my Brows waxed ahead of time?

No, we will clean up and shape your eyebrows at the appointment. We prefer you coming in with your brows in all their full and hairy glory!!!  This way we see how they naturally grow.

Following the procedure your tattoo will appear much darker and bolder than it will heal...this is due to oxidation in the surface layer of your skin.  Your tattoo will also appear thicker and warmer in color.  You may experience some redness and swelling in and around the area.  This typically disappears within 48 hours.  Within a few days you will notice some scabbing or flaking in the tattooed area.  Do NOT pick at these...doing so can result in loss of pigment in those areas.  You may notice that some areas may appear very light or even to have lost pigment entirely after the sloughing.  This is because the epidermis will be thicker causing muting, hiding or diffusing of the pigment underneath.  The epidermis will normalize over the next 6-8 weeks and softened pigment will resurface and "bloom" back into the surface of the skin.  At your touch up appointment at 8-12 weeks,  we will address any concerns, add more color or dimension, and can even change the color if preferred.