The Experience
What can you expect when you arrive at your first appointment?
It’s normal to be both excited and a little nervous for your appointment—you’ve researched, planned, and have been patiently waiting for your appointment day to come! Let me walk you through what you can expect during your first appointment.
Upon arrival and greeting, you will complete a few paperwork details, and then we will begin a thorough consultation. We’ll discuss your desired outcome and your brow goals, and I can make professional suggestions to best achieve them. It’s ok if you’re not sure how to explain what you’d like—I’ll guide you through the whole thing! I strive to make sure you’re always feeling comfortable, well-informed, and included throughout the whole process.
Next, I will take measurements of your face and begin the mapping process to carefully draw and design the customized brow shape, giving you the chance to approve the shape before we move forward. Once you’re comfortable with the shape, we will select a pigment color that complements your skin tone, and then I will assemble my tools for the service—keeping all blades and needles in their sterile packaging until I’m ready to use them to ensure the greatest level of saftey.
When we begin the actual procedure, I will create the first pass of strokes or shading throughout the brows, and will then apply a topical numbing agent once the first pass is complete. Prior to receiving the numbing, you may feel a little discomfort—most people report a pain level between 1-4 out of 10 on the pain scale—but it is very tolerable! After numbing, I will make additional passes throughout the brow to layer and build the pigment and detail. I will repeat this process on the left brow, and before you know it, you’ll be taking your first look at your beautiful new brows!
As we wrap up the appointment, I will send you home with aftercare instructions and products to use at home during the healing period, and explain what to expect during the next few weeks. The total duration of the first session is about 3 hours. The six-week touchup appointment can also be scheduled at the conclusion of the appointment.
Following the six week touchup appointment, most people do not typically require any additional touchup work until about 12-24 months later, but healing and retention varies for each individual as it is based on many factors including immune system, body chemistry, and lifestyle. The cosmetic ink used in these services is designed to fade over time, and we want the brows to be at least 50% faded before doing additional sessions in the future.
Can I receive this service when pregnant or breastfeeding?
Unfortunately, no. Not only does pregnancy and breastfeeding increase your risk for infection, but it also increases your risk for poor healing and retention due to the fluctuating hormones during that time. I recommend waiting until 4-6 weeks after giving birth (if not breastfeeding) and 4-6 weeks after completely finishing breastfeeding before proceeding with the service.
Is everyone a candidate for permanent makeup brow services?
Unfortunately not--different medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle circumstances may prevent a person from being an ideal candidate for microblading and other permanent makeup services. A full list of contraindications can be found under the Microblading Pre-Care information section.
Why can’t I exercise?
Exercise increases the heart rate, expands pores, and produces sweat. Each of these promote a loss of color retention, so for best results, avoid it for 1-2 days prior to your procedure, and 12-14 days following, as sweat will push the pigment out of the skin before it’s had a chance to encapsulate. If you must exercise, you must be willing to accept the fact that you may be facing more frequent touch ups in the future to achieve desired results.
FAQs
How long does Microblading last?
The longevity of this service varies from person to person and is based on many internal and lifestyle factors, but typically the brows will hold for 12-18 months before needing to be refreshed. Because the pigment has a different composition and is implanted more superficially than a traditional body tattoo, it naturally fades over time. In order to keep your brows looking fresh, a touchup is recommended every 12-18 month. Clients who did not follow the pre-care or after-care instructions properly may require more frequent touch ups.
How often will I need to have my brows touched up?
Because the healed outcome is determined by many internal and external factors, the longevity varies for each person. Following the initial microblading session, clients typically receive a touchup session 6 weeks later, and then do not need additional refreshing for 12-18 months or more. Occasionally an additional 6 week touchup may be required to obtain optimal results.
What would happen if I never got my brows touched up again?
Overtime, the pigment will continue to lighten and fade away. Sometimes the ink completely disappears, but oftentimes a shadow will remain in its place.