Microblading, Blade n Shade, Ombre Powder Brows
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Watch the process now |
What is Microblading?
Microblading, also known as Eyebrow Embroidery is a procedure categorized under permanent makeup, but unlike traditional cosmetic tattooing, it is less invasive and is considered semi-permanent. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type and skincare routine.
The procedure is done by using a hand tool with ultra fine needles and each 'hair' is gently etched into the skin, giving an incredibly natural and realistic look.
Microblading can dramatically correct or fully reconstruct lost eyebrow and is excellent for those wanting to enhance their brows or who have little to no eyebrows, thinning brows from age or over tweezed brows. Pigments used are chosen to match the natural or desired brow color and skin tone will also be taken into consideration.
What is "Blade & Shade"?
For many artists, the concept of "shading" during a microblading procedure is very new and brings up a lot of questions.
Microblading, also known as Eyebrow Embroidery is a procedure categorized under permanent makeup, but unlike traditional cosmetic tattooing, it is less invasive and is considered semi-permanent. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type and skincare routine.
The procedure is done by using a hand tool with ultra fine needles and each 'hair' is gently etched into the skin, giving an incredibly natural and realistic look.
Microblading can dramatically correct or fully reconstruct lost eyebrow and is excellent for those wanting to enhance their brows or who have little to no eyebrows, thinning brows from age or over tweezed brows. Pigments used are chosen to match the natural or desired brow color and skin tone will also be taken into consideration.
What is "Blade & Shade"?
For many artists, the concept of "shading" during a microblading procedure is very new and brings up a lot of questions.
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What are the benefits? How is it done? What colors are used?
Let's start with the basics. What IS shading exactly? Also known as '"ombré," shading is a technique done using a special tool that adds depth and definition to the brows for a more natural look.
When it comes to shading, your creation really depends on the look that your client is going for, as well as how much or how little existing hair the client has. Do they wear a lot of makeup? Are they missing a lot of their natural eyebrows? If the answer is “yes” to either question, microblading AND shading may be the right solution for your client.
How long does it take?
For the first Microblading session, the entire procedure should take about 2.5-3 hours. During this session, the brow technician will shape and style the client’s brows for client approval. We then follow with pigment color selection. Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin the procedure.
The client is to come in for a follow up visit in order to have any minor necessary touch ups. The second Microblading session takes place after 4-6 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.
How long does it take to heal?
The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure and color will appear very dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The color will fade by up to 40% as it heals. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you will notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the microbladed area.
Is Scabbing normal after the first visit? YES!
Scabbing is definitely a normal part of the healing process.
Scabbing usually starts around day 5 (after your initial visit) and persists through day 10.
As the scabs naturally fall off it may look like your brow becomes "patchy". This is OKAY. Don't let it freak you out. Don't worry if it looks patchy, it will only be temporary. As long as you don't pick the scabs off any pigment that is loosened in this process can be reapplied during the touch up.
Why you shouldn't "pick" your microblading scabs:
The microblading pigment is placed in a shallow well in your brows. The scabbing and healing process can adhere to the pigment and if you pick it off you are literally pulling the pigment off of your face in the process. This can basically undo all of the initial work and may result in a longer visit.
If you let the skin heal naturally it will "let go" of the pigment through the process.
It is normal that about 10-40% of the pigment will fall out or fade during the initial healing process, but can be re-applied during the touch up.
The eyebrows will lighten up in color as it heals. No down time is required after microblading procedure. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You'll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.
Is the touch up session necessary?
Yes! A touch up session after 4-6 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcome will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment color may need to be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added.
Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your brows to ensure it looks perfect and retains the color for the whole year!
Can I get my touch up session sooner than 4 weeks?
Touch up sessions should not be done earlier than 4 weeks after initial microblading session as pigment color has not fully settled into the skin. Most importantly, this is to prevent scar damage as the tissue requires time to completely heal.
Is it painful?
The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure your brow technician will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area, and also reapplied during the procedure. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine.
After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.
How long does it last?
Since microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid with fade faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary.
To maintain the brows looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the micro-bladed area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.
What are the pre and post care procedures?
In order to achieve the best results, it is best to follow the pre and post care instructions.
Prior to your procedure, clients are advised of the following:
After your procedure, clients MUST follow these instructions:
Who is not suitable for the procedure?
Microblading is not suitable for the following candidates:
* We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who we deem not suitable for this procedure or for any other reason. We reserve the rights to make the decision to microblade on an individual based on their own discretion. *
Risks and complications?
We take all proper precautions for a safe session by using sterilized equipment, new needles and in a sanitized environment. Should clients follow our pre and post care instructions, there should be minimal risks or complications . Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. We suggest a pigment patch test for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:
Patch tests should be performed 5-7 days prior.
What if I do not like it?
As with all cosmetic procedures, individuals should not make their choices lightly. We always recommend clients do their research, understand the procedure and compare different artists' work and portfolio when making their decisions. Our brow technicians will do their utmost to shape and style the eyebrows to the clients satisfaction prior to the procedure.
Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Uneven appearance can be fixed during the touch up session. Pigment discolouration and color correction can also be fixed during the the touch up session. Micro-bladed brows will eventually fade away if no additional touch ups are done.
Let's start with the basics. What IS shading exactly? Also known as '"ombré," shading is a technique done using a special tool that adds depth and definition to the brows for a more natural look.
When it comes to shading, your creation really depends on the look that your client is going for, as well as how much or how little existing hair the client has. Do they wear a lot of makeup? Are they missing a lot of their natural eyebrows? If the answer is “yes” to either question, microblading AND shading may be the right solution for your client.
How long does it take?
For the first Microblading session, the entire procedure should take about 2.5-3 hours. During this session, the brow technician will shape and style the client’s brows for client approval. We then follow with pigment color selection. Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin the procedure.
The client is to come in for a follow up visit in order to have any minor necessary touch ups. The second Microblading session takes place after 4-6 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.
How long does it take to heal?
The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure and color will appear very dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The color will fade by up to 40% as it heals. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you will notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the microbladed area.
Is Scabbing normal after the first visit? YES!
Scabbing is definitely a normal part of the healing process.
- Ointment healing results in a more crisp and defined brow when everything is said and done, but there is the issue of scabbing.
- When using the ointment healing process some of the scabs are "covered" and are less likely to be "picked" off of your face.
- The dry healing results in more scabbing (which is ok), but can be more tempting for people that have a tendency to "pick" them off.
Scabbing usually starts around day 5 (after your initial visit) and persists through day 10.
As the scabs naturally fall off it may look like your brow becomes "patchy". This is OKAY. Don't let it freak you out. Don't worry if it looks patchy, it will only be temporary. As long as you don't pick the scabs off any pigment that is loosened in this process can be reapplied during the touch up.
Why you shouldn't "pick" your microblading scabs:
The microblading pigment is placed in a shallow well in your brows. The scabbing and healing process can adhere to the pigment and if you pick it off you are literally pulling the pigment off of your face in the process. This can basically undo all of the initial work and may result in a longer visit.
If you let the skin heal naturally it will "let go" of the pigment through the process.
It is normal that about 10-40% of the pigment will fall out or fade during the initial healing process, but can be re-applied during the touch up.
The eyebrows will lighten up in color as it heals. No down time is required after microblading procedure. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You'll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.
Is the touch up session necessary?
Yes! A touch up session after 4-6 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcome will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment color may need to be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added.
Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your brows to ensure it looks perfect and retains the color for the whole year!
Can I get my touch up session sooner than 4 weeks?
Touch up sessions should not be done earlier than 4 weeks after initial microblading session as pigment color has not fully settled into the skin. Most importantly, this is to prevent scar damage as the tissue requires time to completely heal.
Is it painful?
The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure your brow technician will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area, and also reapplied during the procedure. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine.
After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.
How long does it last?
Since microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid with fade faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary.
To maintain the brows looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the micro-bladed area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.
What are the pre and post care procedures?
In order to achieve the best results, it is best to follow the pre and post care instructions.
Prior to your procedure, clients are advised of the following:
- Avoid alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 72 hours.
- Avoid tanning so we can assess your natural skin tone.
- No face scrubs or chemical peels at least two weeks prior.
- Feel free to come in with their brow makeup on so our technician can see your every day look you prefer. Reference pictures of shapes and colors of brows are always welcomed. We will then work together to create the perfect brows!
After your procedure, clients MUST follow these instructions:
- Within 2 hours after the procedure, clean brows using a q-tip and lightly moisten with distilled or cooled downed boiling water. Gently wipe away the old healing balm and any lymphatic liquid (clear yellowish liquid) that may have built up. Lightly pat dry with tissue and using a new q-tip, re-apply healing balm to the brows.
- Make sure to apply a light layer of healing balm morning and night to brows for at least 5-7 days.
- Do not over apply healing balm.
- Do not immerse brow area in water for 14 days. When showering, make sure to avoid face area. When cleaning or washing face, make sure to avoid brows and clean around it.
- Do not put makeup on the brow area for a minimum of 10 days. Micro-bladed area is an open wound, using makeup may cause infections.
- Avoid alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 24 hours.
- Brow area will feel slightly itchy as it heals and will start to lightly scab over. Do not peel or pick at the scabs as this can affect the outcome and pigmentation.
- Do not go swimming, tanning or into saunas for at least 14 days.
- No face scrubs or chemical peels at least 2 weeks after.
Who is not suitable for the procedure?
Microblading is not suitable for the following candidates:
- Using Accutane
- Have heart conditions or using heart medications
- Have diabetes (will require a physician's note)
- Have skin disease or irritations
- Have had Botox in the last 2 weeks
- Have gotten a deep tan or chemical peels in the last 2 weeks
- Allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine
- Anyone who has any serious medical conditions may require a physician's note.
- Pregnant or nursing clients who want to microblade can be done at your own discretion. We suggest discussing with your doctor first. Microblading is still considered a tattoo, and just like with wine or sushi consumption, it is a personal choice to do so during this period.
* We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who we deem not suitable for this procedure or for any other reason. We reserve the rights to make the decision to microblade on an individual based on their own discretion. *
Risks and complications?
We take all proper precautions for a safe session by using sterilized equipment, new needles and in a sanitized environment. Should clients follow our pre and post care instructions, there should be minimal risks or complications . Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. We suggest a pigment patch test for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:
- Topical makeup products
- Gold, silver and nickel
- Hair dyes
Patch tests should be performed 5-7 days prior.
What if I do not like it?
As with all cosmetic procedures, individuals should not make their choices lightly. We always recommend clients do their research, understand the procedure and compare different artists' work and portfolio when making their decisions. Our brow technicians will do their utmost to shape and style the eyebrows to the clients satisfaction prior to the procedure.
Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Uneven appearance can be fixed during the touch up session. Pigment discolouration and color correction can also be fixed during the the touch up session. Micro-bladed brows will eventually fade away if no additional touch ups are done.
The Pigment is disappearing...what's going on?
The Entire Microblading Healing Process Day by Day explained better:
One thing that freaks out my clients is the fact that some scabbing and "flaking" of the pigment is actually quite normal.
Unfortunately it may look like your brows are coming completely off, but don't let it freak you out because some of it is normal. Because of this confusing process I've created an outline to help you understand what is normal and what isn't (including daily pictures of the process):
That is basically the process in a nut shell!
One thing that freaks out my clients is the fact that some scabbing and "flaking" of the pigment is actually quite normal.
Unfortunately it may look like your brows are coming completely off, but don't let it freak you out because some of it is normal. Because of this confusing process I've created an outline to help you understand what is normal and what isn't (including daily pictures of the process):
- Day 1: I LOVE MY NEWS BROWS! Your brows are fresh, perfect and brand new. What's not to love?
- Day 2-4: "These are way too dark and thick." Your brows will actually get darker over this period of time, but don't freak out! They will lighten again.
- Day 5-8: During these days your brows may be flaking and scabbing off. Make sure to NOT pick or remove the scabs or you may inadvertently remove some of your pigment!
- Day 9-10: "My brows have completely fallen off!!" Your brows will appear like they are completely gone during this time, but don't worry - they will still be there! And this is also why it's important to have your touch up.
- Days 11-28: "My brows are coming back but they are patchy!" Your brows will appear to be patch and incomplete during this part of the healing process. Most of these patches will fill in over time but if for some reason some area doesn't take the touch up will help fill the gap so to speak.
- Day 42 (after touch up): "These are better than I could have ever imagined!!!" And now you are back to the way you felt after the first day Trust me when I say that this is a real cycle.
That is basically the process in a nut shell!
The picture outlines the difference between the initial visit (healed after 4 weeks) and the final product (after the touch-up). Remember that the majority of the pigment gets "glued in" long term after your touch up. (The touch up is required for your brows to stay semi permanent up to 15 months) One of the benefits of the touch up is to fill in any gaps that may get pulled out as a result of scabbing.
The most important thing you can do is set your expectations up early and TRUST your artist!
It is absolutely critical that you follow your aftercare instructions and trust in your artist to get the best possible result.
The most important thing you can do is set your expectations up early and TRUST your artist!
It is absolutely critical that you follow your aftercare instructions and trust in your artist to get the best possible result.
Emotional hoops you might go through during the healing process
The physical part of healing is only part of the journey. Because your brows are such a huge part of your self confidence (in some women) there is also an emotional component that many women go through as they heal. This is also normal, and I've attempted to go over this in detail below:
#1. Your brows will get much darker and thicker from the time you leave until around day 5.
Be prepared for your brows to look harsh and possibly unnatural during this time period.
If you have a spouse or significant other tell them before hand to keep comments to themselves because even though you’ll know they will heal better it can still be hard since the brows are on YOUR face. You’ve seen my healed pictures so be patient and know they will look perfect with time!
#2. After the darkness wears off you’ll start scabbing and flaking, and underneath your skin it’s going to look like there is no pigment left. Don’t worry: it’s still there and it comes back in with time. Your skin’s healing process is just that… a process. You did not go through that entire process for it to all be gone at day 7. As long as you are following aftercare instructions to the T you have nothing to worry about.
#3. Around week 3 and 4 when your skin is closer to being complete healed you will notice there are some patches and strokes that didn’t retain as they should have. Just realize that it’s impossible to get your brows perfect on the first visit. Which is why everyone needs to have their touch up:
Any missing pieces or strokes we want to fill in will be done at the touch up so please make sure you make this appointment a priority as well. Without it your brows won’t ever be completely “done”.
At this point (even around week 2 when you are completely scab free) you can put eyebrow makeup on to help even out any missing strokes.
#1. Your brows will get much darker and thicker from the time you leave until around day 5.
Be prepared for your brows to look harsh and possibly unnatural during this time period.
If you have a spouse or significant other tell them before hand to keep comments to themselves because even though you’ll know they will heal better it can still be hard since the brows are on YOUR face. You’ve seen my healed pictures so be patient and know they will look perfect with time!
#2. After the darkness wears off you’ll start scabbing and flaking, and underneath your skin it’s going to look like there is no pigment left. Don’t worry: it’s still there and it comes back in with time. Your skin’s healing process is just that… a process. You did not go through that entire process for it to all be gone at day 7. As long as you are following aftercare instructions to the T you have nothing to worry about.
#3. Around week 3 and 4 when your skin is closer to being complete healed you will notice there are some patches and strokes that didn’t retain as they should have. Just realize that it’s impossible to get your brows perfect on the first visit. Which is why everyone needs to have their touch up:
Any missing pieces or strokes we want to fill in will be done at the touch up so please make sure you make this appointment a priority as well. Without it your brows won’t ever be completely “done”.
At this point (even around week 2 when you are completely scab free) you can put eyebrow makeup on to help even out any missing strokes.
Still have more questions?
To schedule a free consultation send us an email [email protected]
or
call [867] 446-4176.
To schedule a free consultation send us an email [email protected]
or
call [867] 446-4176.
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