Microblading and Shading FAQs

Microblading is semi-permanent makeup procedure performed on the eyebrows where a thin blade is used to create tiny, hair-like strokes. Microblading is used to fill in thinning areas or to create the appearance of brows when little to no hair is present. 

With an eyebrow tattoo the artist is using a bulky tool going deep into the dermis. This is why the eyebrow tattoo is permanent. With Microblading, we are using a more delicate tool with a thin blade. We are staying shallow, working in the epidermal layers of the skin. This is the reason Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup procedure.

A handheld device with a tiny needle is used depositing the color in little pin-point dots. This creates a nice pixelated effect adding color where there isn’t enough density of hair. Shading is often used in combination with Microblading. 

It depends on your starting point and your brow goals. Someone who has hair that is thick/coarse or who has no tail for instance would definitely need Microblading with shading to make the brows look more complete. Another reason someone might opt to get shading is to make the brows look more filled in as if they are wearing makeup. Results are very customizable. See article for more information. 

When shading is performed by itself it is called powder brows. No microblading strokes are applied whatsoever with powder brows. This service is also called ombre brows. 

When Microblading is only performed in the fronts or the start of the brows and then just shading is performed throughout the rest of the brows. This is very similar to Powder Brows but with a few microblading strokes in front.

Yes, please do not consume any coffee/caffeine, alcohol, fish oils, aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin e 24-48 before your treatment. These are all blood thinners and can make the treatment more painful as well.

Yes. If you have had previous microblading and/or brow tattoo please call or email us before scheduling. It is more challenging to go over other's work and it is likely that they will need a color correction and/or shape correction. These are considered revisions and are charged at a different price point. See blog post for more information.

No, it is not recommended to get any kind of permanent make up while pregnant or nursing.

At this time we are not acceptable clients who are under 18 years old.

We recommend a doctor's clearance before performing Microblading. One should likely wait 6 months after chemotherapy is finished.

You will probably want a 2 week cushion after your microblading and before a special event. No, your microbladed brows will not look completely off this whole time but they will be pretty dark in the first 1-7 days, then they will still be flaky and healing the second week.

It is helpful if your brows have been waxed or tweeze prior to you treatment so we know how you like to wear them. Although this step not absolutely necessary.  We will make them look fabulous regardless!

No. Unless you need to bring a translator, we ask that you come alone so that your artist can work on your brows without distractions. 

It takes between 2 - 3 hours depending on factors like how many questions you have, size of brows, and if we are doing shading. There are a lot of steps involved and we want to make sure we take our time with each and every client.  

Some people find there to be some discomfort after the first numb. We numb you up 2 times during your treatment. After the second numb most clients find it to be virtually painless. 

Your artist will measure your eyebrows in accordance with the golden ratio which creates the most aesthetically pleasing symmetry. We also determine your shape based on your facial structure and how your brow hairs grow. We use a pigmented string and pencil to map out your brows. We will look at the shape together and make adjustments if need be. Then we will begin Microblading after you have agreed upon the shape.

Your artist will match your Microblading color to the color of your brow hair, not the hair on your head. She also takes into consideration the undertones in your skin and picks a color with complimentary undertones. 

Instructions will be discussed in full detail during your treatment. Essentially, you will need to wash your brows 4-5 times the first day to prevent lymph fluid from crusting and forming a hard scab. The full next week there should be no washing of the brows or getting them wet, just applying Vitamin A&D ointment every 2-3 hours. Ointment is provided by your artist. 

If you follow the aftercare properly your Microbladed brows will not “scab” in the true sense. However, some shedding usually occurs about days 5-11. This can create some patchiness. This is not a concern as a lot of the color typically returns and whatever doesn’t return we address in the second treatment.  

Yes, for 7 days following your treatment please avoid excessive sweating, tanning, swimming, or getting the brows wet, makeup(on brows). Then for 6-8 weeks following your microblading, no exfoliating the face, or getting facials of any kind. 

Yes! Because Microblading is shallow in the skin, we need to go back over all the strokes from the 1st treatment to solidify your results. Also, just as any cut would shrink down and shorten in the skin, your newly Microbladed brows will shrink down and patchiness typically occurs. The brows will shrink after the first treatment 20-30% and the color will also lighten by 20-50%. See blog post for more information.

You should come back for your second treatment in 6-8 weeks.

Your new Microbladed brows are pretty low maintenance! It is good to wear SPF on them just as you would the rest of your face. Also, avoid exfoliating them as this will fade them quicker.  If you exfoliate your face try not to get it in your brows. This also includes creams or serums that have anything AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide or prescription topicals. You should ESPECIALLY avoid retinol(Retin-A/tretinoin) as it can fade your microbladed brows up to 5 times faster.

After coming in for your 2 initial treatments you can expect your Microblading to last 1-2 years. However, everyone is different and skin isn't completely predictable. It is possible to need a third treatment sometime after your first 2 treatments. This does not happen too often. It is usually based on things like frequent exfoliation, thick skin, oily skin and/or not following proper aftercare.