What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent brow tattoo that is made up of fine, realistic looking hair strokes to create a desired brow shape and thickness. To do this, a manual pen-like instrument with a specific amount of small needles implants a desired pigment colour into the skin. Unlike a permanent tattoo, the pigment is only getting deposited into the bottom layer of the epidermis, rather than the dermis of the skin (like a permanent tattoo.)
What are Fusion Brows (Microshading)?
Fusion brows, also known as microshading or powder brows, is very similar to microblading. Instead of creating hair like strokes, we use either the same type of manual pen with a cluster of small needles, or a special tattoo machine to create a "powder look" throughout the brows. This can be done on its own for a more dramatic filled in look, or can compliment microblading very nicely by shading in certain areas where there is less hair.
What will your appointment look like?
After consent forms are filled out, a topical numbing solution is applied (Zensa numbing cream). During the numbing process, we discuss the desired look, color, shape etc. of the brows. Once the numbing cream is removed, an outline of the desired look we discussed is drawn out over the brow area. The time it takes drawing and mapping out are dependent on the brows and can take anywhere from 15-45 minutes. Once this outline is complete and liked by both the client and myself, the microblading/microshading process starts and can take anywhere from 60-90 minutes. To minimize as much discomfort as possible, another numbing solution is applied throughout the treatment once the skin is open. Once the procedure is finished and you are shown your brows, any minor changes can be adjusted during either the current treatment, or at your 4-6 week touchup appointment.
Why is a touch-up appointment necessary?
After your initial appointment, your microbladed or microshaded brows will continue to slightly change daily, until they are fully healed after 4 weeks. The first few days after the procedure, the brows will appear MUCH darker and thicker than they will be when they are healed. Over the next 7-14 days, they will start to scab up, flake and peel. It is NORMAL for the brows to start to look a lot lighter and patchy during this time. You do NOT want to pick the scabs or flaky skin, as this can alter the brows. Depending on the client, certain microbladed hair strokes can shrink by up to 50% and the color of the semi-permanent brow tattoo can fade up to 70% in the 4 week time period. During the touch up appointment, we want to refresh the color of the brows and certain hair strokes that have faded or shrunk. This is also a time to discuss if any minor changes to the desired brow shape and color is wanted.
Who is not a candidate for semi-permanent tattooing?
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Clients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
- Clients that are on Accutane or have been on Accutane in the last 12 months.
- Clients who are diabetic (consult with your doctor first.)
- Clients that have had an organ transplant.
- Clients who have a Lidocaine allergy.
- Clients who have any type of skin irritation in the area we will be tattooing (eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, rash etc.)
FAQ's
