Brow FAQ
What is Shading (AKA Powder/Ombre Brows)?
This technique has been around for decades, but has been gradually improving over the years. The Ombré Powder fill method is more like a traditional tattoo, and involves the application of thousands of tiny dots of pigment, inserted into the skin, gradually building up a color and defined shape. Ombre Powder Brows use a more traditional tattooing method, with longer lasting results, and works with ALL skin types, including oily or combination skin. Clients come back for color boosts closer to the 12-18 month mark. The brow is also fuller and more defined or dramatic than with the Microblading method. If you are someone with oily or combination skin, or who fills in your brows regularly with pencil or shadow, then this is the method for you! It mimics the look of filled in brows, without all the effort each morning.
How long does the procedure take and when should I get a touch-up?
The procedure requires a minimum of two sessions, about 8 weeks apart. The initial appointment takes about 3.5 hours, depending on skin type and nature of your eyebrows. During your initial visit, you will complete your intake paperwork and have a brief consultation, where all necessary factors will be assessed in order to insure that the procedure can be performed. The brow area and measurements are taken for precision, and to confirm your desired style and shape, based on your natural features. Once the technician confirms that you are satisfied with the shape designed for your eyebrows, the Microblading/Shading procedure will begin.
Your perfecting session must be scheduled 8 weeks after your initial appointment. This session can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how the brows healed. During the perfecting session, we will assess the color retention and enhance any areas that have faded. It is very important that clients prioritize their touch up just as much as their initial treatment, as this can affect achieving the best results possible.
How frequently you will need a touch-up following your perfecting session depends on how well your skin absorbs the ink or if it fades. This is determined by a number of factors, which come into play, such as skin type, exposure to sun, lifestyle, chemical peels, certain body deficiencies, etc. We are happy to advise if another touch up is needed, but eyebrows would have to be assessed. As a general recommendation, for clients who have oily skin, work out and sweat frequently, or participate in activities that involve swimming in chlorine water or constant exposure to the sun, a yearly touch up would be advised.
Does it Hurt?
Everyone’s pain threshold is different, so the discomfort level is relative to your sensitivity. We apply an anesthetic for numbing throughout the procedure. We also make every effort to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure. We have been pleased to find that our clients feel it is comparable to the pain felt with threading or tweezing.
How long does Shading last?
With the proper aftercare and maintenance, the procedure can last up to 1-3 years. Because Shading is also a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo, the pigment will fade over time. Variables such as skin type, exposure to sun, lifestyle, chemical peels, certain body deficiencies, etc. can affect the retention of the tattoo. Thus, annual Color Boost is recommended for longer lasting results.
How long is the healing process?
Healing can take up to 2 weeks. It is normal to experience minimal swelling and tenderness immediately following your procedure. This usually subsides within an hour or two. The first week following your session the treated area will appear darker, and more intense than it will appear once it has healed. Flaking, peeling, and sometimes itching, will occur as the skin naturally exfoliates and sheds, allowing the true color to emerge. TRUST THE PROCESS. After care instructions should be followed strictly, to ensure that eyebrows heal accordingly and the maximum results are achieved.
Can I wax or thread after Shading?
Yes you can! We recommend cleaning around the hair strokes to ensure they don’t do not fade quicker than usual.
Should I wax or thread my eyebrows before getting them Microbladed/Shaded?
If you get your eyebrows waxed, make sure it is done no less than 1 week prior to your appointment. Please be sure to leave as much hair in tact as possible, which are close to your eyebrow shape. The more hairs we have to work with, the more natural looking the result will be.
Can I do this procedure while pregnant or nursing?
Unfortunately we cannot perform Microblading/Shading while you are pregnant or nursing, due to the anesthetic in the numbing cream we use, as well as potential stresses associated with the procedure. It is your responsibility to notify your technician IN ADVANCE if you are pregnant or nursing.
What should I do before and after my appointment?
Please review our detailed Pre-Procedure and After Care Instructions. We strongly recommend following these instructions to ensure a smooth procedure and successful healing process. For the best results possible, DO NOT rub or pick the healing area as the color will peel off prematurely, and avoid extreme heat, sweating, and contaminated bodies of water such as saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, pools, lakes, etc.
How can I make an appointment?
You must visit our online booking site. Please note that a 20% deposit is required to schedule and secure your appointment and is deducted from the total price of your service. This deposit is to ensure that you are serious about your appointment and is non-refundable. If you cancel or miss your appointment, you will forfeit your deposit. In emergency cases, your deposit is transferable.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept CREDIT CARD (VISA/Mastercard/Discover) payments, PayPal, and CashApp.