MICROBLADING BROWS @ DULUTH MICROBLADING STUDIO

WELCOME to the next level of eyebrows! Microblading!

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

Microblading (also known as eyebrow embroidery, microstroking, featherstroke, 3-D brows, and hairstroke tattoo) has actually been around for many years in European countries. The U.S. is just catching on to this amazing technique.

Microblading is an amazing, semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing procedure specialized just for the brows. It is a semi-permanent method of tattooing individually customized eyebrows. With microblading, the thinnest hair strokes are created with pigment using hand-held, disposable sterile tools on numbed skin. The pigment is deposited beneath the surface of the skin, which makes the hair strokes appear very crisp and realistic. Microblading is considered a corrective brow enhancement. The goal of microblading is to create a very natural looking brow.

MICROBLADING IS JUST FOR WOMEN, RIGHT?

• No - Microblading is for women AND men! More and more men are seeking out microblading, too. A well-groomed appearance is important to everyone, and microbladed brows can take years off the face for women and men alike.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEMI-PERMANENT TATTOOING (SUCH AS MICROBLADING) AND PERMANENT TATTOOING (SUCH AS PERMANENTLY TATTOOED EYEBROWS)?

• The purpose of semi-permanent tattooing, such as microblading, is to enhance the natural features of a brow while preserving brow hair. Microblading is a softer, more subtle and natural-looking procedure, and does not harm or require removal of actual brow hair. Permanent tattoos use ink, while semi-permanent procedures use pigments. Permanent tattoo inks have the capabilities to change to a bluish, purplish, or reddish tint over time. The Phi-Brows pigments used in our semi-permanent microblading and shading procedures are specifically designed to never turn those colors and to simply and gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as clients natural coloration and facial changes occur.

HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING LAST?

• No guarantee can be made as to how long results will last. Microblading is considered a semi-permanent brow procedure that can last about 6 months - 2 years without a touch-up. The pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Microblading is an art, not a science. Client results will vary from person to person. Although it is effective and can last up to two years in most cases, everyone’s skin is different. It is very important that each client understands that we cannot guarantee how long the pigment will be retained in your skin. Retention depends on your skin type, texture, oiliness, and aftercare. Most clients will need 12-18 month touch-ups, but results will vary from each person.

ARE FUTURE TOUCH-UPS THE SAME PRICE AS THE INITIAL, FULL PROCEDURE APPOINTMENT?

• No, touch-ups are much LESS!! Touch-up pricing is based upon how long it has been since your last appointment. The sooner you come back in, the less expensive it is. Additionally, we cap our touch-up pricing at the 18+ month touch-up price, which means whether it has been 18-months or 3-years from your last appointment, clients will never pay more than the current 18+ month touch-up price!

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE? WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

• The initial, full procedure appointment will take about 2-hours. Generally, touch-ups take about an hour.

During the first, initial appointment, we:

• Complete paperwork

• Consult, calculate and draw your brow shape

• Use virtual, digital technology to ensure precise measurements

• Take before pictures

• Choose your ideal color

• Seek your final approval

• Start the procedure

• Finish the procedure

• Take after photos

• Carefully review after care instructions and the PhiBrows-exclusive aftercare products provided complimentary.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?

• Cash

• Debit & Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)

• Apple Pay

• Personal checks, from returning clients only, made payable to ‘Duluth Microblading Studio’

ODD QUESTION, BUT IS TIPPING THE ARTIST OKAY IF I’D LIKE TO?

• Yes, the artist may accept tips for a job well done and is very appreciative of the generosity, but tipping is of course at a client’s discretion.

WILL I STILL HAVE TO TWEEZE OR WAX MY BROWS?

• Yes. Your hair will continue to grow. Your maintenance will be a lot easier, though.

ARE MY ACTUAL BROWS HAIRS DAMAGED OR REMOVED BY MICROBLADING AND/OR SHADING?

• NO. Actual brows hairs are not damaged or removed during the procedure.

WILL I STILL NEED TO WEAR BROW MAKE-UP?

• Microblading enhances your natural brows, creating fine hair like strokes. If you prefer a filled in look that does not resemble hair, you may still need make-up or, choose to combine microblading with shading, to achieve the look.

DOES IT HURT?

• Pain threshold levels vary from person to person. Some clients experience very little to no pain, while others may be slightly uncomfortable. A topical numbing gel is used throughout the procedure to help you remain comfortable. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity. If you have a usually low tolerance for pain, this procedure may not be for you.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE HEALING PROCESS? 

• Everyone’s skin is different. Although eyebrow microblading is effective in most cases, no guarantee can be made that everyone will benefit from the procedure. Microblading heals about 50% lighter than the initial service. If you have very dark hair, please know the pigment may heal lighter than your natural hair color. Generally, the results are excellent but it very much depends on your skin texture, oiliness, and after care. There are many factors that could affect your healing.

Your new microbladed eyebrows will go through several phases during the healing cycle.

1. FIRST - The pigment will appear very sharp and dark immediately after the procedure. This is because the pigment is still sitting on top of your skin, and has not yet settled in completely. Your brow area may be slightly swollen and your brows may look/feel slightly larger. While some are ok with this, some have a very hard time - Just breathe, give it time and trust the process.

2. NEXT - The color of the pigment will soften gradually, for some, the pigment may seem to disappear. Again, just breathe and trust the process. Do not be alarmed if you see some pigment on the cotton swab, as this is excess pigment and/or lymph exiting the skin. Once the healing of the skin starts taking place, it will look like dandruff flakes or dry skin. This might give you the impression that the color pigment is fading too quickly; however, this is just superficial color and dry skin being naturally sloughed from your eyebrows. Your brows may develop some undesirable scabbing. DO NOT PICK! We cannot stress this enough, DO NOT PICK.

3. AFTERCARE – Specific aftercare instructions based on your skin type will be reviewed and given to each client. The artist will review line by line instructions with the client to ensure complete understanding. Clients are given PhiBrows-exclusive aftercare products to care for their new brows during the healing phase.

• Please plan accordingly and allow two weeks if you have an event or special occasion coming up.

HOW MUCH ADDITIONAL DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR A 6-8 WEEK TOUCH-UP APPOINTMENT? HOW DO I BOOK IT? DOES EVERYONE NEED A 6-8 WEEK TOUCH-UP AFTER THE FIRST, INITIAL APPOINTMENT?

• A 6-8 week post procedure touch-up is INCLUDED COMPLIMENTARY (Yay!!) with the first, initial procedure appointment package only to ensure the best results. The 6-8 week touch-up much be completed between 6-8-weeks after the initial procedure. While most clients will only need one 6-8 week touch up, additional 6-8 week touch-ups are offered at a discounted price.

• The 6-8 week touch-up/perfecting appointment will be booked in-person with the artist directly after completion of the initial appointment, and is not available to pre-book online.

• Microblading is considered a two appointment procedure. For the most part, everyone will need a touch-up or perfecting appointment after their first microblading appointment.

Please note that everyone’s skin is different. Therefore, each person will experience different results with this cosmetic tattooing procedure when it comes to retention. Additional touch-ups may be necessary.

CAN MICROBLADING BE DONE ON ANYONE/EVERYONE?

Microblading is NOT for everyone. Please review the outline below. If any of the following apply, this procedure may not be for you.

• Extremely oily skin/Chronic Acne and/or Large Pores on your forehead (pigment may not retain properly - the brows may fade quickly or strokes may appear fuzzy and blurred).

• Existing permanent brow tattoo or microblading completed by another artist. (No exceptions).

• Deep Wrinkles (the result may appear uneven).

• Thin-skin in the forehead area (skin may be too fragile and hypersensitive).

• Blood Thinners (may cause excessive bleeding; must discontinue use for a minimum of 48-HOURS).

• Hemophilia (may cause excessive bleeding).

• Psoriasis, Eczema or Keratosis Pilaris (in the brow area).

• Dermatitis (itchy, flaky skin in the brow area).

• Rosacea on the forehead (skin may be too sensitive and may not hold color).

• Sweat regularly - Sweating can potentially cause pigment to fade during the first 2-WEEKS. Sweating during the first two-weeks after treatment may cause significantly less color retention.

• Moles/Bumps/Piercings/Raised Skin (in brow area).

• Sunburn/Suntan (in brow area - must wait until skin returns to normal color).

• An auto-immune disease (Such as Lupus - skin health may be too compromised for microblading. Please consult with your doctor).

• Anemia (pigment may not retain properly).

• History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

• Currently undergoing chemotherapy (please seek permission from your doctor).

• Pregnant or nursing (no exceptions).

• Accutane - Severe acne medication may create tissue-thin skin - must wait ONE-YEAR following Accutane usage to regain skin integrity.

• Alcoholic or Drug user (may cause blood thinning and/or excessive bleeding).

• If you are under a doctor’s care and have ANY questions about being able to have this procedure, please discuss with your doctor prior to scheduling an appointment.

Please note that even if none of the above apply, microblading cannot be guaranteed. It is a cosmetic tattooing procedure and the skin can be unpredictable. It is up to your skin to retain the pigment. Generally, results are successful; however, due to skin type, healing or bleeding during procedure, some results can differ.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY MICROBLADING SESSION?

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT:

• DO NOT WORK OUT the day of the procedure.

• DO NOT TAKE the following 24-HOURS prior to appointment (as they are known or suspected to increase bleeding risk):

  • Aspirin

  • Advil/Ibuprofen

  • Fish Oils

  • Vitamin E

  • Niacin

  • Allergy Medication

  • Drink Alcohol

  • Smoke/Consume Marijuana

  • Drink/Consume Caffeine (caffeine may be in coffee, tea, chocolate, supplements, energy drinks and bars, etc.)

• DO NOT TAKE the following Herbal Supplements 24-HOURS prior to appointment (as they are known or suspected to increase bleeding risk):

  • Gingko Biloba

  • Garlic

  • Ginseng

  • Fish Oil

  • Dong quai

  • Feverfew

• DO NOT TAKE Prescription Blood Thinners 48-HOURS prior to appointment.

• DO NOT CONSUME the following 48-HOURS prior to appointment (may cause blood thinning and heavy bleeding):

  • Power Shakes (protein and vitamin rich shakes, meal replacement shakes, etc).

  • Power Greens (leafy vegetables abundant in vitamins, nutrients, and fiber).

• SHAPE, WAX, THREAD OR TINT BROWS 72-HOURS or more prior to appointment (if desired, not necessary).

• 1-WEEK or more prior to appointment:

  • Discontinue use of AHA (chemical exfoliation) skin care products close to the brow area.

  • No Laser or Electrolysis on or around the brow area.

  • It is highly recommended to avoid SUN and TANNING BED Exposure for 1-WEEK BEFORE and AFTER appointment (as the skin exfoliates from a sunburn or suntan, it will take the pigment with it). Clients arriving with a sunburn or skin peeling will need to reschedule appointment with a new deposit.

• 2-WEEKS prior to appointment:

  • No Botox or Fillers in the brow area.

  • Discontinue Vitamin A skin care products (Retin-A, Retinols) close to the brow area (it is recommended to NOT use these products over or around the brow area after microblading as they can cause fading and distortion of hair strokes).

• 3-WEEKS prior to appointment:

  • No Lash or Brow Hair Growth Serum on the brows (Latisse, Rodan and Fields, etc.)

  • No Chemical Peels, Dermabrasions, Mesotherapy or any other intense skin treatments (as they may cause faster skin cell rejuvenation and skin irritation).

• 4-WEEKS prior to appointment:

  • Antibiotics - MUST wait 4-WEEKS after last dosage.

• ONE-YEAR prior to appointment:

  • Prescription Accutane - Severe acne medication may cause tissue-thin skin - must wait a minimum of ONE-YEAR following Accutane usage to regain skin integrity.

• IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Clients may be more sensitive to any treatment discomfort during their menstrual cycle.

  • Plan Trips or Events a minimum of 2-WEEKS after the procedure.

  • Although perfection is always our goal, no one's face is 100% perfectly symmetrical. It is important to note that a perfect result is not a realistic expectation as a person’s eyebrows are by nature never exactly the same, and it is nearly impossible for eyebrows to be perfect mirror images of one another. The saying, "brows are sisters, not twins" is applicable to microblading.

WILL I RECEIVE COUNTLESS, WONDERFUL COMPLIMENTS ON MY BROWS?

• Based on the feedback we have received from our many clients over the years, you can count on it!

Great Eyebrows Don't Happen By Chance. They Happen By Appointment at Duluth Microblading Studio!

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