What is Microblading/Ombre Powder?
Microblading/Ombre Powder, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup, feathering, or 3D brows is the process of gently implanting colour pigment beneath the surface of skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable blades to produce the appearance of hair strokes, soft powder makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face. Unlike the traditional tattoo method, microblading mimics one’s natural hair growth to achieve the subtlest results. Everybody will notice, but no one will know. As a certified professional, your permanent make up artist will work with you to figure out which colour, shape, and size suits your face, with respect to your preferences. The method of choice between microblading and ombre powder will also be thoroughly explained and carefully chosen together with you and your PMU Artist at your initial appointment.
Do the procedures hurt?
A highly-effective, topical anesthetic will be used for numbing during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.
How long will my eyebrows last?
Microblading and ombre powder are considered semi-permanent and will not wash off, however, they will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 1-3 years, depending on many factors, such as skin-type and lifestyle. This is desired, as it allows you to change the shape, colour and size of your eyebrows as trends and your preferences change. Results are not guaranteed as we cannot control how your body heals.
Benefits
The hair-like strokes can appear very realistic and natural-looking
The ombre powder heals as soft and light as everyday powder make-up
Save time getting ready and money on make-up
Major confidence boost without make-up
Typically not painful
Completely safe and sterile
The results last 1-3 years, so you can change it up later on
How often do I need a touch up?
This can vary person to person. Touch-ups are recommended every 1- months to 2 years, to keep the color fresh and the strokes looking crisp. Wearing sunscreen and generally taking good care of your skin may help maintain your new brows.
How do I prep for the procedure?
Leaving your eyebrows alone for a week (no waxing or other wise removing the hair) is better. However, not required. Do not take Asprin, Fish Oil, Niacin, Vitamin E and/or Ibuprofen, unless medically necessary, 24-48 hours prior to your procedure. Tylenol is fine. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood-thinners the day before & prior to the procedure, this will minimize any unnecessary bleeding after the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes roughly 2-4 hours depending on the complexity of the desired eyebrows (individuals with less natural hairs take slightly longer). However please allow a 3-5 hour window as a buffer so that nothing is rushed.
Do I need to take time off work?
No, there is no social downtime - or otherwise - associated with the treatment. Redness and swelling typically dissipate within an hour after the procedure.
How long does it take to heal?
Healing time varies for each individual. Typically about 7 to 14 days for the epithelial crust to form and slough off, in other words, the flaking process. After this, your skin will be considered to have healed externally.
Will my own eyebrow hair have to be removed or shaved off for this procedure?
Your PMU Artist will try to keep as much natural hair as possible and only remove those which are unnecessary. The microbladed or Nano hair strokes will follow your natural hair growth and blend right in. The procedure is an enhancement of existing beauty.
What is the process like?
Microblading/Ombre Powder is a 2-step treatment consisting of an initial procedure and a touch-up 4-6 weeks after. The initial procedure is longer because of the consultation which consists of shape and colour discussions whilst waiting for the anesthetic numbing to take. During this time, your PMU Artist will listen to your desires, measure the aesthetic features of your face, which will then help her combine the two to create custom brows for you. After having decided on the look of the brow-to-be, the magic begins. All measures are taken to ensure you’re completely confident and happy throughout the procedure.
What should I expect?
For the first few days after the procedure, your eyebrows will look more pronounced and darker than usual, which is perfectly normal. The temporary darkness of your brows will not stop you from resuming daily activities. This result should not be considered as the final look because the colour will lighten by about 5% -30% over a two-week period. During the healing process, it is normal to experience flakiness and/or some pigment loss, hence why it is recommended that touch-ups are booked 4-8 weeks after the initial procedure, which will then complete the two-step process. Your brows will heal to softer and lighter than if first appears after your procedure.
Immediately after your procedure
Redness or swelling is normal
Redness around the eyebrow is completely normal and tend to show more on lighter and cooler skintones. The redness typically diminishes within 1-2 hours post-procedure. If any, the swelling can be managed with soft gel ice packs. Place chilled gel packs (from refrigerator only) in plastic baggies before you place over the swollen area in order to prevent any infection or moisture contact. Swelling is rare but will diminish within 1-2 hours post procedure.
Do not pick on flaking or scabbing!
As the skin starts it’s natural healing process, you may experience some flaking and/or scabbing. Picking or peeling any flakes or scabs can cause loss of implanted pigment and /or scarring. Please refrain from touching tattooed area except when applying ointment (and only do so gently with a Q-tip). Some pigment may rub off, therefore, you should take precautions to protect linens and towels. It’s also normal to see pigment on you Q-tip after applying the ointment.
Apply ointment on the brows every 4-5 hours (or 3 times a day on average) for the full 7-14 days, depending on your body. Do not allow your brows to become completely dry or feel tight.
Avoid certain activities & don’t use soaps or/and creams
Pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, tanning, excessive sweating, facials, hot yoga and other extremely humid situations should be avoided for a period of at least 14 days or until the eyebrows are fully healed. Skin creams and products containing Retin – A, AHA, or any other kind of chemical peel must not be used directly on or near the tattooed area, as this will fade and possibly distort the colour of brows. Sun block should be applied over tattoos on days when you know you will be continuously under the sun for more than 2 hours. (SPF 50 Recommended)
When washing your face, refrain from using soaps and cream on the brow area during the healing period. When showering or bathing, avoid putting your face directly under the showerhead stream.
Final appearance will take 4 -6 weeks
Do not panic! The colour immediately after tattooing will appear very sharp and dark but will soften and fade considerably as the healing process concludes. As with most operations and procedures, it must get worse before it gets better. The final appearance of the tattooed area should not be considered for at least 4-6 weeks after the final visit.
Touch-ups may be required
You may want a touch-up or augment an area the pigment has settled, however, this can onely take place after the 4 – week healing period. A touch-up appointment is crucial with this procedure because Alternative Beauty Artistry will try their best to match the desired shape and colour as much as possible, but your body may present the healed results differently. It is also not uncommon for certain individuals with great retention of the pigment to not need a touch-up.
It is your responsibility to book ahead end ensure that your touch-up appointment is within the 4-6 weeks’ timeframe of your initial visit, otherwise, you will be subject to additional charges.
In certain cases, more than one touch-up may be required to achieve optimal results. The price includes the first touch-up and any additional sessions will be subject to custom pricing, depending on the level of retention of pigment and the timeframe in- between sessions.