Frequently Asked Questions
on the topic of microblading
Q: Will it hurt?
A: Pain is relative. Some feel more pain than others and overall it feels like soft scratches. You will feel it, but with the help of a topical numbing again, it will help to dull any discomfort. A little advice: Don't schedule your appointment during that 'time of the month.' (FYI, same goes for waxing!) Most will say the sound is the worst - it sounds like Velcro! I've even had people fall asleep during the service! On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst pain you've ever experienced, I hear most often a range of 1-4.
Q: How long does the microblading appointment take?
A: I schedule 2.5 hours start to finish. Don't worry, that doesn't mean you'll be poked at the whole time! When you arrive you will be asked to fill out paperwork and read over the aftercare and ask any questions you may have. You will also leave with basic aftercare and some other goodies too!
Q: Do I need to do anything special before coming in for microblading?
A: Yes! Come with your eyebrow makeup (if you typically wear any) how you normally wear it so I can see what your style is. In order to avoid excessive bleeding and poor color deposit do not drink alcohol 24-48 hours before your service. Do not consume coffee before your service. Do not take an aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief as it will thin the blood. Please read all of the pre and post care information before scheduling your appointment.
Q: Can I go out the same day/night I have my eyebrows microbladed?
A: Yes. Just be sure to have your aftercare ointment on the brows to keep out bacteria, dust, etc. They may be a little tender and depending on the skin type the skin may slightly swell and appear red around the area. I suggest giving yourself 2-3 weeks to heal before a special event. Remember, you will schedule a touch-up appointment 4-6 weeks after the first session so plan accordingly. Ex: If you have a wedding in October, I would suggest having your eyebrows microbladed in August to allow time to heal.
Q: Why do I need a touch-up?
A: A one hour touch up appointment is scheduled 4-6 weeks after your first session to allow me to do exactly that, touch up any strokes that didn't heal accordingly or faded quickly due to excessive bleeding or improper aftercare. We can also add to them, apply a powder look to add depth, or slightly change the color. Aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself! You MUST be willing to follow the aftercare rules.
Q: What education do you have on microblading and what makes you different?
A: I have received not only one but two certifications in microblading and I don't plan on stopping there. (My first course I even took twice to absorb all of the information. I know, I'm a nerd!) Education is forever ongoing and I'm constantly researching and practicing every single day. Additionally, I am an active member in several microblading and permanent makeup forums lead by the industries best educators. I take great pride in my work and and make sure I am always following proper procedures enforced by the city, county, and state. I also use the highest quality steel blades and pigments available.
Q: So, do you just start tattooing my brows and I don't see them until the end?
A: No way! The first 30-45 minutes of your service is spent providing a thorough consultation. Based upon this information, I pre-draw the shape using different methods. You will have a hand held mirror during the length of the service and are able to 'check in' on the progress as often as you'd like. You will OK the drawing and the pigment color before proceeding. No surprises here!
Q: Can you microblade over my pre-existing eyebrow tattoo?
A: It depends. You may have to consider laser removal prior to a procedure or upon consultation we will see if I can work with your existing permanent makeup to incorporate the old design and colors into the new one. Always disclose if you’ve had previous permanent makeup so I can treat you accordingly.
On the topic of eyelash extensions:
Q: How often do I need to schedule my fills?
A: The average is 2-3 weeks, however some are able to go 4 weeks. It's all dependent on many factors like: your lash cycle, your aftercare, your skin type and how oily it is. If you like to face-plant into your pillow at the end of the day, you may require a fill more often than others. If you have naturally watery eyes (or cry a lot!), you may require a fill more often than others. It is SO important to follow proper aftercare as well which leads me into the next question...
Q: What is the aftercare for my eyelash extensions?
A: Contrary to popular belief, water isn't your worst enemy with wearing eyelash extensions; it's the sweat and oils that will break down the bond used to adhere the extension to your lashes. Since I started lashing in 2014, the rules have slightly changed for aftercare. I used to tell my guests to wait 24 hours before getting their lashes wet. Not anymore! Now you only have to wait 4 hours! Woo!
Here is a list of proper aftercare:
*Avoid water near your eyes for 4 hours
*Do not pick, pull, or play with your lashes
*Do not use waterproof mascara on the eyelash extensions. I don't suggest any mascara unless it's an approved product. You can still wear mascara on your bottom lashes!
*Avoid anything oil based (i.e.: cleansers, eye makeup, eye liners)
*Avoid direct heat from a BBQ or oven. Don't stick your head in there to grab your pie! Stay back - it will singe your lashes!
*If you need a spray tan, do it AFTER your lashes are applied
*Sleep on your back if possible
*Use a silk pillowcase if available. It helps the lashes to glide over the pillow rather than getting stuck on cotton fibers.
*Wash them daily! Bacteria can build up and create problems
Q: How long are the appointments?
A: A full set is scheduled for 1.5 hours and is dependent on the amount of lashes you have naturally. Someone with 30 lashes per eye will take less time than someone with 60 lashes per eye. A fill is scheduled for 1 hour. *This is based on classic eyelash extensions; hybrid or volume lashes will take an extra 15-45 minutes.
Q: What's the difference between classic and volume eyelash extensions?
A: Classic lashes are applied on a 1:1 ratio, meaning one synthetic lash is applied to one natural lash. Volume lashes are applied on a ratio of 1:2 to 1:4 lashes per lash. Volume lashes are skinnier and weigh less than classic lashes so a natural lash can still hold the weight. Volume creates a thicker or 'fluffier' look. It's also great for those that don't have a lot of natural lashes to work with and can be used to "fill in the blanks." *There is also a method called "Russian Volume" that is applied on a 1:6+ ratio. It looks very full and is great for events like..going to Vegas! It takes a lot of time (up to 4 hours) and I do not currently offer Russian volume. Hybrid is the best option in my opinion which is a mix of classic and volume in the same set. It's stunning! I offer one free upgrade to a hybrid fill to my regulars so they can see the difference. *Warning: Highly addictive!
Q: Do you use mink lashes?
A: No way! First of all, that's animal cruelty and I love animals way too much! Mink lashes are super expensive too! So if someone offers "mink lashes" for dirt cheap, don't believe them. The lashes I use (and almost every other lash tech I know) are synthetic and perfectly mimic the natural lash. Technology has come a long way since eyelash extensions became popular back in the states in 2003. Yes, it's been around that long - and growing tremendously every year! Would you want to wear an animal on your eyes? Eek.
Q: How do I know what length I want?
A: My general rule of thumb is that you don't want to go longer than 50% of your natural length. So for example, if one of your lashes measures 8 mm in length, I wouldn't suggest putting anything longer than a 12mm lash extension on it. Lash extensions range from 6mm-15mm so 12mm is still long! Can this rule be broken? Sure; but I would use a skinnier lash extension in that case, or even volume lashes. After a thorough consultation we can determine the perfect length for YOU. Just because Suzie Smith's lashes are almost touching her eyebrows, doesn't mean you can have that too. Sorry, I'm the bad guy. My job is to keep your lashes as healthy as possible during this process. Adding extensions that are too thick and/or too long will cause issues like the lashes twisting and poking you in the eye or the natural lash to completely fall out.
Still have a question? Contact me!
I'm more than happy to help;. I may even add it to this page!