Permanent Makeup Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is the difference between Microblading, Powder and Combo Brows?

Microblading creates hair-like strokes which is great for a more natural, fluffy brow look. It can create a shape, but naturally. Powder brows give more of that “makeup”, filled in look to your brows – looking like your brows are filled in all the time. Combo brow is the combination of the two methods. Creating hair like strokes in the front of the brow or where needed and filling in the rest of the brow like makeup to the tail end.

What Is Microblading?

Microblading (also referred to as Semi Permanent Hairstrokes, 3d Brows, Feather Strokes, Micro-strokes) is the process of delicately implanting pigment into the skin with a sterile micro needle to simulate the appearance of natural hair. Hairstrokes are meant to be a subtle, natural enhancement and to create fuller, more beautiful brows.

What Are Semi-Permanent Powder Brows?

This is the process of delicately implanting pigment into the skin with a sterile micro needle to simulate the appearance of beautifully shaped brows. Semi-Permanent Powder brows are meant to enhance and define your brows. The shading method involves the application of thousands of tiny little dots of pigment, inserted into the skin, gradually building up a color and defined shape. This is done with a special grouping of ultra-thin needles and a diluted pigment. This look is recommended for people who fill in their brows and wear makeup on a daily basis.

How Long Does Microblading Last?

Cosmetic tattooing is considered semi-permanent as it does not wash away, however pigments are designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, lifestyle, age, metabolism, medications, and pigment color affect the longevity of the tattoo. The sun and some kinds of anti-aging creams that have ingredients such as Retin A, retinols, glycolic acids and lightening properties can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. To take care of your brows, follow the aftercare instructions and touch-up your brows every 1-2 years (as needed).

*Please note that final results vary and CANNOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals. A follow-up appointment is recommended at 5-8 weeks where we can assess your pigment retention and make any changes necessary. Some clients may require more than one follow-up to reach their desired results at an additional cost. Again, this will depend on aftercare, skin type, etc.

What Factors Affect Microblading?

Oily Skin: Increased oil production can cause hair strokes to blur and heal lighter and powdery.

Smoking: Smokers may notice that their Semi-Permanent Cosmetics will fade faster.

Anemia and Iron Deficiency: Your body will absorb these iron-based pigments more quickly.

Sun Exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading. You will want to use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 to protect against fading and I recommend a powder sunblock that can be reapplied throughout the day while in the sun.

Age and Metabolism. The faster your metabolism, the faster the pigment will fade.

Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow before care instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinning medications, and alcohol before your procedure.

Thyroid Conditions: Sometimes this condition causes clients to metabolize pigment differently and can cause color issues so make sure to discuss all health issues with your technician ahead of time.

Does Microblading Hurt?

Topical anesthetics are used to make you comfortable during your procedure, however pain tolerance varies from client to client. Most of my topicals contain a 5% lidocaine such as Zenza. Sometimes a secondary numbing will be used that contains Tetracaine and Benzocaine. Please let me know if you have allergies to any of these. Having the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.

Is Microblading Right For Me?

Microblading heals best on normal to dry skin types. Hair strokes may not work well on clients with very oily skin, large pores or previous permanent cosmetics tattoos. On those with oily skin types and larger pores, results may appear softer and powdery.
Microblading is designed to blend with your natural brow hair, the more hair you have the more realistic results will appear. If you have very little or sparse eyebrow hair results will appear flatter, and it is possible that you may need more than two sessions to achieve your desired result.
Microblading is not meant to entirely replace makeup. Eyebrow pencils and powders may still be needed.

You cannot receive hair stroke brows if you are:
• Pregnant or nursing
• Are currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past year
• Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face
• Are on blood thinning medications or antibiotics
• Have Rosacea
• Are currently undergoing cancer treatment
• Prone to Keloid scars

Are Semi-Permanent Powder Brows Right For Me?

Powder Brows are beautiful on ALL skin types! If you have rosacea or very red skin tones your results will be much better with the “Powder Brow” Technique.


You cannot receive Powder Brows if you are:
• Pregnant or nursing
• Are currently using Accutane or have used it in the last 3 months
• Are currently undergoing cancer treatment
• Have a sunburned face


Powder Brows are designed to look like soft powdery makeup. This can replace makeup but will still look natural. Some clients will add a touch of makeup if they want a “bold brow”.

How Should I Prepare For My Appointment?

    • If you have reference pictures, please feel free to bring these to your appointment. Along with the pencil or powder you are currently using.

 

    • If you tint your brows you will want to do so 72 hours before your appointment.

      If you prefer to have your eyebrows waxed/threaded please do so at least 3-4 days before your appointment, otherwise we can remove stray hairs when we design your brows.

 

  • Shower and wash your face the day of your appointment. Please come makeup free. (Mascara is ok)

Doing any of the following will cause excessive bleeding during your procedure and/or will hinder your final result!:

    • You must not use Retin-A near the brow area 2 weeks before or after the procedure. The use of Retinoils/Retin A/Glycolics will also affect the longevity of your pigment so applying it at least an inch away from the brows is recommended.

 

    • You will need to avoid pools, lakes, salt water and extreme sun exposure for at least two weeks following your appointment, so make vacation plans accordingly!

 

    • No Botox, fillers, Microdermabrasion, chemical peels or anything of the like for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.

 

    • Do not work out the day of your appointment.

 

    • You should not take (unless prescribed by a Doctor) any medications that may thin your blood (i.e. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, fish oil, Vitamin E) 48 hours before or immediately after your procedure.

 

    • Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of your procedure.

 

  • Avoid caffeine for 12 hours before your procedure.

Do I Need A Touch-Up/Follow-Up Appointment?

100% Yes! All Semi-Permanent Cosmetic procedures require and include 2 sessions –  an initial session to establish shape and a perfecting session 5-8 weeks later. During your 5-8 week follow-up we can assess your pigment retention and make any adjustments needed.

This follow-up also increases the longevity of your Semi-Permanent Cosmetics.

Do I Need A Consult First?

I do offer consulting appointments on location for a $50 fee. This fee will be deducted from your procedure if you choose to go forward with the procedure. I also do phone consult free of charge if you choose to have one after booking but before your scheduled appointment. However, I book enough time to discuss your needs and wants at the initial appointment. Correction work needs to be discussed before booking so please contact me first if you have had previous PMU work. This way we can schedule adequate time.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

Initial appointments take approximately 2 hours. This includes the designing process, numbing the area, and the microblading procedure. Follow-up sessions and Combo Brow times can vary so please contact me for further information on those procedures.

Can You Touch Up My Previous Brow Tattoos?

I require that anyone who has had their brows tattooed previously by another artist text me a picture before booking an appointment. This way we can discuss price, your options and schedule sufficient time.

How Do I Book?

Appointments can be made by clicking the ‘BOOK’ button and you can book directly online.

A $50 deposit is required to ensure you are serious about receiving your Brows. Your deposit will go towards the final price of your brows. The remainder of your balance is due at the time of your appointment.

What Is Cancellation Policy?

Deposits are fully refundable as long as you give 72 hours’ notice. I also require 72 hours’ notice to make any changes to your appointment. Giving less than 72 hours’ notice for a cancellation will result in the forfeit of your deposit. If you cancel, are more than 15 minutes late, or do not show up to your appointment, your deposit will be forfeited. This may seem strict but it is to ensure you are serious about your appointment and should you cancel it gives me time to fill your spot.