client information
Q: Am I a candidate for microblading/cosmetic tattoo?
A: Cosmetic tattoo services cannot be performed if you are:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Under the age of 18
Taking immunosuppresion medication/have been diagnosed with an immune disorder
Have any active infection
Have an upcoming surgery within 4 weeks
Taking blood thinning medication
Noncompliant with aftercare instructions
Commonly suntan.
Diabetic
Currently taking painkillers
Taking fish oil
Have an undiagnosed/untreated heart issues
Have taken antibiotics in the past 30 days.
Have tendency to keloid
Have had peels/laser/microneedling within the past four weeks
Have taken Accutane in the past year
Have had laser resurfacing in the past year
Have had botox injections on the forehead within 2 weeks
At high risk of infection/must take antibiotics during dental work
Trichotilloma diagnosis
Most people who have had their brows tattooed in the past will be turned away. Please contact me with a photo of your brows to see if I can take you as a client
If you are unsure whether or not you can receive a cosmetic tattoo, please contact Corinne@atxbrows.com
Q: What is Microblading?
A: Microblading is a cosmetic tattoo technique using a handheld tool to create strokes in the skin that mimic brow hairs. This technique can be used to enhance existing eyebrows or re-store lost or sparse brows. Microblading is meant to enhance your natural brows. If you have very thin brows or little to no brow hair, results can be more 2D and could require more than 2 sessions to achieve your desired look. Microblading typically heals best on normal to dry, healthy skin types.
Q: What are Ombre Shaded Brows?
A: Ombre Shaded brows are done using a tattoo machine to create a soft powered look within the brows. This technique is great for those looking for a more filled in look or who want more definition than microblading. Ombré Shading can achieve a soft natural look or a more dramatic look depending on the clients preference. It’s also a great method for more oily and mature skin types, or those with very thin, yet coarse brow hair. Ombré Shading tends to last longer than microblading and fade more evenly over time than hair strokes.
Q: What is the difference between microblading and ombre shading?
A: Microblading is enhancing the brows with realistic hairstrokes. Ombre Shaded brows are softly shaded in using a tattoo machine to create a powdered look. Both techniques heal to a natural look. Ombre Brows are suited for all skin types and brow shapes. Microblading is not for everyone, please reach out if you have any questions for concerns!
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Everyone experiences and tolerates pain differently. We use a topical anesthetic to numb the area before and during the procedure to keep you comfortable, with most clients reporting a 2-3 out of 10.
Q: Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my service?
A: Yes! Following this Pre Appointment Care is very important:
Discontinue the use of retin-a, retinol, tretinoin products 2 weeks before your appointment
Do not alcohol the night before or day of your appointment
Do not drink caffeine or energy drinks before your appointment
Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen 48 hours before treatment.
Do not take omega3 (fish oil) 1 week before treatment.
Do not tan or have intense sun exposure 3 days before treatment.
Waxing/threading must be done at least 48 hours before your appointment
No chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser or any other intense treatments 4 weeks before treatment.
Q: Is it permanent?
A: Microblading, Combination Brows and Ombré Shading are tattoo services. Any time pigment is implanted under the skin, and lasts more than 6 weeks, it’s considered to be permanent/tattooing. They do fade softly over time and require refresher or touch up sessions, on average, every 12-24 months. It is impossible to determine how long pigment will remain in the skin for years to come. Everyone retains pigment differently and fades at different rates. For some clients it may fade away completely, and for some it may not. Skin type, lifestyle, and skincare products can all effect the longevity of cosmetic tattoos.
*Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed as everyone retains and breaks down pigment differently and a follow-up appointment is recommended at 8-12 weeks where we can asses your pigment retention and make any changes necessary. People with lighter hair, correction work or sparse eyebrows may require more than one follow-up to reach their desired look at an additional cost.
Q: Can I get my brows done by you if they have been previously microbladed/tattooed?
A: I take previous work on a case by case basis. I will need to see a very clear photo of your bare brows before booking.
Q: I had my brows done by someone else, how much is a touch up?
A: My touch up pricing is for current clients only. If I approve your previously tattooed brows it will be new client pricing for the procedure.
Q: Will I still need to use makeup on my brows after microblading?
A: Microblading is a technique to naturally enhance or recreate the look of lost eyebrow hairs. The healed result is soft and natural, making it perfect for an everyday look. Microblading is not meant to replace makeup. Brow makeup will always be more vibrant and opaque on the skin, resulting in a bolder more defined look than microblading alone.
Microblading will allow you to have full brows while not wearing makeup, and quickly be able to follow the design and define with makeup for a bolder look.
Q: Will I still have to tweeze/wax/thread my eyebrows after microblading/ombre brows?
A: A cosmetic tattoo does not effect your natural hair growth, you can continue using your preferred method of hair removal to clean up any stray hairs outside of the design.
Q: When can I get botox?
A: Botox should be done a minimum of 14 days before your brow procedure or 14 days after. Botox takes 14 days to settle and take full effect, and cosmetic tattoos are typically healed within 14 days.
Q: What skincare products should I avoid?
A: You should avoid the use of any skincare products with AHA/BHA, Retinol, Retin-A, Hydroquinone, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, etc. for two weeks before your appointment date, and for two weeks after. Once healed, prolonged exposure to these ingredients can lead to fading and pigment discoloration so its best to keep them off the brows directly. .
Q: How long does the appointment take? Do I need a consultation before coming in?
A: The appointment typically takes 2 1/2 - 3 hours. We start with a consultison to determine the look you’re going for and discuss the best techniques for your skin. It’s also helpful to have reference photos of what you like and what you don’t like! Feel free to come in with brow makeup on so I can see how you normally do them. After our consult, I will map out the ideal brow for your face shape with pencil. Once we agree on our outline, we numb the area and then start the tattooing process.
Q: What’s the healing process like?
A: Brows are typically healed in 10-14 days. Your brows will look darker and bolder in color for the first few days, this is totally normal! Your brows will also flake/peel during healing, this is also normal and may appear like they’re fading too much or losing too much pigment. Trust the process and follow your aftercare instructions. After the new skin has healed, the pigment becomes visible and more vibrant again, usually around 4 weeks after your appointment. Your perfecting session will take care of any areas that may have faded more than desired.
Q: What is the Perfecting Session? Do I really need two appointments?
A: Immediately after the procedure your brows will appear darker and bolder than they will end up. Throughout the healing process, the color will fade. While some clients may like this, other may want a bolder look. You may heal spotty the first time, or have areas that lost pigment. At the second session, we can assess how you healed and how the pigment looks and then make any necessary changes. Those with more oily or problematic skin, heavy bleeding, or those with thin sparse brows may require more sessions to achieve their desired look (additional rates applied).
Q: Is tipping customary?
A: Tipping is customary, but entirely at your discretion, much the same as your hairdresser, massage therapist, tattoo artist, nail technician, etc.
what to expect at your cosmetic tattoo appointment
Step 1: consultation
Welcome to the studio! To start, we’ll have you fill out the consent form to collect basic information and learn a little more about your lifestyle. We will go over your concerns and goals for your brows and ask a few questions about your daily routine. You’re welcome to bring any inspiration photos or come to your appointment with your brows filled in with your normal makeup.
step 2: Eyebrow mapping/pre-draw
Using measuring techniques and experience, we will shape your brows according to bone structure, face shape, any existing brow hair, and overall appearance. The goal is to create a symmetrical, softly arched brow to accentuate the face and open up the eyes. We will review the design together and make any necessary adjustments. Once the design is approved we can begin! But first, numbing cream.
Step 3: Numbing cream
Once the design is approved, a generous layer of topical numbing cream will be applied to the brow area. This will set for 15 minutes before we begin the first pass of the procedure. We will continue to apply liquid numbing solution to the brows as we work to keep you comfortable!
Step 4: procedure
Time for the real magic! We will now begin the cosmetic tattoo procedure, working back and forth between the brows utilizing the chosen technique of microblading, shading, or a combination of the two. The procedure will last anymore from 40-60 minutes. Please be advised you will be laying down flat for the entire procedure.
Step 5: aftercare
We will review after care instructions with you and provide you with an aftercare cream and print out you’ll need for the initial healing period of 7-10 days. It’s important that you follow all the aftercare instructions to achieve the best results and retention for your brows. We wouldn’t want to waste all that time and TLC we just invested into them!