pre-care, aftercare and
general information
This information will apply to any eyebrow tattoo service
A BROW TATTOO IS NOT RIGHT FOR YOU IF...
-
you use ACCUTANE or have used it within the past 12 months
-
you have very large pores on your forehead or brow area
-
your skin is very delicate, fragile, sensitive or problematic on your forehead/brow area
-
you are pregnant or nursing
-
you are allergic to Lidocaine, Epinephrine or Tetracaine
-
you are highly prone to scarring or keloids
-
you are epileptic (consult your MD)
-
you have had complications with previous tattoos (cosmetic or other)
-
you are diabetic (consult your MD)
-
you are under the age of 18
-
You have moles or skin tags in your brow area (can still do around these areas but cannot go overtop)
-
you are currently taking antibiotics
-
you have health issues that could possibly impair the healing of you cosmetic procedure
-
you are taking any type of blood thinners including vitamins
-
you have Heart or Blood Cancer/Disease and/or any major heart problems or pacemaker
-
you have a Viral infections or Diseases
-
you have any form of illness including cold/flu/covid
-
you have had or are planning to have ANY type of vaccine within 2 weeks before or after your procedure
-
You are generaly unhealthy or unwell
DO RESULTS VARY?
Yes - colour retention and overall results are different for each individual. Factors such as sun exposure, skin type, aftercare, lifestyle and skin tone determine how your brows heal. The final results are not guaranteed to replace makeup- you may still need to use a pencil or powder to create your own unique, desired look. The ultimate goal is to have natural looking, balanced brows.
DOES IT HURT?
I use high quality, health board approved topical numbing to keep you comfortable! You may feel minor discomfort. While everyone has different pain thresholds, I've even had clients fall asleep! Most clients don't rate their pain level higher than a 3 or 4 out of 10
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL TATTOOS AND COSMETIC TATTOOS?
Cosmetic tattoos are done at a shallower depth than traditional tattoos. The pigments used are also designed to fade more and more as time passes
IS MY BROW TATTOO SEMI-PERMANENT?
No but kind of... your cosmetic tattoo will fade more and more as time passes (hence the need for touchups) but you should be prepared for the fact that it may never completely disappear.
WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICROBLADING AND A NANO BROW?
Both services create a hair like appearance in the brow, however the techniques and outcomes vary. Microblading uses a tiny hand tool that has a small series of sharp pins formed into the shape of a blade. The blade is used to make small cuts into the skin and pigment is inserted into the cuts to make a hairlike pattern in the brow. This technique works best for normal to dry very healthy skin with small pores. A nano brow creates a hair like pattern in the brow using a very tiny "nano" tattoo needle and tattoo machine. This deposits the ink into the skin rather than cutting the skin. This causes less trauma, more predicable healed results, and better long term results. It also allows us to add more dimension to the brow by using different needle types and techniques. This technique also works well for multiple skin types and in my opinion is the better choice for a hair like brow.
WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NANO BROW AND A POWDER BROW?
A nano brow creates a hair like pattern in the brow while a powder brow creates a soft, powder makeup like fill in the brow
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE MY INITIAL NANO BROW OR POWDER BROW APPOINTMENT?
Your appointment will take approximately 3 hours. I dedicate 1 hour to mapping, numbing and setup and 2 hours towards the tattooing itself. You are not stuck to the treatment bed for the entire procedure. We can take bathroom, stretching or water breaks as much as needed
CAN I BRING MY FRIEND, PARTNER OR CHILD TO THE APPOINTMENT?
I would prefer that you do not bring guest to your appointment. It is incredibly distracting to have others in the treatment room while I am performing your service - especially kids, even if the are well behaved. Coming to your appointment allows me to put the full focus on you and your brows.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?
Anything that is going to help you to feel more comfortable! But here are my top suggestions:
-
The temperature in my space fluctuates. Dress in layers and/or bring a sweater.
-
During the winter months you will need to remove your shoes or boots when you enter the salon and trade them for slippers. You're also able to bring your indoor footwear if you prefer.
-
You don't need brow inspiration photos, but I am more than happy to take a look at any you have.
-
Bring a set of ear buds to listen to your favourite audio book or podcast (preferably ones that don't wrap around the top of your head since these can get in the way)
-
A water bottle or your favourite non-caffeinated beverage
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO HAVE MY BROWS RETOUCHED?
We call this the yearly touch-up, but it doesn't need to be done exactly every year. This really does vary from person to person. Some people may need to come a bit earlier than the year mark, others closer to the 2 year point. A good rule of thumb is if you're ready to go 50% darker from where your brows are at or they have become cool/ashed out and need to be warmed up - its time to come in!
DO I NEED TO HAVE A CONSULTATION?
A consultation isn't required but is a great idea if you have more questions or want to get a general idea of what to expect. The cost is $50 but can be applied towards the cost of your initial appointment for nano or powder.
I'VE HAD MY BROWS DONE PREVIOUSLY BY ANOTHER ARTIST CAN YOU TOUCH THEM UP?
Unless your brows are faded enough for us to have nearly a fresh start or we are able to do a full cover up of the previous work, then I am not able to do a touchup for you. All previous work must be seen in person before booking for microblading. nano or an ombre brow. If you have a previous brow tattoo that wasn't done by me, YOU MUST BOOK A CONSULT!
While there are many uncontrolled factors of how your microblading/permanent brows will heal, how well your brows heal is primarily up to YOU. It is very important to follow the instructions listed here for your brows to heal properly. If you are not prepared to follow ALL pre-care/aftercare instructions please do not consider having your procedure done.
-
Do not pick/tweeze/wax/perform electrolysis one week before procedure
-
Do not tan two weeks prior or have sunburned face
-
Do not have any type of facial 2 weeks prior to treatment
-
Do not work out the day of the procedure.
-
Do not have botox 2 weeks prior
-
Do not take Fish Oil or Vitamin E one week prior (natural blood thinners)
-
Do not wax or tint your eyebrows 3 days before the procedure
In order to avoid excessive bleeding and poor colour deposit:
-
Do not drink alcohol 24 - 48 hours before your tattoo
-
Do not consume coffee, tea or any caffeine 24 hours before your procedure for microblading, 4 hours for nano/powder
-
Do not take an aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief (this thins the blood) 24 hours before your procedure
then
-
IN LOVE, staring at yourself all day long... brows will appear slightly bolder than healed results which will appear softer
-
your brow area may feel tight or warm (comparable to when you get a sunburn)and you may experience mild swelling
-
Do not wet your brows for a minimum of 24 hours post procedure
-
Gently blot every 1-2 hours with a dry tissue to soak up lymph fluids and avoid scabbing
-
Your brows may appear darker as a very thin, fine scab starts to form
-
today you will start your wash ointment routine. I will go over all aftercare with you in the studio after your appointment but full, detailed instructions are also below
-
you may or may not still have some flaking, scabbing and dryness - everyone heals differently
-
you"ll continue your wash/ointment aftercare routine
-
at this point your body is growing a new layer of skin underneath those scabs and over the area which has been tattooed. Your body does this to protect your skin that has been opened during the tattooing process from infection.
-
Your brows may look patchy, have uneven colour and some spots may even look faded. Do not panic! As you continue to heal your colour will even out and lighten.
-
At this point that new layer of skin will be starting to shed away making your mircoblading/permanent brows more visible.
-
Your eyebrows will be softer than what you left with at your appointment
-
Patches and gaps are normal and these will be touched up during your next appointment
-
One brow may also be lighter than the other depending on what side you sleep on
-
Colour fluctuations are also natural and depend on your complexion/undertones
-
It can take a little while for the colour to come back through to its proper potential
-
Any parts of the brows that need a little extra attention are addressed and corrected as needed.
-
You will go through the same hearing process as your initial appointment
-
You've made it through! Congratulations on your beautiful new brows!
IMPORTANT AFTERCARE
for the next 7-14 days...
-
24 hours post procedure, you may shower but keep it short and not too hot
-
do not expose your brow area to the pressure of the water in the shower
-
only cleanse and moisturize your new brows area with the cleanser and ointment provided
-
no sun (tanning included)
-
no massages (since you would need to be face down)
-
no sweating (sauna, hot tub, gym, working out etc.,)
-
no swimming or submersing your brows in water for long periods of time
-
no makeup, creams, exfoliants, or any other products in the brow area
-
do not itch, scratch or rub your brows
-
DO NOT PICK AT YOUR SCABS - let them fall off naturally
-
do not apply any products, creams, serums, exfoliants, face washes or moisturizers to your brow area
-
no botox
-
do not wax or colour or tint your brows
-
do not tweeze your microbladed/tattooed brows - you may tweeze around them but not on them
-
sleep on a freshly washed pillowcase or even better, pick up a satin pillow case while you're in the shop or online here. This will help immensely!
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR BROW TATTOO
On the first day ONLY - Do not wet your brows for a minimum of 24 hours post procedure. Gently blot every 1-2 hours with tissue to soak up lymph fluids and avoid large scabbing which can lift the pigment.
For the next 7-10 days (or until the area appears to be healed e.g.: scabbing and flaking is gone) GENTLY cleanse your brow area with your mild foaming cleanser which was supplied to you. Apply a rice grain size of the ointment that was given after cleansing to each brow. Repeat this process every night. If they are feeling too dry you may apply a very small amount of your ointment to them once throughout the day. As a general rule: If your skin is oily you will need less ointment. If it is on the dry side you may need more.
Please abide by these steps for the next 10 days (or until any flaking or scabbing disappears). Failure to follow the aftercare instructions may result in your brows becoming infected or loosing pigment and can jeopardize your chances of a successful procedure.
If a reaction or infection does occur, please seek medical attention. If you have any concerns during your healing journey, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
The First 24–48 Hours (Crucial Rules)
No water or moisture: Do not wash your face, shower directly under the stream, swim, or sweat heavily.
No makeup or creams: Keep all eye makeup, serums, and lotions away from your eye area.
Sleep carefully: Sleep on your back or side the first night so you do not bend or flatten your lashes against the pillow.
No touching: Do not rub, pull, or play with your eyelashes.
Long-Term Maintenance (After 48 Hours)
Gentle cleansing: Wash your face and eyes using a mild cleanser (no acids), always pat dry gently.
Brush daily: Use a clean spoolie brush to comb through your lashes every morning to keep them neat.
Nourish and condition: Apply a moisturizing lash conditioner or keratin serum to keep hairs healthy and flexible.
Avoid harsh tools: Never use a mechanical eyelash curler, as it can snap the lifted hairs.
The First 24 to 48 Hours: What to Avoid
Water and moisture: Do not let your brows get wet, which includes washing your face directly over them, swimming, or taking steamy showers.
Sweat and heat: Skip intense workouts, saunas, steam rooms, and tanning beds.
Makeup and skincare: Avoid putting foundation, concealer, or active skincare (like retinols and chemical exfoliants) near the brow zone.
Friction: Do not rub or touch your brows, and try to sleep on your back instead of face-down.
Daily Long-Term Maintenance
Grooming: Brush your brows upward and outward every morning using a clean spoolie to set their shape.
Hydration: Apply a conditioning brow oil or hydrating serum twice a day starting on day two to prevent the hair from drying out.
Gentle cleansing: Use mild, oil-free cleansers around the eye area and pat dry carefully.
The First 24 to 48 Hours: What to Avoid
No water or steam: Avoid long hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and washing your face directly.
No heavy sweat: Skip intense workouts or hot yoga that causes heavy perspiration.
Hands-off: Do not touch, rub, or apply makeup, skincare creams, or serums to your brows.
Sleeping carefully: Try to sleep on your back to prevent rubbing the pigment off against your pillowcase
Daily Long-Term Maintenance
Switch cleansers: Use gentle, oil-free cleansers. Oil-based makeup removers and cleansing balms break down the dye.
Avoid harsh acids: Keep chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA) and retinol away from your brow area.
Watch out for self-tanner: Avoid self tanners or face tanning drops near your brows, as they can react with the dye and turn the hairs an unwanted greenish shade.
Protect from the sun: UV rays and heavy chlorine from swimming pools can bleach and fade your tint prematurely.