Microblading FAQs

Question 1

How do I prepare for my procedure or touch-up? (MICROBLADE PREP)

Answer

If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you usually would so I can take into consideration the shape you desire. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded, or tinted, please do so at least three days before your appointment. If any stray hairs fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. I require my clients to avoid any blood-thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours before their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume. If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure. It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.

Question 2

How do I care for my brow after microblading? (AFTERCARE)

Answer

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW MICROBLADED EYEBROWS: I have had the best results with this simple healing method! I recommend washing the tattooed area GENTLY 3-5 times a day (every 4-6 hours) with lukewarm water and a disposable paper towel, gauze, or cotton round and always pat the area dry. Apply a THIN layer of the barrier cream that has been supplied to you. Keep out of the sun throughout the healing process. Do not use ANY cosmetics in this area and avoid sweating for AT LEAST 10-14 days. Keep the area clean and let it breathe! WHAT TO EXPECT: Immediately following your procedure, the eyebrows will appear to be darker and bolder in color and more sharply defined. This can last up to a week after the treatment, while the initial healing process takes place. The treated area may feel a bit like sunburn, afterward, but there should be minimal discomfort. During the initial healing period, there should be minimal flaking of the skin. If there is some flaking, do not pick, and allow the dry skin to come off on its own. The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks, at which time the true color of the microblading is evident. During this process, your brows will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Please wait at least 8 weeks to see the true color, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 8 weeks that your touch-up can be done. WHAT NOT TO DO: You may shower or bathe normally, but avoid getting any soaps, shampoos, or other cleansers on the treated area for the first five days as they can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilize in the dermis. DO NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It may appear as though the microblading has completely disappeared. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates. DO NOT apply make-up to the tattooed area for the first two weeks. Cosmetics of any kind may interfere with the healing and color of your microblading. DO NOT use Vaseline, Neosporin, or other petroleum-based products while healing. DO NOT bleach, tint or dye the tattooed area for one month following the procedure. DO NOT apply any anti-acne products (e.g., Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Proactive, etc.) or lightening creams (skin bleaching creams) such as hydroquinone to the treated area while healing. DO NOT use anti-aging products or facial products containing Alpha Hydroxyls (AHAs), Retin-A, Lactic or Glycolic Acids while healing. DO NOT thread, wax, or use hair removal products on the treated area while healing. DO NOT exercise or sweat for a few days before getting tattooed and for two weeks after. DO NOT get into swimming pools, jacuzzies, or other bodies of water for two weeks. DO NOT soak your face underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face for two weeks. ONCE HEALED: Exposure to the sun over time can cause fading and discoloration of the pigment. Once completely healed, you may apply sunscreen on the treated area. Wear large sunglasses and a hat for further protection. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly when in contact with chlorine. Glycolic acid, microdermabrasion, and chemical face peel products must be kept away from the area as continued use could lighten the pigment.

Question 3

How long does microblading last?

Answer

Microblading will not wash off. However, it will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 1-2 years. The frequency of sessions depends on many factors, including the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary. Multiple sessions are standard for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 2 months after the initial appointment. Additional sessions will be charged according to our current pricing.

Question 4

What factors will affect the result of microblading?

Answer

Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement. The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the recovery takes, the longer the pigment holds. The speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold. The choice of color: Some colors fade quicker than others, e.g., a blonde color will fade faster than a dark brown color. The area of treatment: Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure. Bleeding during the procedure: Any bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should not be taken before and following your appointment. Aftercare: Failure to follow the aftercare diligently during the first 2 weeks of healing can contribute to less than desired results. For example, sweating during healing can affect the appearance of the hair strokes when fully healed. Iron Deficiency: If you suffer from Anemia or low iron, this could affect the way your body reacts to the pigment. The pigment used contains iron oxide, which can result in the hair strokes to fade or change in hue due to your body absorbing the iron.

Question 5

What will my microblading look like in the future?

Answer

During your appointment, I will analyze the undertone of your skin to anticipate how pigment colors will fade in the future. I will also mix pigments to ensure color blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair color. The majority of my clients' cosmetic tattoos stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. There are some cases, however, where colors may fade to different tones according to the individual's response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes. At your next appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial color. Special formula alteration to correct and prevent further color change is made at this time. Your eyebrow tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a "powdered" look. This happens with all clients as the skin ages. To keep your hair strokes looking good, a refresher appointment is suggested every 1 to 2 years. Results vary with each client.

Question 6

What should I know about long-term microblading care?

Answer

A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER healing and is required to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color soften faster. Fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure. If you are planning a chemical peel, laser treatment, or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had a cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.

Question 7

Will microblading work for me?

Answer

If you have extremely oily skin, the hair stroke eyebrow technique will NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hair strokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect. If you have little to no existing hair, your tattoo will appear more 2-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally. If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner. If you are iron deficient or Anemic, your pigment may fade sooner, and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure. PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed, I cannot guarantee results for cases such as these. In some instances where the previous work is too dark, dense, discolored, or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before my services will be considered. Previously tattooed areas will almost always require additional sessions and will be charged accordingly. Please send me photos PRIOR to booking so that I can ensure that your brows are workable at this time.

Question 8

What are some of the skin contraindications to consider?

A list of skin conditions that may cause poor results during or following microblading.

Ingrown hairs and opened bumps on the eyebrows

Injured/inflamed skin cannot be tattooed.

Eczema

Flaking/itching/irritation/shedding of the skin cannot be tattooed.

Psoriasis

Flaking/itching/irritation/shedding of the skin cannot be tattooed.

Dermatitis

Flaking/itching/irritation/shedding of the skin cannot be tattooed.

Rosacea

Acne-like skin indicated by redness. The skin bleeds easily and will not retain pigment well.

Moles/ raised areas on or around the brows

Anything raised will not retain color.

Deep wrinkles in the eyebrow area

Hair-strokes will not lay properly in the creases, giving the eyebrows an uneven look.

Hair transplant in the eyebrows

The pigment may not take where the plugs were placed.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type 1

Redheads/translucent skin/light eyes

Due to the hypersensitivity and thinness. This skin type bleeds very easily and does not take the pigment well.

Accutane (acne medication) within the last year

Skin will not heal well. Must wait one year.

Retinol or Vitamin A/Tretinoin use

Must discontinue use three months prior to the procedure.

Extremely thin skin

Transparent or translucent skin bleeds easily and cannot hold pigment due to its thinness.

Tanned/Sunburnt skin

Avoid sun and tanning bed exposure thirty days prior to microblading

Use of Latisse or eyelash/eyebrow growth conditioner

Hair follicles are sensitive and will bleed easily. Must discontinue for two months prior to the procedure.

Face or body dysmorphic disorder

Expectations cannot be met

Answer

Microblading requires a thorough consultation prior to scheduling to review how to prepare for the procedure and to review the aftercare and healing information. Microblading results vary from client to client and depend on the client’s individual health, lifestyle, and skin type. Microblading is an art, not a science, and results cannot be guaranteed. Microblading will fade over time but could last up to 5 years and possibly longer and laser or chemical treatment are options for removal. The topical anesthetic, nickel in tattoo needles, or certain pigments used in microblading may trigger allergic reactions in rare cases. The tools used for microblading at Tactical Aesthetics are disposable and disposed of after use and cross-contamination procedures are strictly followed. Wound infections are possible during the healing process if you do not strictly adhere to the recommended aftercare instructions.

Answer

Thank you for choosing Tactical Aesthetics to do your Microblading. I am committed to providing you with excellent and natural results. Your safety and satisfaction are important. Please feel free to ask any questions. Client Information Name:____________________________________ Date:______________ Gender:_________ Date of Birth:__________________Phone Number:__________________________ Occupation:__________________________________________________________________ Are you over the age of 18? ___________ Are you pregnant or nursing ________________ How did you hear about Tactical Aesthetics?____________________________________________________________ Please read and fill out this form completely, making certain that you understand all the information provided, and that your information is correct. You have the right to be informed so that you may decide whether or not to undergo the procedure after knowing the risks and hazards involved. This disclosure is simply an effort to make you better informed so you may give, or withhold, your consent to the procedure. Information About The Microblading Procedure Microblading requires a thorough consultation prior to scheduling to review how to prepare for the procedure and to review the aftercare and healing information. Microblading results vary from client to client and depend on the client’s individual health, lifestyle, and skin type. Microblading is an art, not a science, and results cannot be guaranteed. Microblading will fade over time but could last up to 5 years and possibly longer and laser or chemical treatment are options for removal. The topical anesthetic, nickel in tattoo needles, or certain pigments used in microblading may trigger allergic reactions in rare cases. The tools used for microblading at Tactical Aesthetics are disposable and disposed of after use and cross-contamination procedures are strictly followed. Wound infections are possible during the healing process if you do not strictly adhere to the recommended aftercare instructions. Recent Health History Have you had alcohol in the last 24 hours? _________ Have you ever had a cold sore or fever blister? _________ Have you had permanent makeup before?_________ Do you have eczema, rosacea, dermatitis, or alopecia? Please specify: ____________ Do you routinely use Retin-A, glycolic acid, or other exfoliating products? _________ Do you wear contact lenses? _________ If you have permanent makeup or tattoos, did you have any problems with healing after they were applied? _________ Do you have issues healing? _________ Do you personally have any history of cancer? _________ Are you sensitive or allergic to hand creams or body lotions? _________ Do you scar easily from minor skin injuries? _________ Have you had botox injections in the last 2 weeks? _________ Are you taking any medications? Is so please list: _____________________________ Do you bleed excessively from minor cuts? _________ Do you bruise easily? _________ Do you consume aspirin daily? _________ Are you using any eyelash or eyebrow growth serums? Please specify: _____________ Do you have a history of stroke or heart attack? __________________ Are you undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment? __________________ Are you now, or have you ever been on the acne treatment Accutane? ______________ Do you have a history of skin sensitivities? __________________ Do you use tobacco? _________ Do you have any medical conditions that have resulted in medical professionals requiring you to pre-medicate prior to invasive procedures? _________________ Do you have any autoimmune disorders? ________ Do you intentionally tan your face - Direct sun or tanning bed? ________ Do you hypo-pigment? (lack of pigment) ________ Do you hyper-pigment? (develop dark spots on the skin from wounds or sun)? ________ Photo Consent _________For the purposes of documentation, I consent to the taking of before and after photographs. Please note, if you check this box your photos will NOT be used for marketing purposes. _________I consent to the use of my photos for the purposes of marketing. My pictures may appear in print or online. Consent to Procedure _____I have received and reviewed the informed consent document for permanent makeup/microblading. _____I am over the age of 18, not pregnant or nursing, and desire this elective cosmetic pigmentation procedure. _____I consent to the use of topical anesthesia considered necessary or advisable. _____I understand that the color outcome may be slightly modified due to the undertone and health of my skin and that individual results will vary depending on a variety of factors. _____I understand that if I have any health conditions, I may have less than desirable or poor results. _____I understand the aftercare instruction and I am aware that failure to follow the instructions could result in less than satisfactory results. _____I understand that microblading/permanent makeup will fade/diffuse over time due to environmental and lifestyle factors. _____I request this microblading/permanent cosmetic makeup procedure and accept the permanency of the procedure as well as the possible complications and consequences of this procedure. _____I acknowledge that no guarantee has been given to me concerning the results of this procedure. _____I consent to this microblading/permanent makeup procedure and the above-listed items. _____I release Tactical Aesthetics and it’s representative, Stephanie Ollikainen and subsidiaries, of any and all claims for injury, seen or unseen, that may occur as a result of this procedure. Full Name: ____________________________________ Date: __________________ Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Technicians Name: Stephanie Ollikainen Initial: _________ Date: _______________