Microblading: What you need to know

Microblading as we know it today was popularized in the late 1970's, but eyebrow modification and tattooing of many different forms that resembles microblading has been found for centuries. Microblading is the finest form of eyebrow tattooing, using a pen-like device with a disposable microblade attached to apply fine lines of pigment into the skin. These thin lines follow the natural flow of your own eyebrow hairs, and create the most natural results. Quite different from traditional eyebrow tattooing which was done by a machine, microblading is extremely versatile and can create incredibly beautiful results that fit any facial structure. 

You may not have this procedure if any of the following apply :

• You are under the age of 18
• You get Keloid scars
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have been on Accutane within 1 year
• You have irritation of the skin of any kind  such as blemishes, pimples, rash, psoriosis, eczema, rosacea, sunburn on the area of procedure.
• You are on Retin-A or Retinols.  Be off 7 days before appointment and avoid 30 days after procedure.
• Diabetic (consult your doctor)
• Have HIV or Hepatitus or any other viral infections and/or diseases
• Undergoing Chemotherapy (consult your doctor)
• Epilepsy
• A Pacemaker or major heart problems
• Had an Organ transplant
• You generally don’t heal well and develop infections easily
• If your old tattoo is too dark (please contact me to send a picture so I can see how faded your old tattoo is)

Immediately after, the area will be extremely dark and will continue to darken over the next 48 hours as light scabs form in the area. 30-50% of your pigment will be contained within the scabs. Some clients may experience a temporary  warm colour to the pigment which will neutralize within the next few days.  Over the next 7-14 days your scabs should flake off little by little. Some people scab in light flakes and some develop a thick scab, everyone is different. Absolutely do NOT pick at the scabs and make sure you follow the aftercare instructions closely to obtain the best results. If the scabbing phase is not over after 14 days, please continue your aftercare instructions until scabs are completely gone, it is NEVER acceptable or necessary to remove the scabs manualy.  After the scabbing phase is over, you will notice that the colour of your pigment seems foggy and muted in colour because a layer of skin has grown over the pigment to seal it in. Not to worry, over the next several weeks, your skin will regenerate and the pigment will be more vibrant in once again. The complete healing process takes no less than 6 weeks which is when the true orientation of the pigment will show. You may apply an icepack after your treatment to reduce any swelling or discomfort. Remember, when completely healed, you will loose 20%-30% of the colour and thickness.

Microblading works best on these types of skin:

• Dry skin type with tiny pores. Skin that’s thin but not super thin (I like to compare this skin to a grape). This type of skin is usually not very sensitive with non-translucent fair ivory skin tone and doesn’t bleed easily.
• Normal to combination skin-type with small pores can be abit oily to dry and sensitive or not sensitive (I like to compare this skin to an apple). This type of skin is usually non-translucent and can range from light to dark skin tones, young or mature skin and doesn’t bleed easily.
• Normal to Oily skin with medium pores. Skin that is thicker and abit oily ( I like to compare this skin to a lime). This type of skin is usually non-translucent and can range from light to dark skin tones, young or mature skin and doesn’t bleed easily.

Microblading will NOT WORK WELL for these types of skin:

• Thick oily skin with large pores, tends to bleed easily (I like to compare this skin to an orange peel or grapefruit). The skin texture and constant production of oil will cause the hairstrokes to heal with a thicker diffused, softer look. I can work on this type of skin, however, you must be aware that your end result will look more powdered and blended than you would expect.
• Super-thin, soft, hypersensitive, skin with barely any upper skin layer (I like to compare this type of skin to a peeled hard boiled egg or tomato, or sometimes like a marshmallow). Usually translucent and pale with invisible pores and can have rosacea or dermatitis. This type of skin bleeds VERY easily, has a harder time healing, Pigment can appear more ashy, blurred and patchy.

If you have an old tattoo that is still quite dark, the strokes will blend right into the old tattoo and results will not look as crisp as going over blank skin.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. If you generally have problematic skin, bleed excessively, get infections easily, and do not heal well when cut or injured, you may want to reconsider having this procedure as the results are extremely dependant on the healing process.Please be advised that any of Darby Whiting's procedures are non refundable.

Please be aware:

• Do NOT DRINK ALCOHOL or CAFFEINE  before the procedure (at least 24hrs for alcohol)
• Do NOT  TAKE ADVIL or other blood thinners such a Aspirin, fish oil, Niacin, Vitamin E and/or Ibuprofen unless medically necessary, 48-72 hrs prior to your procedure. Extra strength Tylenol can be taken if you have low pain tolerance.
• If you have recently tanned this will affect the outcome of the healed colour.
• If you’ve had laser removal of previous work done by someone else, the treated area has now more scar tissue and can affect the outcome of the result.  More treatments may be necessary to have the skin take the colour.
• Botox should be done 3 weeks before or 3 weeks after the procedure.
• Avoid exercising the day of procedure as this will open up the pores.
• Please note that you will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.
• No waxing, threading or tinting 3 days before and at least 3 weeks after.
• Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker and bolder in color and more sharply defined. Over the next 2 days, it will appear even darker and thicker as scabs begin to form. You must let the scabs naturally flake off bit by bit. It will take up to 14 days for scabbing to be over.
• You may NOT get the area wet for too long or apply any kind of products (except what I provide for your aftercare) for at least 10 days after. NO makeup on the area for 2 weeks.

Your free touch-up will be 4-8 weeks after your initial microblading procedure. If you wait longer than 8 weeks, no show or cancel within 48 hours of your touch-up appointment, you will be charged $100 for further touch-up bookings.
The first appointment is about structure, design, and building hair strokes. The touch-up is about seeing how the skin heals and retains pigment, as well as making any necessary adjustments to achieve better symmetry, definition, or volume. In most cases, only a minor touch-up is necessary to fill in any sparse areas for a very natural look. However, if you are opting for a fuller more defined look, then the touch-up is recommended to achieve desired results. Any further touch ups will be listed at browbydarby.com under prices.

Microblading will fade over time and should be refreshed every 1-2 years for maintenance. Fading is desired as your skin and facial structure will change as aging occurs. However this does not mean that your semi-permanent makeup will completely disappear. Depending on  your skin and health, overtime your semi-permanent makeup may leave a soft haze of residual pigment behind. These factors will cause your semi-permanent brows to fade:

• Iron deficiency
• Sun exposure
• Exfoliants

I use a strong topical anesthetic cream and gel with 5% Lidocaine for numbing before and throughout the procedure for maximum comfort as pain tolerance will vary from person to person. Some say it feels like threading or dull scratching. You may bring 1-2 Extra strength Tylenol to take after our consultation for additional comfort if you have low pain tolerance.

I book a two hour appointment. The consultation will be the majority of this time. Numbing will be on for 20-25 min and the procedure itself is only around 30 min.

Getting them wet for prolonged periods of time may cause premature lifting of your scabs and increase the chance of infections and loss of pigment. If you get them wet, you must blot them dry immediately to avoid complications and undesired results such as smudgey blurred lines, scar tissue, and uneven pigment. You also must avoid sweating in that area for at least 10 days. Salt draws out pigment and you will be left with undesirable results.

Chemicals found in makeup and cleansers may alter the color of the pigment and affect the healing process, so it is best to wash with fresh water. No makeup on the brows for at least two weeks but everywhere else is fine. 

I use iron oxide pigments. These pigments fade over time as your body will naturally absorb it. They are considered the safest semi-permanent pigments to use for skin. The Pigment Line is "Tina Davies" by Perma Blend.