Cosmetic Tattooing

Microblading (also referred to as Microstroking, Eyebrow Embroidery, Feather Stroke Brows, 3D Brows, micropigmentation, etc) is the process of manually implanting color pigment into the top layer of the dermis, by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to create the appearance of natural looking hair strokes. For a client with excessively oily skin, this technique will result in a soft powder stroke. Dry to normal skin types tend to heal with more crisp defined results.

If you are a client who does not normally fill in their brows with makeup and you are looking for a very natural look, this technique is great. If you are used to filling in your brows, we would highly recommend a Combination Brow as Microblading may not be enough color for you.

Microblading is ideal for normal to dry skin types.

While Microblading is done using a manual tool to etch hair-like strokes within the brow, ombre shading is done using a tattoo machine to create a soft powdered look within the brow. Both methods are done using the same type of ink and require at least two appointments (an initial appointment and a follow up 6-12 weeks later). When needed, shading can also be added to a Microbladed brow to create depth, also known as a Combination Brow.

At the time of your appointment, your skin type, texture, thickness and undertones will be analyzed, as well as brow hair color natural growth patterns and asymmetries, facial shape and bone structure. Melanie prefers natural brow styles and will design and shape the brow to something that is both flattering and balanced. Color will be selected to closely match your brow hair and unwanted brow hair will be removed. The technique used during your appointment (hairstrokes, shading or combination) will depend on your skin type and desired results.

Factors to consider associated with skin type include:

Oily Skin: Microblading heals best on normal to dry skin types. Microblading may not work well on clients with more oily skin types or large pores. Increased oil production can cause hair strokes to blur and heal lighter and more powdery than you would expect.

Mature Skin: Tends to be thinner and more delicate which may increase the likelihood of bleeding and loss of pigment.

Darker Skin: There may be less contrast and visible detail in the strokes.

Previously Tattooed Brows: Previous tattooing must be nearly invisible. Scar tissue associated with previous tattooing may affect pigment retention. A consultation is required if you have had your brows previously tattooed.

Microblading is not meant to entirely replace makeup. Eyebrow pencils or powders may still be wanted.

You can not receive Microblading if you are:

• Pregnant or nursing
• Under 18 years old
• Are currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past year
• Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face
• Are on blood thinning medications
• Have Rosacea
• Have Eczema or Psoriasis in or around your brow area

*Please note I cannot tattoo over raised moles or acne/blemishes within the brow area.

Please make sure you are healthy enough to be tattooed before booking an appointment! If you have any concerns about whether or not you are a good candidate for Microblading please book a free consultation, email or call the studio.

If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, please bring a couple reference photos to your appointment or bring in your brow makeup. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we may take that into consideration. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please refrain from doing so within a week of your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. Avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 48-hours prior to their appointment. Don't drink any alcohol or caffeine 24-hours prior to your appointment. No Botox for 3 weeks prior to Microblading and No Botox 3-weeks after Microblading. If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure. Avoid sun and tanning bed exposure for 10 days before and after your procedure. Keep your eyeshadow and foundation sheer to none but mascara, brows and lips makeup are fine!

Following the procedure the pigment on the surface of the skin will begin to oxidize and appear darker/bolder. In 3-7 days the brow will begin to flake and peel, sometimes creating a spotty appearance until the entire brow has finished exfoliating. Immediately after peeling, the healing epidermis will cause the brow to appear light or muted over the next 4-6 weeks. The epidermis will normalize and the softened pigment will bloom back to the surface of the skin.

Healed results will vary from person to person. There are many variables that will affect your final result including your skin type, skin tone, colors used, skin thickness, medications and medical conditions, lifestyle, amount of natural brow hair, bleeding during procedure, aftercare, application techniques and more. Results can not be guaranteed due to these factors. Most clients will experience a bold crisp immediate result that will heal into a diffused a softened version.

Two sessions are required to complete most brows. The first session will be used to create shape and apply the foundation of the pigment and texture. Everyone heals and retains pigment differently and once healed you will return in 6-12 weeks for an additional perfecting and layering session to complete your brows .Occasionally certain clients may need or desire a 3rd session depending on their skin type or desired result. After your initial follow up is completed, maintenance is recommended every 12-18 months.

Individuals who have had permanent makeup that is improperly shaped, doesn’t suit your features, or the color has turned to an unnatural and unwanted shade, a consultation is required before you schedule an appointment. *EXISTING BROW TATTOOS: We are extremely selective when working over existing tattoos and other tattoo artists' work. If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed, we request that you email us clear photos of your brows for approval (melanietattoos@gmail.com) BEFORE your appointment booking. In addition to the photos in your email, please include the date of your last brow tattoo, how many sessions you received, and the business name and artist name who performed your service.

Depending on how well you take care of your new semi permanent enhancement, your skin type, amount of uv exposure, brows should last for between 9-24 months. A color boost will be required after this time to keep them looking on point; this is priced accordingly.

Lip Blush tattoo is used to enhance the natural lip shape, symmetry, and color. A customized pigment is applied to add definition to your lips and conceal imperfections based on your skin tone and personal preference.

Your lips will look like lipstick on the first day, and soften as they heal to become a very subtle, natural looking lip tint. Apply a little gloss or balm and your lips look beautiful 24-7!

If you are prone to cold sores, lip tattooing can cause outbreaks. We ask that our clients take their prescribed anti-viral medication a few days prior to their appointment and after the procedure to prevent any cold sores.

If you have an outbreak, or any other type of scratch/acne we ask that you reschedule your appointment.

• There may be moderate swelling, redness and bruising for the first 3 days.
• If you experience swelling, use an ice pack for no more than 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
• During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is some scabbing or flaking, do not pick, and allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own. This usually takes place within the first 3 days.
• Expect the color to lighten up to 50-70% once the healing process is complete.
• Color may appear uneven at different stages of healing. Be patient. This is a process that does not yield immediate results.
• Permanent makeup ink is not the same as body art ink, and by design it does not last as long as body art ink. Permanent Makeup does fade and is expected to last 2 to 5 years before requiring a touch-up. Maintenance touch ups are suggested for best results.
• It can take 2 sessions prior to achieving the level of saturation you may desire. Touch ups are not included in the cost of the initial Lip Blush procedure.

Lash enhancement involves tattooing an ultra-thin black line along the top lash line at the roots of the lashes to create the illusion of fuller, darker, thicker lashes. The result is a natural, youthful, eye-opening effect. Depending on your preference, the bottom lash line can also be subtly tattooed.

The tattoo machine used to deposit pigment is entirely different from the manual tool used for Microblading. The device is a tattoo machine that delicately applies pigment into the skin for natural-looking results.

Lash enhancement can be a great solution for anyone who wants thicker, darker, healthier-looking lashes, including those with naturally sparse lashes or medical conditions that cause their lashes to fall out (e.g. alopecia). Those with Graves' Disease and glaucoma may not be good candidates. You’ll also want to hold off if you’ve recently had eye surgery or plan to have surgery in the near future. Reach out if you have questions about whether lash enhancement is right for you.

Similar to Microblading, the liner color will typically appear much darker for the first 10 days. A touch-up is recommended four to six weeks after your initial appointment to ensure the pigment is evenly applied for beautiful, long-lasting results.