Microblading FAQ
​
What is microblading?
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 dermis, by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to create the appearance of natural looking hair strokes.
Is microblading a tattoo?
With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term microblading, many are led to falsely believe microblading is not a tattoo process. THIS IS FALSE! Permanent cosmetics, "semi-permanent” makeup, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/microstroking, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup, are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time pigment is placed into the skin with any device, it is indeed a tattoo process. This is defined by many well informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources. Denying this process is a tattoo can be problematic for those who would, for religious or other personal reasons, normally refuse to have a tattoo.
Who is microblading for?
Both men and women who want to effortlessly and naturally look their best anytime.
Do my existing eyebrows need to be shaved off for microblading?
Most definitely NOT! Please do not tweeze, thread, wax or modify your eyebrows in any way for as long as possible before your appointment. This will allow for your artist to custom a brow design that blends in with your natural hair growth. Your initial microblading service includes a brief consultation, followed by facial measurements, and a custom brow design outline for you to preview and approve. Any hair growth that falls outside of the design you choose may or may not be removed according to your preference. Your regular brow maintenance of tweezing, threading, waxing may continue once the brows have healed.
Does microblading hurt?
The discomfort is relative as everyone has a different level of sensitivity. Anesthetic is applied for 30 minutes before the procedure. Every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure. Our clients are usually pleased to discover that it is no more painful than tweezing or threading! With any tattoo mild discomfort and slight swelling should be anticipated.
Microblading pre-care instructions are designed and MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED to limit bleeding and sensitivity during the service. Excessive bleeding and sensitivity during the procedure will dilute and expel the pigment color, leading to poor results.
* Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure.
* If you are a frequent smoker or "sun worshipper" anesthetics used during the treatment may not last as long and also can lead to poor retention and poor lasting results.
* If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.
How long is the microblading healing process?
It is normal to experience minimal swelling and tenderness immediately following your procedure. This usually subsides within a a couple days. The first few days following your procedure, the pigment will appear much darker than how it will appear once it has healed. Around the 1st or 2nd week post procedure, the skin naturally exfoliates and regenerates. During this time, the pigment may appear “foggy” and difficult to see. Around week 4, when the skin completes healing, you will see the pigment become more visible. Your Complimentary Enhancement Session must be scheduled 6-12 weeks after your initial appointment in order to perfect your desired brow color, achieve symmetry, and add density to any sparse areas.
How old do I have to be to get microblading?
You must be 18 years or older to receive Microblading at CharMarie.
Can I get microblading if I am pregnant or nursing?
As a precaution, CharMarie does NOT perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.
How long does microblading last?
Microblading is a permanent procedure. However, the pigment will significantly fade over time and we recommend scheduling an Annual Touch-Up with your artist to keep your brows looking their best.
Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: skin type and tone, pigment selection, lifestyle (sun exposure, smoking, etc), your overall health, as well as use of acidic and/or brightening skincare products and skincare services.
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 touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary.
​
Will microblading work well for me?
If you have extremely oily skin, microblading may NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hairstrokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered instead of a crisp hair stroke appearance. You may be a better fit for an “Ombre Powder Brow”, which we do not offer.
If you still not sure if you are a good candidate for Microblading, feel free to schedule a Complimentary Consult with one of our artists by calling (540)251-3350
Do you perform men’s microblading?
We are happy to accommodate consultations for men interested in microblading or other procedures.
How do I book my microblading appointment?
Appointments may be made via our online booking system or by calling 1(540)251-3350.
How many microblading treatments are needed?
Microblading is a multiple- step appointment process. Your new brows will NOT be complete after just one service. For microblading, at least two appointments are needed initially. Each of these appointments being 6-12 weeks apart. During your Complimentary Enhancement Session, we will assess the pigment retention and make any adjustments necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go bolder and add more density at your next appointment. :)
What factors will affect how my microblading looks?
Excessive bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol, certain medications and vitamins, or any other blood-thinners should avoided prior to your appointment. For a full list of what to avoid before and after your microblading appointment, please read the Microblading tab.
Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, and may also change the color appearance of the pigment. A physical sunscreen should be used once your brows fully heal to prolong your enhancement. Whenever possible, we encourage our clients to wear hats to protect their beautiful brows (and skin too)!
The choice of pigment color: Some colors may fade quicker than others, e.g. a blonde pigment may fade quicker than a dark brunette pigment.
Lifestyle: smokers, "sun worshippers", or anyone with skin that is in a state of distress (rosacea, acne, etc) may have less desirable results.
If you are iron deficient/anemic, your pigment will fade sooner and bleeding or bruising may occur during and after the procedure.
What should I do before my microblading procedure?
If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, please bring a couple reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we may take into consideration the shape you feel most comfortable with. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please refrain from doing so within at least one week of your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we promise to remove them.
If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 30 days after the procedure.
We require our clients to avoid any blood thinners for a minimum of 48 hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen.
Do NOT drink any alcohol or caffeine 48 hours prior to your appointment. (Yes, that includes decaf coffee, teas, and kombucha!)
NO Botox for 2 months prior to microblading (We recommend that it's best to wait until after your Complimentary Enhancement Session heals to get Botox, as an educated injector will take your new brows into consideration when choosing where to inject.)
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one full year (12 months minimum) before considering this procedure. Doxycycline users are also encouraged to wait up to 6 months before receiving Microblading.
Please avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you arrive for your appointment with a freshly tanned or a sunburned skin, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin regenerates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it. Sun exposure can also cause excessive bleeding and sensitivity leading to poor healed results.
How will I look immediately after microblading?
Your brows will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first few days or so. This will gradually lighten during the healing process. Slight redness and swelling is expected. You do not need to go into hiding, however! ;)
What should I do before and after my microblading procedure?
Please review our detailed Pre and Post Care Instructions under the Microblading tab. You MUST strictly follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable, safe healing process and also to achieve the best possible results! We have the right to refuse service for any clients who do not follow Pre & Post Care Instructions.
How will my microblading brows look in the future?
During your appointment, we will analyze your skin tone to anticipate how pigment colors will heal and fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure the color blends well with your natural hair and skin color. There are some cases, however, where the color 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 follow up appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial color. If needed, special formula alterations to correct the color is made at this time. Your eyebrow tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a "powdered" look. To keep your brows looking their best, a refresher appointment is suggested every 12 months. Results and preferences vary with each client.
What should I know about long term care?
* The pigment color will change and fade over time. We recommend an annual touch up to keep your brows looking their best. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency, and if any any aggressive skincare products or services were completed after your procedure.
*When using acidic or brightening skincare products or services (chemical peels, Retin-A, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc) please fully cover your brow tattoo with Vaseline, prior to product application on your skin.
* If you are planning to have an MRI, please inform the technician that you have had an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo.
* If you are planning to have laser treatments, you must fully cover your brow tattoo with 20% zinc oxide. Laser may cause pigment prematurely fade or change color.
​