Brow Bar

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 produce the appearance of hair strokes.

Is it tattooing?

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 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?

Those who want to effortlessly look their best anytime. Busy moms, business women or anyone with an active lifestyle.

Do my existing eyebrows need to be shaved off?

Most definitely NOT! Please do not tweeze, thread, wax or modify your eyebrows in any way for as long as possible, and no sooner than two weeks. Your regular brow maintenance of tweezing, threading, waxing and/or tinting may continue once the brows have healed.

Does it hurt?

The discomfort is relative as everyone has a different level of sensitivity. A pre-numbing anesthetic is applied for numbing before and during 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.

Pre-Care Instructions are designed and MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED to limit bleeding and skin sensitivities during the service. Excessing bleeding and sensitivity during the procedure will dilute and expel the pigment color and lead 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" the topical 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 healing process?

It is normal to experience minimal swelling and tenderness immediately following your procedure. This usually subsides within a few hours. The first week following your treatment, 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 sheds. During weeks 4-8 when the skin completes healing, you will see the pigment become more visible. An Enhancement Session visit approximately 8 weeks after your first initial appointment is necessary in order to achieve that richness of color, achieve symmetry, and density in the shape.

How old do I have to be to get tattooed?

You must be 18 years or older to receive microblading, tattooing and permanent makeup in the state of VA.

Can I get tattooed if I am pregnant or nursing?

As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

How long does microblading last?

Microblading is a cosmetic tattoo. The pigment will fade over time and we recommend to get an Annual Touch-Up to keep them looking their best. There is no guarantee in how long it lasts as each individual has very different skin and lifestyle.

Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: skin type, pigment selection, lifestyle (sun exposure, smoking, acidic skincare products, etc), iron deficiency (your body absorbs iron-oxide as a supplement), chemical peels, etc.

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.

How many treatments are needed?

Microblading is a multiple step appointment process. YOUR BROWS WILL NOT BE COMPLETED AFTER JUST ONE SERVICE. For microblading, at least two appointments are needed initially. Each of these appointments being 8-12 weeks apart. At the second visit, your Complimentary Enhancement Session, we will assess the color 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 microblading?

Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should avoided 48 hours prior to your appointment. 

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 healed) to prolong your enhancement. Whenever possible, we encourage our clients to wear hat 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 or Anemic, your pigment will fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.

What should I do before my eyebrow 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 will 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 thinning medication 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, decaf coffee has caffeine!)

NO Botox for 2 months prior to microblading and No Botox 4 weeks after microblading (We recommend that it's best to wait until after your touch up 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 year before considering this procedure. Doxycycline users are also encouraged to wait up to 6 months before receiving Microblading.

It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.

How will I look immediately after?

Your brows will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first week or so. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is minimal. You can anticipate your brows being bolder than normal the first few days after your procedure, but no need to go into hiding! ;)

What should I do after the procedure?

Please review our detailed Pre & Post Care Instructions. It is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best possible results. DO NOT rub or pick the healing area as the color will peel off prematurely, and avoid extreme heat, sweating, and contaminated bodies of water (such as saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, pools, lakes, and places with hot humidity, etc.). 

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 color will lighten over time. We recommend an annual touch up to keep brows looking their best. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure.

* If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.  

* If you are planning to have laser treatments, tell your laser specialist to avoid the pigmented area. Laser may cause pigment to turn black. 

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 hair strokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered instead of a crisp hair stroke appearance.

If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment will fade sooner.

Do you tattoo men's eyebrows?

We are happy to accommodate consultations for men interested in microblading.

Please note that a 50% deposit is required to schedule and secure your appointment and is deducted from the total price of your service. This deposit is to ensure that you are serious about your appointment and is non-refundable. If you cancel or miss your appointment, you will simply forfeit your deposit.

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept CREDIT CARD (VISA/Mastercard/Discover/AMEX) and cash payments only.