Are you a Good Candidate?

Before making an appointment for your new brows, please carefully read through this page to make sure you are a right candidate. 

 

SKIN CONDITIONS (FACE ONLY): ​

• Skin Complications - If you have skin which is prone to complications with eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis (i.e., your skin is constantly flaking, itching, or aggravated), chances are your skin is in a constant state of unrest and shedding and is not suitable for tattooing and your skin won’t hold the pigment.
   

• Chronic Conditions - The same goes for conditions like chronic acne and rosacea. The inherent nature of this type of skin causes easy bleeding once aggravated, which once again means your skin will not retain the color very well and intended effect of microblading. Additionally, excessively oily skin can cause those tattooed hair strokes to blur together and give off an unwanted solid effect instead of a naturally feathered look. 
   

• State of Skin - If your skin is sensitive, it is likely to be easily aggravated and bleed easily.  A good way to know if your skin is sensitive is if turns pink very easily from a little scratch.  If your skin has large pores, specifically in the region of the eyebrows and forehead (aka the T-Zone), the color will blur and result in a powdered look. Along similar lines, tattooed hair strokes will not lay properly on skin with deep wrinkles, which can make the overall look appear uneven. Moles, bumps, piercing, and generally raised skin around the eyebrows will also not be able to retain color. 
   

• Skin Type - If you have Fitzpatrick Skin type 1 (i.e., you are a redhead, have thin, translucent skin with light eyes), your skin is very likely to be hypersensitive and your skin will not be able to tolerate microblading well.  The same applies if you just have generally very thin skin - it will bleed easily and not retain colour.
   

• Sunburn - If you are hoping to get microblading done but have gotten a tan or worse, a sunburn, it’s best to wait until your skin has resumed it's normal colour and wait until your skin has healed before booking in for a procedure.  
   

• Previous Permanent Makeup - People who have previously had permanent makeup may want to change or fix what they have previously had done. Clients may have to consider laser removal prior to a procedure or ask the artist if they can work with their existing permanent makeup to incorporate the old design and colors into the new one.  Always disclose if you’ve had previous permanent makeup so the artist can treat you accordingly. A consultation will likely have to be scheduled. 

 

MEDICATIONS:

• Accutane/Retin-A - Individuals who have been taking acne medications such as Accutane or Retin-A within the last year have an altered skin condition that will not heal well after the procedure. It’s very important that you wait a year before tattooing the skin. Similarly, Retinol and Vitamin A users should discontinue the use of each a month prior to their procedure.
   

• Latisse - Eyelash and eyebrow growth serum bring extra circulation (aka blood flow) to the area resulting in more growth of hair/lashes.  Do not underestimate the power of these products!  If you have been using Latisse or any other eyelash or eyebrow growth conditioners, the skin in that area is in a hypersensitive state and will bleed easily. Be mindful to discontinue using these at least 3-6 months before going in for a session otherwise you will instantly bleed profusely.
   

MEDICAL CONDITIONS:

• Hair Transplant - A commonly unknown fact is that scar tissue will form within the eyebrow transplant site. If you've had a hair transplant for your eyebrows, microblading is not a suitable procedure for you. 

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• Irregular State - If your body naturally runs hot or you have a bleeding disorder, this will result in excess bleeding and prevent adequate color deposit.

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• Autoimmune - Even more seriously, if you have an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, or frontal fibrosing alopecia, you will be not a good candidate for Microblading due to your compromised skin health caused by these disorders.
   

• Other Conditions - If you are pregnant, nursing, have hemophilia, a heart condition, , it is absolutely not recommended that you get any form of permanent make up done as this puts you in a high-risk position.  People who have heart issues often are on medications that thin the blood which will cause excessive bleeding a poor results with microblading.

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REACTIONS TO TREATMENTS:

Below is a list of medical conditions that often cause skin irregularities, making microblading an unsuitable procedure for you: 

• Trichotillomania (i.e., the compulsive pulling of body hair) can causes scar tissue in the skin to be prominent, which does not allow the color to heal properly. 

• Glaucoma-If you hope to get eyeliner tattooed, the use of glaucoma eye drops makes eyelash follicles and eyelids hypersensitive, causing excessive bleeding and poor color retention. 

• If you have continued use of Accutane, Retinol, or skin-peeling acids, you may be prone to excessive bleeding due to your altered skin condition, therefore, microblading would not be a viable option for you.

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS YOU’VE MIGHT HAVE MISSED....

• Botox- Get Microblading done BEFORE you get botox so your muscles will be in a normal state of movement.  Alternatively, if you regularly use botox, you will need to wait at 3 weeks after botox before doing microblading in order to allow the botox to settle in at its full effect.
   

• Vacationing- Microblading is a tattoo and therefore is a mild injury to the skin which takes time to heal.  If you are planning to go hot vacation involving sun, sweating, and swimming, make sure you give your skin two weeks to heal post microblading before showing off your newly microbladed brows on the beach!

 

So, if you’re thinking you’re ready for a microblading procedure, it is important to know that the results of your permanent makeup will be based on the health and quality of your skin. Results will vary from person to person, and if you have a pre-existing skin condition or are on medications, you may still be eligible for a procedure but should adjust your expectations based on your situation.  Like any procedure, every person is unique and will react differently. If all checks out and your skin is in good physical condition, you are ready to book your appointment.

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What I’ve found is that the right pre-care and aftercare can truly make a massive difference on results. Knowing just how important prep and aftercare are, I’ve researched and experimented with many techniques and combinations.  I’ve done dry techniques, wet techniques, washing, no washing,  I’ve tried various products, creams, ointments… you name it, I’ve tested it.

To help you get the best results possible from your microblading procedure I’ve outlined my lessons learned and provided a formula that will help to ensure you get the best results possible.

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Preparatory & Aftercare Instructions

 

Absorb, Wash, Moisturize

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The Prep: If you’ve ever hired a professional painter they will tell you that “it’s all in the prep”.  Professional painters know that they get the best results when they spend extra time sanding, filling holes, making sure edges are smooth and applying the right primer.  Well microblading is very similar.  You will get much better results when you properly prep. It all starts with a good canvas! The eyebrow area must be healthy, strong, non-sensitive and non-irritated.  Here’s how to get your skin ready for the procedure.

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• Do not pick/tweeze/wax/perform electrolysis one week before procedure .

• Do not tan two weeks prior or have sunburned face.

• Do not have any type of facials, chemical peels or laser treatments 2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Discontinue Vitamin A/Retinol products one month prior to treatment.

• Do not work out the day of the procedure.

• Do not have botox 3 weeks prior .

• Do not take Fish Oil or Vitamin E one week prior (natural blood thinners).

• Do not wax or tint your eyebrows 3 days before the procedure.

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In order to avoid excessive bleeding and poor color deposit:

• Do not drink alcohol 24 - 48 hours before your tattoo.

• Do not consume coffee before your procedure.

• Do not take an aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief (this thins the blood).
   

Day 1 (the day of the treatment): Absorb

Gently blot the area with clean tissue to absorb excess lymph fluid. Do this every 5 minutes for the full day until seeping has stopped.  Removing this fluid prevents hardening of the lymph.

 

Days 1-7: Wash 
Wash daily to remove bacteria and dead skin. (Don't worry....THIS DOES NOT REMOVE THE PIGMENT!)

Gently wash your eyebrows each morning and night with water and an antibacterial soap like Dial Soap or Cetaphil.  With a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the eyebrows. Rub the area in a smooth motion for 10 seconds and rinse with water ensuring that all soap is rinsed away. To dry, gently pat with a clean tissue. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids (glycolic, lactic, or AHA), or any exfoliants.  

 

Days 1-7: Moisturize
Apply a rice grain amount of aftercare ointment with a cotton swab and spread it across the treated area. Be sure not to over-apply as this will suffocate your skin and delay healing. The ointment should be barely noticeable on the skin. Never put the ointment on a wet or damp tattoo.

 

Important Reminders

• • Use a fresh pillowcase 

  • Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of color

  • No facials, botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks

  • Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week

  • Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after procedure.  Wear a hat when outdoors.

  • Avoid heavy sweating and long hot showers for the first 10 days.

  • Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days

  • Avoid swimming, lakes, pools and hot tubs for the first 10 days

  • Avoid topical makeup including sunscreen on the area

  • DO NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area.

 

Important note about showering:
Limit your showers to 5 minutes so you do not create too much steam. Keep your face/procedure out of the water while you wash your body, then, at the end of your shower, wash your hair. Your face should only be getting wet at the very last end of the shower.  Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.