Microshading & Microblading
Microblading is a tattooing technique in which a small handheld tool made of several tiny needles is used to add semi-permanent pigment to the skin. When Microblading each hairstroke is created by hand using a blade which creates fine slices in the skin. Microblading is typically used on eyebrows to create, enhance, or reshape their appearance in terms of both shape and color. It deposits pigment into the upper region of the epidermis so it fades more rapidly than traditional tattooing techniques, which deposit pigment deeper into the skin.
Microshading uses an electronic tool that applies tiny dotted pigmentation to fill in eyebrows. This is also a semi-permanent eyebrow treatment, and can last for one to three years with proper maintenance; touch-ups are recommended to lengthen results. This new technique is less invasive; it replaces the natural-looking hair strokes of microblading with small dots and may last longer than typical microblading, with the average treatment lasting two years. Note that your skin type, aftercare routine, and general lifestyle will affect how long permanent brows last.
People often compare the experience of microblading to the feeling of receiving many tiny paper cuts, but less pain is reported in microshading due to the dotting technique. There remains some pain involved since the skin is being incised.
Most good permanent makeup artists opt to numb the area with a topical agent prior to the treatment to make each session more comfortable.
Side effects of microshading are similar to those for microblading—whether you desire hair-like strokes or small dots, a technician must break the dermal layer using a needle, causing injury. In any scenario, this brings risk of infection. Common side effects include itchiness, redness, puffiness and swelling immediately after treatment.
Microblading/shading is an art more than a science, and one artist’s technique and aesthetic will vary widely from another’s.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT:
Pre-Care Instructions:
• Do not work out 24 hours before procedure.
• NO alcohol or caffeine 24 hours before procedure (Yes, there is caffeine in decaf coffee and tea!).
• Avoid sun and tanning one week prior to procedure.
• Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen 24 hours before procedure.
• Avoid power shakes and power greens, Fish Oil, and "Hair, Skin, Nail" supplements 24 hours prior to procedure.
• Discontinue Glycolics, Chemical Peels and Retin-A 4 weeks prior.
• Refrain from use of any Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products close to the eyebrow area 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after your procedure. Check your moisturizer, face wash BB or CC creams and makeup primers for anything that says acid.
• No brow waxing or tinting one week before.
• Please Note: You will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle as well.
• You have to be off any kind of Accutane for 1 year. NO Exceptions!
• No Latisse on brows for minimum of three weeks prior.
• For permanent eyeliner, eyelash extensions must be removed 3-5 day prior.
• Fillers should be done six weeks prior to scheduled procedure or six weeks after procedure.
• Botox should be performed two weeks prior to scheduled procedure or two weeks after.
While allergic reactions are rare, it isn't impossible. A patch test can be performed to ensure no allergic reaction occurs from the pigment. To schedule please select "Patch Test" from the Services menu.
Also touch-ups are mandatory. Touch-ups must be booked within 6-10 weeks after initial appointment. Otherwise, initial service fees will apply.
