FAQs
What is microblading?
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing. With the use of a tiny, sterile, disposable needle it is the manual application of inserting pigment into the outer layers of the skin, imitating individual hair strokes to produce the appearance of cosmetic makeup or to enhance the natural features of the face.
What is the difference between microblading and traditional tattooing?
Microblading only goes through the first 2-3 layers of your epidermis, which is your first layer of skin. However, traditionally tattooed eyebrows reach deeper into the dermis. Body tattoos use ink while microblading and cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments, which are designed to fade gently over time.
Does it hurt?
Before and during the procedure a highly effective topical anesthetic, Zensa Numbing Cream, is applied to ensure that our clients are as comfortable as possible. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person, but every effort is made to ensure that you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.
How long will it last?
Microblading typically can last anywhere from 1-3 years, depending on your skin type, sun exposure, and skin care routine. To maintain your eyebrows, touch-up appointments are necessary every 6 months to a year. Final results cannot be guaranteed as everyone retains pigments differently. Multiple sessions are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits. A follow-up appointment is necessary and recommended at 6-8 weeks to evaluate pigment retention and to make any adjustments needed.
How many treatments are needed?
For most clients microblading is a two step process, requiring a touch-up 6-8weeks after your initial appointment and an annual maintenance appointment every 1-2 years.
How long does the procedure take?
Including the numbing and mapping process, the appointment can last up to 1-2 hours.
Can you work over existing tattoos?
Corrective work is taken on a case by case basis. Prior to booking your new appointment you must email photos of your existing tattoos to archandedge@gmail.com so I can determine if your tattoos can be corrected.If the previous tattoo is too dark, large, discolored, tattoo removal is strongly recommended before booking an appointment with me to achieve the best results. Corrective/cover-up work will generally require multiple sessions for best results and additional touch ups will be charged accordingly.We cannot guarantee the results for corrective/cover-up work.
How can I prepare for my appointment?
If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, please bring reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows before your appointment so we can take into consideration your desired shape. If you regularly get your eyebrows waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. Any stray hairs that fall outside of the final shape, we will remove them. Our clients are required to avoid any blood thinning medications at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. Blood thinning medications include Aspirin, fish oil supplements, Vitamin E, and Ibuprofen. Please avoid alcohol within 24 hours of your appointment and limit your consumption of caffeine. If you have been on an Accutane prescription you must wait a minimum of a year to schedule your microblading appointment. If you plan to go on vacation it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after your procedure. It is highly recommended to avoid the sun 14 days before and after your procedure. Do not show up to your appointment with sunburn on your face.
How old do I have to be to have a procedure?
You must be 18 years old or older to have a procedure done in our studio.
Can I get this procedure done if I am pregnant/nursing?
As a precaution we do not perform microblading/cosmetic tattooing on women that are pregnant or nursing.
Is this equipment safe?
Yes! We take pride in having an immaculate and sterile studio space. We use single use, disposable needles and supplies on each client. The space is disinfected properly and disposable supplies discarded safely after each use.
Do you offer consultations?
Yes, we offer complimentary consultations. To book a consultation, please call or send an email to archandedge@gmail.com
What offers will affect my cosmetic tattoo?
Sun exposure: the sun fades the pigment faster so sunscreen may be used to prolong your enhancement. The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds. Anti-aging skincare also speeds cellular turnover, so be sure to avoid having “active” skincare make contact with your brows. The speed at which the skin absorbs pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold. The choice of color: Some colors fade quicker than others. E.g. a blonde color will fade quicker than a dark brown color. The area of treatment: Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure.Bleeding during the procedure: Any bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should not be taken prior to and following your appointment.
How will I look immediately after the procedure?
The area treated will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process.Redness and swelling is minimal. Detailed aftercare instructions will be given to you after your procedure.
What should I do after the procedure?
We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions following your procedure. It is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best results. The most essential aftercare is to keep the treated area moist with aftercare balm, DO NOT rub, pick, or scratch the healing area as the color will peel off prematurely, and avoid extreme heat, getting the treated area overly wet, and contaminated bodies of water (such as saunas, jacuzzis, steam rooms, pools, lakes, and places with hot humidity).
How will my cosmetic tattoo look in the future?
During your appointment, we will analyze your skin’s undertone to anticipate how pigment colors will fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure color remains in the same tone. The majority of our clients’ cosmetic tattoos stay true to color. There are some cases, however, where colors 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 appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial color. Special formula alteration to correct the color and to prevent further color change is made at this time. Results vary with each client.
What should I know about long term care?
A good sunscreen applied daily AFTER healing on the tattooed area(s) is needed to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color fade faster. You may need a touch-up every 1-2 years. The fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, and if any chemical peels were done after cosmetic tattooing. If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had a 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 become discolored.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept Cash, Venmo, and Debit/Credit.