PERMANENT EYEBROWS & MICROBLADING

What is Microblading?

Eyebrow microblading is an eyebrow enhancement tattoo that involves embedding fine lines of pigment into the skin to give the appearance of individual eyebrow hairs. Eyebrow microblading is also known as eyebrow embroidery, eyebrow micropigmentation, feather brows, or 3D brows. It is typically done using a hand-tool but can also be done with a tattoo machine. The eyebrow microblading permanent makeup tattoo technique is best for healthy skin that is not too oily. It typically lasts 1-3 years but can last longer with a follow-up appointment every 1-3 years.

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How Long Does Microblading Last?

Eyebrow microblading can be done using both permanent makeup pigment and tattoo pigment. The difference between the two is the colour concentration. Microblading done with a permanent makeup pigment usually fades naturally over time and requires a follow-up appointment every 1-3 years. Microblading with a tattoo pigment can last much longer. Many artists favour tattoo pigment for its longevity but please ensure that if this is the case they have an extensive portfolio. Only very experienced artists should be using tattoo pigments.

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What is a Powdered Brow?

A powdered brow tattoo involves implanting a soft spray of pigment into the skin to give the appearance of an eyebrow that is softly filled with powder makeup. A powdered brow tattoo can be applied using a hand-tool or a tattoo machine. The intensity of pigment is controlled by both dilution and the number of passes over the skin as well as by machine settings. This is a very soft and natural enhancement for those with a lot of existing brow hair, or a gentler application technique for skin that is thin or more mature. It typically lasts longer than microblading.

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How Long Does a Powdered Brow Last?

A powdered brow can be done using both permanent pigment and tattoo pigment. A powdered brow done with a permanent makeup pigment usually fades naturally and requires a follow-up appointment every 1-5 years. A powdered brow with tattoo pigment can last much longer. Many artists favour tattoo pigment for its longevity but please ensure that if this is the case they have an extensive portfolio. Only very experienced artists should be using tattoo pigments.

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What is an Ombre Brow?

An ombre brow involves darker enhancement through the arch and tail of the brow and lighter enhancement in the head of the brow. This look can be achieved using different colours of pigment or different dilutions of the same colour. Longevity is similar to that of a powdered brow, although the head of the brow generally fades a little faster.

 

What is a Combo Brow?

A combo brow (in our humble opinion) is usually the most natural looking eyebrow tattoo whether you have a full brow or hair or no brow hair at all. This technique combines microblading with the powdered brow or ombre technique. We recommend this for anyone with very little brow hair or uneven hair density, or anyone who is making a significant brow shape change.

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How Do I Know Which Technique is Right for Me?

You don't, we do! Only after discussing your desired look and analyzing your skin type can we determine the eyebrow tattoo technique that is right for you.

 

TIP: Beware of artists who only do microblading. Microblading is an advanced technique that is suitable only for very particular skin types. When done on the wrong skin type it heals very poorly - we know, we correct and remove bad brows done by other artists every day!

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What Type of Tools Do You Use?

This is a very important question and one you should ask when you are doing your research. We use only very high quality tools that undergo strict quality control during manufacturing. All of our tools are single use, stamped with a lot# and date, and labelled with the method of sterilization. There are many different shapes and sizes of eyebrow tattoo tools available and often several different ones need to be used to achieve your desired look. The type of tool used and the number of tools used per procedure is a factor that will greatly influence the price of your brows as well as the final look.

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Is Eyebrow Enhancement Semi-Permanent Makeup or Permanent Makeup?

This is a topic of constant debate. When done correctly, eyebrow pigment (of any type) is implanted into the upper dermis, thus it is a tattoo and correctly referred to as permanent makeup. However, permanent makeup pigment is formulated to fade naturally over time, which is why some technicians will refer to it as semi-permanent makeup. It is also a common error for the inexperienced artist to implant pigment too shallowly into the epidermis, where it will shed with natural cell turnover - which is another reason why it is sometimes incorrectly referred to as semi-permanent makeup. The correct terminology is "permanent makeup."

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How Does Eyebrow Microblading Differ from a Traditional Eyebrow Tattoo?

The old-school, or traditional eyebrow tattoos deposited thousands of tiny dots of tattoo ink into the skin, for a solid looking eyebrow tattoo that would last almost forever, or fade to unnatural colours over time. Newer permanent makeup pigments are specifically formulated for the face, and to fade naturally over time and with exposure to sunlight. These pigments are also implanted using very new techniques that, even when applied as solid colour, result in very softly healed, natural looking brows.

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Does it Hurt?

Over time we have tried various numbing techniques and have developed a process that is almost 100% effective and also works very quickly. In our studio, most people tolerate a permanent eyebrow procedure very well and some clients even fall asleep!

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How Long Will My Eyebrows Take to Heal?

Permanent Eyebrows will look a bit larger and a few shades darker than you are used to for the first few days. Once healing begins you may see some flaking or scabbing and they may appear quite uneven during this stage. Be patient. Once the flaking has stopped, the colour will soften and start to even out. Flaking should be complete after 7-10 days but full healing of the skin takes 4-6 weeks and sometimes longer.

 

Do I Have to Remove My Existing Eyebrow Hair?

Absolutely not! Some stray hairs may be cleaned up if they are outside of the defined area for your new eyebrow shape but the rest of your hairs will stay. Your new brows will blend with your existing brow hair. 

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What if I Have Little to No Eyebrow Hair?

Permanent Eyebrows are definitely for you! We will work with you to create a soft, natural shape that compliments your facial features. This may include a combination of microbladed eyebrows and powdered shading depending on your skin type and desired look.

 

Can I Cover an Existing Eyebrow Tattoo?

It depends. If your previous eyebrow tattoo is not too saturated, enhancement with microblading or a powdered eyebrow tattoo can be a great option for a more natural looking brow. This is more complicated if your brows are scarred, or if the existing pigment is very saturated or has faded to an unnatural colour. Please email or text us a photo or come in for a consultation if you have an existing eyebrow tattoo and we can discuss the steps required for correction or removal.

What if I've Lost My Brows Due to Cancer Treatment or I'm About To?

          One of our artists, Kelly (the owner of Halcyon Cosmetic) is a breast cancer survivor herself, and understands how the loss of eyebrow hair effects the overall perception of health. If you are about to start chemotherapy we can assure you that you will feel SO much better with some soft permanent eyebrows in place, even if you only have time for one appointment and used it as a guide for makeup application. If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy we must wait until your treatment is complete and your immune system has returned to normal. If you are post-chemo but your brows haven't grown back, then this is also a great option.

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How do I know if Permanent Eyebrows are Right For Me?

If your eyebrows require filling in, reshaping, or are sparse or non-existent, then permanent eyebrow enhancement is a great option! Thick, healthy brows are the current trend for the younger generations but even if you are a little more mature, eyebrow enhancement tattoos are a great, smudge proof, way to restore your youthful look. Don't worry, these are not one-size-fits-all! Colour, hair thickness, brow density, and shape are all customized to your preference and what will look best on you. 

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Are there Contraindications?

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Yes. We will not do permanent makeup if you...

     * are under the age of 18   

     * are pregnant or breastfeeding

     * are on oral acne medication or have been in the last year

     * have keloid scarring

     * have Vitiligo

     * have uncontrolled diabetes

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How Should I Prepare For My Appointment?

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     * Contact us if you take blood thinners on a regular basis

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     * No alcohol 24 hours prior to your treatment

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     * No exfoliating skin care products on the area the week before your treatment

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     * Pain tolerance is reduced just before, and during, menstruation. Keep this in mind when timing the booking of  your appointment.

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     * If you tend to get cold sores anywhere on your face, please ensure you have a prescription antiviral on hand.

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     * Make sure you don't have any significant events planned for several days after your treatment. Although your brows will be immediately               selfie-ready, they will likely appear larger and darker than you are used to.

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Do You Ever Refuse To Do a Treatment?

YES. We reserve the right to refuse treatment on anyone. For any reason. 

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What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We  accept cash, major credit cards and e-transfer. GST will be added to all prices.

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