Frequently asked questions

Feel free to contact us if you can’t find the answer to your question here.

COSMETIC TATTOOING, WHAT IS IT?

Microblading and ombre powder tattoos are both forms of cosmetic tattooing. Cosmetic tattooing is the process of implanting hypoallergenic colour pigment into the dermis of the skin. Any time pigment or ink goes into the skin, it is considered a tattoo. Don’t let people trick you into believing microblading isn’t a tattoo – IT IS! Cosmetic tattooing procedures are performed to enhance the natural features of the face by using single-use sterile needles to mimic the appearance of hair strokes or makeup. Iron oxide pigments are implanted in the skin and gently fade over time. Fading allows shape or colour changes to the area in the future. The tattoo usually requires a touch-up every 1-2 years. As each person’s body is different, retention and how long the tattoo will last will always vary. Regular annual touch-ups are highly recommended.

 

Cosmetic tattooing is also called:

  • Permanent makeup
  • Semi-permanent makeup
  • Ombre powder eyebrows
  • Micropigmentation
  • Feathering (eyebrows)
  • Microblading (eyebrows)

HOW ARE PROCEDURES PERFORMED?

Eyebrows (Microblading/Feathering) are tattooed by implanting hair-like lines of pigment into the skin by using a sterile manual tool. It will heal with the look of hair strokes.

Eyebrows (Ombre Powder Style) are tattooed by implanting tiny pixels of coloured pigment into the skin by using a tattoo machine. It will heal soft and powdery in a similar look as soft powder eyebrow makeup.

  • Purchase Aquaphor for your aftercare – this is available in the skin care section at any drug store
  • Have something to eat and stay hydrated before your appointment
  • Feel free to bring in reference photos if you like a particular look
  • Feel free to come in with your eyebrows filled in with makeup as you normally would so we can see the type of look you prefer
  • Pluck or trim excess eyebrow hair 2-3 days beforehand
  • It is highly recommended that you wait at least 4 weeks in between any Botox treatments around your eyebrows to receive an eyebrow tattoo treatment
  • Do not drink alcohol 24-48 hours before your tattoo appointment
  • Do not consume coffee before your procedure
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief (this thins the blood)
  • Do not take Fish Oil or Vitamin E one week prior (natural blood thinners)
  • If you are taking Accutane, you must stop your medication at least 6 months prior to your appointment
  • It is recommended that you avoid sun or tanning bed exposure for at least 2 weeks before and after your procedure
  • Avoid taking blood thinning medication

CAN I HAVE AN OLD TATTOO COVERED UP?

You MUST email clear photos of any previously tattooed artwork prior to your appointment to info@thebrowroom.ca. The Brow Room cannot guarantee results of cover-ups of other artists’ work. I must see and approve the previous tattoo before any work is performed on top of an existing cosmetic tattoo. Sometimes, cover-up treatments are not possible if the existing tattoo is too dark, bold, thick, or dense. There may be limitations to what we can achieve when covering an old tattoo, therefore we need to set realistic expectations.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL HEALING STAGES?

Each person’s skin may respond or heal differently. This timeline acts as a guideline only. You may or may not experience all of these symptoms.

Day 1-2: The tattooed area will appear dark and bold, but don’t worry – this is normal! You may experience some swelling and the area may feel similar to a sunburn.

Day 3-5: Eyebrows will start to feel itchy and may appear thicker in texture as natural exfoliation begins. Do not pick at your eyebrows.

Day 5-7: There should be minimal scabbing. If you do have any scabbing, the skin will begin to flake and peel off. Do not pull any of the scabs off.

Day 7-10+: New skin underneath will appear softer and lighter for a few weeks. The true colour will appear during the fourth to sixth week of healing.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MICROBLADING OR OMBRE POWDER BROWS?

  • People who want to save time and effort from having to do their eyebrows each day!
  • People with unsteady hands
  • People who have thinning, sparse, or no eyebrows
  • People with allergies to conventional makeup
  • People who have gone through chemotherapy (with doctor’s approval)
  • People who have an active lifestyle as cosmetic tattooing eliminates eyebrows and eyeliner from wiping or sweating off
  • People with alopecia or any form of hair loss
  • People with poor eyesight

HOW LONG DOES THE TATTOOING TAKE?

It takes approximately 2.5-3 hours. This will include the consultation, design and colour selection, preparing and numbing of the skin, and the tattooing procedure.

HOW LONG WILL MY MICROBLADING OR OMBRE POWDER TATTOO LAST?

Cosmetic tattoos will fade over time. Regular touch-ups are highly recommended every 1-2 years. Results and the life span of the cosmetic tattoo cannot be guaranteed as each person’s immune system, lifestyle, skin type, and care of the tattoo are unique. Each cosmetic tattoo requires a minimum of 2 visits to obtain the ideal look. The initial tattoo session and the first touch-up session (2 visits in total) are included in the price. Additional sessions will be charged accordingly.

WILL COSMETIC TATTOOING WORK WELL ON ME?

If you have over-oily skin, the hair strokes from the eyebrow feathering/microblading cosmetic tattooing technique may appear softer and have a more ‘powdered’ look due to the production of oil. The ombre powder method may be more suitable for this skin type over time.

If you have very few or sparse hair, your microbladed tattoo may not appear as 3D as it would for someone with more natural eyebrow hair. The ombre powder method may be more suitable for those with more sparse or very little eyebrow hair also.

If you are a regular smoker, your pigment may fade or lighten sooner.

If you are iron-deficient or Anemic, you pigment may fade or lighten sooner as your body will metabolize and absorb certain minerals from the coloured iron oxide pigment.

Please note: MOST clients are happy after their initial session and complimentary touch-up. However, some clients may require more than one touch-up session to achieve their ideal look. Results cannot be guaranteed. Additional touch-up sessions are charged accordingly.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

Most clients will only need two (initial procedure and complimentary touch-up session scheduled 6-8 weeks apart) to reach their desired look. Touch-ups can be done sooner but not any earlier than 4 weeks. You may notice that your eyebrows might be lighter or have patchy areas after the first session. Don’t worry! This is why one free touch-up session is included! This allows us to add more density and colour later on. However, everyone heals and retains pigment differently and at different rates, which is why results cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, some people may need or want an additional touch-up after their free touch-up session. Additional touch-ups are charged accordingly.

DO YOU USE SINGLE-USE STERILIZED NEEDLES?

Yes! Your safety is my #1 priority. At The Brow Room, all needles, microblading handles, cord sleeves, cotton swabs, cotton balls, bibs, pigment cups, and gauze are all one-time use and are disposed of immediately after procedure. Working areas are disinfected with hospital-grade agents and other tools are disinfected and sterilized with a high-level disinfectant. All sharps items are discarded and stored properly in a sharps container.

WHO CAN GET COSMETIC TATTOOING DONE?

  • You must be 18 years old or older to receive any form of cosmetic tattoo treatment at The Brow Room.
  • As a precaution, The Brow Room will not perform cosmetic tattooing procedures on pregnant or nursing women.
  • It is recommended that you wait at least 4 weeks after receiving Botox treatments around your eyebrow area.
  • You must stop taking Accutane at least 6 months prior to receive a tattoo treatment.

WHAT COLOUR WILL YOU USE ON ME?

Skin colour, overtones, and undertones vary from client to client which is why pigments are customized to fit each individual person’s needs. We will swatch a few colours on your forehead to show you what the pigment will look like on your skin. From there, we will choose a colour together. You are involved in each part of the process every step of the way!

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

Most clients will only need two (initial procedure and complimentary touch-up session scheduled 6-8 weeks apart) to reach their desired look. You may notice that your eyebrows might be lighter or have patchy areas after the first session. Don’t worry! This is why one free touch-up session is included! This allows us to add more density and colour later on. However, everyone heals and retains pigment differently and at different rates, which is why results cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, some people may need or want an additional touch-up after their free touch-up session. Additional touch-ups are charged accordingly.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE?

First, we will go over the consultation at the beginning of your appointment. You are welcome to bring in reference photos of eyebrows that you like or don’t like. You will have a chance to ask all of your questions during the consultation. I will measure your eyebrow area, analyze your facial shape and features, and create an eyebrow design that is suitable for your face using cosmetic pencils. Once you are happy with the design, a topical numbing agent will be applied. After the numbing takes effect, we will start the procedure! The entire procedure from consultation to the end of the procedure should take approximately 2.5-3 hours. We will review aftercare instructions together and schedule your touch-up session for 6-8 weeks later.

CAN I EXERCISE AFTER GETTING MICROBLADING OR AN EYEBROW TATTOO?

It is highly recommended for you not to sweat excessively for 10 days after any eyebrow tattooing procedure.

CAN I GET MY EYEBROWS WET AFTER?

After you get your eyebrows tattooed or microbladed, do not get your eyebrows wet unless you are washing them as part of your aftercare. This means no swimming, hot tub, sauna, etc.