Frequently Asked Questions
Feather-touch brow tattoo or Microblading as it is commonly known, involves a pen-like hand-tool with a cluster of fine needles, which is used to implant pigment into the skin to create life-like hair strokes and natural-looking eyebrows. There is no machine, it is all manually done with the hand-tool.
All pigments used are excellent quality and highly safe. Most pigments are Iron Oxide and Titanium Dioxide based, a safe non-reactive substance and suspended in distilled water, alcohol and glycerine. The pigments are specifically designed for implantation into human skin.
I have a large selection of colours to choose from so that we can match your exact brow colour, or go darker if you wish. It is completely up to you!
A topical anaesthetic is applied both before and during the treatment. Most clients have a pain-free experience, however some may feel small discomfort. Every person is different.
You can expect your Brow Tattoo to last anywhere from 12 months to 2 years. The result varies between individuals. Some skins hold colour longer and stronger than others, while others fade leaving a light residue in the skin. Pigment may fade or change according to metabolism, lifestyle, skin type, medications, age, smoking, alcohol, sun exposure, and use of active skincare products such as Retin-A and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s).s Retin-A and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s).
A touch-up is recommended every 12-24 months to keep the Tattoo looking its best. Most clients will need touch-ups annually.
This varies between clients. The nature of Microblading and the way in which the pigment is applied into the skin means that it does not last as long as other methods of Cosmetic Tattoo. Other factors which impact on your enhancement are your skin type, lifestyle, aftercare and the skin care products you use. It is normal to expect some unevenness in the appearance of the pigment, and as the enhancement fades, some areas may fade before others. The thickness of skin throughout the Brow ranges and therefore there is an uneven distribution of pigmentation offering a softened look in some areas and more definition in others. The aim of Microblading is to create for you a natural looking eyebrow that looks like natural hairs, not a perfect eyebrow that resembles make-up.
If you think you might want an enhancement that resembles make-up or is much more defined, then you can opt for a Combination or Shadow Brow method.
For many the natural looking result produced by Microblading is enough, as it gives you a natural looking Brow that you can build on. Also as Microblading is the least permanent of methods, it is very easy to convert to a Combination or Shadow Brow method in future if you decide you want to take your enhancement to the next level. Cosmetic Tattoo is an art, not science, and there is no perfect formula. Martina is an artist and will adjust accordingly.
If you think you might want an enhancement that resembles make-up or is much more defined, then you can opt for a Combination or Shadow Brow method.
For many the natural looking result produced by Microblading is enough, as it gives you a natural looking Brow that you can build on. Also as Microblading is the least permanent of methods, it is very easy to convert to a Combination or Shadow Brow method in future if you decide you want to take your enhancement to the next level. Cosmetic Tattoo is an art, not science, and there is no perfect formula. Martina is an artist and will adjust accordingly.
The colour is always at its darkest straight after your appointment. It softens as it heals. Using my experience we select a colour that you want and that I also believe will heal the best to suit all your expectations.
That is entirely up to you! If you know what shape you like your eyebrows then feel free to have your brows shaped prior to the appointment. However if you aren’t really sure what shape would suit you best then I am more than happy to shape them for you during our consultation as we are designing your brows.
The Brow design is done collaboratively between you and I. To begin I will go ahead and create brows with pencil to suit your face using facial measurements. From there we then work together until we have a final design that you like and suits your face.
Some points to consider when booking your appointment:
- The final result is achieved over 2 sessions. After your initial appointment, a perfection visit is required 6-8 weeks later to touch up and perfect the brow shape. Occasionally some clients may require a third visit to finish the Brow. This is often down to the client’s skin type, but can also be affected by lifestyle or aftercare factors.
- You will need to avoid any strenuous activity for the first 7-10 days of healing; this is to ensure the area is kept free from perspiration. Please do not book an appointment the week of any important social plans.
- You will need to avoid any kind of facial treatments around the area for 7 days; this includes facials or laser etc.
- You will need to avoid swimming for 10 days.
- You will not be able to donate blood for 6 months following treatment.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
In order for me to be able to tattoo you, and to get the best results, I need your skin to be in tip top condition. Please avoid any of the following in the lead up to your appointment:
- Facial treatments that involve chemical peels, microdermabrasion, skin needling or anything that intensely removes layers of skin or is invasive. (This includes the daily use of topical Vitamin A or prescription Retin A).
When your skin undergoes these treatments, there is a healing period afterwards as it rejuvenates itself, I can only tattoo and will only tattoo on perfectly healed skin. Please avoid the above in the 30 days prior to your appointment. - Botox - If you have had Botox anywhere around the Brow area, I recommend waiting to book your Brow appointment until right before you are due for a top up. This ensures I am designing your Brows when your face is in its most natural state. Please wait 2 weeks before having Botox performed after your procedure.
- Sun baking or tanning beds, as above I need to your skin to be in tip top condition, and if you are freshly tanned, sun burnt, or have been burnt on the face in the days leading up to then I will not be able to guarantee your results. If you are planning on being out in the sun in the weeks prior, please wear a strong SPF and a hat to protect your face.
- Acne Medication: Please note that you must have been off Roaccutane for 6 months before being able to have your Brows tattooed.
- If you take Fish Oil supplements, please stop at least 7 days prior to your appointment. This is because Fish Oil tablets thin the blood.
- PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ANY NUROFEN/IBUPROFEN VITAMIN E OR ASPIRIN for at least 48 hours before your appointment, these also cause blood thinning.
- CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL MUST ALSO BE AVOIDED AS OF THE DAY PRIOR.
- Please note that due to the nature of the services provided in the studio, it is not appropriate to bring Children to your appointment.
- Only the client receiving the procedure is permitted in the room with Martina whilst the procedure is being performed, this is a health and safety requirement and regulation for skin penetration procedures.
Martina requires complete concentration to ensure the best result is achieved for you. Martina is very approachable and easy to talk to which makes the design process pressure free and easy – we want our clients to love the Brows as much as we do!
Please inform Martina PRIOR to your appointment if:
- You have had your eyebrows tattooed previously
- You are taking medication of any kind
- You have any serious allergies
- You have any keloid scarring on the area
- You have any known medical conditions