FAQ cosmetic tattoo
How long do they last?
Microbladed brows will vary from client to client but will typically last anywhere from 1-3 years. Some clients with lower iron levels may experience fading sooner than others and in those cases they may choose to have more frequent touch ups. If a dark and crisp colour is preferred, some may choose to have annual sessions to achieve that level of intensity. Annual touch ups are very popular and an economical way to refresh the brows.
What is the procedure process?
The initial Microblading treatment is a 2 hour booking which does include a comprehensive process involving photos, paperwork and smiles. Before the tattooing even begins we’ll work one-on-one with the client to ensure that we match the right eyebrow shape that best suits their needs and expectations. Also, the actual color of the brow will be selected in order to properly match the skin tone and desired finished look the client is looking for.
Once everything is ready to go a topical anesthetic will be applied to the area for 25mins to minimize any discomfort. The tattooing itself may only take 30mins. Once the procedure is complete we will take another set of photos and keep these with your file to showcase your before and after results. Minor redness and swelling is expected to occur and this will subside within a day or two.
The actual healing process takes approximately 2 weeks and the skin will heal over the tattoo pigment during this time. Initially the color of the new brow will look very dark due to pigment oxidation, but this boldness with soften and become more muted over the next week. The most important thing is to keep this area clean and dry from water and sweat as it heals. During this process you must avoid all urges to scratch or pick at the brow area and also carefully apply proper aftercare ointment to ensure proper healing. The aftercare ointment will be provided to you after your service is complete.
A $100 follow up will be scheduled 6 weeks following the procedure. This is not always necessary but highly recommended to fine tune the colour and shape of your new brows. The first session can fade significantly and this is completely normal; the second session is not as in depth but is to refine and perfect your initial procedure.
But, does it hurt?
Pain is subjective; however, we have been told it feels like someone combing the hairs. We use a prescription strength topical anesthetic making the process quite tolerable. Keep in mind we are more sensitive around that time of the month, so try to refrain from booking around that time.
Do you use high quality products?
Of course! We use only the highest quality iron oxide pigments in the industry. These are designed to stay true to their original colour as the fading process occurs and will not turn into any weird shade as they lift like we all have seen in the past. Our blades are not cheap and have the highest reputation in the PMU world used in schools worldwide. These are fully disposed of after each use into a sharps container. Our numbing creams are formulated at the pharmacy and are of the highest strength to give our clients the most comfortable treatment.
I am really excited for new brows but really nervous…is this normal?
Obviously! And you should be - this isnt brow makeup and won’t wash off; it is a tattoo on your face! Please take this seriously. You may feel apprehensive and it is totally normal because you care and we do too! Educate yourself to ensure sure you want this treatment before jumping in. Referrals are your best source of real information and listen to their experience. Go the extra mile; draw your brows on darker every day for 2 weeks to get used to them looking differently. Melissa has performed over 400 manual tattoo treatments to date and has all of her work published on Instragram @feathermethod. You will feel an instant comfort around her and the easy going conversation will put your nerves to ease and make the experience a fun one.
I have heard horror stories lately about microblading, is it safe?
In BC, there is no regulation to who can perform this service. That is why we encourage our clients to ask these important questions. Melissa has been performing this treatment for a year now, on over 200 clients with touch ups on top. She has been certified from the most recognized school in Vancouver, and has her Bloodborne Pathogens up to date, Vancouver Health Inspections approved, as well as insurance. All of her implements and supplies are disposed after each clients, and surfaces are wiped down with a hospital grade disinfectant.
Somethings in life are worth paying a little more for…. When it comes to your face and tattooing - Never price shop. When someone is offering up brows for an unbelievable price - that is when you should ask even more questions. The industry standard for Vancouver ranges depending on experience, from $500-$650 with touch ups and the first visit included, which works out to around $250+ each session. If you find someone offering way less - always remember that saying “you get what you pay for”. Please avoid all complications and risks, tattoo corrections are no fun for anyone and not all brows mishaps are candidates for repair.
When is the best time to get my new brows?
Although we love a bold brow, there is an adjustment period. We suggest planning a time when you don’t have many important business meetings or social occasions to attend. You may feel self conscious and as if people are staring at your healing brows, so its best to do them when you can be more care free. Do not plan to be on a sunny hot beach vacation until after they have fully healed - salt water and sun are not the fresh brows friend! Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not able to get the tattooing done, please wait until your body is yours again.
I'm not sure if this is for me... do you do free consults?
No. Consultations are done in the initial treatment, there is ample time for it and we are not rushed. This is when we talk about what you want, answer any questions, analyze and measure your face, then draw the brows on. There really is no need to have a separate consultation outside of this, as we can always get aquainted online and get your questions answered through email. At this point, you should not need convincing of a service like this - you either want it or you don’t. If you are not 100% ready to commit, a free consult likely won’t sway you into it. In some instances, when a correction is needed to be done, we will have the client come in, so that we can assess in person the colour and shape of the brows, to see if the procedure will be effective or if the brows are even workable.
I want perfect brows, is this possible?
Have you ever heard the phrase “brows are sisters, not twins”? There is truth to this! It is very rare (and strangely odd looking) to find a perfectly symmetrical face. Some of the most unique faces in the world are beautiful because of the slight imbalances. Although we are not facial surgeons or magicians, we are talented and we do strive to make them as perfect as possible with an array of measuring tools, drawing pencils, rulers, tapes, etc that are used throughout the procedure, however, knowing when to call it quits is key to success! If you study your brows hard enough in the mirror until you find a little spot that may not match up to the other, chances are, no one else sees it. But let us know at the touch up treatment and we will fix what ever may be keeping you up at night.
Who typically gets this done?
Your neighbour. Your teacher. Your mom. Your grandmother. Women from all walks of life can benefit from this procedure, as there are so many reasons to get it done. Whether you have no eyebrow hair or just too little of it, you will save time every day by not having to "put your brows on." And of course no more worrying about sweating or wiping them off accidentally. Go to the gym, beach or special event without fretting about your eyebrows. Women whose close-up vision isn't as good as it once was, or who've never been sure of the right way to draw their brows on, will enjoy the renewed confidence of just having their eyebrows "there" - in the same place & shape everyday. But don’t stop at your brows, add on a lash lift and tint to really simplify your life!
Who cannot get microblading/lash line enhancement?
• You are under 18
• You get Keloid scars
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have been on Accutane within 1 year
• You have irritation of the skin of any kind such as blemishes, pimples, rash, psoriosis, eczema, rosacea, sunburn on the area of procedure.
• You are on Retin-A or Retinols. Be off 7 days before appointment and avoid 30 days after procedure.
• Diabetic (consult your doctor)
• Have HIV or Hepatitis or any other viral infections and/or diseases
• Undergoing Chemotherapy (consult your doctor)
• Epilepsy
• A Pacemaker or major heart problems
• Had an Organ transplant
• Sick (cold, flu, etc. Will affect the healing process, please reschedule)
• You generally don’t heal well and develop infections easily
• If your old tattoo is too dark (please contact me to send a picture so I can see how faded your old tattoo is)
Post care Info.
You will receive post care kit with detailed instructions for take home
No Sauna, or hot yoga.
No sunny vacations, or Sun Beds.
No Sweating in the gym.
No Makeup on the brow area.
No Exfoliants on the brow area.
Do not pick scabs if any appear. Practice self control and channel your will power.
Do not itch the brows, rather apply your ointment.
Leave area alone and let them heal totally.
Avoid getting eyebrows wet or soaked in water.
Some residual swelling is normal. The area may appear uneven, dry, itchy, tender, red & irritated. This is all 100% normal. DO NOT PICK. These symptoms will dissipate each day and vary on an individual basis. Color WILL fade/soften anywhere from 20% to 50%. At the touch up we will fine tune any area that has faded too much. Healing is specific to each client. Fading will happen after each procedure. We do not have control over your bodies healing process. This is an enhancement to your natural brows not a permanent one.
Online Shop
1. What is Your Return Policy
There are no returns. All products are final sale.
2. How much is shipping?
I am a small business (not Amazon) therefore all orders are a flat rate of $12 to cover costs of shipping and packaging
3. Can I pick up at the studio?
Sure! After the global pandemic has resolved, pick-ups are welcome!
4. Can I try a sample of a product before I buy it?
If I have a supply available, yes. I am happy to send a free sample as an addition to another product purchase. Please contact me via email in this case.
5. I can't find a certain product that I usually buy at the studio. Help!
There are a few products that are not listed on the online store simply because I want to discuss with you how to use them properly to ensure safe and effective results. Please email me if you would like to add-on to your order.
6. I don't know what I need! Can I consult with you before I buy?
Yes! Virtually. Send me a DM or an email to info@melissabakerfaces.com and we can go from there.