Microblading FAQ's

No Shows/ Cancellations

OUR RESCHEDULE/CANCELLATION POLICY IS A MINIMUM OF 48 HOURS. ANY NO-SHOWS OR CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 24 HOURS WILL FORFEIT THEIR DEPOSIT AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO RE-BOOK A NEW APPOINTMENT FOR AN ADDITIONAL $50 FEE.

What is Microblading?
Microblading (also referred to as Microstroking, Eyebrow Embroidery, Feather Stroke Brows, 3D Brows,  micropigmentation, etc) is the process of manually implanting color pigment into the dermis, by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to create the appearance of natural looking hair strokes.

Is microblading a tattoo?
With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term microblading, many are led to falsely believe microblading is not a tattoo process. THIS IS FALSE! Permanent makeup, "semi-permanent” makeup, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/microstroking, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup, are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time pigment is placed into the skin with any device, it is indeed a tattoo process. This is defined by many well informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources. Denying this process is a tattoo can be problematic for those who would, for religious or other personal reasons, normally refuse to have a tattoo. 

Who is microblading for?
Both men and women who want to effortlessly and naturally look their best anytime without the hassle of doing their brows day in and day out. Let's face it... we live in Texas! We don't have time for sweaty brows that smear off. If you live in San Antonio, Helotes, Fair Oaks, Boerne, etc.., this is the go to place for microblading eyebrows.

What are the benefits of Permanent Eyeliner? 

• Define your eyes
• No more smudges, smears, or worn-off eyeliner
• Great for people with allergies to cosmetic products
• Saves time and money
• Great for people with unsteady hands or vision problems
• Swim, shower or exercise with confidence
• Fills in thin or light colored eyelashes
• Ideal for total eyelash loss due to trichotillomania or Alopecia

What is Lip Blush?
Lip tattooing is a great alternative to fillers or surgery. It can also be done in conjunction with these procedures! Many of our clients do both to maximize the effectiveness of lip enhancement treatments.

Whether it is the lip design, shape or color you are interested in, Blade & Brow can help. This method is a soft and natural blending of pigment color into the lips. There is no demarcation, just a soft color blushing, and will enhance the fullness of the lips. This is a multiple-step process done in a minimum of two sessions.

What are the benefits of permanent cosmetics for the lips? 

• Lips appear more defined without surgery or fillers
• Restores color to lips that have become pale
• Corrects Blurred lip lines
• Camoflauges scars and hypopigmentation
• Kiss-proof and smudge-proof color
• Make lips appear fuller and larger
• May eliminates the daily use of pencils to outline, fill-in, or reshaping lip borders
• Saves time and money!

Does it hurt?

Everyone's pain threshold is different, however, I do provide numbing to ease the process.

Depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, and epinephrine. 

After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area are normal.  Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn.  Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.

What if I've had other beauty services done? Abrasive treatments such as peelings, fruit acids, chemical peels, laser treatments, and similar should be avoided a month before the treatment. Also, one month before the treatment, botox or fillers should not be used.

How long does it last?

Since microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade over time.  Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature).

Eyeliner and Lip Blush is a cosmetic tattoo. The pigment will fade over time and we recommend Touch-Up to keep them looking their best. There is no guarantee of how long it lasts as each individual has very different skin and lifestyle.

Please note that final results cannot be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes. Two appointments are recommended initially. Each of these appointments being 6-12 weeks apart. At your touch up session, we will assess the color retention and make any adjustments necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your desired procedure does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry!  We can always make the necessary adjustments at your next appointment. :)

Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid with fade faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary. 

How long does it take?

For the first session, the entire procedure should take about 2-3 hours. During this session, the technician will shape and style the client’s brows for client approval. We then follow with pigment color selection.  Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin the procedure.

Is the touch up necessary?

Yes! This is a two-step process of perfection. A touch-up session after 4- 6 weeks (for brows) and 6-12 for (eyeliner and lips) is necessary as everyone heals differently and the outcome will vary. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You'll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed. Certain areas may not pick up during the first session and will need to be refilled.  Pigment color may need to be adjusted, and individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch-up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your brows/ eyes/ lips to ensure it looks perfect and retains the color!

Can I get microblading or a cosmetic tattoo done if I am pregnant?

Due to insurance purposes and the safety of both parties, pregnancy is considered a contraindication.

What factors will affect my new cosmetic tattoo?
Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol, certain medications and vitamins, as well as any blood-thinners and should avoided a minimum of 48 hours prior to your appointment. For a full list of what to avoid 48 hours to your appointment please visit the Pre-Care/ Post Care tab. 

Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, and may also change the color appearance of the pigment. Whenever possible, we encourage our clients to wear sunglasses and hats to protect their beautiful brow, lips, eyeliner (and eyeballs too)!

Lifestyle: smokers, "sun worshippers", or anyone with skin that is in a state of distress may have less desirable results.

What should I do before and after the procedure?

Pre -care/ Post-care are designed and MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED to limit bleeding and skin sensitivities during the service. Excessing bleeding and sensitivity during the procedure will dilute and expel the pigment color and lead to poor results.

* Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure.

* If you are a frequent smoker or "sun worshipper" the topical anesthetics used during the treatment may not last as long and also can lead to poor retention and poor lasting results.

Please review our detailed Pre-Care/ Post-Care section for further instructions. It is crucial these instructions are followed to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best possible results for your  new brows, eyeliner, or lippies!