WHY?

Picture this: you wake up in the morning, and your eyebrows are already perfect. They beautifully frame your eyes, the "window to the soul", effortlessly. They are waterproof, sweatproof, and stress-proof. This doesn't have to be a dream.

 

Microblading is the secret weapon behind many people with gorgeous, natural looking brows. The meaning, or definition, of microblading is the process of applying pigment under the skin to create natural-looking eyebrow hairs. The reason that this semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo technique has become so popular over the past few years is that it lasts, it is customizable, it saves an incredible amount of “getting ready” time, and it gives an instantly polished look. Microblading falls under the "permanent makeup" (PMU) umbrella.

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Microblading has other popular names, and is also extremely similar to other brow tattooing techniques: pigment embroidery, nanostroking, nano brows, 3D brows, cosmetic tattooing, semi-permanent makeup, PhiBrows, PMU, eyebrow feathering, and microstroking. Each artist has their own unique process and style, but all of these terms refer to the same basic idea. The tattoo pigment is deposited into the epidermis (the top layer of the skin).

 

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WHO?

Many trends in the beauty industry only catch on with a certain segment of the population due to age, cost, time involved, or maintenance required. However, microblading has gone from something seen only on celebrities and Instagram models (#BrowsOnFleek anyone?) to being a beauty hack that soccer moms and professionals swear by. It’s also now used in the medical community as part of the treatment plan in supporting individuals with hair loss, pigment loss, and scarring. Microblading is even gaining popularity among men, who generally appreciate the value of “low maintenance” options more than anyone else.

 

Studies show that the average woman spends 55+ minutes on their makeup and hair each day. If even 5 minutes of that time is spent on eyebrows (and for many women it’s much, much more), that means that women spend 30 hours per year, or TWO MONTHS over a lifetime, on eyebrows. 

 

Eyebrows frame the face, and they are finicky. They need to be the perfect angles, the right fullness, symmetrical, and sweat/waterproof. It can be quite challenging and time consuming for people to manage as part of their daily routine.

 

For these reasons, the case for microblading is an easy one. 

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HOW?

The procedure involves three steps: a consultation/assessment, the application, and a perfecting session. Certain individuals are not candidates for microblading (such as those with some skin conditions, diseases, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding). To determine if you are a good candidate for microblading, please click here to view the prescreening info.

 

First we start with a phone consultation so I can ensure that microblading is a good fit. This is the best time to discuss the application and aftercare, and to answer any questions you might have so that you feel informed and confident before moving forward. At that point, if you're interested in moving forward and you are a good fit for the procedure, I will send you the full information package and we will schedule the application.

 

When I see you in person on the big day, we discuss your preferences and I take measurements to determine the best brow shape for your face. We then select a colour that compliments your natural hair colour and skin undertone and I draw an outline of the brows on your face, which gives you the opportunity to help in the decision-making before the procedure. 

 

Once we are satisfied with the proposed look, I clean and numb the area. The tattoo application is done with a tiny sterile handheld needle tool that is used to manually draw hair strokes (hence the natural appearance). Most clients feel a very minimal amount of discomfort. I apply a protective ointment and discuss healing, and provide you with instructions and products to assist with your aftercare. The microblading appointment takes about 2 hours. You will be able to return to work/momlife/brunch after your appointment! It will not be visibly apparent that you've had work done (no extreme redness/swelling, or bandages etc.).

 

The brows will take approximately a month to heal completely and arrive at their finished look. During the first week there can be some redness and tenderness, then some mild flaking. Light aftercare is required until healing is complete.

 

We schedule a mandatory Perfecting Session 6-8 weeks after the application to ensure the brows are full, symmetrical, and completely to your liking. It is difficult to know exactly how skin will heal, how natural skin pigment will affect the tattoo, and how diligently the aftercare instructions will be adhered to, so the touch-up allows for tweaks and changes to the brow colour, shape, and fullness. 

 

Microblading can last 1-3 years but typically lasts for an average of 12-18 months on most clients (although this does vary depending on age, skin, lifestyle, proper aftercare etc.). At that point, another application would be required to continue the full look of the brows (in 12-18+ months, depending on skin type and lifestyle). Otherwise, the pigment will naturally fade over time.

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ATTENTION!

Because permanent makeup isn’t yet fully controlled in Canada, it is crucial that you see a certified, insured microblading artist/technician. You truly need an eyebrow specialist. This will ensure that quality pigments are used (which lowers the risk of issues and/or infections), that the proper technique is followed (which means less chance of tattoo being the wrong colour, becoming permanent, or fading prematurely), and that appropriate hygiene and safety protocols are followed (which is integral for lowering the risk of infections).

 

If you have more questions about microblading, your candidacy, or my process, please take a look at the FAQ, or reach out directly. I would be happy to connect to discuss more!