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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE NANO BROWS?
It is a permanent makeup service that involves the use of a small nano machine needle and permanent makeup pigment that creates a natural hair stroke look on the brow. It defines shape, adds density, and darkens the brow. It lasts anywhere from 1-3 years and is recommended to touch up every 1-2 years for maintenance.
WHAT ARE HYBRID BROWS?
They are both nano strokes and machine shading. This is sometimes used to build a new shape or for brows that are very uneven or not symmetrical. It can also be a great service for clients with oily skin because the machine shading goes deeper into the skin than nano alone, so the pigment can tend to hold longer in the skin. It's also a bit of a bolder look overall, but does soften and fade in time. This also requires maintenance touch ups every 1-2 years.
WHY CAN'T I GET MY BROWS WET FOR 7 DAYS?
The most important part of the brow aftercare is avoiding getting them wet for 7 days following the permanent makeup service. The reason is because the water can loosen the pigment, lightening it or removing it altogether, and any pigment left in the skin may begin to bleed out under the skin creating a blurred effect once healed instead of a crisp hair stroke appearance.
DOES IT HURT?
A numbing agent (topical lidocaine) is used during the service after the "first pass" or initial hair stroke pattern is created over both brows with the microblading tool. These brow services often cause a sinus reaction making eyes water, and sometimes may cause you to sneeze. This is normal! The nerves in the eye and sinus area are all connected. So, it's not completely pain-free, but I try to make the process as comfortable as possible. Part of why I block the initial session for 3 hours is to allow for breaks if needed.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR THE HEALING PROCESS?
Your skin surrounding the brows can be pink and slightly swollen right after the service. It may even have a light colored "halo" bordering the brow shape as well. The day after your new brows will darken. This happens due to the pigment oxidizing while the skin is still open an healing, as well as irritated skin which contributes to the darkened effect. As the healing process goes on, the pigment will fade and soften. Days 4-5 a film may begin to form on the skin and peel/flake. After the first week of healing you may still experience some flaking, but any areas that fade may resurface as the weeks go on leading up to your touch up session.
WHEN DO I GET MY TOUCH UP?
After the initial session you'll come back for a touch up within a 6-8 week timeframe. This appointment will perfect the brows, adjusting pigment tone, darkness, any fading, shape, thickness, etc. After the touch up session an annual maintenance appointment is recommended. This is every 12-24 months. If you aren't sure when to come back in - you can always send me clear photos of your brows so I can help you determine if you should be seen yet, or wait it out.
I tend to lean towards clients waiting as long as they can to be sure I'm not working on the skin too often, giving your brows ample time to heal properly and have time to rest.
CAN I WORKOUT WHILE MY BROWS HEAL?
You must wait 5 days for more strenuous exercise routines because you cannot sweat during that time. The skin is still open, so sweating will push the pigment out of the skin, essentially undoing the brow tattoo.
You know your own body best, so if you can handle light exercise or walking, yoga, etc. then go ahead and do those knowing you still cannot get your brows wet.
HOW CAN I AVOID GETTING MY BROWS WET?
During the first 7 days after the service dry shampoo and hats will be your best friends! You can certainly shower or bathe, just washing the body and not hair to avoid water running down your face. A disposable shield is provided in the aftercare kit for a one-time use if needed. This is applied to your forehead and protects the brows from getting wet should you need to wash your hair in that 7 day period. When washing your face, do so from the under eyes and down, avoiding splashing water to rinse. A makeup wipe of rung out wash cloth can be used above the brows on the forehead without touching the brow area.
*Keeping the brows dry and only using the aftercare products provided will ensure the best healed results!
WHO IS THIS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR?
Any person under the age of 18 cannot be tattooed.
If you are pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you have a skin irritation on or near the eyebrows; like eczema, blemishes, a rash, etc.
If you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer or other life threatening diseases.
Anyone with diabetes or a history of cancer treatment should consult with their doctor, and may be required to provide a note from their care team approving the service.
Extra oily skin types should consider nano brows or powder brows done fully with the machine vs blade to be sure the pigment is deep enough in the skin that it will last.
Nano/Hybrid Brow pre-Procedure info.
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No Alcohol the night before, or day of your service
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No caffeine day of service (beforehand)
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Avoid the use of retinoids, alpha hydroxy serums, or physical exfoliants before the service of a week.
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Not recommended for people with diabetes, blood disorders or diseases, a history of keloid scarring, or women who are pregnant or nursing due to risk of possible infections
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A Doctor's note must be provided for clients who have had cancer within the last 5 years, agreeing the service is safe to perform
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Please do not tweeze, wax, or thread the brows for as long as possible leading up to the service date, so I can shape them to your face. The more hairs, the better!
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Be aware you will not be able to get your brows wet for 7 days after the service, so it's recommended to come with hair washed that day. Dry shampoo will be your best friend!
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Having freshly washed pillow cases and towels is also highly recommended for sanitary care at home.
Aftercare for Nano/Hybrid brows
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2 hours after your appointment, blot the brows with a clean tissue and reapply the balm
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Watch for Lymph to form (looks like water droplets or sweat beads on the brow) over the first few days. If you see this clean it off by blotting the brow dry with a clean tissue and reapplying balm. If the lymph is unattended and dries on the skin, it can cause scabbing.
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Clean brows with the provided witch hazel 2 times/day for 7 days. Keep your brows clean by using the sponge applicator and the witch hazel. Swipe across the brow gently to sanitize before reapplying the balm.
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After day 4 if your brows are very dry or getting itchy, you may cut down your witch hazel use to 1 time/day. Continue to apply the bal, at least 2-3 times/day through day 7 however.
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Do not pick, scratch, or sleep on your brows.
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Do not get brows wet with water or any products (except what's provided in the aftercare kit) for 7 days.
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Avoid sweating for 5 days (The sweat will push the pigment out of the skin, basically undoing the work).
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After the 7th day (day 8) you may get the brows wet and gently wash them with a non-harsh, gentle cleanser.
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No makeup on brows for 2 weeks. You may wear it anywhere else, just avoid the brow area.
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No tanning for 4 weeks. Try to avoid the sun on your brows as much as possible while you're healing. Big sunglasses & hats are helpful. You can apply sunscreen to them after week 4 and continue to do that once they're fully healed as well to keep the pigment for fading more quickly.
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Do not wax, tweeze, or thread your brows while they're healing. You may risk pulling the pigment out of the skin. Use the brow razor provided to clean up any hairs around the created shape. Once they're fully healed you can resume tweezing, waxing, etc.
Brows will look darker the day following your appointment. The skin is still open, so the pigment
is oxidizing. Once the skin closes up and begins to heal they will not look as dark, and will begin to fade.
You can expect to lose 20-40% of your pigment as you heal. This is why your touch up 6-8 weeks later is so import
Healing process
What to expect at appointment for Nano/Hybrid brows
The initial session is blocked for 3 hours for paperwork, consultation, patch test (if needed),
brow mapping and shaping, and the actual service itself.
Microblading is done with a manual tool creating natural hair strokes. The first pass (hair stroke pattern over each brow) can be done with or without numbing cream. It's up to each individual, what they prefer. Once the first pass is complete, numbing cream will be applied either initially, or again before the 2nd pass where I'll be going over those strokes a second time to work the pigment deeper into the skin.
When doing combo brows I start with strokes, and then move into machine shading afterwards. The numbing cream can be reapplied as needed for comfort.
The service can make your eyes water, nose run, or even sneeze. This sinus reaction is very normal due to the nerves in the face.
I will go through the aftercare instructions before you leave and you'll be sent home with the balm on your brows, instructed to blot that off, clean with witch hazel and reapply balm in 2 hours.
Payment is accepted in cash, debit/credit card, or Venmo. No checks accepted.
Your 6-8 week touch up can be scheduled that day or very soon after. It's best to get on the schedule as soon as possible.
Lamination / Tinting
Brow laminating is like a relaxer for your eyebrow hairs. It is a temporary service, lasting 6-8 weeks. It helps fill in sparse areas and defines the brow shape without having to do anything permanent. Lamination makes the brows hairs easy to manipulate, so you can brush them into shape and they will stay that way. Like a long lasting brow gel! Adding a tint helps to make the brow a little bolder, or give more of a finished, makeup brow look.
You cannot get the brows wet for 24 hours after the service, so plan accordingly.
I always offer online consultations via email or text messaging.
You can email me clear pictures of your eyebrows with and without makeup. If you wear makeup on them please tell me what you use (pencil, powder, gel, etc. I don't need to know brands). Also let me know what you'd like to see changed/ enhanced. Photo of what you prefer, and what you do not like can be helpful as well.
Consultations
Make an appointment
Please visit the BROWS tab at the top of my website to secure an appointment date at either the Northwestern Studio in St Paul, or my NEW studio in Black River Falls, WI.
You can contact me via email or phone, if needed or with further questions.
Hope to see you soon!
Elle
715-896-7553
Client Health + Consent
