E L L E H M U A
MAKEUP ARTIST I BROW SPECIALIST
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BROWS + WEDDINGS
WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
It is a permanent makeup service that involves the use of a manual blade tool and tattoo pigment that creates a natural hair stroke look on the brow. It defines shape, adds density, and darkens the brow.
WHAT ARE COMBINATION BROWS?
They are both microbladed 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 microblading 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.
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 is used during the service after the "first pass" or initial hair stroke pattern is created over both brows with the microblading tool. When going over the stroke to go deeper in the skin a second time you will then be numb, making the process much more manageable.
Some Artists will pre-numb before the first pass, however I do not because the lidocaine hardens the skin making it more difficult to work on to create those first strokes. So while getting through the first pass might be tender, and slightly uncomfortable, it will be worth it in the end for the best healed results. Microblading often causes a sinus reaction making eyes water, and sometimes may cause you to sneeze.
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.
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 after the service for 6-8 weeks
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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
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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!
Aftercare
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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 witch hazel 2-3 times/day for 7 days. Keep your brows clean by using a 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.
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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
What to expect at appointment
The initial session is blocked for 3 hours for paperwork, consultation, patch test,
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) is done without numbing cream. This allows for the skin to not swell from the lidocaine before placing the first pattern. The strokes tend to heal out better, and more crisp this way. Once the first pass is complete, numbing creak will be applied 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 out with the balm on your brows, instructed to blot that off and reapply 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.
Consultations
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I am currently offering online consultations via email to limit face-to-face time with the Covid-19 pandemic.
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.
Make an appointment
Please visit the BROWS tab at the top of my website to secure an appointment date at either Mint Spa in Circle Pines, or Fineline Beauty Loft in St. Paul.
You can contact me via email or phone, if needed or with further questions.
715-896-7553
Client Health + Consent
HOW DO I BOOK MY WEDDING WITH YOU?
Under the "Wedding Services" tab above.
There you'll see a booking option with a PayPal button.
Clicking that button to pay the $100 fee will secure your date.
I'd love to connect with you about details ahead of time, so please contact me first either through the website here, under the "Contact" tab, or by emailing me directly at ellehmua@gmail.com
DO YOU OFFER BOTH MAKEUP + HAIR SERVICES?
Yes! I uniquely specialize in both hair and makeup, and offer both beauty services for my weddings parties.
You can also opt to do just one or the other, some parties are a mix of different services for each individual.
IS THE BOOKING FEE A DEPOSIT?
The $100 booking fee is not applied towards day-of services. It is a fee that covers securing your date in my books and the venue set-up charge.
Once your booking fee is received I then create and share a contract via email for your review and to sign.
HOW DOES THE $20 FEE WORK FOR GROUPS OF 6 OR LARGER?
If you have a party requesting services that is 6 people or more I may need to hire an assistant or another Artist to bring along to be sure the group is complete in a timely manner.
This is situational depending on the timeline of the day, how many total services are being requested, ect.
The fee is applied to each individual for the whole group on top of their service charges.
Example: There are 7 people getting makeup. all 7 people would pay $95 for makeup + $20 for the fee bringing their total to $115 each.
*Some brides choose to pay this fee themselves, we can arrange for that if desired.
CAN YOU HELP WITH THE DAY-OF TIMELINE?
Yes! Unless my brides provide me with a timeline for that morning, I create my own for myself and my team that I share with my brides to be sure we have a plan for the smoothest morning. I typically block 30 mins/service. This is always dependent on varying factors; desired look, hair length/texture, extensions, false lashes, etc.
DO YOU DO TRIALS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY?
After 13+ years working the beauty scene in this industry, I've come to find that a trial is not always necessary. Some Artists price their bridal services in package form to always include a trial, and I used to do this too, but found many of my brides didn't do a trial and then were spending more of their budget than was necessary. I can schedule trials for hair + makeup if desired. I recommend it if you are having a hard time choosing between very different looks, if you have skin or product sensitivities, or if it would make you feel more confident and calm on your special day.
*PRO TIP - Try to schedule your trial the same day as engagement photos, bridal shower or bachelorette party to take full advantage of the services you're paying for.
Trials are the same service cost as day-of :
Hair starting at $85, Makeup $95, Lashes $15
All trials are held in the metro or surrounding area in MN at either of my rental studios in either St Paul or Circle Pines.
WHAT PAYMENTS DO YOU ACCEPT?
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Card payments
Venmo
Cash
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*No checks accepted
*All payments made day-of
HOW SHOULD WE ARRIVE TO GET READY?
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Hair : Hair should be completely dry, washed either day before or day of.
Makeup : Fresh face, using your normal skincare routine, but no makeup on please. All mascara should be removed as well. You can bring your own lip color if you want to be able to reapply throughout the day/evening, however, I have a wide selection of colors and formulas to choose from for a single application.
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If you have product sensitivities, please let me know ahead of time, or bring your own makeup/hair products for me to use on you.
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Bring pictures of your desired looks, otherwise we will do a short consult to determine what will be best.