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MICROBLADING
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

At Microblading Santa Barbara, I believe that your brows speak louder than words. Whether you want to define, darken or simply don’t want to spend 20 minutes every morning filling them in anymore, permanent makeup is for you!

WHAT IS PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Permanent makeup aka cosmetic tattooing has been around for over a century! There are many different techniques and styles of permanent makeup. I specialize in eyebrows, so let me explain the different techniques that I know and love:

  • Microblading is a unique form of cosmetic tattoo that creates natural looking brows with a handheld micro-blade. Each individual "hair" is drawn on in a unique design to flow with your natural brow hair. This technique is for those that love the fluffy, feathery look but want a natural result. Normal to dry skin, and medium to fine hair type is best for this technique. 

  • Nano Brows are another form of supernatural tattooing that uses a machine instead of a handheld blade. Using a machine and a teeny tiny single needle, we are able to draw each individual hairstroke. This technique is incredibly detailed, which makes the eyebrows look 3D. Any skin type, but medium to fine hair or no hair at all works best with this technique. 

  • Powder Brows - aka ombre brows is a technique that also uses a machine, however its application is different in that the artist uses a sweeping movement across the skin to create pixels, which will achieve an air brushed or powdered look. This look mimics what most women do on a daily basis with their makeup, except more natural! Any skin type and any hair type works with this technique. 

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

This is a complicated question and varies a TON from person to person. There are particles that may last a lifetime, but there are some that fade out relatively quickly. On average, I see my clients every 2-3 years for a color-boost. Each color fades at different rates and with different skin types. The dryer the skin, the longer it lasts. Think of your skin as a canvas, the more oil on that canvas, the faster the ink is going to diffuse. Time is usually the biggest culprit for fading, but sun and anti-aging products will also make the pigment fade faster. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT HURT?

My clients typically report no pain, and at worst a scratching feeling and some irritation from wiping the pigment during the procedure. I use a topical anesthetic throughout the procedure, which means you won't feel much the entire time!

WHAT'S THE PROCESS LIKE?

I set up a total of two appointments with every client. During the first appointment, I'll take photos of your brows and sketch on a preliminary frame for your shape. We will then finalize your perfect brow shape by combining elements of your existing brow, unique features, and desired look. For microblading and powder brows, you will pre-numb for 20 minutes. For nano brows, pre-numbing is not necessary. Your color will be custom mixed matching your natural brow hair color, not the color of the hair on your head! After numbing, I will begin creating your new brows. This usually takes around 45 minutes depending on the person and procedure desired. And voila! Gorgeous waterproof brows.

After 6-8 weeks we will see you back for the touch-up. This appointment is usually around one hour. Since everyone heals differently, this appointment is almost always necessary and to be expected. This process is not considered complete until you get your touch-up! 

DO I NEED TO HIDE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

No! The downtime is really only that your brows will be warmer, darker and thicker for the first 7-10 days post-procedure. It typically just looks like you spent extra time on your brows, and will balance out nicely if you add a bit of eye makeup during this time (personally I think they look great in this stage!). They will then start to lighten as they heal/peel, in which case you can simply fill them in with brow pencil until your touch-up session. The trickiest part of the healing process is avoiding water and sweat for those first 10 days. If you're going on a tropical vacation where you plan on swimming, you'll want to be at least two weeks healed before you leave for your trip. 

DO I NEED A CONSULT FIRST

Only if you've had previous permanent makeup on your brows. You can book a consultation online to discuss candidacy, shape, color, and any questions you may have. Please note that these topics are covered in the full service appointment already, so it is not required in order to book an appointment. The $50 non-refundable fee will be credited towards your procedure should you choose to move forward.

I'VE HAD PREVIOUS PERMANENT MAKEUP,

CAN YOU TOUCH ME UP?

All new clients are treated the same. You will go through a similar if not more difficult process e.g. re-shaping, color correction, and fresh pigment unique to my own style. So, this means you will be charged the full price. It's sort of like Monet trying to go over a Picasso - all artists are unique in style and technique, and it is impossible to touch-up someone else's work without making it our own! 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

We have two artists to choose from. Kamren (owner) charges $1,000 for new clients wanting microblading or nano brows and $800 for powder brows. Camille (elite artist) charges $600 for new clients. This cost includes the touch-up session done 6-8 weeks after the first session. Your credit card information will be taken at the time of booking for no-show protection. No-shows will be charged half the appointment fee.

DO YOU OFFER PERMANENT EYELINER

OR LIP BLUSH? 

I specialize in brows only - but my sister Krysta who is an amazing artist, does permanent eyeliner and lips. Please contact her at Krysta@perfectpoutsb.com or www.perfectpoutsb.com for inquiries! 

I'M IN! HOW DO I SEE YOU?

Book an appointment online using the button below! We can't wait to finally give you your dream brows!

WAIT! I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS...

Use the form below to send us an email. We will respond within 48 hours Monday-Friday. 

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