At Simply Skin Essentials, we have the skills and experience to design you the perfect pair of brows! Please look at our portfolio brows below and read the FAQs. Schedule an appointment for any further inquiries.
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -
What is Hair Stroke Cosmetic Tattooing (also referred to as Eyebrow Microstroking, Microblading, Feather Brows, 3-D Brows, or Eyebrow Embroidery)? This is the process of delicately infusing pigment into the skin with a tiny 'nano' needle to simulate the appearance of natural hair and cause the least amount of trauma to the skin. It's like microblading but better! Hair strokes are meant to be a subtle, natural enhancement and to create fuller, more beautiful brows. I use all sterile, disposable needle cartridges as well as professional permanent makeup machines.
How long will my Cosmetic Tattoo last? Cosmetic tattooing is considered semi-permanent as it does not wash away; however, pigments are designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, lifestyle, age, metabolism, medications, and pigment color affect the longevity of the tattoo.* The sun and some kinds of lighting can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. To take care of your brows, follow the aftercare instructions that will be provided to you and touch-up your brows every 1-2 years (as needed).
*Please note that final results vary and CANNOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals. A follow-up appointment is recommended at 6-8 weeks where your pigment retention can be assessed, and changes can be made to color and shape as needed. Some clients may require more than one follow-up to reach their desired results at an additional cost. Again this will depend on aftercare, skin type, etc.
What factors will affect a Cosmetic Tattoo?
Oily Skin: Increased oil production can cause hairs strokes to blur and heal lighter and powdery.
Smoking: Smokers may notice that it will fade faster.
Anemia and iron deficiency: Your body will absorb these iron based pigments more quickly.
Sun exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading. You will want to use a hat and sunscreen for your eyebrow area.
Age and metabolism: The faster your metabolism, the faster the pigment will fade.
Bleeding during the procedure: Although this is very rare, it will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. It is imperative that you follow the instructions to avoid blood thinning medications, supplements, alcohol, and caffeine before your procedure.
Does Cosmetic Tattooing hurt? Topical anesthetics are used to make you comfortable during your procedure, and I have had some folks fall asleep on me! However, pain tolerance varies, and having the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.
What kind of ink is used in Cosmetic Tattooing? I use different inks for different skin types and different techniques. The inks I use most are usually a combination of carbon and iron oxide pigments known as "hybrid", so that the fading occurs evenly, gradually and very slowly without migrating into unnatural shades.
Is the Hair Stroke brows technique right for me? Hair stroke eyebrows heal best on normal to dry skin types. Hair strokes may not work well on clients with very oily skin, large pores or previous permanent cosmetics tattoos. On those with oily skin types and larger pores, results may appear softer and powdery.
Clients who want a softer looking brow may be happier choosing a powder brow or a combination of hair strokes with powder fill (this can be discussed at your initial appointment). Powder brows are designed to look like soft powdery makeup. This can replace makeup but will still look natural. Some clients will add a touch of makeup if they want a “bold brow”.
The hair stroke method is designed to blend with your natural brow hair, so the more hair you have the more realistic results will appear. If you have very little or sparse eyebrow hair results will appear flatter, and it is possible that you may need more than two sessions to achieve your desired result.
Permanent makeup is NOT recommended for any of the following:
Accutane – must wait one year after
Autoimmune disorder (due to healing and medication) (consult with doctor)
Blood pressure/cholesterol meds (work against the blood platelets sticking together for more color loss) or uncontrolled high blood pressure
Chemotherapy (consult your doctor) (compromised immune system and pigment retention issues)
Diabetic (requires clearance from doctor) (potential healing/infection issues)
Pregnant or nursing
Epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease
Heart conditions or heart disease
Hemophilia (consult doctor)
History of Keloids or Hypertrophic scarring (overgrowth of scar tissue)
Organ transplant
Pacemaker or major heart problems (must have cardiologist clearance if not on blood thinners)
Poor general health
Rosacea skin
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Severely oily skin (pigment will blur/not be crisp hair strokes and may not last as long)
Skin irritations or Psoriasis near the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
Sick (cold, flu, etc.) – PLEASE reschedule
Thyroid problems (medications may cause pigment to not retain properly)
Viral infections and/or diseases
How should I prepare for my appointment? If you have reference pictures, please feel free to bring these to your appointment along with the pencil or powder you are currently using. If you regularly tint your brows, you will want to do so 72 hours before your appointment. If you prefer to have your eyebrows waxed/sugared, please do so at least 48 hours before your appointment, otherwise I will thread/tweeze stray hairs when we design your brows. Shower and wash your face the day of your appointment. You must not use Retin-A, Renova, or Differin near the brow area 2 weeks before or 3 months after the procedure. You will need to avoid pools, lakes, salt water and extreme sun exposure for at least two weeks following your appointment, so make vacation plans accordingly! No Botox, fillers, Microdermabrasion, chemical peels or anything of the like for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
Doing any of the following will cause excessive bleeding during your procedure and will hinder your final result!!
Do not work out immediately prior to your appointment.
You should not take (unless prescribed by a doctor) any medications that may thin your blood (i.e. Aspirin, Ibproferen, fish oil, Vitamin E) 48 hours before your procedure.
Do not drink alcohol within 48 hours of your procedure.