FAQ
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a form of permanent makeup. Unlike traditional tattooed eyebrows, microblading creates a more natural effect with strokes that resemble brow hairs. We use different sized blades for different size strokes and will assess your skin to choose a blade accordingly. If you want a natural looking brow that looks soft and "doesn't look like you had them done" then Microblading is your best option, if you have the right skin and brows for it. If your brows have large gaps, missing areas, you have coarse brow hairs and no definite shape, sun damaged skin, very oily with large pores or mature skin we highly suggest Hybrid Brows that will give you a soft, but more polished looking eyebrow. Click here to read more about the procedure.
What is Powder Brows / Hybrid Brows?
Powder Brows (or Microshading) uses a stippling method as opposed to hair stroke pigmentation in Microblading. It creates a denser brow, using dots of pigment, and the results resemble perfectly-applied eyebrow powder which looks like make up. This technique is suggested for clients with oily or mature skin, clients who want to cover up an old brow tattoo or clients who need more coverage. We can combine Microblading and Microshading - known as Hybrid Brows. Both methods can look soft and subtle, or more darker an intense - depends what brow the client is looking for. Click here for an example.
How long does Microblading last?
Microblading can last anywhere from 6 months to two years. Factors such as skin type, sun exposure, age, and certain active skincare products can have an impact on how often a touch up is required. Typically, the darker the colour, the longer it will last. Following our before/after care instructions plays a vital role in the outcome of your brows. Unfortunately not everyone is a good candidate for Microblading. Please familiarize yourself with the "before/after care" page on our website for more info. If you do not follow our exact after care the first 12 days after your appointment, you will NOT have good healed results.
Will I need to have a follow up?
Yes! Microblading/shading is a two step process. The follow up session after 5-8 weeks is required to fill in any areas that did not hold pigment and refine the brows to ensure it retains colour for the maximum amount of time. Follow Up appointments can not be done within 4 weeks after your First Session. It might look like your skin is healed after 10-14 days, but it lasts around 4 weeks for the body to repair broken blood vessels and replace tissue with healthy new ones. Pigment colour and thickness may also be adjusted at this time. After that you can come for touch ups between 6 months to 5 years at a lower price to maintain your brows. Please remember to book your follow up appointment no later than 8 weeks after. In some cases a third touch up is required, your technician will most likely let you know if you need one by your 2nd follow up procedure. Everyone has different skin types and heals differently. We do not however recommend Microblading Touch Ups more than once a year as we don't want to create scarring and overwork skin. 1-3 year Touch Ups are recommended for Microblading. 2-5 years for Shading.
When do I need to come in again for a Touch Up?
This depends on how the pigment looks after a few months. Factors such as exercising regularly, suntanning, exfoliating, skin type and health can have an impact on how your brows will look after a few months. The following Touch Ups appointments are available: 6-12 months, 1-3 years (recommended) and 3-5 years for clients who had Microblading or Hybrid Brows.
If you have Powder Brows or Shading then you won't need as frequent Touch Ups and the Shading Colour Boost appointment is recommended for those clients who needs a refresher between 2-5 years.
What is in my control during the procedure: my technique, pigments, blade selection, brow design and after care I provide. What is not in my control regarding the procedure: your skin type, medications, your facial and brow muscle movement, how much you bleed during the service, your skincare regimen and products used, sun exposure/if you wear sunscreen and how closely you follow my before/after care instructions.
It is suggested that your pigment/brows has to fade at least 50% in colour before you book a Touch Up.
Do you have specific Covid-19 requirements in place?
Sukhdeep did her Pandemic Awareness Training, Bloodborne Pathogens Training and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) training. We have always only allowed one client at a time per appointment, and leave 15mins between appointments to sanitize and disinfect our studio before the next client arrives. We are a VIHA inspected facility and follow the latest safety protocols and measures to keep us and our clients safe. From July 1st 2021, we do ask of you to wear a mask during the procedure as I will be working very closely above your face for 1+hours. You will receive all the information in your booking email and reminder email prior to the appointment.
Does the application hurt?
We take every precaution necessary to ensure the procedure is as pain free as possible. A strong topical anaesthetic cream is used prior to and during the procedure to keep you comfortable. We all have a different pain tolerance, it stings slightly likes a sunburn towards the end due to lots of wiping.
How do you choose a colour?
We will choose a colour together by applying small amounts of different coloured pigments to the skin near your brows and selecting the best match for your skin tone, features and personal preference. As a rule of thumb, we closely match the colour of your brow hair rather than your current hair colour for the most natural results. We can mix pigments to create a custom colour as well.
I want brows for my upcoming vacation/summer. When should I have them done?
If you want your brows to be beautiful and fully healed, I would suggest giving yourself at least 14 days between the procedure and going on your trip. Brows take an average of 10-14 days to heal and flake the scabs off. The last thing you want is being in the healing process when on your trip. It would also be good to fit in both your First and Follow Up Sessions before your vacation, which means doing your First Session at least 7 weeks before your trip, your Follow Up Session 5 weeks after and give yourself 2 weeks to heal.
What brand pigments do you use?
Perma Blend is a mix of Tattoo and PMU (Permanent Makeup) pigments that creates the best quality colours for PMU and Microblading. Manufactured in the USA by the worlds biggest tattoo ink manufacturer, WORLD FAMOUS TATTOO INK. It is Vegan, not tested on animals, more reliable and safer on skin, its longer lasting ink retains colour excellent.
Can you Microblade over an existing brow tattoo?
Microblading can be done over an existing brow tattoo, however the old tattoo must be significantly faded for the hair strokes to show through and look natural. In most cases the strokes struggle to stay no matter how faded the brow tattoo are as the texture of the skin has changed, so Hybrid Brows are the suggested technique we will use to do your brows. Please advise if you have had a brow tattoo on your booking message and we can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. Clients with existing Microblading done previously by another artist will need a consultation prior to booking an appointment. Due to the fact that we all use different brand pigments and have our own hair-stroke patterns and techniques, we will unfortunately not be able to charge touch up prices for existing clients if it is your first time at Threads Brow Bar. Book Touch Up (new client) for your appointment if your brows were done less than 12 months ago by another artist who does not reside on Vancouver Island, or new prices will apply. New clients needing colour correction done will be $50 extra. We can correct blue/gray/purple/red healed brows with our Perma Blend Colour Correctors.
Why do some women have brows that turned blue/purple/gray/red?
The ink for brow tattoos that was used 10+ years ago wasn't as advanced as the pigments we use today which is specifically designed and formulated for PMU (Permanent Makeup) and Perma Blend Pigments have built in warm or cool tones in their pigments. Every person has either warm, cool or a neutral skin undertone. We assess the client and choose a pigment based on their skin undertone that we can also modify by adding Colour Correctors. There is of course a chance of your skin reacting differently to pigments but it is something that can be fixed in most cases. We all have different skin types and heal differently so results vary. Medications, lifestyle, skin type, age, medical history and illnesses can change results slightly. Retinol and anti-ageing products may change pigment. More info on before/after care.
How do you choose a shape?
First of all you tell us what you like/dislike and what you want to change about your brows. We look at your face shape, features, amount of natural brow hairs and determine which brow will suit you best. Measuring tools such as string mapping, callipers and brow rulers are used to ensure brows is as symmetrical as possible, Usually clients with an existing brow shape wants to stay as close to their natural look and just add a bit more volume so we stay within the area where brow hair grows for more natural results. We do not shave off or remove your brow hair during the procedure like with traditional tattooing, only a few hairs outside the shape will be trimmed. I will not, however, tattoo a shape that I think is unnatural, too large or unflattering for the clients face and once I start the procedure with the shape the client approved of, I cannot alter it significantly at the end of the procedure. Please be specific with the shape, size and colour that you are looking for prior to the procedure by email or texting me pictures if you want it exactly how you pencil them in and are not open to any changes. Eyebrows are sisters, not twins :)
Will Botox have an effect on my brows?
Absolutely. Botox will slightly change the shape and in some cases the symmetry of your brows as it restricts movement in your Corrugator and Frontalis Muscles. It can help will naturally uneven brows and give brows a "lift". We advise clients to get their brows done first before doing Botox, especially if it is a treatment you will continue to get every few months. If you already get Botox, the waiting period after to get Microblading is 3-4 weeks. Once the Botox wears off, so will the shape and perhaps the symmetry of your brows slightly change. Results vary.
Now I don't have to pencil them in anymore....?
"Now I don’t have to pencil them in anymore” is a phrase we hear quite often, unfortunately it is not entirely the result you get with Microblading alone as it gives an incredible subtle result as we fill in gaps in your brow. This will give you a fuller looking brow but not a very defined shape. Maintenance like tweezing hairs that grow out of place and upkeeping of the new brow shape still needs to be done. I enhance the areas your natural hairs grow as well as staying on your brow bone for the best results. If you find that you are still penciling them in, many factors contribute to that: The shape you like them, the boldness you like them, how much natural hairs you have, do you wear a lot of make up, is the transition noticeable, etc. We create hair-like strokes and tattoo the skin so that it works as a base that you can look complete when waking up, going for a swim or when you exercise and not wearing any make up. It also gives you a guideline to shape and make up your eyebrows. There are some clients that never pencil in their eyebrows and there is some who do. In the end it is how "particular" you are. Hybrid Brows gives you a more polished shape, but natural looking brow, typically lasts longer and is great to blend in natural brow hair with Microblading. If you want a Brow that looks like full Make Up then Powder Brows are the best option for you. Click here to see the differences.
How does your "Refer a Friend" work?
Refer Threads Brow Bar to a friend and you both will receive $20 off your next appointment*
Terms and conditions: Referral done by a client who has already received microblading/booked a microblading appointment with Threads Brow Bar. Both have to be used for initial/follow up/touch up appointments. *Up to $40 off per appointment. Not transferable. For appointments over $100 only.
How long is the recovery or healing time?
Immediately after your microblading procedure and in the first 7 days, your brows will appear significantly darker, slightly red and more defined before they will heal true to colour. I understand that this can be a big change, but please try to not panic during the first ten days about your dark brows, messaging me if will they fade, and that they look red - as it is part of the process and the healing info is in your after care bag, as well as communicated on my website under "before/after care". Unless it is an emergency (if you feel like something is not right, your brows are aching after 24hours, swollen, oozy, etc) then please get in touch. Most clients who panicked comes back and want darker and thicker brows at their next session. You will be given Cetaphil to wash your brows with, and Membrane Microtonic* or Aquaphor for after care. Brows will slightly shrink and 30-50% of your brow colour will fade as the scabs flake off within 10 days. In some cases, healing can take up to 14 days. DO NOT PICK YOUR SCABS. The pigment is within the scab or flakes and you do not want to pull any pigment out of your skin prematurely. We all heal differently and what works on one client may not be effective on another so please do not compare your results. The complete healing of the skin takes approximately 4+ weeks before we do your Follow Up session. Your brows will look "normal" after 14 days post procedure. Follow Up appointments can not be done within 4 weeks after your First Session. It might look like your skin is healed after 10-14 days, but it lasts around 4 weeks for the body to repair broken blood vessels and replace tissue with healthy new ones.
*INGREDIENTS: DEIONIZED WATER, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE, AVENA SATIVA KERNEL EXTRACT (oatmeal), HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA LEAF EXTRACT (witch hazel), CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER EXTRACT (chamomile), AURANTIUM DULCIS FLOWER (orange), BEE PROPOLIS. (if allergic to any of these ingredients, we can provide Aquaphor ointment for after care instead - please let us know in advance)
What if I do not like it?
As with all cosmetic procedures, individuals should not make their choices lightly. We always recommend clients do their research, understand the procedure and compare different artists' work and portfolios when making their decisions. Our brow technician will do their best to shape and style the eyebrows to the clients satisfaction prior to the procedure and ask for your approval several times every step of the way.
As with any artform, all Brow artists have their own style. If there is a specific style you love, it is in your best interest to go to an artist who specializes in that style of brow. Asking an artist to change their style or mimic someone else's style - either their hair stroke pattern, brow shape or technique - is usually a sign that you aren't on the same page. Remember, Microblading is not make-up and staying as natural as possible, especially with a shape, is what we aim for at Beaula. Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical, our brow hairs grow differently on each brow and that facial muscles also plays a big role in symmetry. Uneven appearance can be fixed during the touch up session. Pigment discoloration and colour correction can also be fixed during the follow up session. Microbladed brows will eventually fade away if no additional touch ups are done. DO NOT SCRATCH, EXFOLIATE OR TRY AND REMOVE THE PIGMENT DURING THE HEALING PROCESS WHICH TAKES 14 DAYS, THIS WILL CAUSE SCARRING. If you absolutely hate your brows and want the pigment gone take an extremely hot shower, go into a sauna or hot tub and excessively sweat in your face which will help pull fresh pigment during the first 5 days. Over moisturize them with ointment like vaseline so the scabs will fall off in larger pieces pulling the pigment out of your skin. DO NOT PICK THE SCABS. After 14 days exfoliate lightly over them daily for a few weeks. Powder Brows may take longer to fade.
I want to become a Microblading Technician, do I need a background in Esthetics?
You do not need any experience in Esthetics to become a Microblading Technician. We are not considered Estheticians but fall under Tattoo and Body Modification regulations in Canada. Since Microblading and Permanent Make Up is like tattoos, you will need to complete your mandatory Bloodborne Pathogens Training as required by law and then take a hands-on course and get certified. Threads Brow Academy offers an in-depth 4-day Microblading Certification course that will leave you feeling confident upon completion where we will cover areas such as Brow Design, Skin Anatomy, Health Safety, Pigments, Brow Shapes, Colour Pigment Theory, Hair Stroke Patterns, and more. We will be studying all aspects of Microblading - which also includes learning 3 different type of Head Stroke patterns that is usually taught at a more advanced level. Our students will practice on 3 Live Models under guidance and observe and learn from an Instructor Demo. You will receive a Premium Microblading Kit worth over $600 and one year of support. We will set you up for success to become an expert in this highly profitable career. Click here for training dates, courses and other info.
Do you do Brow Waxing, shaping and tinting?
We will be offering Brow Waxing, Shaping and Tinting from mid July by Brow Code. It is important to know that some clients hair and skin takes tint better than others. If you use any oil based make-up remover or products, exfoliate a lot, use skin care with active ingredients such as Retinol, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide or bleaching creams - it will strip the colour off your hair and skin much faster and you will not have long lasting results. Please avoid your brow area if using any of these products.