Brows

What is the difference between microblading and tattoo? Microblading is a semi permanent makeup procedure that allows to dramatically correct or fully reconstruct lost eyebrows. this is the refined technique of manually depositing small and precisely placed, molecules of pigment directly into the dermis layer of the skin using sterile, disposable needles affixed to a specialized pen, it does not involve the use of a machine. The purpose of microblading is to accentuate the natural features of the clients face. Microblading is softer and more subtle than tattooing it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Body tattoos use ink while microblading involves pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over the years as client’s natural colouration and facial changes occur.

How long should microblading and powder brows last? these treatments are considered semi-permanent and will not wash off, however, they will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 1-2 years. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors including: the pigment colour used (lighter colours fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary. Multiple sessions are normal for microblading and powder brow procedures, with each new client requiring a minimum of 2 visits. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 6 weeks after the initial appointment. Additional sessions will be charged according to our current pricing. 

Does microblading or powder brows hurt? A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

How do I prepare for my brow appointment? If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of two weeks prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume. If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure (2 years is recommended). It is highly recommended that you avoid sun and tanning bed exposure for 30 days before and after your procedure as your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it. If you drink a lot, take aspirin or use Retinol stop two weeks before your appointment. Retinol makes your skin thin and then you bleed more!

What is the microblading / powder brows healing process like? Your semi-permanent makeup will appear darker and more intense for the first few days. The pigment oxidizes under the skin which causes this darkening effect. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling immediately following the procedure are minimal. Some scabbing may result between days 4-7 as this is your bodies way of healing any cut. days 8-14 any resulting scabs will begin to flake away. The degree and intensity of the scabbing and flaking depends on the individual. Most clients are fine to return to work the next day. The complete healing process takes about 4 weeks, at which time the true color of the microblading is evident. During this process, your microbladed brows will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 4 weeks to see the true color, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 6 weeks that your touch-up can be done.

How will my microblading look in the future? During your appointment, we will analyze your skin’s undertone to anticipate how pigment colours will fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure colour blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair colour. The majority of our clients’ Microblading stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. There are some cases, however, where colours may fade to different tones according to the individual’s response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes. At your next appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial colour. Special formula alteration to correct the colour and to prevent further colour change is made at this time. To keep your hair strokes looking good, a refresher appointment is suggested every 1 to 2 years. Results vary with each client.

Will microblading work for me? If you have extremely oily skin, the hairstroke eyebrow technique will NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hairstrokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect. Powder (machined) brows are often the best solution for clients with moderate to severly oily skin as the retention is far better for these individuals. If you have little to no existing hair, your tattoo will appear more 2-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally. If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner. PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed, cover-up or re-work services are provided on a case by case basis. In some instances where the previous work is too dark, dense, discolored, or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before our services will be considered. Previously tattooed areas will almost always require additional sessions and will be charged accordingly. Please contact us with any further questions..

How old must I be to be to get microblading or powder brows done? You must be 18 years or older to receive any semi permanent makeup services at this salon.

Can I get microblading if I am pregnant or nursing? As a precaution, we do not perform microblading on pregnant or nursing women.

Is the salon equipment safe? absolutely! We pride ourselves on having an immaculate and sterile salon space. All needles are pre packaged, sterile, single use only and disposable. This means that each set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterwards.The Willow is routinely inspected by the Durham Regional Health Board and ways abides by and passes regulations (supporting documentation is happily provided upon request).

May I bring my children with me to my appointment? Due to the interest of health, safety and liability children under the age of 12 are prohibited from attending your appointment. You will be required to arrange supervision offsite and no exceptions will be made. Failure to abide will result in the cancellation of your appointment.

What methods of payment do you accept? We accept all major CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT OR CASH (applicable taxes do apply)

• Absoluetly NO WATER on the brow for a minimum of 14 days as this can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilise in the dermis.
  
• DO NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It may appear as though the microbladed area has faded drastically. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates.
  
• DO NOT apply make-up to the tattooed area for the first 2 weeks. Cosmetics of any kind may interfere with the healing and color of your tattoo.
  
• DO NOT use Vaseline, Neosporin or other petroleum based products while healing.
  
• DO NOT bleach, tint or dye the tattooed area for one month following the procedure.
  
• DO NOT apply any anti-acne products (e.g. Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Proactiv, etc.) or lightening creams (skin bleaching creams) such as hydroquinone to the treated area while healing.
  
• No anti-aging products or facial products containing Alpha Hydroxyls (AHAs), Retin-A, Lactic or Glycolic Acids
  
• Do not thread, wax, or use hair removal products on the treated area while healing.
  
• NO exercising and/or sweating for at least 14 days after.
  
• NO swimming pools, jacuzzis or other bodies of water for two weeks.
  
• Do not soak your face underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face for two weeks.
  

CANCELLATION POLICY – 48 hours notice is required in the event you need to cancel or reschedule. Any rescheduled, or cancelled appointment with less than 48 hour notice will result in the forfeit of your deposit. If you do not show up to your appointment, your deposit will be forfeited. An additional deposit will be required to make a new appointment. If 2 appointments are missed, canceled, or rescheduled without the appropriate notice, payment in full for services scheduled will be due prior to the scheduling of another appointment and such payment will be subject to the same terms of forfeit for no show, cancellation or rescheduling as listed above. There are no exceptions to these policies. RESCHEDULING / LATE POLICY- To avoid unfair delays to clients, if you are more than 20 minutes late to your appointment it will be necessary to reschedule. This will result in the loss of your deposit and will require another deposit to schedule the next appointment. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise that could force you to postpone/reschedule your procedure. Please understand that such changes affect not only your technician, but other clients as well. If you must reschedule an appointment, 48 hours is required in order to keep your deposit.