WHAT IS MICROBLADING? 

 

Microblading (also known as eyebrow embroidery or feathering) originated in Far East Asia over 2 decades ago, and by 2015 began gaining popularity in the United States. This manual method is semi-permanent and the finest form of eyebrow tattooing. Microblading uses a disposable pen-like tool with a unique microblade attached to deposit pigment into the upper dermal layer of the skin to create very fine, precise strokes.  These hair strokes flow in the same direction as your own hairs, yielding the most natural results that very closely mimic the look and detail of actual brow hairs.

 

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HOW DOES MICROBLADING DIFFER FROM A TRADITIONAL TATTOO?

 

Microblading is the manual method of eyebrow tattooing, differing from other forms of skin tattooing in terms of procedure, permanency, color, detail and customization.  Unlike traditional tattooing performed with a machine tattoo gun that penetrates multiple dermal layers, microblading uses a handheld ‘microblade’ to deposit pigment into the superficial surface layer of the epidermis.  Because pigment is not implanted as deeply as a traditional tattoo, the hairstrokes fade gradually over time, making microblading semi-permanent.  Microblading produce the finest strokes to closely mimic real hairs, making it far more customizable than traditional tattooing.  Each individual hair stroke is hand drawn and blended in with the clients existing eyebrow hair and pattern.  Microblading techniques vary from 1D to 6D, where the blade's depth varies per stroke in order to yield the most dimensional and natural results.  A strong artist who mixes and matches techniques for each individual client's unique needs will produce beautiful results that are very lifelike-- and life changing!

 

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WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF MICROBLADING? HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

 

Microblading is semi-permanent, as it will not wash off, however it will fade gradually over time.  Although results differ from client to client, microblading typically last on average between 1-3 years, with annual touch-ups recommended in order to refresh the pigment and redefine the strokes.  All cosmetic tattooing is a 2-step process, with both the first and second “perfecting” session included in the initial procedure price (Please see PRICING section for more details).  Perfecting sessions can be booked no sooner than 4 weeks, and no later than 8 weeks following the initial appointment (waiting 6 weeks is recommended).  Client’s pigment retention will be evaluated at the perfecting session, and modifications will be made if necessary.  Please Note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed, as each unique skin type holds and breaks down pigment differently.  Even after the perfecting session, it is not unusual to need additional sessions between annual refreshments.  Frequency of sessions depends on both your personal preference, and the FACTORS that affect the skin’s ability to retain.  Additional sessions desired will be charged according to our current touch-up PRICING. Previously tattooed areas typically always require additional sessions due to stubborn scar tissue.  Without maintenance, your semi-permanent makeup may leave a soft haze of residual pigment behind, which is still a great guideline when filling in brows!

 

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AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR MICROBLADING?

 

While microblading is a safe and reliable procedure that is suitable for most people, there are conditions that can prohibit clients from being a good candidate.  If you have any of the following conditions, please consult with your doctor before attempting this procedure and bring a doctor's note with you to your appointment.  If you have any of the following medical conditions and show up to your appointment without a legitimate doctor’s written consent, we will not perform this procedure and our late cancellation policy will be enforced - No exceptions! (Please see our POLICY for more details)

 

The following Conditions & Circumstances may interfere with consideration for a Microblading treatment:

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• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

• Skin keloid scarring or keloid tendency

• Birthmarks or moles in the service area

• Serious diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Autoimmune Disorders, Viral Infections

• Received Chemotherapy treatments within the past year

• Circulatory disorders, Pacemaker

• Had an organ transplant

• Any bleeding disorders

• Any recent illness (cold, flu, etc. will affect healing process, please wait at least 1 week before rescheduling!)

• Broken capillary or raised bumps in the service area

• Have any symptoms of skin disease, blemishes, lesions, acne, rash, psoriosis, eczema, rosacea or any appearance of skin irritation in the service area

• Have taken Accutane within the past year

• Use of Retinols/Retinoids (must be off at least 1 week prior to appointment)

• Recent botox/Dysport treatment (recommend waiting 1 month)

• Sunburns/deep tan (must wait at least 2 weeks)

• After waxing (must wait 3 days)

• After chemical peels (must wait at least two weeks)

• If you take blood-thinning medications or heavily consume alcohol within seventy-two (72) hours of services

• If your old eyebrow tattoo is too dark (Please contact me via email/text with a clear photo prior to booking a correctional appointment in order to eliminate the risk of losing your deposit due to not being able to work over previous artists’ work… See CORRECTIONAL section for more info)

• If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner

• If you are iron deficient or Anemic, your pigment may fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure

• If you generally have problematic skin, bleed excessively, get infections easily, and/or do not heal well when cut or injured, you may want to reconsider having this procedure as the results are extremely dependant on the healing process

 

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WHICH SKIN TYPES ARE IDEAL FOR MICROBLADING?

 

Microblading works BEST on these types of skin:

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• Dry skin types with tiny pores. Skin that’s thin but not super thin (I like to compare this skin to a grape). This type of skin has low sensitivity, with non-translucent fair ivory skin tone and doesn’t bleed easily.

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• Normal to combination skin types with small to normal pores; slightly oily to dry and normal sensitivity (I like to compare this skin to an apple). This type of skin is usually non-translucent and can range from light to dark skin tones, young or mature skin and doesn’t bleed easily.

 

Microblading is NOT IDEAL for these skin types:

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• Thick, oily skin with large pores tends to bleed easily and can negatively affect the absorption of pigment (I like to compare this skin to an orange peel). The skin texture and constant production of oil will cause the hairstrokes to heal with a thicker diffused, softer look, or even bleed together.  I can work on this type of skin, however, you must be aware that your end result will look more solid, powdered and blended than you would typically expect.

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• Super-thin, soft, hypersensitive, skin with barely any upper skin layer (I like to compare this type of skin to a peeled hard boiled egg sometimes like a marshmallow). Usually translucent/pale with invisible pores and can have rosacea or dermatitis. This type of skin is highly prone to developing scar tissue, bleeds VERY easily, has a harder time healing, and pigment can appear blurred and blotchy.

 

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WHAT IS THE KEY TO GREAT RETENTION/RESULTS?

 

Microblading is an art, not a science.  While perfection can never be guaranteed due to the many factors (age, genetics, ethnicity, skin type/quality, lifestyle, etc.) that play a role in the healing process, there are things clients must do (and NOT do) in order to achieve the best possible healed results.  The key to optimizing your microblading retention depends entirely on your ability to follow proper AFTERCARE!! 

 

WHAT FACTORS WILL AFFECT MY MICROBLADING RESULTS?

 

Most common factors responsible for tattoo fading:

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• Inability to follow proper aftercare (see AFTERCARE section)

• Lifestyle choices (ex: professional athlete that regularly sweats heavily)

• Blonde color shades (lighter pigments tend to fade faster)

• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA - skin peeling agent)

• Glycolic Acid

• Iron deficiency

• Sun exposure

• Retinols/Anti-aging products

• Any other treatments or products used for dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles & acne scars

• Exfoliants

• Strong immune systems

• Exposure to salt water

 

 

HOW DOES PRICING WORK?

 

Microblading is a set price of $500 (subject to change), which includes both the initial procedure and second “perfecting” session, client’s valet parking, provided aftercare products and uses the very best, single-use blades on the market. 

 

Additional sessions for touch-up work:

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• Perfecting Session (4-8 weeks after initial procedure): Complimentary

• Within 6 months of initial procedure: $100

• Within 6 months - 1 year of initial procedure: $200

• Within 1 - 2 years of initial procedure: $300

• After 2 years of initial procedure: $400 

Follow @microBLADED on Instagram to stay updated on the latest specials and promotions!

 

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DO I GET TO CHOOSE MY BROW SHAPE?

 

Clients are more than welcome to bring in reference photos of their ideal brow goals, as well as fill them in with makeup the way they want/typically wear them.  Clients may also get them groomed the week prior to their appointment if they have a trusted professional who regularly maintains their brow shape.  Otherwise, brow shape is designed based on client’s measured facial features in combination with my professional opinion.  We will not begin the actual procedure until client is in 100% agreement with the final mapped out design.  Please Note that BLADED artists have the right to refuse service to any client with unreasonable or unrealistic requests and/or expectations.

 

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HOW IS THE COLOR CHOSEN?

 

Pigment color is primarily chosen based on a client’s natural brow hair color and skin undertones.  During your appointment, we will analyze your skin's undertone to anticipate how pigment colors will fade in the future. We then mix pigments accordingly to ensure color blends well and matches your hair and natural eyebrow color as closely as possible.  The majority of our clients' cosmetic tattoos stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. There are some cases, however, where colors may fade to different tones according to the individual’s response to the pigments (variables such as lifestyle factors and iron deficiencies can alter pigment tones).  At your follow up “perfecting” session appointment, we will analyze how your body has responded to the initial color and modify accordingly, if necessary. 

 

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WHAT TYPE OF PIGMENTS DO YOU USE?

 

The pigment line I use consists of a creamy, glycerin-based compound, safely formulated from the FDA, FD&C, and D&C colorant listings. Their highly concentrated formulas consistently provide the most superior and dependable coverage, and are specifically designed to maximize retention/results that remain true to color and age beautifully. 

 

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WHAT ARE YOUR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS?

 

BLADED takes great pride in having an immaculate and sterile studio space. We only use sterile, single-use, surgical-grade, stainless steel bladed tools, which are safely discarded in a Sharps needle container after each appointment.  Implements such as wipes, gauze, cotton swabs, gloves etc. are also single-use and disposed of after each client.  Gloves are worn at all times during the procedure, with the exception of Before/After photos and mapping out the brow design.  Each workstation is thoroughly disinfected before opening and after each procedure throughout the day.

 

 

WHAT DOES THE MICROBLADING APPOINTMENT PROCESS ENTAIL?

 

Generally, an appointment is scheduled for 2-3 hours; the first half of the appointment is the consultative component of the procedure, and the second half is the actual microblading itself. During the beginning of each appointment, I spend about an hour on before/after photos, mapping out facial features, brow shaping & design, pre-numbing, customized color matching, aftercare instructions, paperwork and any Q&As that are unanswered.  Additional time may be used to ensure you are pleased with your procedure.

 

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DOES IT HURT?

 

A combination of topical anesthetic gels with 5% Lidocaine is used for numbing before and throughout the procedure for maximum comfort. On a pain scale from 1-10, most clients rate the procedure as a “3”, and some even fall asleep!  Please note that pain tolerance will vary from person to person, and clients tend to be more sensitive while menstruating.  You may bring 1-2 Extra strength Tylenol to take after the consultation stage of your appointment for additional comfort if you have low pain tolerance.

 

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HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?

 

Before your appointment, I highly encourage new clients to check out my Before/After gallery or Instagram account (@microBLADED) to "shop" for and pick your favorite eyebrow transformation(s). Eyebrows come in many shapes and styles, from feathered to bold, arched to straight. At your initial appointment, I spend about 30 minutes working with you to customize the best brows for your face. In the week before your appointment, it’s recommended to discontinue the use of blood thinners, aspirin, alcohol, using retinol creams, and direct sun exposure.  It’s very important that new clients read the CANDIDATES section prior to booking first microblading appointment.

 

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WHAT IS THE HEALING PROCESS? IS THERE DOWNTIME?

 

You'll be able to wear your new brows back to brunch!  It takes about 30 days for the body to completely heal wounds, in which time you may experience certain changes such as difference in pigment intensity, mild scabbing, etc.  For the first 2 weeks, you'll need to avoid things such as getting them wet, working out, wearing brow makeup, etc. (Please see AFTERCARE for full list). 

 

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DOES EVERYONE’S SKIN HEAL AND RETAIN SIMILARLY?

 

Everyone's skin is different and therefore, everyone heals differently from this procedure. Depending on your skin type, skin quality, skin history, lifestyle, and a number of other FACTORS, some areas might retain pigment better than others.  Based on my experience and expertise, I will do my best to ensure pigment is placed well within the skin to achieve exceptional results. A small percentage of clients might require additional touch-ups based on how the skin heals (see RETENTION & LIFESPAN sections for more info).  Please be patient and know that I am fully committed to providing you with the brows of your dreams! 

 

 

HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF MY NEW BROWS?

 

Printed aftercare instructions will be provided at your initial appointment, and can also be found HERE.

 

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ARE TOUCH-UPS NECESSARY?

 

The first appointment is about structure, design, and building hairstrokes. The touch-up is utilized to see how the skin heals and retains pigment, as well as making any necessary adjustments to achieve better symmetry, definition, or volume.

Most clients require a touch-up appointment within 2 months of the initial procedure to fill in any areas of the skin that may not have fully retained the pigment - this is completely normal and to be expected.  The touch-up takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and is included in the price of your initial procedure.

Some may even require a 3rd session to complete the process. Especially if you have little to no hair to begin with, have scar tissue, oily skin type, or we are trying to cover up an old tattoo.

Drier skin types will retain pigment more easily, while extremely oily skin types will most likely need the touch-up. Check out the CANDIDATE section in my TERMS & POLICY to see if your skin would be a good candidate for this treatment.

 

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WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COME BACK FOR THE PERFECTING SESSION OR RECOMMENDED TOUCH-UPS?

One session will certainly make a big difference by giving you a more natural look and provide a perfect guideline to help you fill in with makeup when needed. With this guideline, filling in with makeup or shaping them by tweezing will be super quick and easy from then on.

My clients usually get great retention, and some of them don’t come back for the touch-up to keep a more natural look. But if you are looking for that super bold look, or require additional layering for volume, then a touch-up is necessary. I highly recommend the perfecting session, as that's where “the magic happens”! 

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HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO RETURN FOR TOUCH-UPS?

Different strokes for different folks! Touch-ups are subjective and based on many factors that affect retention such as skin type/quality, ethnicity, age, lifestyle, etc., in addition to personal preference of natural vs bold appearance. In general, ANNUAL touch-ups are strongly recommended to keep the strokes looking fresh and defined. Please refer to the CANDIDATE section to get an idea of what to expect as far as retention goes per skin type.

 

When strokes are placed extremely close, the strokes will mend together creating more of a hazy shadow instead of separate strokes when healed.  As an alternative, unless a more shaded look is desired, I moderately space the initial strokes, then allow healing time for them to shrink and settle. The more frequent your visits are, the bolder your brows will appear.

 

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WILL I STILL NEED TO FILL IN MY BROWS WITH MAKE-UP?

 

That’s up to you!  After 2 weeks following your initial procedure, you are free to fill in your brows as normal (as they will appear lighter, or even “disappear”) until your perfecting session.  Most clients love how natural the brows look completely healed after both sessions, and find them perfect for a fresh face or minimal day makeup.  However, some clients who wear more dramatic makeup or prefer a super-bold brow, may opt to use their microblading as a guideline for filling in an extra defined brow.

 

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CAN YOU CORRECT MY EXISTING EYEBROW TATTOOS?

 

At this time, I do accept correctional clients whose old tattoos are faded enough to work over. In order to determine whether or not I feel comfortable working over your previous brow tattoo/microblading, I will need to see a clear, close-up, makeup-free photo. I will also need information on how long ago you last had your brows done, and any complications you may have faced. I DO NOT touch-up other artist’s work; any work that is not my own is considered a correction and is full price. Correctional clients MUST have realistic expectations, as their situations are limiting/far more difficult to deal with, and results cannot be guaranteed! Due to the probability of working over scar tissue, correctional clients might require multiple sessions in order to achieve the best results. 

 

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HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

 

You can view availability, pricing and book appointments HERE.

 

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WHERE IS YOUR STUDIO LOCATED?

 

BLADED is currently located in Downtown San Antonio, Texas on the 3rd floor of the World Trade Center Building.  118 Broadway Street Suite #337 San Antonio, TX 78205 (See map below for directions)  Please Note that although BLADED is open for business on Saturdays, the building and it’s garage are closed on weekends.  Because of this, I am unable to validate parking for clients scheduled on weekends. I suggest either being dropped off, bringing quarters for the street-parking meters, or plan on paying to park in one of the nearby public lots.

 

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DO YOU TRAVEL TO OFFER SERVICES IN OTHER CITIES?

 

Yes! I do occasionally travel and offer services in other cities (Most often to Rochester, NY).  Please note that prices are subject to increase or vary for travel dates. Travel expenses and studio fees for my guest spots will be included in the price.  Unless stated otherwise, the second “perfecting” session will be arranged for travel appointments.  Please take into consideration that despite my best efforts, travelling does not always guarantee your second appointment in the same city from your initial appointment (initial price will be reflected upon this).  If for some reason I am unable to travel back to your city and you wish to receive your touch-up appointments from me, you may need to arrange to come to my studio located in San Antonio, TX, OR you can stay updated on future travel dates to your city via @microBLADED instagram account.  If you are long distance and have an interested group of potential clients, email Info@BladedByBritt.com to discuss options!

 

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IS IT OK TO CONTACT YOU WITH QUESTIONS?

 

Yes, please! CLICK HERE or feel free to email Info@BladedByBritt.com with any and all questions.  Please allow a response time of 1-2 business days.

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