FAQ

FAQ

We know you have questions about microblading and permanent makeup from Pretty In Ink, so here is a curated list of our frequently asked questions.

Does microblading hurt?

This is the main question I hear. I am not going to sugar coat this answer …. Yes, it hurts a little, but so does waxing, tweezing and getting caught in pictures without your brow pencil/powder. The pain is not unbearable, it is similar to a cat scratch. I also use liquid lidocaine to alleviate the discomfort after the initial hair stroke outline. I often hear clients say that their pain tolerance levels are really low and that they might not be able to handle it … Well, they were able to make it through the whole procedure.

How will I know if I will like the shape / thickness / color?

I often have potential clients ask about the pre-process of microblading. Here's my best effort at an explanation.. I measure your natural shape and then outline my measurements. You and I would come to an agreement on shape, size, arch placement and pigment color. After an agreement is reached, I do the actual microblading procedure.

How long does it take?

Anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. The procedure isn't started until a shape and design are agreed upon and an outline is drawn on the brows for final approval. This is what consumes a majority of the time. The actual microblading procedure can last from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the intensity, shape and amount of strokes needed during the procedure.

What can I expect during the heal time?

Immediately after the procedure, your brows may feel tender and swollen. Although it is a cosmetic procedure, it does cause trauma to the skin. Post care should be followed thoroughly to avoid infection and loss of pigment. Brows may experience some discomfort throughout the next 2 weeks. They will shrink down and the color will slightly fade. Most clients experience flaking skin close to the brow that can be remedied with aftercare ointments. The brows will scab and flake and appear patchy. The visual heal may last up to 2 weeks or more depending on skin integrity and individual healing ability.

How long is the heal? Should I take time off?

The visual heal (Healing, scabbing, darkness) takes about 2 weeks. Please do not pay to have this service done if you cannot be patient during the crucial heal time. I have had hundreds of clients go back to work the same day/following day. If you feel you should take the time off to ensure a proper heal then I would encourage it but it is not necessary.

How long does it last? Is it permanent?

Microblading procedures can last up to three years and possibly longer. Aftercare plays a huge role in determining how long the results will last. It's 50% my work and 50% your work. The strokes are placed so shallow in the skin that they will eventually work their way to the surface and 'fall out' or fade. This is such a great alternative to all of us that don't want to draw brows on everyday but fear the commitment of the permanence of a tattoo. NOTE: Depending on skin type and regeneration factors, traces of pigment can last for many years.

Do I need to come back regularly for touch ups?

YES!! It is crucial to come back in 4-8 weeks for your touch up, especially if the aftercare was not followed thoroughly. After the initial touch up, it is recommended that you schedule regular touch ups every 12 to 18 months, or when pigment begins to fade. If no Touch Up is done after 2 years, we'll consider it a new set.

Does the color or pigment ever change?

The pigment is the darkest right after the procedure and is made to lighten over time. It might even seem overwhelming at first because the color is so bold. Within the first 6 weeks, the true color will slowly show itself. The color will start to change a bit as it begins to fade out … take that as a sign to book your next touch up.

What kind of training does Pretty In Ink have?

Skyla's apprenticeship consisted of 300 hours, as well as 50 procedures under the supervision of her instructor. This course included anatomy and physiology of the skin structure (including skin disorders and diseases), brow mapping training, color theory, stroke pattern placement, and sanitary procedures among other skills. Following her 300 hours, Skyla earned her Missouri Tattoo License and Certificate of Completion in Permanent Cosmetics. This includes brows, lips, eyeliner, camouflaging scars, and areolas. She also has advanced training in several areas including combo brows with Daria Chuprys, owner of Permanent Makeup Academy of Beverly Hills, brow mapping with JennBoydInk, several eyeliner training demonstrations from industry masters from around the world, including Will Anthony and Oksana Martynenko, and Ombré Lips with Liucija Penkauskiene. She has also completed an independent certificate course in Safety, Sanitation & Blood-borne Pathogens. In addition, she is trained in tattoo removal using Lift Tattoo remover by Teryn Darling of Girlz Ink in Las Vegas, as well as permanent makeup corrections with Alina Soloveva. Skyla strives to further her education in a continuous effort to offer you the newest trends and techniques in permanent cosmetics.

Can my eyebrows be waxed or tinted prior to microblading?

If you intend to have your eyebrows waxed or tinted before a microblading service, the recommended time frame is 1 week prior to procedure. Waxing could cause temporary inflammation therefore distorting skin, while tinting can interfere with color choosing of pigment used in the microblading process.

Do I need to shave my brows off or do you shave them?

I do not remove existing hair unless it is agreed upon as small pieces outside of the desired shape. (I do not shave your eyebrows off, I utilize your natural shape and hair.)

What are the aftercare Instructions?

For the first 24 hours, keep the brow area clean and dry. Avoid getting the area wet, including sweating, swimming, or washing your face directly.

After 24 hours, apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment provided or recommended by your artist 2-3 times daily for the first week. Always use clean hands when applying.

Avoid picking, scratching, or peeling any scabbing that may occur. Let it fall off naturally.

Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and excessive heat for at least 2 weeks.

Do not apply makeup, creams, or lotions directly on the brows until fully healed.

Avoid sleeping on your face or rubbing the brow area while sleeping.

Do not wax, tint, or thread the brows for at least 2 weeks before and after the procedure.

Continue your normal skincare routine but avoid the brow area.

If you experience excessive redness, swelling, or signs of infection, contact your artist or seek medical attention immediately.

Remember that everyone heals differently, and following these aftercare instructions carefully will ensure the best possible results.

Are there any contraindications or restrictions I should be aware of?

YES! There are several medications and conditions that may interfere with the procedure healing. Here are some things you should be aware of —

  • Accutane or similar acne medications (must be discontinued for appropriate time period)
  • Blood thinners or anticoagulants
  • Pregnancy or nursing
  • Diabetes (uncontrolled)
  • Epilepsy or seizure disorders
  • Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis near the treatment area
  • Keloid scarring or hypertrophic scarring tendencies
  • Recent chemical peels, laser treatments, or microneedling (wait appropriate time)
  • Sunburn or active infections in the treatment area
  • Glaucoma or recent eye surgery (for eyeliner procedures)

Please consult with your artist about any medical conditions or medications you are taking before booking your appointment.