My love of creating bold and beautiful brows led me to the art of permanent makeup (PMU)! Before I officially launched PMU services at Clean Slate Spa, I spent countless hours in the last 5 years training, brow mapping classes, getting certifications in tattooing machines and most importantly obtaining my Wisconsin Tattoo Artist License.
Everyday I receive several questions and inquiries about the permanent makeup process, most often asking, “what is microblading or permanent makeup?” I thought I would take a few moments and give you the low down on the basics.
What exactly is this Microblading thing all about????
Originated in Asia, microblading or brow permanent makeup is a method of implanting pigment into the epidermis to take on the appearance of real hair. This technique is done to shape, fill in or correct brows that need a little, extra TLC! Due to this specific method, the natural look of eyebrows is achieved beautifully. Rather than filling in the entire shape of the eyebrow, pigment is skillfully placed in the direction of your own natural growth. With PMU, we can correct imperfections and enhance your natural appearance. Not everyone wants the big and bold “Instagram Brow” look. Most clients are looking for a better version of their brows with minimal effort. That is how permanent makeup can work for you!
Who is PMU for?
Those who want to effortlessly look their best. Busy moms, business women, young women who want a bolder brow or older adults who may have thinning brows, or anyone with an active lifestyle. Even men!
Do my existing eyebrows need to be shaved off?
Most definitely NOT, but please do not tweeze, thread, wax or modify your eyebrows before your appointment. The beginning of your service includes a brief consultation, followed by brow mapping and a discussion about color. Your regular brow maintenance of tweezing, threading, waxing and/or tinting may continue once the brows have healed.
Does it hurt?
The discomfort is relative, as everyone has a different level of sensitivity. This is not a completely pain-free service! However, an anesthetic is applied for numbing during the procedure. Every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure. My clients are usually pleased to discover the discomfort in minimal.
How long is the healing process?
It is normal to experience minimal swelling and tenderness immediately following your procedure. This usually subsides within and hour or two. It is extremely important to follow the after-care instructions you are provided. The first week following your treatment the pigment will appear much darker than how it will appear once it has healed. Around week 2, the skin naturally exfoliates and sheds. During weeks 4-8 when the skin completes healing, you will see the pigment become more visible. A perfecting session approximately 8-10 weeks after your initial appointment is necessary in order to achieve that richness of color and density in the shape.
How old do I have to be to get tattooed? 
You must be 18 years or older to receive microblading at Clean Slate Spa. For state purposes, you must provide a valid ID. This will be documented on your consent form.
How long does PMU last?
PMU is a cosmetic tattoo. The pigment does fade over time…we recommend a touch-up every 1-2 years to keep your brows looking their best. There is no guarantee in how long it lasts, as each client has very different skin and lifestyle. Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: skin type, pigment selection, lifestyle (sun exposure), iron deficiency (your body absorbs iron-oxide as a supplement), chemical peels, skin care product usage, etc.
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 touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary.
How many treatments are needed?
PMU is a multiple step appointment process. Your brows will not be completed during your first service. For microblading and shading techniques, at least two appointments are needed initially, each appointment scheduled 8-10 weeks apart. During your touch-up session, we will assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Each client heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go bolder and add more density at your next appointment.
What factors will affect permanent makeup?
- Sun exposure: The sun will fade the look of your tattoo, so a physical sunscreen should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement.
- The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds. The younger you are, the shorter the pigment will remain in the skin.
- The speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold.
- The choice of pigment color: Some colors may fade quicker than others, e.g. a blonde pigment may fade quicker than a dark brunette pigment.
- Bleeding during the procedure: Any bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should be avoided 48 hours prior to your appointment.
What should I do before my eyebrow procedure?
If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, please bring a couple reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we may take into consideration the shape you feel most comfortable with. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please refrain from doing so within a week of your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we will remove them.
How will I look immediately after?
Your brows will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first week or so. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is minimal. Your brows may fade 25-40% between your initial appointment and perfecting session.
How will my brows look in the future?
During your appointment, we will analyze your skin tone to anticipate how pigment colors will heal and fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure the color blends well with your natural hair and skin color. There are some cases, however, where the color 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 follow up appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial color. If needed, special formula alterations to correct the color is made at this time. Your eyebrow tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a “powdered” look. To keep your brows looking their best, a refresher appointment is suggested every 12-24 months. Results and preferences vary with each client.
What should I know about long term care?
- The color will lighten over time. We recommend an annual touch up to keep brows looking their best. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure.
- If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.
- If you are planning to have laser treatments on your face, please tell your laser specialist to avoid the pigmented area. Laser may cause pigment to turn black.
Will microblading work well for me?
- If you have extremely oily skin, aging skin or sun-damaged skin, the microblading technique may NOT work well for you. You are a better candidate for ombre/shading PMU.
- If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment will fade sooner.
- If you are iron deficient or anemic, your pigment will fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.
If you need additional information or would like to schedule a consultation, please reach out to me or schedule an appointment online!
