Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. Payment upfront is required to book your appointment at which you will only be charged in full if you miss your appointment without proper notice. As a courtesy, please notify me 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel so that I may have time to fill your missed appointment.
MICROBLADING
Q. What is microblading?
A. Microblading is a permanent cosmetics technique in which pigment is delicately implanted into the skin through a series of tiny sterile needles, mimicking hairlike strokes in the eyebrows. This creates a natural enhancement of fullness and symmetry and does not necessarily replace makeup. A touch-up session is sometimes needed once you have completely healed to fill in any areas where the skin did not retain the pigment.
Q. I'm considering microblading. Is it right for me?
A. Microblading is designed to blend with your natural brow hair, the more hair you have the more realistic your results will appear. If you have very little or sparse eyebrow hair, results will appear more 2D, and it is possible that you may need more than two sessions to achieve your desired result.
You cannot receive microblading if you are/have:
Pregnant or nursing
Under 18 years old
Under the influence of drugs/alcohol
On blood thinners: prescribed medications, fish oil/vitamin E oil, Aspirin/Ibuprofen
Rosacea
Cancer
Keloid scars
Deep wrinkles in your brows
Extremely oily skin
Autoimmune diseases
Hyper/hypopigmentation
Currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past year
Existing brow tattoos that are still visible
Recent Botox/fillers and/or chemical peels(within 8 weeks)
Freshly tanned/sunburned face
Other factors to consider:
Excessively Oily Skin: Microblading heals best on normal to dry skin types. Microblading may not work as well on clients with extremely oily skin types or large pores. Increased oil production can cause hair strokes to blur and heal lighter and more powdery than you would expect.
Mature Skin: Tends to be thinner and more delicate which may increase the likelihood of bleeding and loss of pigment.
Darker Skin: There may be less contrast and visible detail in the strokes.
Previously Tattooed Brows/Laser Tattoo Removal: The previous tattooing must be nearly invisible. Scar tissue associated with previous tattooing or tattoo removal may affect pigment retention.
Microblading is a natural look of enhancing your brows by adding definition and symmetry with hair-like strokes. It is not meant to entirely replace makeup. Eyebrow pencils and powders may still be needed.
Please make sure you are not affected by the above factors before booking an appointment! You will have to sign a waiver form to confirm this prior to your appointment.
Q. What can I expect during my microblading appointment?
A. The first Microblading session should take about 2-2.5 hours. I will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area and it will also be reapplied during the procedure. I will shape and style your brows following a mapping of the contours and/or natural shape of your existing brows, creating an outline or guide. Pigments used are chosen to match the natural or desired brow color. Skin tone will also be taken into consideration. Once you are satisfied with the choices, we begin the procedure. The pain level is considered mild to none. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling has been described as light scratches to not feeling anything at all. The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure and the color will appear very dark. This is normal and part of the healing process.
The second Microblading session usually takes place 6-12 weeks after the initial session. This touch-up should not be done earlier than 4 weeks as the pigment has not fully settled in the skin and healing has not been completed. Minor touch-ups may include pigment color adjustment, brow thickness, and/or more strokes may be added. This session will take approximately 1-1.5 hours.
Q. What is the aftercare for Microblading?
A. Aftercare Instructions
Day 1: Starting one hour after your appointment, carefully dab your brows every hour until bedtime with lightly dampened gauze. You can use distilled water or sterile water (boiled and cooled water). Right before bed, gently wash your brows with a gentle soap. Use room temperature water to lightly wet your brows. Pump a small amount of soap onto your fingertips and make suds, you should no longer feel the soap, just the bubbles. Gently pat the bubbles on your brows for about 10 seconds. Splash rinse and pat dry with clean gauze or tissue. Wait 10 minutes and apply a small amount of aftercare balm by tapping it on the brows. If they look too saturated, use a tissue to carefully blot the excess.
Day 2 to 14: Continue with washing both day and night until healed. If you have oily skin, use aftercare only after washing. If you have normal to dry skin apply aftercare throughout the day as needed, when brows feel dry.
DO NOT overuse aftercare balm.
DO NOT get brows wet other than washing. Be careful when showering.
DO NOT take steamy showers.
DO NOT go swimming.
DO NOT expose your brows to the sun. Wear a hat if you will be outside for a prolonged amount of time.
DO NOT sweat for 10 days. This means no working out.
DO NOT apply makeup to the brow area for 10-14 days following the procedure.
DO NOT apply anything but the aftercare product provided to your brows.
DO NOT get facials and/or peels for 4 to 6 weeks
DO NOT get BOTOX for 2 weeks.
DO NOT pick the flaking color, this can remove it completely, let it release on its own.
**Brows are fully healed at 4 to 6 weeks. During your healing, you may notice changes in your brows that can be alarming. They will get darker, shed lightly, and then seem very light. The color is hiding underneath a layer of opaque, healing skin. This usually only lasts a few weeks. You may feel they appear uneven at times due to this. Between 6-12 weeks after your procedure, if you feel they need it, you can schedule a touch-up.**
Q. How long does microblading last?
A. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), and age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: clients who tan or use products with AHA or Glycolic Acid will fade faster as their skin will resurface faster. Each individual’s color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the brows, a touch-up is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the microbladed area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.
EYELASH EXTENSIONS
Q. I'm considering eyelash extensions. Are they right for me?
A. Eyelash extensions are an excellent way to enhance your eyes without the use of makeup. However, it's important to consider the following factors before deciding:
Eyelash extensions are great for those who:
Desire longer, more dramatic lashes, without having to apply eye makeup each day.
Are able to care for them and dedicate the time and expense every 2-4 weeks to keep them maintained.
Are able to lay still with eyes closed for up to 3 hours.
Eyelash extensions are NOT suitable for those who:
Have weak or too sparse lashes.
Are allergic to acrylic. The adhesive contains acrylate and is contraindicated for those with allergies.
Have sensitive eyes or routinely use eye drops, prescriptions, or thyroid medications.
Have physical limitations, claustrophobia, or severe nervousness.
Q. What should I do to prepare for my eyelash extension appointment?
A. Before coming in you may want to shower the day before as you will not be able to wet your lashes for the next 24 hrs. Also, please avoid:
Wearing eye makeup.
Caffeine several hours prior to your appointment.
Arriving late. If you are over 15 minutes late, you may need to be rescheduled. Cancellation fees will apply. The time that is allotted for you is the exact amount of time needed. For your first full set, you will need to fill out a few forms before we get started, so coming a little early if possible is recommended.
Wearing contacts. However, if you need or prefer to wear them, a case and solution are provided for you to store them during your appointment.
Curling your eyelashes.
Q. How long do eyelash extensions last?
A. Eyelashes go through growth stages and shed. The average eye has 150-200 lashes per eye and can shed up to 5 natural lashes per day. In order to maintain the look of your initial set, you will need to have the extensions refilled approximately every 2-4 weeks. You may lose up to 15% of your eyelash extensions per week. Most find that 3-week refills, or up to 50% of lashes, are the sweet spot for maintenance. However, if you prefer a more full look more consistently, then 1-2 week appointments are available to achieve that. If it has been over 4 weeks or more than 75% of lashes are gone, a new full set will need to be applied.
Q. Do eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes?
A. When done properly, no. Unfortunately, there are technicians offering eyelash extension services using incorrect techniques that can damage your natural lashes. Creating cluster lashes or using too much adhesive are examples of poor lash extension techniques and are typically offered at below-average cost. Cheap lashes aren't good and good lashes aren't cheap.
Q. How do I care for my eyelash extensions?
A. Do not get your lashes wet and avoid extreme temperature changes/steam for 24 hours after your eyelash extensions have been applied. An aftercare kit including a lash cleanser, portable lash brush, and aftercare instructions card is included with your initial full set. To make your eyelash extensions last longer, cleanse your lashes DAILY and follow the below guidelines. Build-up around your extensions will affect your retention and can cause Blepharitis (inflammation from bacteria and flakes of oil between your lashes).
Cleansing steps:
Gently remove excess makeup around the eye area with an oil-free makeup remover or wipe.
Apply a cleanser specifically formulated for eyelash extensions. Use a soft eye makeup brush or your fingers in a gentle downward motion to remove build-up on and around your lash extensions. Do not rub back and forth.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Repeat if necessary.
Use a lash brush to detangle.
*Avoid heavy, oil-based eye creams or moisturizers around the eye area. Go for gel eye serums instead.
*Avoid mascara, unless you are using a mascara specifically formulated for eyelash extensions. Use only water-based eyeliners.
*Groom your lashes with an eyelash brush.
Q. I have eyelash extensions from another lash artist, how do I book a refill with you?
A. A consultation is required to assess the current condition of your eyelashes prior to booking an appointment with me. I'm happy to accept emailed photos but please make sure they are detailed shots of your lash line. I do not currently offer volume(3D+) or Russian volume extension refills from other artists. Refills from another lash artist are a flat rate of $130 regardless of the time between/after your appointment(s). Be sure to select "Refill from another lash artist" rather than the time structured refills that I provide for existing clients. If it has been 5 weeks or longer since your last appointment, you will need to have a new full set applied.
WAXING
Q. What type of wax do you use?
A. A combination of hard and soft wax is used for efficient hair removal with optimal comfort.