There is a common misconception that microblading is not an actual tattoo, and that it is “semi-permanent,” meaning that the ink will completely disappear after a certain length of time. This is not true. Microblading is indeed a form of tattooing! Any time you are implanting ink into the skin it is considered tattooing, even if it is not done with a tattoo machine. 

We like to tell our clients that microblading is considered “semi-permanent” in the sense that it will require maintenance to keep the work looking its best. If you choose not to keep up with maintenance on your microblading, it will continue to fade out over time, however, it cannot be guaranteed that there will at some point be no remnants of ink left in your skin. 

You can typically expect to need maintenance touch ups done on your microblading about every 2-3 years, but this will vary heavily depending on skin type and lifestyle. 

During the initial healing period of 10 to 14 days, your eyebrows will go through several stages of healing. Initially, they may appear very dark and become increasingly darker over the next few days as scabs form. It is essential to avoid picking at the scabs, as they need to fall off naturally for optimal results. After the scabs fall off, your brows may appear very light or milky for a few days. Full healing can take up to 6 weeks, during which time factors such as skin quality, texture, and lifestyle (sun exposure, exfoliants) can affect the healing process and final results, which vary for each individual. 

 It’s normal for 30% to 50% of the pigment to fade and disappear after the initial procedure. Don’t worry, as this is where the Perfection Touch-Up appointment comes in. It’s crucial to schedule a touch-up appointment with your artist six weeks after the initial procedure to finalize your perfect brow by adding any necessary strokes that may have faded. 

In short, the answer is that it depends. The decision on whether a tattoo or microblading can be redone over an existing one depends on several factors, such as the artist’s expertise, the color of the old tattoo, and the client’s skin type. In most cases, the old tattoo or microblading needs to be faded first to achieve the desired results and conceal the old design. 

At our studio, we only take a limited number of clients with existing work. If you have an old tattoo or want to correct/redo old microblading, you can send us a picture or book a consultation with one of our artists to assess whether it’s possible.

While microblading is considered a typically safe a reliable procedure for most people, certain conditions and skin types can prohibit clients from being a good candidate. First, there are certain skin types that are the most favorable, and the most unfavorable for microblading. 

The most FAVORABLE skin type for microblading: 

∙Normal/dry skin type with tiny pores. Skin that is not too thin, and not too thick. This type of skin has low sensitivity, with non-translucent fair ivory skin tone and doesn’t bleed easily. 

∙Normal to combination skin with small to normal pores; slightly oily to dry, and normal sensitivity. 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 FAVORABLE for these skin types: 

∙Thick, oily skin with large pores tends to bleed easily and can negatively affect the absorption of pigment (this skin type is sometimes compared 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 and cause strokes to become blended or blurry. Retention of pigment and strokes in general is much harder for this skin type. Certain artists may agree to work on this skin type, however clients must understand that their results may end up looking softer, powdery, or more blended than expected. Blurriness will increase with time on this skin type. 

∙Super-thin, soft, hypersensitive skin (sometimes compared to a hard boiled egg or marshmallow). Usually translucent/pale with invisible pores. This type of skin is highly prone to developing scar tissues, bleeds very easily, and has a harder time healing, and pigment can appear blurred and blotchy. 

∙Those prone to dermatitis, eczema, or rosacea, especially in the facial area, are not good candidates for microblading. Any trauma to the skin from tattooing (including microblading OR powder brows) can cause the dermatitis, rosacea, or eczema to spread to the brow area. 

∙Skin that is very textured (ie: wrinkled, severe scars from injury or surgery, or porous). Visually, it’s helpful to think of what it is like to take a permanent marker and draw a line across an apple, vs drawing a line across an orange or a date. The line on the apple will be crisp. The line on the orange or date will not be complete, it will be patchy or dotted, which is how microblading translates onto textured skin types. Powder brows is a beautiful option for these skin types as an alternative. 

Lifestyle and certain medical conditions or circumstances also need to be taken into consideration to determine if you are a good candidate. Some of these include: 

∙Pregnancy / Breastfeeding 

∙Keloid prone skin 

∙Cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, viral infections 

∙Chemotherapy within the last year 

∙Bleeding disorders 

∙Organ transplants 

∙Recent illnesses (these will affect the healing process and you should wait at least a week to reschedule) 

∙Broken capillary or raised bumps in the eyebrow area 

∙Accutane within the last year 

∙Use of retinols (must stop use at least two weeks prior to appointment) 

∙Recent botox (must wait 30 days) 

∙Sunburns (must not be sunburnt, or wait for sunburn to disappear) 

∙After waxing (must not have had a wax for at least 3 days) 

∙After Chemical peels 

∙If you take blood thinning medications or heavy alcohol within 72 hours of procedure 

∙Athletes or those who work out and sweat very frequently (pigment can fade quicker and blur) 

∙Those who use exfoliants or retinols (these can make your pigment fade quicker) 

∙Those who have heavy sun exposure (this will make your brows fade quicker and become discolored). 

 If you have any questions or concerns in regard to if you are a good candidate, please reach out to your artist to confirm!