Frequently Asked Q & A's

WELCOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF EYEBROWS!

Microblading Eyebrows - An amazing semi-permanent makeup procedure specialized just for the eyebrows.

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

Microblading Eyebrows (also known as eyebrow embroidery, microstroking, featherstroke, 3-D brows, and hairstroke tattoo) has actually been around for many years in Asia. The U.S. as well as Charlotte, NC is quickly catching on to this amazing technique.

It is a semi-permanent makeup method of creating individually customized eyebrows. With Microblading, the thinnest hair strokes are created with pigment using hand-held disposable sterile microneedles. The pigment is deposited beneath the surface of the skin, which makes the hair strokes appear very crisp and realistic. Microblading is considered a corrective brow enhancement. The goal of Microblading is to create a very natural looking brow. This technique may not eliminate the need for brow powders.

CAN ANYONE RECEIVE MICROBLADING?

NO!

The biggest misconception about MICROBLADING is that ANYONE can receive this enhancement. This is NOT true. In order to receive MICROBLADING you must first have SOME hair throughout your eyebrow region. When our technicians are creating hairstrokes, these hairstrokes MUST have natural hair to blend in with for the appearance to be realistic.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY NATURAL BROW HAIR the results will not be natural.

Fortunately, we offer Eyebrow Enhancements for EVERY circumstance.
If you have OILY skin, Microblading is NOT for you. The hairstrokes will blur, and the results will NOT last as your natural oils will cause the pigment to fade faster than normal.

****If you are unsure if your a good candidate for MICROBLADING please contact our studio via email (support@opulencebb.com) or phone via text (704)313.0344 with a picture of your eyebrow region only. Our technicians will assess your eyebrow region and recommend the BEST enhancement for you.*****

MICROBLADING IS JUST FOR WOMEN, RIGHT?

Absolutely Not! - Microblading is for women AND men! More and more men are seeking out microblading eyebrows, too. A well-groomed appearance is important to everyone, and microbladed brows can take years off the face for women and men alike.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COSMETIC TATTOOING AND TRADITIONAL BODY TATTOOS?

The purpose of microblading eyebrows is to enhance the natural features of a client. Permanent makeup is softer, more subtle and natural-looking. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.

HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING LAST?

No guarantee can be made as to how long results will last. Microblading Eyebrows is considered a semi-permanent makeup procedure that can last about 18 months - 2 years without a touch-up. The pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Microblading is an art, not a science. Client results will vary from person to person. Although it is effective and can last up to two years in most cases, everyone’s skin is different. It is very important that each client understands that we cannot guarantee how long the pigment will be retained in your skin. Retention depends on your skin type, texture, oiliness, and aftercare. Most clients will need 12-18 month touch-ups, but results will vary from person to person.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE? WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

We book at least 3 hours for the Microblading procedure.

During your permanent makeup appointment, we will:

Consult, calculate and draw your perfect shape
Take before pictures
Choose your ideal color
Seek your final approval
Start the procedure
Finish the procedure
Take after photos
Go over after care instructions

WILL I STILL HAVE TO TWEEZE OR WAX MY BROWS?

Yes, with the microblading permanent makeup, your brow hair will continue to grow. Your maintenance will be a lot easier, though.

WILL I STILL NEED TO WEAR BROW MAKE-UP?

You might, depending on your desired look. Microblading Eyebrows is meant to enhance your natural brows, creating fine hair like strokes. If you prefer a filled in look, you will still need make-up to achieve that. Microshading or Ombre' Powder Brow permanent makeup will be the best options for you!

DOES IT HURT?

Pain threshold levels vary from person to person. Some clients experience very little to no pain, while others may be slightly uncomfortable. A topical numbing cream is used for comfort throughout the microblading eyebrows procedure to help you remain comfortable. Having microblading performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE HEALING PROCESS?

Everyone's skin is different. Although microblading eyebrows is effective in most cases, no guarantee can be made that everyone will benefit from the permanent makeup procedure. Microblading heals about 50% lighter than the initial service. If you have very dark hair, please know the pigment may heal lighter than your natural hair color. Generally, the results are excellent but it very much depends on your skin texture, oiliness, and after care. There are many factors that could affect your healing.

Your new microbladed eyebrows will go through several phases during the healing cycle.

FIRST - The pigment will appear very sharp and dark immediately after the procedure. This is because the pigment is still sitting on top of your skin, and has not yet settled in completely. Your brow area may be slightly swollen and your brows may look/feel slightly larger. While some are ok with this, some have a very hard time - Just breathe, give it time and trust the process.
NEXT - The color of the pigment will soften gradually, for some, the pigment may seem to disappear. Again, just breathe and trust the process. Do not be alarmed if you see some pigment on the cotton swab, as this is excess pigment and/or lymph exiting the skin. Once the healing of the skin starts taking place, it will look like dandruff flakes or dry skin. This might give you the impression that the color pigment is fading too quickly; however, this is just superficial color and dry skin being naturally sloughed from your eyebrows. Your brows may develop some undesirable scabbing. DO NOT PICK! We cannot stress this enough, DO NOT PICK.
AFTERCARE – Specific aftercare instructions are given to each client. The Artist will review line by line instruction with the client to ensure complete understanding.

**Please plan accordingly and allow, at the very least, three weeks if you have an event or special occasion coming up.**

DOES EVERYONE NEED A TOUCH-UP?

Microblading Eyebrows is considered a two-step procedure. For the most part, everyone will need a touch-up or perfecting appointment. Clients may book their touch-up/perfecting appointment 8 weeks after the initial microblading appointment. Your first touch-up with Opulence Brows & Beauty Charlotte, if completed within 8 weeks after the initial procedure, is included complimentary in the price of your initial microblading appointment.

Please note again that everyone’s skin is different. Therefore, each person will experience different results with this permanent makeup tattooing procedure when it comes to retention. Additional touch-ups may be necessary.

CAN MICROBLADING BE DONE ON ANYONE/EVERYONE?

Microblading Eyebrows is NOT for everyone. Please review the permanent makeup outline below. If any of the following apply, this procedure MAY not be for you.

If you have or are:

Extremely oily skin and/or very large pores on your forehead (pigment may not retain properly - the brows may fade quickly or strokes will appear fuzzy and blurred).
Has no eyebrow hair or areas of the eyebrow region hair is nonexistent
A smoker (pigment may not retain properly, colors may distort).
Psoriasis in the treatment area.
Diabetes type 1 or 2 (due to slow healing and infection, color may or may not retain well).
Thyroid/Graves Disease (medication may cause pigment to not retain properly).
An auto immune disease.
Anemia (pigment may not retain properly).
History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
Currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Pregnant or nursing. (You cannot have this service. No exceptions.)
Under a doctor’s care and have questions at ALL about being able to have this procedure, please meet with your doctor prior to scheduling an appointment.

Please note: Whether the above applies or not, Microblading cannot be guaranteed. It is a Semi-Permanent cosmetic procedure and the skin can be unpredictable. It is up to your skin to retain the pigment. Generally, results are successful; however, due to skin type, healing or bleeding during procedure, some results can differ.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EYEBROW ENHANCEMENT SESSION?

BEFORE YOUR PERMANENT MAKEUP TREATMENT:

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, vitamin E, niacin, or drink excessive alcohol 48-hours prior to and after your procedure.
Do not take any prescription blood thinners 48-hours prior to and after your procedure.
Discontinue any vitamin A skin care products (Retin-A, retinols) close to the enhancement area at least two weeks prior to your procedure. We recommend NOT using these products over or around the brow area after you receive Microblading. It could cause fading and distortion of hair strokes.
Discontinue use of AHA (chemical exfoliation) skin care products close to the brow area at least one week prior to your procedure.
No laser or electrolysis on or around the treatment area one week prior to procedure.
Do not have any chemical peels, dermabrasions, mesotherapy, or any other intense treatments which will cause faster skin cell rejuvenating and cause skin irritation three to four weeks before procedure.
No Botox or fillers in the procedure area two weeks prior.
If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least three days prior to your appointment.
Plan trips or events a minimum of two weeks after the procedure.
Limit the amount of caffeine you consume the morning of your appointment.
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure.
It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your booking fee. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.
If you have existing microblading eyebrows, please contact us BEFORE booking your appointment for a free consultation.

*Although perfection is always our goal, no one's face is 100% perfectly symmetrical. It is nearly impossible for eyebrows to be perfect mirror images of one another. The saying "brows are sisters, not twins" is applicable to Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Enhancements.*

WHAT IS MICROSHADING?

Microshading is a combination of two techniques.

50% hairstroke technique (technique used with MICROBLADING) & 50% shading technique (technique used with OMBRE POWDER)

The combination of two techniques creates a realistic fluffy brow for clients who do not have enough hair for solely MICROBLADING and do not want a makeup look which is what you will get from OMBRE POWDER.

Almost EVERYONE is a good candidate for MICROSHADING except those with keloid skin or hypertrophic scarring.

Clients with the aforementioned skin conditions ONLY qualify for OMBRE POWDER.

Shading techniques (MICROSHADING & OMBRE POWDER) tend to last longer than Microblading.

WHAT IS OMBRE' POWDER?

Ombre' Powder is 100% shading technique.

This enhancement is for the client who desires a filled in permanent make up look.

This enhancement is BEST for clients with NO eyebrow hair whatsoever.

Also for the client who has skin sensitivities such as Keloid or Hypertrophic Scarring.

This enhancement requires no numbing agent used during the procedure.

WILL I RECEIVE COUNTLESS, WONDERFUL COMPLIMENTS ON MY BROWS?

Based on the permanent makeup feedback we have received from our Charlotte clients, you can count on it!