FAQ’s
What’s the difference between Microblading and Machine hairstrokes?
Very simply, the difference is the way ink is implanted into the skin. Microblading uses a manual tool to gently scratch lines into the skin. Machine hairstrokes are implanted with a cosmetic tattoo machine which places lots of tiny dots in a row to create a line.
Microblading and machine brows both give a natural hairstroke effect and will fade beautifully over time. To give you the best healed results we tend to recommend microblading for clients under the age of 40, and Machine Hairstrokes for clients over the age of 40.
However if you have: sensitive skin, oily skin, very little natural brow hair or previous brow tattooing we ask that you kindly get in touch with photos of your brows so we can decide which method of tattooing will give you the best result.
If you’re unsure as to which method suits you, pop us a message!
2 weeks before your appointment:
- No botox
- No exfoliating acids, peels or microneedling
- No sunbeds or sunbathing
- No tinting or lamination
48 hours before your appointment:
- No alcohol
- No ibruprofen or asprin
Day of appointment:
- No caffeine
- Apply numbing as instructed by Caroline if you wish to use it
How do I know if I will like my new eyebrows?
This is a very common concern, so we do all we can to ensure you leave with exactly what you wanted…
On the day of your appointment we start by discussing what you like and don’t like about your eyebrows and what you’d like to achieve with brow tattooing.
We ask that you bring photos of brows that you like from our Salon17 instagram page, this helps Caroline to understand the style of brows you’re drawn to.
Based on what is discussed Caroline will then draw on your new brows with a pencil – if there is anything you don’t like about the design, it can be changed (as many times as you like).
We will then discuss your colour preferences. Only when you are 100% happy with the design and colour we will begin the tattooing.
If you want your brows tattooed for a specific event or occasion please bear the following information in mind.
From start to finish the process can take up to three months. You will have your initial 2 hour tattoo appointment, then a 30 min top up session 4-10 weeks later, your finished brows will then take 2 weeks to heal post top up.
Microblading / machine is a semi permanent tattoo which means the eyebrows will go through a healing process before the final results are visible. From the day of the procedure to day 30 the ink will fade and the hairstrokes will shrink by up to 50%.
Days 2 – 5: As the ink lays in the top layer of the skin the eyebrows will at first seem too dark
Days 5 – 10: As each hairstroke heals it may scab or flake. These tiny scabs will naturally come away over the next few days.
Days 7 – 14: As new skin grows over the affected area the ink will appear too light for a short time.
Day 14 onwards: As this ink settles it will become the correct colour. Some sections or hairs may seem like they have come away, which is totally normal, this will be corrected in the top up.
4 – 10 weeks later you will return for your top up session (which is included in the price) We will perfect the brows and re-tattoo any areas that didn’t take the first time. You will also have the chance to make any changes you would like.
It can be anywhere from 6 months to 5 years until a client is ready for a colour boost.
How long your brows last is dependant on age, skin type, life style and how well you care for your tattoos.
To maintain your natural hair strokes and prevent blurring or colour changing we recommend always using factor 50 sunscreen in hot weather and avoid the brows with any strong skincare products which include ingredients like acids or retinols as detailed in your aftercare information.
If your tattooed brows are cared for as instructed by Caroline you can be sure they will fade beautifully over time.
Numbing cream is used during the treatment so you shouldn’t feel any real discomfort. Some compare the sensation to threading or plucking.
We will send you information about how best to prepare for a painfree treatment using numbing cream once you make your booking.
You are only ready for a colour boost when your tattooing is at least 60-70% faded.
This could take 1-5 years depending on skin type and lifestyle.
Adding pigment to the skin too soon will result in new hairstrokes blurring and realistic results will not be achievable.
Colour boost from £250 – £310
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Suncream
We advise always using factor 50 sunscreen in warmer weather. Lots of sun exposure or sunbed use can cause premature fading, slight colour changes in the pigments and or blurring.
Keeping a factor 50 chapstick in your handbag means you can pop on some sunscreen if the sun is shining.
Skincare
Certain ingredients in stronger skincare products can also eventually cause premature fading, slight colour changes and or blurring. So we recommend avoiding the brows with your skincare products if and when possible.
Clean the brows
Remember to always clean foundation off your tattooed brows with a cotton bud or wipe after applying. Foundation can dull the colour and vibrancy of your brows.
Brow gel
We love using brow gel on tattooed brows for a number of reasons. Firstly, taming your own hairs into the direction of your tattooed hairstrokes helps blend your tattooing with your natural brow. Secondly brow gel can brighten the look of your tattooed brows as it adds a nice sheen to the skin.
Tinting
As we recommend leaving your tattooed brows to fade before having them topped up tinting can be a good way to give your brows a boost in the interim until you are ready for a colour boost.
Enhancing Your Natural Beauty Enhancing Your Natural Beauty Enhancing Your Natural Beauty Enhancing Your Natural Beauty
“She is an artist and knew exactly what would suit my face”
“I just wish I had done it years ago”
“Her work is the best I’ve ever seen”
“I can’t stop smiling and can’t believe they’re mine”
“Thank you for giving me my confidence back”
“My only regret is not doing it sooner”
“Such a relaxed environment”
“This has been quite frankly a life changing treatment”
“Caroline is a perfectionist!”
“People are shocked when I tell them my brows are microbladed”
“She genuinely wants you to feel confident in your own skin”
