FAQ’s

What is semi-permanent makeup?

Semi-permanent makeup is a term used to describe facial cosmetic tattooing. Pigment is deposited just above the dermis of the skin to create definition and enhance your natural beauty. Cosmetic tattooing is designed to fade over time; and factors such as skin type, age, lifestyle, and metabolism can affect the rate at which pigments are broken down. Touch-ups are normal and expected for permanent cosmetics!

What is microblading?

Microblading uses a disposable manual hand tool with ‘micro blades’ that deposit semi-permanent pigment into the superficial dermis of the skin. Microblading creates very natural and realistic results by creating crisp hair strokes to mimic your natural eyebrow hair (think brow tattoo reinvented!). This method is ideal for anyone wanting to enhance the look of their eyebrows and will retain the longest on clients with normal/dry skin!

What is microblading with shading?

This technique is also referred to as combo brows. It’s typically characterized by microbladed hair strokes at the front of the brow and transitions into a more powdered finish towards the tail. Shading adds dimension to microblading by stippling pigment in between the microbladed strokes to blend everything together seamlessly. I typically recommend this for clients who have sparse brows or clients that prefer a more “filled in” brow!

What are nano brows?

The technique of Nano Brows uses a tattoo machine to inject pigment into the skin. Since the Nano technique does not cut the skin, it’s a less invasive and less traumatic technique in comparison to the microblading technique. There is hardly any bleeding in the procedure, which also leads to better pigment retention!

Nano brows are done with a specialized machine. Either a tiny, single point needle is used to draw individual hair-like strokes, or a combination of hairstrokes and shading is used to create a fuller looking brow.

*Nano Brows provide better healed results for clients with combination, oily, and mature skin; and it is suitable for ALL skin types!

*If you are a new client to Arch & Ink with existing permanent makeup done by another artist, you MUST book a consultation prior to scheduling a procedure.

I’m not sure which style I want. What should I schedule?

Don’t worry - this is completely normal! Please schedule the Nano Brow option because that will allow for plenty of time for any brow style. We’ll discuss stylistic preferences during your appointment!

What can I expect during the appointment? How long does it take?

The first appointment takes approximately 2-2.5 hours, and the 6-8 week perfecting session takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. I have built in time for a full consultation and questions during each appointment. We will begin by mapping your brow design to ensure perfect symmetry and balance. This process is thorough and never rushed. I want to make sure that you’re in love with the shape and feel great before we move to the next step. Then we will discuss pigment options based on your skin tone and undertones, numb the area, and start the procedure! And voilà, you have waterproof brows that look gorgeous 24/7!

You do not need to book a consultation before getting a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure unless you have pre-existing permanent makeup that was done by another artist. However, you’re more than welcome to schedule a consultation if you’d like to come and chat in person before booking your appointment!

What should I expect immediately after my appointment?

Your brows WILL be darker and warmer for the first 48 hours after the procedure. This is due to the oxidation in the surface layer of your skin. They will start to lighten on the third day and you may experience a little bit of itching, but you WILL NOT have any scabbing (a tiny bit of flaking is normal and expected). The brows will appear really light on day 6, and your skin will start to normalize on day 10. This is when you’ll be able to see if there are any areas that faded or lost pigment during the healing process. This is what the 6 week touch-up is for - to perfect any areas that need a little extra attention!

I have a specific aftercare regimen that I will provide you with to ensure an easy, breezy healing process!

How should I prepare for my appointment?

If you tint your eyebrows, you’ll want to do so 72 hours before your appointment.

Discontinue using Retina-A and Retinol near the brow area for two weeks before and after the procedure.

You will need to avoid excessive sweating, extreme sun exposure, pools, lakes, and salt water for 7-10 days after. So plan your vacations accordingly!

No botox, chemical peels, laser treatments, microdermabrasion, or microneedling for at least two weeks before and after the procedure.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours before your procedure (caffeine increases blood flow and will affect how your skin retains pigment).

Do not tan or have a sunburned face.

Discontinue using any serums containing AHA’s, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for 72 hours before your appointment.

You may take Tylenol prior to your appointment, but avoid Aspirin!

Is it painful?

I apply a 5% topical lidocaine prior to starting the procedure and continuously throughout to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible. Everyone has a different level of pain tolerance, but the majority of clients are relaxed and completely comfortable!

Having a cosmetic procedure done during your menstrual cycle may increase sensitivity.

Will I need a touch-up? How often will I need them?

Most likely! It’s typically a two-part process, and everyone’s skin heals differently! During your 6-8 week touch-up appointment, we will take a look at your pigment retention and make any necessary adjustments to your brows.

Color boost appointments are highly recommended to keep the shape and color precise, but the timeline varies widely based on skin type and lifestyle. Clients with oily skin/larger pores will likely need touch ups closer to the year mark; while clients with dry/normal skin may go two to four years before feeling like they need their color boost!

*It’s perfectly normal to start filling in your brows and enhancing your semi-permanent brows with makeup as they start to fade!

*Too frequent of touch ups can turn into more of a solid brow. So if you prefer the hair stroke look, it’s crucial that you let your brows fade between touch ups.

Sunscreen is your best friend. You want to protect your investment from fading due to harmful UVA/UVB rays!

I’ve had my brows done by another artist, can you touch them up?

I require a consultation to discuss options for covering up/touching up work that’s been done by another artist.

*If you have previous work from another artist, it is not considered a touch up since you are a new client to Arch + Ink.

*The tattoo must be VERY faded in order to work over, reshape, or color correct.

Working over another artist’s work is oftentimes more difficult than working on a blank canvas; and for that reason, we do not go over other artist’s work for touch-up pricing.

What’s your cancellation policy?

We require a 24 hour notice for any cancellations. If you cancel within 24 hours, 50% of the service fee will be charged. If you no-show your appointment, 100% of the service fee will be charged.

If you no-show and want to rebook another appointment in the future, the previous appointment fee will need to be paid in full before you can schedule another appointment.