Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Microblading and Microshading?

The types of permanent makeup along with the artists who perform the procedures are as follows:
Microblading is the application of just hair strokes using a single blade to mimic eyebrow hairs. (Artists - Jackie & Sophia)

Microshading on the other hand, includes the application of the hair strokes with a single blade as well as machine shading in between the hair strokes. (Artists - Jackie & Sophia)

Powder Brows (also known as Ombre Powder Brows) is the best for all skin types - it includes a powder style of shading that resembles soft makeup. This technique is done with a permanent makeup machine. (Artists - Jackie)

Nano Brows uses machine work to create hair strokes. This technique is suitable for clients who are not candidates for microblading due to age or skin type. The nano brow technique can be done alone, or can be used to create combo brows. (Artists - Jackie)

Is Microblading or Microshading better for me?

It depends! Microblading will give you a more natural look. If you’re the type of person who likes their brows to look “filled in” all the time, or if you have more thick, dense brow hair - microblading might not be enough for you and you would want to go with the micro shading combo brows. All of the microblading, micro shading, nano brows and powder brows done here at Vixen Esthetics will give you a very natural look unless you specifically ask for something a little more “airbrushed” or “makeup” looking. It all depends on what you’re going for. If you have oily skin, I always suggest powder brows or microshading. This is because oily-skinned clients tend to experience more fading on just the hair strokes than clients without oily skin. The microshading will not fade as quickly as the microblading will, and the shading and blading combo heal best when clients have oily skin. Clients who have mature or thin skin should only consider powder brows for best retention.
You can take a look at our portfolio to see visual differences between the types of work.

How long do Microblading, Microshading and Powder Brows last?

Depending on skin type, proper aftercare, and a few other factors, you can expect your microblading to last anywhere from 1-2 years after the “perfecting session” until needing a touchup. Powder brows have a bit longer retention with clients coming in every 1.5-3 years for their touchups. We cannot predict how your skin will heal at the initial appointment. Everybody is different and everybody’s skin heals a little differently with the microblading. Our best way to tell how your skin heals is after the first session we will be able to see how well your skin accepts & holds pigment.

Sooo…. is permanent makeup really permanent?

It is semi permanent. This means that they will fade over time. They never fade 100% but if you go several years without getting them touched up, they will look very natural - almost like the work was never done. While these procedures are semi-permanent, please keep in mind touchups are needed to keep them looking fresh.

What should I avoid before my brow appointment?

You should avoid working out for 24 hours prior. You should also avoid sun tanning for one week. You MUST avoid botox for 1 month before your appointment. You should avoid blood thinners like alcohol, caffeine, fish oil, and ibuprofen for 48 hours before your appointment. You should also avoid retinol and other harsh exfoliators for 1 week prior to the appointment. I will not be able to microblade you if on the day of service you: have a sunburn or a breakout in the brow area.
Prior to your appointment you will need to fill out a consent form. Failure to fill out the consent form will result in me needing you to fill out the consent form at the time of service. If you do not fill out the consent form with 100% honesty, you are putting yourself at risk for having brows that don’t turn out the way you want, or other issues.

What kind of things should I avoid after getting permanent makeup?

You should avoid the sun for two weeks (wear a hat). You will also not be able to sleep on your face or your side for two weeks. You are also not allowed to swim AT ALL and should avoid getting your brows excessively wet. The brows will itch as they heal, and it’s important to not itch them. You are also not to apply anything on the brows other than the cleanser I tell you to purchase, as well as the aftercare ointment I provide for a minimum of 4 weeks. Even after your brows are healed, you should avoid putting retinol on the brows. After your microblade, I will provide you with aftercare guidelines which you can also find under my client forms page.
Failure to follow the aftercare guidelines can result in your brows fading or discoloring. About 60% of how the brows will look is dependent on how you care for them after your microblading session.

What if I have gotten microbladed or microshaded by someone else in the past? Can I get a touchup from you?

Yes, and no. Every client that comes in with work that wasn't done by me, I count as new work, Not a “touchup” - I only do touchups on my own work. This is non negotiable. This is because every artist has a different method of creating strokes, shaping, and color choice - including brand of pigment used. Most of the time even when work was done several years ago, there is leftover color that I need to work around. Sometimes there is even corrective color work that needs to be done - even if you might not realize it on your own.
If you are looking to get work done with me and have gotten work done by someone else in the past, I REQUIRE you to book a consultation before coming in for a microblade/shade. Not everyone with previous work is a candidate, and sometimes removal is needed before new brows can be done. This is often the case when clients come to me with work that was done too deep, or they want me to completely change the shape of previous work. I will NEVER do work on a client where I am not comfortable with covering over previous work or if I am not 100% sure the brows will look great at the end.
Again, please be realistic with your expectations - sometimes removal of previous permanent makeup is needed before new brows can be microbladed onto the face.

What happens if I have a condition where I am unable to get service?

Depending on the condition - especially being pregnant, it means you are not a candidate for some of our services. You are fine to get services postpartum & no longer breastfeeding. If you have an autoimmune condition or on certain medications, I will need you to get clearance from your doctor before getting a service. This is to ensure your own safety, as things like microblading are open wounds in the body and with an already compromised immune system, it increases risk of infection.
You are not able to get microbladed/microshaded if you are on Accutane. You will need to be off Accutane for one year with documentation that you will need to provide me in order for me to be able to perform these services on you.

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