Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Microblading?

    Microblading is a form of a cosmetic semi-permanent tattoo performed using, a manual (not a machine) disposable handheld tool, composed with very fine needles resembling the shape of a blade (we call it a microblade), to hand draw each individual hair and simultaneously implant the pigment into the skin.

    Microblading is meant to be a natural enhancement, and to create the appearance of full, beautiful brows. It looks most natural on clients who have full brow hair and are wanting to perfect their shape and add natural fullness. The more fine hair you have, the more natural it will appear. This is not an ideal service for those with little natural hair, hair that is patchy, or coarse hair.

    Microblading heals best on young, normal/dry skin. Those with combination/oily or aging skin are not candidates for microblading and are better suited for combination or powder brows.

    Many clients think that microblading is the only way to achieve “natural” results. However, unless a client is an ideal candidate, microblading can look more unnatural than something like a combo or powder brow. If you do not fit the above description of an ideal microblading candidate, you may be a better fit for a combo or powder brow!

  • What are Powder Brows?

    Unlike microblading, a powder brow has no hair strokes and is made up entirely of machine shading. It is ideal for all skin types.

    When doing a powder brow, a single needle tattoo machine implants small dots of pigment below the skin. These dots are layered on top of each other until the desired amount of saturation is achieved. We can do a very soft amount of shading with no harsh edges for an ultra-natural look, or layer shading on top of each other for a more defined, fill-in look! Powder brows can be completely customized to fit the client’s preferences.

    A powder brow can be just as natural as microblading! If you have oily skin, large pores, uneven brow hair growth, or very coarse hair, microbladed strokes look very unnatural and don’t blend with natural hair. It can lead to blotchy, uneven ink saturation in the skin, and blurred results over time. A powder brow would give an even layer of color to the brow, healing to the perfect powdery finish! Powder brows are not “sharpie brows”, and have gorgeous results!

    Powder brows may look intense at first, but the results heal to a soft, powdery finish. If you fill in your brows every day, want the least amount of maintenance, powder brows are for you.

  • What are Combo Brows?

    Combo brows are a combination of both microblading and powder shading. This service is great for those who have less hair to begin with or for those who wear make-up on their brows regularly. Combo brows suits most skin types (dry, normal, combination skin) My most requested service! If you have sparse brows, but love the microblading look, combo brows are for you. Microbladed strokes throughout the brow supported with some shading in between strokes to add some density and fullness while still looking natural.

  • How long does it last?

    Permanent makeup is designed to fade over time but is still considered a cosmetic tattoo. Factors such as skin type, lifestyle, age, metabolism, medications, and pigment color affect the longevity of the tattoo. The sun and some kinds of lighting (tanning beds) can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. Following the given aftercare instructions is critical to getting your best-healed results and helping your brows last as long as possible. Touch-ups are normal and expected for permanent cosmetics. Picking the proper service for your skin type and following the proper aftercare will lead to beautiful results for years to come!

    *Please note that final results vary and CANNOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals. A follow-up appointment is recommended 6-12 weeks after your initial session where we can assess your pigment retention and perfect your permanent makeup!

  • How many treatments are needed?

    A minimum of two treatments are needed for the best results, spaced at least 6-12 weeks apart. The majority of the time the color looks significantly lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second session, we will assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your tattoo does not heal perfectly after the first session we can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment.

  • How long is the appointment?

    It usually takes 2.5-3 hours, with most of the time spent going over colors and drawing eyebrow shapes. The microblading portion lasts 30-45 minutes.

  • Does it hurt?

    Most clients report little to no pain throughout their procedure. While pain tolerance varies between clients, a topical Lidocaine is used throughout the procedure to make sure you’re comfortable.

  • Can I make an appt. if I have had previous microblading by another technician?

    If you have previously tattooed eyebrows I do require that you email a clear picture of your eyebrows before booking an appointment.

    If you book a cover up appointment without approval, I cannot guarantee your appointment and you may forfeit your deposit. Not all previously tattooed brows are suitable to be worked on and a consultation is required to discuss desired outcome and the necessary steps to achieve that.

  • Who is ineligible for microblading?

    Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for permanent makeup. I want each of my clients to get the absolute best results possible, and not every skin type accommodates that. The following list disqualifies you from currently receiving permanent makeup. With questions regarding your specific situation, please email nakdbeautyaz@gmail.com .

    Received Botox/Dysport within 14 days of your scheduled appointment

    Pregnant or breastfeeding

    Currently using or have been on Accutane within the last 12 months

    Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face

    Rosacea

    Are taking blood thinning medications

    Are currently undergoing treatment for cancer

    Chemotherapy or Radiation treatment within the last 12 months

    All clients must be at least 18 years old

  • How should I prepare for my appointment?

    Before your appointment, we highly encourage our clients to check OUR INSTAGRAM and "shop" for eyebrows on our feed. Eyebrows come in many shapes and styles, from feathered to bold, arched to straight. We will work with you to customize your best brows.

    Preparing for your appointment is just as important for good healed results as post care. Failure to follow pre-care may result in you being sent home the day of your appointment, so please read the following carefully! You coming prepared to you appointment means better healed results and a better overall experience.

    2 WEEKS BEFORE:

    BOTOX: If you regularly get Botox or Dysport, it must be done at least 14 days prior to your appointment. It takes at least that long to settle in the skin. Receiving it withing 14 days of your appointment will result in being sent home and asked to reschedule.

    WAXING/THREADING: I recommend coming to your appointment with your brows grown out, no need to have them cleaned up before! I prefer to see how they grow naturally, and will clean them up for you at your appointment. If you need to clean them up beforehand, please do so at least 2 weeks before your appointment. If you tint your brows, please do so at least 7 days prior.

    RETIN-A: Please refrain from using any retin-a products in the brow area for 2 weeks leading up to your appointment.

    24 HOURS BEFORE:

    To minimize bleeding during the procedure, please avoid any alcohol and excessive caffeine. Blood thinning medications such as Ibuprofen and Advil should also be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor.

    DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT:

    Wash your hair! You won’t be able to get your brows wet for the next 10-14 days, so wash your hair beforehand to give yourself a few extra days before your next wash!

    Makeup: You are welcome to come to your appointment with or without makeup on. We will be taking lots of photos, so come however you are most comfortable. If you regularly fill in your brows, coming with at least your brows filled in helps me see your regular shape.

    RELAX! Feeling nervous is normal. We are going to work together to create your dream brows! Take a deep breath and get excited!

  • What factors will effect my results

    Oily Skin: Increased oil production can cause hair strokes to blur and fade very quickly, or not stick at all. If you have combination or oily skin, you are a candidate for a combination or powder brows, but not for microblading.

    Sun Exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading. I recommend all my clients purchase Cannasmack Ink Guard on Amazon to protect their healed brows from the sun.

    Excessive Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. Pinpoint bleeding throughout the procedure is normal, but excessive bleeding causes pigment to fade very quickly and heal ashy. While bleeding is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow before care instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinning medications and alcohol 24 hours before your procedure.

    Improper Pre and Post Care: Not following the given pre and post care instructions will greatly diminish your healed results. Follow all instructions exactly for the best results! I can only control what happens inside my studio, so please come prepared beforehand and follow all instructions exactly afterwards for the best results.

  • What can I expect after my appointment?

    Immediately after getting your brows done, you may experience minor redness or swelling around the treated area, which typically goes away within 24 hours. Over the next few hours, the pigment in the skin will oxidize, making the brows look darker and warmer (red) than they were initially. This is normal and expected. Pigment typically fades anywhere from 20-40% once fully healed.

    Around day 3-4, you may notice light flaking on the treated area. This is normal! Please refrain from picking at the brows. Doing so will result in loss of pigment in those areas and can cause scarring. Brows may appear spotty or patchy until the entire brow has finished healing. Once all the flaking is complete (usually around day 10), the brows will appear much lighter. The pigment will darken over the next 4-6 weeks and the pigment will return to the skin in it healed color.

    At 4-6 weeks, your brows will be fully healed. Whatever pigment that does not return will be addressed at your touch up appointment. At this appointment, we will asses your retention, touch up the spots that didn’t stick, and can adjust the pigment color to give you perfect brows! Once the brows have healed from your touch up appointment, you will have beautiful, full brows for 12-36 months!

  • Aftercare

    Following the given aftercare is crucial to obtain the best results! All clients are expected to follow the following instructions exactly to get the best healed results! All products needed for your aftercare will be provided to you at your appointment.

    o Keep your new brows dry until ALL flaking has stopped. This means keeping them dry in the shower, and avoiding sweating, saunas, and steam for the next 10-14 days. No working out until all flaking has finished.

    o Cleanse morning and night for 10 days with the provided cleanser.

    o Apply a thin layer of aftercare balm to the brows 2-3x a day for 10 days.

    o No makeup can go on or around the brows for 14 days. You may wear makeup around the brows, but leave at least one inch around them at all times to prevent infection.

    o Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 weeks. Please plan vacations and outings accordingly to avoid as much sun as possible.

    o Do not touch, pick, rub, or scratch the brows. Do not pick the blakes as they come off, this will remove the pigment and lead to patchiness.

    o No anti-aging or acne products on the brows ever (anything with Retinol, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, etc.)