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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

Micoblading is a form of permanent makeup that enhances the eyebrows. Tattoo pigment is embedded into the skin in fine, short strokes resembling hair using a hand tool with a blade. The best candidates for this procedure are those with sparser eyebrows and normal to dry skin. Microblading is not suitable for oily or sun damaged skin.

WHAT ARE POWDER BROWS AND HYBRID BROWS?

Powder brows are a form of permanent makeup that creates a soft shaded effect, very similar to makeup. The powder look is created with a small rotary tattoo machine and tattoo pigments. Thousands of tiny pixels will be layered on the brows creating an airbrushed, ombré look.
Hybrid Brows (formerly called Combo Brows) are a combination of Microblading and Powder Brows together. They are perfect for the client that wants the natural hair strokes from Microblading, but with the filled in effect of Powder Brows. Powder Brows are suitable for all skin types. Hybrid Brows are suitable for most.

WHAT IF I CAN'T DECIDE WHICH METHOD I'D LIKE?

That's ok! Just book a Powder Brow appointment. The beginning of your appointment will start with a consultation to determine which type of brow will work best with your skin type and lifestyle.

IS IT GOING TO HURT?

Numbing cream is used before we begin and throughout the procedure to minimize your discomfort. Everyone's pain level is a little different, but most clients report a light scratching feeling and pressure. Having your period can increase pain during the procedure, so you may want to plan your appointment accordingly.

WHAT ARE THE DOS AND DON'TS I SHOULD KNOW BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?

  • Do not tan or sunbathe 3 days prior to your appointment

  • Do not wax or tint your brows less than 2 days prior to your appointment

  • Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen 24 hours before (Tylenol is ok!)

  • Do not drink coffee, energy drinks or alcohol the day of your treatment

  • It is OK to wear makeup to your appointment, including brow makeup!

  • Make sure to have a gentle cleanser on hand to wash your brows. Cetaphil, Dove, Dial or Baby Shampoo are best

An email will be sent 48 hours prior to your appointment with all the key information. To view it now, click here

HOW LONG WILL PERMANENT MAKEUP LAST?

Results will vary depending on your skin type, proper aftercare and lifestyle. Most clients come yearly for a color boost appointment to freshen up their fading brows. The pigment will slowly fade over time. Again, there are many factors that can affect your results, but most clients have permanent makeup lasting 18 months-3 years.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY VISIT?

A typical Permanent Makeup appointment lasts 2-3 hours. In that time you can expect:

  • A consultation to discuss desired shape and answer questions

  • Before photos taken

  • Shape will be measured and drawn which will serve as the guide for the procedure

  • Numbing cream applied, takes approximately 20-25 minutes to take effect

  • The procedure begins and the artist will go back and forth from brow to brow, sitting you up periodically to check the brows 

  • At the end of the procedure a pigment sealer and skin balm will be applied

  • After photos taken

  • Discussion of proper after care and literature given as well as after care kit

CAN I BRING A FRIEND OR A FAMILY MEMBER WITH ME TO MY APPOINTMENT?

While we love friends, family, children and pets, please do NOT have them accompany you to your appointment. Space is limited and full concentration is necessary. If someone will be driving you to the appointment, they unfortunately will not be able to stay in our waiting area for the full 3 hours. There are coffee shops/restaurants/stores nearby where they can pass the time until we are done.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS MY BROWS ARE HEALING?

It is not recommended to have Permanent Makeup done in the days leading up to a big event such as a wedding. The brows may appear darker and thicker the first few days after the procedure. This will subside as they start to flake which is a normal part of healing. You will be able to shower normally and wash your face during healing. You will be washing the brows twice daily with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil, Dove, Dial or Baby Shampoo. In the first 2 weeks you will need to limit your exposure to the sun, chlorine, steam (facials, saunas, hot tubs, etc) and heavy sweating. You can still workout, but heavy sweat-inducing exercise such as Bikram Yoga are advised against. You will need to keep the brows free from makeup and skincare for 7-10 days. Instructions on how to care for your brows and an aftercare kit will be provided at your appointment.

A touch up or Perfecting Session will be scheduled for 6-8 weeks after the initial appointment. This is included in your initial appointment's pricing. Sometimes strokes disappear or there can be patchiness that requires a second session after healing. Your touch up must happen within the 8 week time frame. If you reschedule and your appointment goes beyond 8 weeks, a touch up fee will apply. On some occassions, a client may need a third session to achieve the desired look. This may be the case for clients with oily skin, scar tissue, heavy bleeding (due to medications or medical conditions), or who are trying to cover up a previous old tattoo.

IS PERMANENT MAKEUP SAFE?

As long as you meet the criteria outlined when you book an appointment, then yes, it is safe. There will be clients that should not have permanent makeup done for certain health reasons (see below).
All the products used in the studio are disposable and surfaces are wiped down with hospital-grade disinfectant. Microblades and tattoo cartridges are single use and go into a sharps container when finished. Undercover Ink practices the highest level of safety required by OSHA.

WHO SHOULD NOT GET PERMANENT MAKEUP?

  • Those with transmittable blood diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV or MRSA

  • Clients recently vaccinated for COVID-19. The SPCP recommends planning your appointment for 2 weeks after your second dose of the vaccine 

  • Clients who have had Botox, Juvaderm, chemical peels or any other fillers in the 2 weeks prior to their appointment

  • Anyone on blood thinners

  • Expecting and nursing mothers 

  • Diabetics

  • Keloid-prone skin

  • Clients that have Vitaligo

  • Extremely oily skin, slick to the touch and usually with larger pores

  • Clients that have taken the drug Accutane within the past year

  • Sunburnt skin on the face

  • Frequent users of tanning beds

  • Patients undergoing Chemotherapy. The immune system is lowered opening you up to infection

  • Skin conditions near the eyebrows such as Eczema, Shingles, acne or rashes

  • Clients who have pre-existing permanent makeup on their eyebrows. Some previous work cannot be covered

  • Those with allergies to Nickel, Lidocaine or similar numbing agents. A patch test can be done before your service to determine if you will have an allergic reaction

  • Those who have extreme sensitivity and a very low pain tolerance

  • Anyone under 18

If you have any questions concerning whether or not you're a good candidate for permanent makeup, please consult with your physician

I REALLY WANT TO HAVE MY BROWS DONE BUT I'M SO NERVOUS!

This is totally normal! We want you to feel 100% confident going into your appointment. If you are unsure or nervous, please schedule a complimentary consultation ahead of time. Permanent makeup can alter your appearance for the better, but it can take a little getting used to and truthfully isn't for everyone. We like to work lightly at the first appointment to help ease you into your new brows, but it can still be a big change.

I'M PREGNANT, CAN I GET PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Unfortunately you will need to wait until you are no longer pregnant or nursing to have the procedure done. There is not enough research on the side effects of the tattoo pigments pertaining to unborn or newborn babies.

WHY CAN'T I HAVE COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS THOUGH?

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and raises your heart rate and blood pressure. When it comes to permanent makeup, it can increase the blood flow which is bad for your artist. We are trying to get the pigment into the skin and the blood is pushing it back out. This can affect your retention and cause the results to be less optimal. 
Caffeine can also increase pain and cause swelling.
Once your appointment is over, feel free to treat yourself to a large cup of coffee!

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT MY BROWS FROM FADING PREMATURELY?

Follow the aftercare provided to a T. Once fully healed, use a sunscreen daily as full sun and tanning beds will fade the brows prematurely. Exposure from UV lights and tanning beds can sometimes cause the pigment to oxidize to a different color. Using products with Retinol, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Salicylic Acid can also fade the brows prematurely. These products are ok for use on the face, just keep them off the brow area.

MY FRIEND WANTS TO COME AND RECORD THE PROCESS. IS THIS ALLOWED?

Insurance doesn't allow another person to be in the room with the artist (unless translating) while they're working as it can be a liability. Full concentration is needed and space is limited.

DO YOU SPEAK ANY OTHER LANGUAGE?

Unfortunately no, we do not speak any other languages. If you would like services performed and do not speak English, arrangements can be made for a translator to accompany you.

WHO WILL BE PERFORMING MY SERVICE?

Undercover Ink is Kristin Kent. She is currently the sole artist in studio and all the work featured on this site and social media has been done by her.

WHICH PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

All major credit cards are accepted through Square. Cash is also always welcomed.

FAQs: FAQs
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