What is Micropigmentation? 
Micropigmentation is a semi-permanent to permanent makeup procedure that allows brow artists to dramatically correct or fully reconstruct lost, thin or misshapen eyebrows. Eyebrow microblading is performed by the manual deposit of pigment under the top layer of the skin by using a special pen. It does not involve the use of a machine.
Unlike a permanent makeup brow treatment (micropigmentation); microblading technique involves drawing individual, crisp hair strokes that are more natural looking. The blade of a microblading pen is 3 times thinner than the needles used for tattoo.
 
What is the Hairstroke technique?
Otherwise know as embroidery brow technique, feathered brow or 3D brow, it involves mimicking the appearance of your own eyebrow hair using a fine line or feathered pigmentation process, rather than filling in the entire brow area with ink.
 
Is it Painful?
As the brow technician is breaking the surface of the skin to add pigment you may find there is some discomfort.   Most techs will provide a pigment safe topical anaesthetic before the procedure, making it more comfortable.  Each client will have a different level of pain tolerance.  You may feel nothing or some discomfort but the results will far outweigh this. If you are feeling run down, tired from a late night or on your pre menstrual cycle your pain tolerance will be lower, also caffeine, tobacco or any other stimulants will also affect your comfort level.
 
What do I need to do to prepare for a Microblading treatment?
To obtain the best possible results from a microblading treatment there are a few things that you can do to prepare: Drink plenty of water and reduce sodium intake for the days prior to treatment to prevent excessive swelling.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol intake the day before and day of treatment. Do not schedule the treatment during the pre menstrual phase. This can result in a significantly reduced tolerance to pain as well as water retention that may impact results.  For additional comfort Tylenol and only Tylenol can be taken prior to your treatment as other pain medications and NSAIDS increase bleeding.
 
How Long will it last?
Many different factors affect the life of the implanted pigment, the darker the pigment used the longer it will typically last, your skin type, certain illnesses, medications, exposure to U.V and your aftercare will all affect your results.  Aggressive skin treatments such as laser, chemical peels, dermabrasion, over-exfoliation etc. will shorten the lifespan or your pigment. The use of makeup, retinoids and other treatments may also affect healing and pigment retention.
Results may vary according to each client and sometimes it may take a couple of visits to achieve the ideal look.  Some clients may not retain pigment in the brow area at all. Healed results will vary with each individual client. NO guarantee will be made. 
A meticulous service provider and artist will give their best efforts to provide you with quality service but many factors can result in a less than desired outcome as each client will heal differently.
 
Why is it Semi-Permanent?
Although during a microblading procedure pigment is also placed into the skin; it is not typically placed as deeply as tattoo or micro pigmentation (micro pigmentation itself does fade).   With the natural exfoliation of the skin over time, the pigment is broken down by the body and fades away giving a semi permanent colour that needs to be topped up after 1-3 years.
 
Is it safe?
Every client has a new blade. At the beginning of the treatment you can observe the needles being taken out of a sterile pre-packed casing. On completion of the treatment the needles are placed into a sharps box and then disposed of correctly. During the initial consultation you will be taken through a health questionnaire to make sure you have no concerns that would prevent me from carrying out the treatment, if there are concerns a patch test would be given to make sure you have no allergy to the products used. All equipment is sterilized and my work surfaces are cleansed with an antiseptic wipe. Health and safety requirements are strictly adhered to.
 
What will it be like after the treatment?
Each microblade client will have a different result, many people have only a little bit of redness that lasts for an hour or so after the treatment, other people may have slight swelling. The treated area may weep slightly for 10/15 minutes after treatment, this is normal. The skin may form a crust and flake through the healing process. Depending on the client, the area should heal within 3-10 days, but it will be 4 weeks before the skin can be treated again. In some cases the pigment seems to fade quite visibly then return to splendour after 4-6 weeks. 
Aftercare instructions will be provided in order for you to get the most out of your newly microbladed brows.
 
If you have further questions feel free to contact me via email at hello@amarisgamache.com or by phone at 780-729-6244.
 
Your Microblading Pro,
Amaris Gamache