WHAT IS BLADE & SHADE (Combo Brows, Microshading, etc)?
Blade & Shade is a semi-permanent brow tattoo service that combines manual microbladed hair strokes with machine shading. The "shading" part of it gives your brows an added pop of sheer color and can be as soft or bold as the client desires. This added shading is great for all skin types, especially oily skin since microblading alone tends to fade quicker on oily skin types.
HOW LONG DOES BLADE & SHADE LAST COMPARED TO MICROBLADING? Because of the added shading implanted with the machine, the brow shape holds longer in the skin when compared to microblading alone. Because of this, clients feel they can wait longer in between for touch ups. Blade & Shade can last anywhere from 12-24 months, while microblading can last anywhere from 10-18 months before needing a color refresh. How long depends on several factors including health, lifestyle, products used, cell turnover rate, and personal preference on how bold a client wants their brows at any given time.
HOW IS BLADE & SHADE PERFORMED? The "blade" part is done using a hand tool, by etching pigment into a natural hair stroke pattern within your own brows. The "shade" part is done using a digital machine and needle grouping to deposit "pixels" of pigment within the microbladed hair strokes to create a soft powdery finish to give more color and definition.
WON'T THE SHADING JUST COVER THE MICROBLADING HAIRSTROKES? Not at all. Hair strokes are done with the fully concentrated pigment, and the shading is done with a diluted version of the same pigment to give it that softer translucent quality.
DOES IT HURT? Each individual will have a different experience with the level of discomfort associated with the service. Some say it is relaxing and they only feel the pressure being applied. Others say it feels about as uncomfortable as tweezing. Still there are some who will feel that it is more uncomfortable. Two topical anesthetics are used to ensure your comfort level during the procedure. One is applied 15 minutes prior to beginning the procedure and the second is applied throughout the entire procedure.
IS THE PIGMENT USED DURING THE PROCEDURE SAFE? Yes. We use Li Pigments which provide a high level of safety and a minimal health risk for our clients. Li Pigments has completed the testing of over 93 different substances and compounds as it relates to Certification within the EU. The testing includes carcinogenic compounds, colorants, and metals causing allergies and irritations of the skin.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME LIKE? When you leave from your appointment your brow area may appear pink, and the pigment itself will seem darker than you may prefer. The day after your appointment few people would notice anything unusual. Throughout the healing process (1-2 weeks) they will slowly fade to a softer, more natural shade, but they will not be unpresentable. Please refrain from having microblading done before going on a beach vacation or a camping trip.
WHY DO I NEED A PERFECTING SESSION 6 WEEKS AFTER MY FIRST SESSION? The 6 week perfecting session is required to darken any strokes that need to be, and even out any small imperfections that can come about as result of the healing process.
HOW OFTEN CAN I GET TOUCH UPS? As often as you would like, as long as 6 weeks has passed since your last appointment. You most likely won’t want or need a touchup until at least 8 months have passed. After this initial perfecting touch up, An annual touch up is recommended every 10-18 months to keep your brows looking optimal.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE SHAPE? We choose the shape of your new brows together. Whether you are just looking to enhance the fullness of your natural brow, or create a whole new shape, we will take it one step at a time. Your new shape will be applied with a cosmetic pencil first so that you can see how it will look your face. We will not start the procedure until you are happy with what we have created.
WILL MY BROWS LOOK FAKE? No, not with the Brow Building method. Because individual strokes are made to closely mimic natural brow hair, most of the time the results are hardly distinguishable. The shading part of it can be soft and subtle, or bold and vibrant depending on each client's preference.
WILL MY BROWS FADE? Yes, because the pigments used in the service are natural, plant based pigments, they are semi-permanent. But, unlike tattoo ink, they will fade true to color. As your brows fade, they will look soft and natural. And because the pigment is only placed in the outermost layer of skin, the pigment will not bleed outside of the exact place that it was deposited. This means no blurry blue/grey/green/orange brows. Factors such as sun exposure and certain skincare products and services can also speed up the fading process.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE MY BROWS AFTER THIS PROCEDURE? Keep in mind that your brows will appear darker for the first couple of weeks than they will once they have healed. Once they have healed, we can fix any minor imperfections during your 6 week touch up appointment. There is a removal process, there is no guarantee, but it does generally give great results.
CAN I HAVE THIS PROCEDURE DONE IF I HAVE NO BROW HAIR AT ALL? Absolutely, this is a great option for those who suffer from Alopecia, Trichotillomania, or have been through Chemotherapy. Microblading can even correct past wax catastrophe, over tweezing, or the normal hair thinning that occurs post menopause.
CAN I HAVE THIS PROCEDURE DONE IF I AM PREGNANT? No, this service is not for those who are pregnant and or breastfeeding.
WHO IS NOT SUITED FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
Pregnant or nursing
History of Keloids or Hypertrophic scarring
Diabetic (require doctor's clearance)
Chemotherapy (consult your doctor)
Viral infections and/or diseases
Epilepsy
Pacemaker or major heart problems
Organ transplant
Skin irritations or Psoriasis near the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
Botox in the past month
Accutane in the past year
Heart conditions, Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure, Poor general health.
Blade & Shade is a semi-permanent brow tattoo service that combines manual microbladed hair strokes with machine shading. The "shading" part of it gives your brows an added pop of sheer color and can be as soft or bold as the client desires. This added shading is great for all skin types, especially oily skin since microblading alone tends to fade quicker on oily skin types.
HOW LONG DOES BLADE & SHADE LAST COMPARED TO MICROBLADING? Because of the added shading implanted with the machine, the brow shape holds longer in the skin when compared to microblading alone. Because of this, clients feel they can wait longer in between for touch ups. Blade & Shade can last anywhere from 12-24 months, while microblading can last anywhere from 10-18 months before needing a color refresh. How long depends on several factors including health, lifestyle, products used, cell turnover rate, and personal preference on how bold a client wants their brows at any given time.
HOW IS BLADE & SHADE PERFORMED? The "blade" part is done using a hand tool, by etching pigment into a natural hair stroke pattern within your own brows. The "shade" part is done using a digital machine and needle grouping to deposit "pixels" of pigment within the microbladed hair strokes to create a soft powdery finish to give more color and definition.
WON'T THE SHADING JUST COVER THE MICROBLADING HAIRSTROKES? Not at all. Hair strokes are done with the fully concentrated pigment, and the shading is done with a diluted version of the same pigment to give it that softer translucent quality.
DOES IT HURT? Each individual will have a different experience with the level of discomfort associated with the service. Some say it is relaxing and they only feel the pressure being applied. Others say it feels about as uncomfortable as tweezing. Still there are some who will feel that it is more uncomfortable. Two topical anesthetics are used to ensure your comfort level during the procedure. One is applied 15 minutes prior to beginning the procedure and the second is applied throughout the entire procedure.
IS THE PIGMENT USED DURING THE PROCEDURE SAFE? Yes. We use Li Pigments which provide a high level of safety and a minimal health risk for our clients. Li Pigments has completed the testing of over 93 different substances and compounds as it relates to Certification within the EU. The testing includes carcinogenic compounds, colorants, and metals causing allergies and irritations of the skin.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME LIKE? When you leave from your appointment your brow area may appear pink, and the pigment itself will seem darker than you may prefer. The day after your appointment few people would notice anything unusual. Throughout the healing process (1-2 weeks) they will slowly fade to a softer, more natural shade, but they will not be unpresentable. Please refrain from having microblading done before going on a beach vacation or a camping trip.
WHY DO I NEED A PERFECTING SESSION 6 WEEKS AFTER MY FIRST SESSION? The 6 week perfecting session is required to darken any strokes that need to be, and even out any small imperfections that can come about as result of the healing process.
HOW OFTEN CAN I GET TOUCH UPS? As often as you would like, as long as 6 weeks has passed since your last appointment. You most likely won’t want or need a touchup until at least 8 months have passed. After this initial perfecting touch up, An annual touch up is recommended every 10-18 months to keep your brows looking optimal.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE SHAPE? We choose the shape of your new brows together. Whether you are just looking to enhance the fullness of your natural brow, or create a whole new shape, we will take it one step at a time. Your new shape will be applied with a cosmetic pencil first so that you can see how it will look your face. We will not start the procedure until you are happy with what we have created.
WILL MY BROWS LOOK FAKE? No, not with the Brow Building method. Because individual strokes are made to closely mimic natural brow hair, most of the time the results are hardly distinguishable. The shading part of it can be soft and subtle, or bold and vibrant depending on each client's preference.
WILL MY BROWS FADE? Yes, because the pigments used in the service are natural, plant based pigments, they are semi-permanent. But, unlike tattoo ink, they will fade true to color. As your brows fade, they will look soft and natural. And because the pigment is only placed in the outermost layer of skin, the pigment will not bleed outside of the exact place that it was deposited. This means no blurry blue/grey/green/orange brows. Factors such as sun exposure and certain skincare products and services can also speed up the fading process.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE MY BROWS AFTER THIS PROCEDURE? Keep in mind that your brows will appear darker for the first couple of weeks than they will once they have healed. Once they have healed, we can fix any minor imperfections during your 6 week touch up appointment. There is a removal process, there is no guarantee, but it does generally give great results.
CAN I HAVE THIS PROCEDURE DONE IF I HAVE NO BROW HAIR AT ALL? Absolutely, this is a great option for those who suffer from Alopecia, Trichotillomania, or have been through Chemotherapy. Microblading can even correct past wax catastrophe, over tweezing, or the normal hair thinning that occurs post menopause.
CAN I HAVE THIS PROCEDURE DONE IF I AM PREGNANT? No, this service is not for those who are pregnant and or breastfeeding.
WHO IS NOT SUITED FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
Pregnant or nursing
History of Keloids or Hypertrophic scarring
Diabetic (require doctor's clearance)
Chemotherapy (consult your doctor)
Viral infections and/or diseases
Epilepsy
Pacemaker or major heart problems
Organ transplant
Skin irritations or Psoriasis near the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
Botox in the past month
Accutane in the past year
Heart conditions, Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure, Poor general health.