MICROBLADING FAQ

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years depending on how many sessions you’ve had. If you’ve just had one session then this could fade out completely anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 years. The more you add the longer it takes to fade out. Routine refreshers will keep your brows looking fresh and natural.

WHAT TYPES OF PIGMENTS DO YOU USE?

We use Permablend Pigments for Cosmetic Tattooing which includes microblading & freckles. These pigments do not change colour over time, and is guaranteed by the manufacturers. They will soften and lighten over time.

WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?

After your session and for the next week you’ll need to dab your brows with a wet paper towel every 2-3 hours to ensure they are clean & free from any dirt and oils. This also cleans away any plasma build up that’s trying to form a scab. We will supply you with a cream that is to be used only 1-2 times a day- usually once in the morning and once at night, unless you have oily skin then once a day should do. The second week you can clean 2-3 times a day being very gentle with any flakes. Using the cream only if necessary.

For 2 weeks you need to avoid sweating, working out, swimming, direct sunlight on the brows and making sure you’re protecting them in the shower.

During the two weeks they will go through many stages:
Day 2-4: Dark
Day 4-8: Patchy/Flaking
Day 8-10: Light
Day 14+: Healed 30-40% lighter than day 1
After Touch up: Perfection
In rare cases, a second touch up to perfect the brows

DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?

• Avoid alcohol 24 hours before your appointment to prevent thinning your blood

• Avoid caffeine before your appointment

• Do not take blood thinners such a Advil, Ibuprofen or Aspirin before your appointment, we use numbing cream so you shouldn’t feel any pain.

• Botox should be done 3 weeks before or 3 weeks after the procedure. If you received Botox within the 3 weeks, please let your artist know prior to your appointment.

• Avoid waxing, threading or tinting 3 days before and at least 3 weeks after.

• If you are on Accutane we cannot tattoo you within 1 year

• If you have irritation on the procedure area such as blemishes, pimples, rash, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, sunburn etc you may want to reschedule - please email artist

• Avoid Glycolic Acid & Retinols 7 days before appointment and avoid 30 days after procedure.

• Avoid exercising before your procedure

• Please note that you can be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.

• Bring pictures of brows you like on your phone so your artist can get a good idea of what you’re looking for.

• Take a picture of how you draw your brows in regularly so your artist knows how you usually like them.

• Relax! You and your artist will have a full consultation before your appointment to ensure you are getting your dream brows!

HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?

2 Sessions. We recommend a touch up after 8 weeks so we can ensure the perfect colour is used. We can also add more density for a more natural fuller looking brow. We do recommend refreshers every 2 years to keep your brows looking fresh and natural.

CAN I GET TATTOOED WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?

No. We require our clients to wait until after pregnancy and nursing to avoid any issues. The chances of infection are very slim but we always take the utmost precautions.

DOES IT HURT?

We use 5% lidocaine numbing cream that desensitizes the brows and helps to alleviate any discomfort. Though it wouldn’t be that bad without numbing cream, your eyes may water & you may need to sneeze! We always use numbing cream and a secondary numbing cream during the appointment so you stay comfortable.

HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER A SESSION?

GORGEOUS! This is the selfie day because there is little to no redness & the strokes are nice and crisp. You do not need to cancel any plans! Take a picture today as they will darken, flake, lighten and then heal a lighter version of this in 2 weeks.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?

18+ years old.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR MICROBLADING?

Please email your artist if any of these apply to you:

• You are prone to Keloid scars

• You have been on Accutane - within 1 year we cannot tattoo you

• You have irritation of the skin of any kind such as blemishes, pimples, rash, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, sunburn on the area of procedure.

• You are on Retin-A or Retinols. Avoid these products 7 days before appointment and avoid 30 days after procedure.

• Any viral infections and/or diseases

• Undergoing Chemotherapy

• Any health issues.

• Previous eyebrow tattoo/microblading - please send photo for artist to approve prior to booking.

SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION FAQ

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Scalp Micropigmentation generally lasts 3-5 years.

WILL IT BLEND IN WITH MY EXISTING HAIR?

When performing SMP we usually cover a much larger area than is currently needed. We have to consider the age of the client, hair loss pattern and the reason for hair loss to determine an area that allows for any future hair loss that may occur. We always fade out the tattoo about an inch into the existing hair to create a seamless blend. In short -yes it will blend with your existing hair.

WILL I HAVE TO SHAVE MY HEAD?

No. But if you have short hair and are balding, generally speaking: Yes. If the client is going for the shaved head look, then its time to commit and shave it! We generally advise to shave it down to a 0 or 1 which is the easiest length for our artists to work with.

If the client has thinning hair on top and wishes to just add some density then shaving isn't necessary. This goes for Women as well, you do not have to shave your head, we can always work in between your hair!

WHAT TYPES OF PIGMENTS/INKS DO YOU USE?

At Ink Barber we only use our own charcoal based organic pigment. They are all of grey scale to help mimic the colour of the base of a hair follicle. These pigments do not change colour over time. They will soften and lighten a little but at that points its just a matter of coming in for a refresher session!

WHAT NEEDLES DO YOU USE?

We use our specialized Ink Barber SMP needle which is a very fine single needle tattoo cartridge.

WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?

Aftercare is simple. Keeping the area clean and dry is the most important. We advise rinsing once a day with warm or cool water and patting it dry. Avoid shampoos, chemicals, submerging your head under water, excessive sweating, anything that may rub the surface, and scrubbing.

DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?

We always advise that you do not consume alcohol the night before as alcohol can thin the blood which could cause you to bleed. We also say to have a good night sleep and a meal before hand. This will all help make your session go as smooth as possible!

HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?

We like to do 3-4 sessions

WHEN CAN I COME BACK FOR MY NEXT SESSION?

Sessions are generally spaced out between 10-14 days apart. This allows the skin to fully go through the healing process.

WILL THE SUN EFFECT MY SMP?

It’s no secret that UV rays can fade any tattoo. It’s perhaps not as dramatic as people think but its always a good idea to look after your skin and wear sunblock or a hat whether you are tattooed or not!

WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE WHEN I’M OLDER?

This question comes up a lot and there’s really no ONE answer. If the client still has hair but it’s thin, then the SMP can help make it look fuller as it has eliminated the contrast between the hair and the scalp. If the client has no hair at all than we advise keeping it shaved to keep it looking its best. It is ultimately up to the individual but everyone will be able to find that sweet spot that works best for them! As a general rule, the SMP will age with you. It will lighten up over time as will your natural hair.

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO SHAVE MY HEAD?

We usually advise our clients to shave their heads around every 2-3 days. This is obviously dependent on how fast their hair grows. Again this is a personal preference but the shorter you keep it the less chance that someone can pick out that you have had SMP!

CAN I GET TATTOOED WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?

No. We require our clients to wait until after pregnancy and nursing to avoid any issues. The chances of infection are very slim but we always take the utmost precautions and put you and your baby first!

DOES IT HURT?

We use a 5% lidocaine numbing cream that desensitizes the scalp and helps to alleviate any discomfort. Most clients feel little to no pain!

WILL IT DAMAGE MY EXISTING HAIR FOLLICLES?

The micropigmentation stimulates the scalp and will actually help promote blood flow to the area and will not damage the existing hair.

HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER A SESSION?

Most people look fine after a session, there is the odd occasion that the skin turns a bit red. This will subside after a few hours. You are welcome to bring a new clean hat to wear after your session if you are concerned about the redness!

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED

At Ink Barber we will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 years old.

LIP BLUSH FAQ

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

1-3 years depending on factors of your skin and how you heal.

WHAT TYPES OF PIGMENTS DO YOU USE?

We use Permablend Pigments for Lip Blush Cosmetic Tattooing. These pigments do not change colour over time, and is guaranteed by the manufacturers. They will soften and lighten as they heal.

WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?
Immediately after the procedure you may experience a a little discomfort on the lips which some clients describe feels like a sunburn. Swelling will subside within 24-48 hours. (We love the natural lip plump we get from it!)
For 2 weeks you need to avoid swimming, direct sunlight on the lips and making sure you’re protecting them in the shower.

During the two weeks they will go through many stages:
Moderate flaking, swelling and potential bruising.
Do not consume liquids or foods that can stain the lips like coffee, red wine or curries

Apply aftercare balm as much as needed for the 2 weeks. Avoid picking any flakes and keep reapplying the aftercare balm.

DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?

Along with avoiding alcohol the night before you must avoid coffee & wine the day of the procedure (before and after)
Do NOT have spicy foods after this appointment. ouch!

HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?

We do one session followed by a touch up. Refreshers are recommended every 1-3 years

CAN I GET TATTOOED WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?

No. We require our clients to wait until after pregnancy and nursing to avoid any issues. The chances of infection are very slim but we always take the utmost precautions and put you and your baby first!

DOES IT HURT?

We use a numbing cream that desensitizes the scalp and helps to alleviate any discomfort. Most clients feel little to no pain!

HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER A SESSION?

The lip colour will look quite bold for the next few days (no bolder than a lipstick). There will be a flaking stage a few days after similar to a chapped lip.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?

At Ink Barber we will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 years old.