What is the difference between Microblading and Ombre Shading?

While Microblading is done using a manual tool to etch hair-like strokes within the brow, Ombre shading is done using a tattoo machine to create a soft powdered look within the brow (no hair strokes). Both methods are done using the same type of ink and require at least two appointments (an initial appointment and a follow up 8-12 weeks later).

 

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How do I know if I am a good candidate for Microblading?

Factors to consider associated with skin type include:

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• Oily Skin: Microblading heals best on normal to dry skin types. Microblading may not work well on clients with more oily skin types or large pores. Increased oil production can cause hair strokes to blur and heal lighter and more powdery than you would expect.​

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• Mature Skin: Tends to be thinner and more delicate which may increase the likelihood of bleeding and loss of pigment.

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• Darker Skin: There may be less contrast and visible detail in the strokes.

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• Previously Tattooed Brows/Laser Tattoo Removal: Previous tattooing must be nearly invisible. Scar tissue associated with previous tattooing or tattoo removal may affect pigment retention. A consultation is required if you have had your brows previously tattooed. 

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The Microblading method is designed to blend with your natural brow hair, the more hair you have the more realistic results will appear. If you have very little or sparse eyebrow hair results will appear more 2D. Ombre Shading is recommended for those with little to no or no brow hair.

Microblading is not meant to entirely replace makeup. Eyebrow pencils and powders may still be needed.

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If you are still unsure if you are a good candidate for Microblading, please fill out a consultation request form to discuss your options before booking.

 

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Does cosmetic tattooing hurt?

Topical anesthetics are used to maximize your comfort during any cosmetic tattooing procedure, however pain tolerance varies from client to client. Receiving the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.

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How long will my cosmetic tattoo last?

Cosmetic tattooing is considered permanent, however pigments are designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, pigment color (lighter colors fade faster), products used on the skin, and sun exposure can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. For best results it is recommended that you follow our aftercare instructions and touch-up your tattoo every 1-3 years. Both Microblading and Ombre Shading require a minimum of two sessions to complete. Touch-ups are normal and expected for cosmetic tattoo procedures.

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*Please note that final results CANNOT be guaranteed as everyone retains and breaks down pigment differently and a follow-up appointment is recommended at 8-12 weeks where we can assess your pigment retention and make any changes necessary. People with lighter hair, correction work or sparse eyebrows may require more than one follow-up to reach their desired look at an additional cost.

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What factors will affect my cosmetic tattoo?

• Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow prep instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding blood thinning medications, alcohol and caffeine before your procedure.

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• Smoking: Smokers may notice that their tattoo will fade faster

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• Sun exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading.

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• Color of pigment: Lighter colors fade more quickly than darker colors.

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• Skin Care Products: Exfoliating products (typically for Acne or Anti-Aging) will cause pigments to fade.

 

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What can I expect at my appointment?

When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to fill out paperwork and provide photo ID (license or passport) to verify that you are over 18.

Once your appointment begins your brow area will be thoroughly cleaned and a topical anesthetic will be applied to your brows.​ At this point we will have a brief consultation about your brows where we will discuss shape and color. ​

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After our consultation, or once you have finished numbing, I will begin designing your brows. I will take into account your skin type, existing brow hair and bone structure and give my recommendations. We will work together to create brows that are flattering and will look the most natural. It is important to keep in mind that tattooing is very different from applying makeup. Depending on your brows and bone structure, makeup may still be needed to achieve more dramatic brow looks once you have healed.

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​Once a shape is determined and approved by you, I will begin tattooing. Additional anesthetics will be applied throughout the process to help keep you as comfortable as possible.

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Once your appointment is completed, we will go over aftercare instructions and book your touch-up appointment.

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How long does the procedure take?

Initial appointments take approximately 2.5 hours. This includes the designing process, numbing the area, and tattooing. Follow-up appointments take approximately 1.5 hours.

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What can I expect immediately after my appointment?

Following your procedure your tattoo will appear much darker and bolder than it will heal due to oxidation in the surface layer of your skin. Your tattoo will also appear warmer in color. You may experience some redness or swelling around the tattooed area, though this typically disappears within 48 hours.

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Within a few days (typically 5-10) you will notice some light scabbing or flaking on the tattooed area, do not pick at these, doing so can result in loss of pigment in those areas. Brows may appear spotty or patchy until the entire brow has finished exfoliating. You may notice that some areas may appear very light or even to have lost pigment entirely after they have peeled, the epidermis will be thicker causing muting, hiding or diffusing of pigment underneath. The epidermis will normalize over the next 4-6 weeks and softened pigment will resurface and "bloom" back into the surface of the skin.

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At 4-6 weeks your brows will be fully healed. If you’d prefer darker, bolder brows we can always add more color or dimension during your follow-up appointment!

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Do I need a touch-up/follow-up appointment?

All Microblading and Ombre Shading procedures require two appointments, an initial session to establish shape, and a perfecting session 8-12 weeks later. During your 8-12 week follow-up we can assess your pigment retention and make any adjustments needed. This follow-up also increases the longevity of your tattoo. All appointments, including touch-up appointments, are first come, first served. It is your responsibility to book your follow-up at least 8 weeks in advance.

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Do I need a consultation before getting a cosmetic tattoo?

Consultations are free of charge and offered to anyone who would like to discuss their tattoo before booking an appointment. While not required for all procedures, it is required that you send me clear photos of your brows if you are in need of correction work or have had your brows tattooed elsewhere previously. If you book an appointment without disclosing previous cosmetic tattoo work your deposit will be forfeited and your appointment cancelled. You can fill out a consultation request here.

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How can I book an appointment?

All new appointments can be made by clicking 'BOOK NOW' and booking directly online! I currently take appointments Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday every week. 

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A non-refundable $200 +tax deposit is required to ensure you are serious about receiving your tattoo. This deposit is non-refundable, and goes towards the final price of your tattoo. No appointments will be booked without a deposit. The remainder of your balance is due at the time of your appointment. The studio accepts cash and credit cards for balances only. Deposits must be made online at the time of booking.

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If you need to book an Color Boost appointment, please do so on my booking page.

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A non-refundable $200 +tax deposit is required to book any Color Boost appointment. This deposit is non-refundable, and goes towards the final price of your tattoo. No appointments will be held without a deposit. The remainder of your balance is due at the time of your appointment. The studio accepts cash and credit cards for balances only. Deposits must be made via Credit card or PayPal.

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I have had my brows tattooed before, can you fix them/touch them up? 

I take correction and cover-up work on a very limited basis and require that anyone who has had their brows tattooed previously by another artist email me clear photos of their brows before booking an appointment. If you book an appointment without disclosing previous cosmetic tattoo work your deposit will be forfeited and your appointment cancelled.

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Can you add me to your waitlist?

I do not have a waitlist for new appointments. Any available new appointments can be booked by clicking the 'BOOK NOW’' tab at the top of this page. If you cannot click on a date, then no appointments are available at that time. Occasionally there are cancellations, in which case the date will be made available to the public and an announcement will be made via Instagram (@highheelslowlife). 

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Do you tattoo men's eyebrows?

Due to the technique I use, the brows I create are more suited for feminine brow shapes, however I am happy to accommodate consultations for any men who would potentially like to book an appointment!

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Do you travel?

I will occasionally travel to do guest spots at other shops. I will try to return within six months to provide touch-ups, however a return visit is not guaranteed. Pricing for tattoos and touch-ups may vary during travel dates. Pricing on this website is for NYC only unless otherwise stated.

 

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