FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between Microblading and Ombre Shading?
Microblading uses a manual tool to create many tiny hairstrokes throughout the brow whereas Ombre Shading uses a tattoo machine to create a soft shading affect.
What kind of pigment is used in Ombre Shading?
The same iron oxide based pigments used in Microblading are also used when creating Ombre brows. These pigments are safe to use and are created to fade over time.
How long does Ombre Shading last?
Cosmetic tattooing is considered semi-permanent as it does not wash away, however pigments are designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, iron deficiency, pigment color (lighter colors fade faster) 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 1-2 years (or as needed). Ombre Shading requires a minimum of two sessions. Touch-ups are normal and expected for cosmetic tattoo procedures.
*Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed as everyone retains and breaks down pigment differently and a follow-up appointment is recommended at 8-12 weeks where we can asses 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.
What factors will affect my cosmetic tattoo?
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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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Anemia and iron deficiency: Your body will absorb these iron based pigments more quickly.
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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.
If you are unsure if you are a good candidate for Ombre Shading, please feel free to book a free consultation!
Is Ombre Shading right for me?
Ombre Shading is a great alternative for individuals who are not good candidates for Microblading. Ombre shading works on all skin types and is ideal for those who desire a more "makeup" look.
You can not receive Ombre Shading if you are:
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Pregnant or nursing
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Under 18 years old
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Are currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past year
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Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face
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Are on blood thinning medications
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Have Rosacea
Please make sure you are healthy enough to be tattooed before booking an appointment! If you have any concerns about whether or not you are a good candidate for Ombre Shading please consider booking a consultation with me!
How should I prepare for my appointment?
If you prefer to have your eyebrows waxed/threaded please do so at least 48 hours before your appointment, otherwise we can remove stray hairs after we design your brows.
You must not go tanning for 30 days prior to your procedure.
You must not use Retin-A near the tattooed area before or after the procedure
Do not work out the day of your appointment.
You cannot take any medications that may thin your blood (i.e. Asprin, Ibuprofen, Fish Oil, Vitamin E) 72 hours before or immediately after your procedure.
Do not drink alcohol the night before or day of your procedure.
Avoid caffeine the day of your appointment.
Doing any of the above may cause bleeding, which will affect how well your body retains pigment.
As with every tattoo, we recommend avoiding pools, salt water and extreme sun exposure for at least two weeks following your appointment, so make vacation plans accordingly!
What can I expect at my appointment?
When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to fill out paper work and provide photo ID (license or passport).
Your brow area will be thoroughly cleaned and we will have a consultation about your brows.
I will begin designing your brows based on what we discussed during the consultation. I will take into account your skin type, existing brows and bone structure and give my recommendations. We will work together to create brows that are flattering and will look the most natural.
Once a shape is determined and approved, I will begin tattooing. Anesthetics will be applied throughout the process to help keep you as comfortable as possible.
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. You may experience some redness or swelling around the tattooed area, though this typically disappears within 48 hours.
Within a few days (typically 5-7) you will notice some 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. Ombre brows will heal 50-60% lighter than they appear when freshly tattooed.
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! Pricing for touch-up appointments past 12 weeks can be found in the 'Pricing' tab.
Do I need a touch-up/follow-up appointment?
All cosmetic tattoo procedures require two sessions, an initial session to establish shape, and a perfecting session 8-12 weeks later. During your 8-12 week follow-up we can asses your pigment retention and make any adjustments needed. This follow-up also increases the longevity of your semi-permanent 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.
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 come in for a consultation if you are in need of correction work or have had your brows tattooed elsewhere. If you book an appointment without disclosing previous cosmetic tattoo work your deposit will be forfeited and your appointment cancelled.
How can I book an appointment?
Appointments can be made by clicking the 'BOOK AN APPOINTMENT' page and booking directly online! I currently take appointments Sunday-Wednesday every week.
A $200 +tax deposit via PayPal is required to ensure you are serious about receiving your tattoo. Your deposit is non-refundable, but goes towards the final price of your tattoo. No appointments will be booked without a deposit and the remainder of your balance is due at the time of your appointment. Three Kings accepts cash and credit cards for balances only. Deposits must be paid in cash or via PayPal.
How long does the procedure take?
Initial appointments take approximately 2.5-3 hours. This includes the designing process, numbing the area, and tattooing. Follow-up appointments take approximately 1.5-2 hours.
OMBRE SHADING AFTERCARE
Cosmetic tattoos take between 6-8 weeks to fully heal. At this time you may receive your touch-up if any color has faded, or if you would simply like to add more definition to your tattoo.
After the topical anesthetic wears off you may feel some tenderness on and around the tattooed area. You may also experience slight swelling and redness the day of your procedure; this is normal and typically fades within 24-48 hours. At this point you may take Tylenol or Ibuprofen if you feel any pain, but avoid Aspirin as it can cause blood thinning.
The tattooed area will appear darker and bolder immediately after the procedure, but will soften and fade as your skin heals in the coming days.
Using only mild soap and lukewarm water, clean off the area 24 hours after the procedure. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and air dry the tattooed area for 5-10 minutes. Using a clean cotton swab (Q-Tip) apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor to the tattoo. Do this 1-2 times a day (morning and night) for 7-10 days. Aquaphor is sold at most drugstores.
It is important that in the days following your procedure you keep your tattoo moist, but do not smother your tattoo with ointment as this can affect the healing process. If you can see the Aquaphor on your skin, you are using too much. Aquaphor must be used very sparingly.
Avoid hot, steamy, long showers. When washing your brows it is important that you do not soak them. Do a quick 10 second rinse. When washing your hair you may apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to your brows to prevent soap, shampoo and water from hitting them.
DO NOT apply makeup to the tattooed area for 10-14 days following the procedure.
DO NOT pick or scratch at your tattoo as it heals as this will remove pigment and put you at risk of scarring and infection. Slight crusting or scabbing is normal, and your brows will not be considered fully healed until all crusting or scabbing has exfoliated.
It is important that you avoid extreme sun exposure, swimming and/or soaking the tattooed area in pools, Jacuzzis or the ocean for a minimum of 14 days while your tattoo heals.
If you plan on receiving chemical peels, laser treatments or an MRI in the weeks following your tattoo, please inform your technician or doctor that you have been tattooed with iron oxide pigments, as these may cause irritation, burning and discoloration of your tattoo.
Once your tattoo is fully healed you can begin applying sunscreen to the area to help retain pigment color.
Application of semi-permanent cosmetics is a two step process. Do not judge your procedure during the healing stage. Any areas that have healed too light will be address during your second appointment.
It is extremely important that you follow our aftercare instructions.