Microblading

Microblading

Are you tired of the daily hassle of filling in your brows? Do you struggle to achieve the perfect shape or fullness? Having well-shaped eyebrows is crucial for enhancing your facial features, but it can be difficult to achieve consistent symmetry and shape with makeup on a daily basis.
 
At The Archery, we offer microblading services that give you lasting results that minimize your daily routine. Our artists use the most advanced tools and pigments available in the industry to customize new brows that are perfectly tailored to suit your unique facial features and brow goals. 

What is microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique that has gained popularity in recent years, especially among those who want to enhance their brows’ appearance. During the procedure, a technician uses a handheld tool to create tiny, hair-like strokes in the eyebrow area, depositing pigment into the skin. These strokes mimic the natural growth pattern of eyebrow hairs, resulting in a more natural and denser-looking brow.

While microblading is a great option for many people, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Individuals with normal to slightly dry, non-reactive skin are typically the best candidates for this procedure. Oily skin types, those with sensitive skin, or those with textured or porous skin in the eyebrow area may not achieve the desired results from microblading, as pigment tends to blur or migrate on these types.

microblading service

If you’re unsure if microblading is right for you, it’s always best to consult with a trained professional. We can assess your skin type and eyebrow shape to determine if microblading is the best option or if other brow enhancement treatments, such as powder or ombré brows, may be a better fit for you.

Before and After Microblading

You’ll find a gallery of before and after microblading photos of our clients who we’ve helped. You’ll see firsthand how our team has transformed sparse or misshapen brows into beautifully balanced and proportionate shapes uniquely designed for each individual. Each photo showcases the skill and attention to detail that our technicians put into every procedure, ensuring that our clients leave with perfect, long-lasting results.

We understand that choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure can be a big decision, which is why we want to showcase the beautiful and natural-looking results that microblading can achieve. Our before and after photos serve as a visual representation of the incredible transformations that our clients have experienced.

microblading cost

Get a microblading cost estimate from The Archery and enhance your brows with our skilled professionals. Book your appointment today. 

Microblading and Shading

/ Microshading

For those who recognize the influence that eyebrows have on the overall appearance of the face, achieving the perfect brows with makeup can be a time-consuming affair. For clients who have little to no brow hair at all, the task of creating a shape from scratch every day can be even more daunting task. Microshading offers a long-wearing solution to patchy, sparse, or uneven brows and will vastly minimize your daily makeup routine.

What Is Microshading

Microshading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo that combines microbladed hair strokes (done with a manual handheld tool) with tiny pixels of pigment shaded between the strokes (using a small handheld machine) for depth and dimension. For clients with little to no brow hair on the entire brow or certain areas, microblading alone can look flat or one-dimensional.
 
Adding shading between the hair strokes gives the brow more coverage to fill in gaps and spaces, providing an overall more three-dimensional look. Microshading is the most versatile of cosmetic brow tattoo options, as the hair strokes and shading can be customized completely to the client’s needs. For example, you may only need hair strokes at the front of the brow and shading for the tail, or the whole brow can be done with hair strokes and then target shaded in where there is patchiness in the natural brow.
What Is Microshading

Microblading vs. Microshading

Microblading is a service that uses hair strokes alone to enhance the brow, whereas microshading combines hair strokes and shaded pixels of pigment. Combining microblading with shading gives the client a more three-dimensional enhancement.

Microshading Before and After

Our Microshading Before and After Gallery showcases an impressive array of real-life transformations achieved through our semi-permanent cosmetic procedure. Our diverse range of clients have achieved natural-looking, fuller, and more defined eyebrows with microshading.

We firmly believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful, and we take great pride in helping our clients achieve their desired look.

Browse through our gallery for inspiration and to see the difference that microshading can make. At our studio, we are dedicated to providing personalized and professional service to ensure that you leave feeling amazing. Book a consultation with us to learn more about microshading and how it can help you achieve your own eyebrow goals.

microshading cost

Looking for a microshading cost estimate? Our team of experienced and certified PMU artists is dedicated to helping you achieve the natural-looking, beautiful brows you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait any longer – click the button below to get started.

To prepare for microblading, it is important to avoid alcohol, caffeine, blood-thinning medications, and aspirin for at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. It is also recommended to avoid waxing or plucking the eyebrows a few days before the procedure. Finally, it is crucial to communicate any medical conditions or allergies with the technician beforehand.

DAY ONE

On the first day after your procedure, use a wipe to clean the tattooed area thoroughly, making sure to remove any lymphatic fluid or ointments without stretching the skin. The cleaning process is complete when no pigment is left on the wipe. Wait for a minute for the skin to dry, then apply a thin layer of ointment, about the size of half a grain of rice. Repeat this process every 3-4 hours in the first 24 hours or follow the artist's directions for your skin type. 

DAY TWO TO TEN

From day 2-10, if you have normal/dry skin, apply a small amount of ointment as needed, about the size of half a grain of rice, when your brows feel dry or tight, which should be about 1-3 times per day. If your skin is oilier, apply ointment sparingly only when your brows feel dry or tight. Follow any individualized instructions given to you by your artist, and avoid applying too much ointment that makes your skin greasy. Limit hot showers to 5 minutes or take lukewarm showers to avoid excessive steam. Wash your hair at the end of your shower to prevent any water splashes on the tattooed area, and use an eye shield to keep your face dry during the shower. 

AVOID FOR 10 DAYS OR AS LONG AS THE TATTOO IS FLAKING

Do not wet the tattooed area, use any products except the recommended ones by your artist, including makeup, until the area stops flaking. Avoid sweating, facials, steaming, sleeping on the tattooed area, and any activities that may disturb the tattooed area, such as wearing hats or ski goggles touching the recently tattooed brow area. 

AVOID FOR 30 DAYS

Avoid chemical peels, exfoliating facials, and microdermabrasion for 30 days. Always avoid sunbathing or direct sun exposure on the tattooed area and use an SPF of 30+ when going out. 

Also, avoid using creams containing regeneration factors such as retinoids and glycolics on the tattooed area. Inform your laser technician of any tattooed areas before receiving laser treatments, as it may damage the pigments and burn your skin. The use of antibiotics and hormone therapies may also lead to faster pigment fading. 

ALWAYS AVOID

Do not scratch or pick the tattooed area, as it may cause scarring and loss of pigment. If you notice any signs of infection, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Microblading Healing Stages  

DAY ONE 

The freshly done brows look beautiful, but the fresh ink in the skin may seem bold to some, and slight swelling can make the shape appear a little thicker. In addition, some clients with sensitive skin may have a slight redness around the brows for a few hours and feel slightly tender. 

DAYS 2-5 

Pigment has begun to oxidize, making the tattoo appear much darker under the skin. The tattooed area also appears rigid, the shape too thick, and the color too warm or red-toned, especially on fair-skinned clients with lighter hair. However, some clients with different skin types may enjoy the bold new look without experiencing redness. 

DAYS 5-10 

The peeling stage begins, and flakes, may shed in chunks or little hair stroke-like pieces, depending on the technique used. Itching is common during this period. 

DAYS 10-14 

The tattooed area is done peeling, and the new skin underneath can sometimes hide the pigment or give it a milky cast. As skin continues to regenerate, pigment resurfaces. However, some clients may not experience this phase at all. 

WEEK 4 UNTIL TOUCH UP 

The healed results are revealed. The tattooed area might seem patchy or some areas lighter than others, and the work has softened, shrunken, and cooled in tone. 

TOUCH UP TIME 

The artist evaluates any areas that need adjusting and gets the person set for the next year or few. 

MAINTENANCE 

It is recommended to wait at least 12 months before the next touch up, but ideally, one should come in when the tattoo has faded at least 40%. The longer one waits between touch-ups, the better.
 
brow mapping

FAQs

We have gathered the most frequently asked questions about microblading and supplied helpful responses to assist you in understanding our services.

How long does microblading last

Individuals may need to maintain microblading between 1 to 3 years, depending on their skin type, lifestyle, and level of sun exposure. The duration of maintenance can vary from person to person. People with oily skin may experience faster pigment fading and require more frequent touch-ups. It is important to note that final results cannot be guaranteed as everyone’s skin type is unique and breaks down pigment differently. Neglecting touch-ups can result in a slight haze in the microbladed area over time. Nevertheless, this haze can still serve as a helpful guide for filling in your brows.

Is microblading permanent?

There is a common misconception that microblading is not an actual tattoo, and that it is “semi-permanent,” meaning that the ink will completely disappear after a certain length of time. This is not true. Microblading is indeed a form of tattooing! Any time you are implanting ink into the skin it is considered tattooing, even if it is not done with a tattoo machine. 

We like to tell our clients that microblading is considered “semi-permanent” in the sense that it will require maintenance to keep the work looking its best. If you choose not to keep up with maintenance on your microblading, it will continue to fade out over time, however, it cannot be guaranteed that there will at some point be no remnants of ink left in your skin. 

You can typically expect to need maintenance touch ups done on your microblading about every 2-3 years, but this will vary heavily depending on skin type and lifestyle. 

How Long Does Microblading Take?

The initial, complete microblading procedure typically lasts between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Additionally, the perfecting touch-up requires an extra 1 to 2 hours. To achieve personalized and natural-looking eyebrows, it’s essential for both the artist and client to allocate sufficient time for each step of the process. 

Can I Get My Touch-Up Session Sooner Than 4 Weeks?

No. This is not recommended as the skin and brows have not had proper time to completely heal and settle. The absolute minimum is 4 weeks depending on your artist and specific case. 

How Long Does Microblading Take to Heal?

During the initial healing period of 10 to 14 days, your eyebrows will go through several stages of healing. Initially, they may appear very dark and become increasingly darker over the next few days as scabs form. It is essential to avoid picking at the scabs, as they need to fall off naturally for optimal results. After the scabs fall off, your brows may appear very light or milky for a few days. Full healing can take up to 6 weeks, during which time factors such as skin quality, texture, and lifestyle (sun exposure, exfoliants) can affect the healing process and final results, which vary for each individual. 

 It’s normal for 30% to 50% of the pigment to fade and disappear after the initial procedure. Don’t worry, as this is where the Perfection Touch-Up appointment comes in. It’s crucial to schedule a touch-up appointment with your artist six weeks after the initial procedure to finalize your perfect brow by adding any necessary strokes that may have faded. 

What is the Difference Between Microblading and Microshading?

Microblading involves using a small handheld tool to create hair-like strokes on the eyebrows, while microshading involves using a shading technique to create a softer, more powdered look.

Can I get Microblading Over an Existing Tattoo?

In short, the answer is that it depends. The decision on whether a tattoo or microblading can be redone over an existing one depends on several factors, such as the artist’s expertise, the color of the old tattoo, and the client’s skin type. In most cases, the old tattoo or microblading needs to be faded first to achieve the desired results and conceal the old design. 

 

At our studio, we only take a limited number of clients with existing work. If you have an old tattoo or want to correct/redo old microblading, you can send us a picture or book a consultation with one of our artists to assess whether it’s possible.

 

Can I Get Cosmetic Tattooing Done When I'm Pregnant?

No. Microblading cannot be performed on a client who is pregnant or breast feeding in case of infection and due to the use of anesthetics.

Am I a Good Microblading Candidate?

While microblading is considered a typically safe a reliable procedure for most people, certain conditions and skin types can prohibit clients from being a good candidate. First, there are certain skin types that are the most favorable, and the most unfavorable for microblading. 

 

The most FAVORABLE skin type for microblading: 

Normal/dry skin type with tiny pores. Skin that is not too thin, and not too thick. This type of skin has low sensitivity, with non-translucent fair ivory skin tone and doesn’t bleed easily. 

Normal to combination skin with small to normal pores; slightly oily to dry, and normal sensitivity. This type of skin is usually non-translucent and can range from light to dark skin tones, young or mature skin and doesn’t bleed easily. 

 

Microblading is NOT FAVORABLE for these skin types: 

 

Thick, oily skin with large pores tends to bleed easily and can negatively affect the absorption of pigment (this skin type is sometimes compared to an orange peel). The skin texture and constant production of oil will cause the hairstrokes to heal with a thicker, diffused, softer look, or even bleed together and cause strokes to become blended or blurry. Retention of pigment and strokes in general is much harder for this skin type. Certain artists may agree to work on this skin type, however clients must understand that their results may end up looking softer, powdery, or more blended than expected. Blurriness will increase with time on this skin type. 

Super-thin, soft, hypersensitive skin (sometimes compared to a hard boiled egg or marshmallow). Usually translucent/pale with invisible pores. This type of skin is highly prone to developing scar tissues, bleeds very easily, and has a harder time healing, and pigment can appear blurred and blotchy. 

Those prone to dermatitis, eczema, or rosacea, especially in the facial area, are not good candidates for microblading. Any trauma to the skin from tattooing (including microblading OR powder brows) can cause the dermatitis, rosacea, or eczema to spread to the brow area. 

Skin that is very textured (ie: wrinkled, severe scars from injury or surgery, or porous). Visually, it’s helpful to think of what it is like to take a permanent marker and draw a line across an apple, vs drawing a line across an orange or a date. The line on the apple will be crisp. The line on the orange or date will not be complete, it will be patchy or dotted, which is how microblading translates onto textured skin types. Powder brows is a beautiful option for these skin types as an alternative. 

 

Lifestyle and certain medical conditions or circumstances also need to be taken into consideration to determine if you are a good candidate. Some of these include: 

 

Pregnancy / Breastfeeding 

Keloid prone skin 

Cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, viral infections 

Chemotherapy within the last year 

Bleeding disorders 

Organ transplants 

Recent illnesses (these will affect the healing process and you should wait at least a week to reschedule) 

Broken capillary or raised bumps in the eyebrow area 

Accutane within the last year 

Use of retinols (must stop use at least two weeks prior to appointment) 

Recent botox (must wait 30 days) 

Sunburns (must not be sunburnt, or wait for sunburn to disappear) 

After waxing (must not have had a wax for at least 3 days) 

After Chemical peels 

If you take blood thinning medications or heavy alcohol within 72 hours of procedure 

Athletes or those who work out and sweat very frequently (pigment can fade quicker and blur) 

Those who use exfoliants or retinols (these can make your pigment fade quicker) 

Those who have heavy sun exposure (this will make your brows fade quicker and become discolored). 

 If you have any questions or concerns in regard to if you are a good candidate, please reach out to your artist to confirm!

What Happens If I Get My Eyebrows Wet After Microblading?

Getting your eyebrows wet after microblading can cause the pigment to blur and fade, and the flaking skin to come off prematurely, which may impact the final outcome of the treatment. 

When Can I Wash My Eyebrows After Microblading?

It is not recommended to wet your microbladed brows until the peeling or flaking phase is done. The peeling skin should remain as undisturbed as possible, and flakes should fall off on their own. Only the products given to you by your artist should be used on your brows for the duration of the healing process. 

When Can I Wear Makeup After Microblading?

Makeup can be worn on the brows once the peeling or flaking phase is complete, but please apply it gently, as your skin will still be newly healed and should be treated with care. Makeup should not be worn on the brows before that point, to allow the skin to heal properly and avoid any risk of infection. Makeup can be worn on the rest of the face immediately after the procedure, as long as its kept a minimum of a quarter inch away from the newly microbladed brows. It’s a good idea to use clean brushes when applying makeup to the face while your brows are healing, just to be safe in the event a brush accidentally touches your healing brows.

When Can I Exercise After Microblading?

Exercise is not recommended until the peeling or flaking phase is done. Any amount of sweat or opening of the pores may affect the final outcome of the treatment.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Microblading?

The minimum age for microblading varies by country and state, but in most places, you must be at least 18 years old to undergo the treatment. In the state of Minnesota you must be 18 or older to receive a tattoo, and therefore must be 18 or older to receive a microblading procedure. 

How Painful is Microblading?

The sensation of microblading is usually described as irritating or uncomfortable, although some clients may not feel any discomfort at all. To minimize any potential discomfort, we apply a topical anesthetic to the area to be tattooed, ensuring you are entirely numb during the most uncomfortable phase of the process. 

When Can I Swim After Microblading?

You should not swim with your newly microbladed brows until the peeling or flaking phase is done. The peeling skin should remain as undisturbed as possible, and flakes should fall off on their own. Additionally, lakes/rivers and public swimming places are not sanitary for a healing tattoo and may put you at risk of infection. 

Eyebrow Tattoo Vs Microblading

While microblading is a form of tattooing, it differs from the traditional eyebrow tattoo process in several ways. Conventional eyebrow tattooing typically involves using a tattoo machine with larger configurations of needles and traditional body tattoo inks shaded at a deeper level within the skin, resulting in a more densely saturated brow that will barely fade over time. 

 In contrast, microblading uses a handheld tool to create fine, hair-like strokes in the skin at the shallowest depth possible to still achieve a lasting result. Traditional eyebrow tattooing may last longer but looks dull and bluish with time. Microblading will require touch-ups over time to keep it looking its best, but the shallower and more delicate nature of the work is what provides the natural appearance. 

Microblading Vs Powder Brows

Microblading and powder brows are both semi-permanent cosmetic eyebrow treatments, but they use different techniques to achieve different results. 

Microblading involves creating fine, hair-like strokes in the skin using a handheld tool, which creates a natural-looking brow enhancement with hair like texture. Powder brows is a shading technique done with a small handheld machine, which involves coloring tiny pixels of pigment into the brow shape, resulting in either a soft wash of color in the brow, a bold filled-in look, or anything in between. 

While microblading is great for those with sparse or thin eyebrows, powder brows are better for those with already fuller brows who want a more defined look. Ultimately, the choice between microblading and powder brows depends on the individual’s preference, and desired outcome, lifestyle, and skin type. 

 

What is the best way to maintain my microbladed brows to keep them looking their best?

The best way to maintain your microbladed brows is to protect them from the sun (wearing sunscreen directly on them daily, paying special attention to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially when in direct sunlight), and keep products with regenerative or exfoliating properties off of them. Products with regenerative or exfoliating properties would contain retinol, retain-A, glycolic acid, lactic acid, AHA’s, or BHA’s. Sun exposure to your microblading will not only fade them prematurely but may cause them to discolor as well.  

 

Once your eyebrows are microbladed, you should avoid certain services in the brow area, such as laser treatments (like IPL, BBL, and Fraxel) and chemical peels. It is important to inform your service provider about the tattooed areas so that they can steer clear of them during these treatments. If you and your artist decide to make significant changes to your brow shape during the microblading session, it is advisable to maintain the new shape by plucking hairs outside the tattooed area. This will help to ensure that your brows look their best. 

Everyone’s Work Looks Good! How do I Pick an Artist? Can You Just Assign Me the Next Available Spot?

Choosing to undergo cosmetic tattooing is a highly personal decision, and it is essential to choose the right artist who will permanently alter your appearance. Although all our artists are skilled, each has a unique style. To find an artist whose artwork style aligns with your aesthetic preferences, we recommend that you review portfolios until you find the perfect match. 

Start your brow journey today