Please take a few moments to read the following very helpful and frequently asked questions and answers.
- Microblading – is performed by a Certified Permanent Makeup practitioner using disposable hand tools and disposable sterilized blades (needles). The size of blade/needles chosen depends on the age and thickness of the skin and desired hair strokes. Microblading offers THE most real-looking natural hair strokes for eyebrows using pigments.
About your licensed technician:
Be sure to have your cosmetic permanent makeup performed by a licensed professional. Below, I have revealed my credentials, my techniques and inks, so you can feel rest assured about your treatment.
* I am vaccinated against COIVD-19.
* I am a registered body art practitioner and specialize in microblading.
* I am highly qualified and trained and hold certification in Advanced Permanent makeup including microblading.
* I hold a Public Health Certificate of Registration as a body art practitioner, and a certificate for proper handling and disposal of Blood Borne Pathogens. I follow all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines, according to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC). I take my exam annually to stay on top of new updates.
* I specialize in microblading. For your safety, I use disposable one-time use:
- microblading handles,
- sterilized and disposable microblading needles/blades,
- calipers for measuring,
- markers for drawing the brow shape.
*Text or call Louisa at 310-990-2704 to schedule an appointment in our Los Angeles location. NOTE: A 48 hour cancellation policy is required.
Are the pigments safe?
Permanent cosmetics utilize sterile pigments with cosmetic grade colorants that are proven as safe for human use. I use one of the highest quality, premium pigments that are both hypo-allergenic and safe for use in the USA and Europe
Technically, the colored pigments used are suspensions containing insoluble inert compounds, usually with microscopic amount of iron or titanium oxides. The microscopic particles that appear to be dissolved are actually suspended in a clear liquid base of alcohol, distilled water, and glycerin. I also chart the pigments and customized recipe used for each client.
How do I book a consultation?
Consultations are free by phone. Simply text a close up photo of your brows to 310-990-2704 and I will be in touch to discuss the procedure and fee. If you wish to have an in-person consultation, the cost is $25.00.
What are the health guidelines for permanent cosmetics?
All equipment used must be disinfected using OSHA Guidelines and all needles are single use only and individually wrapped, sterile and disposable. All microblading handles are single use and disposable. All pigments and numbing creams used are approved for permanent makeup procedures and are placed in single use containers, then discarded after each procedure. The procedure areas and hard surfaces are sanitized using professional strength Opticide and/or Cavi-cide.
Is microblading painful?
Let me assure you, that I use premium grade numbing that is a highly effective topical anesthetic cream, applied before and during the procedure so you are comfortable throughout the session.
For microblading, some individuals report that it feels like light scratching that is very tolerable. They are comfortable throughout the procedure. In fact, some women fall asleep on my table.
Do the pigments cause allergic reactions?
In general, pigments used for cosmetic permanent makeup are formulated to be hypo-allergenic. Studies have shown that immediate allergic reactions to these products are extremely rare. Delayed-hypersensitivity reactions (delayed onset) allergic reactions are also uncommon. Medical professionals believe that most so-called allergic reactions are not reactions to the pigments. They believe a reaction is caused by a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction to a topical after care product. Your technician will discuss any allergies BEFORE you begin your procedure. NOTE: In 2004, the FDA recalled only one pigment line by one manufacturer where allergic reactions occurred. Let me assure you that I do not use that brand. The cause was determined to be a new preservative added to the formula. No other product recalls have occurred before or since that time, that I am aware of.
What to do before your microblading procedure for brows:
When you schedule your appointment, Louisa will email you a short list of pre-treatment things to do.
What is the recovery period like?
Following microblading, most people are amazed at how “normal” they look immediately after each procedure. Eyebrows will darken for a few days, but will fade by day 3 as you swipe on and off the balm provided. DO NOT apply bandages over the pigments. After 3 or 4 days, brows will fade back quickly to the nice color that matches your brow hair. All clients are instructed and given aftercare products and protocol.
What is aftercare?
Your aftercare instructions are extremely important. I will explain in this in person AND provide instructions on a printed page after your service has been completed. Aftercare is easy and will prevent any infection provided you follow exactly the simple directions.
What will the final color look like?
Pigments I select for your recipe will compliment a person’s skin tone, hair, and eye color. A conservative approach is best because it is easier to make an existing color darker versus lighter in your follow-up appointment. Colors will always look darker and more intense immediately following a procedure (up to three days) then on the fourth day, they will lighten at least 40- 50%. Then over the next 10 days to 4 weeks, the color will gradually lighten and soften. Please allow 4 weeks BEFORE any touch-up treatment.
Why is the color darker right after the procedure?
Because we created small openings in the skin using blades/needles, the brows will become temporarily darker due to the “flush” of blood flow to the area during the permanent makeup process. In addition, the balm you will apply for a few days after the procedure gives the illusion that the brows are darker. Some report that their brow strokes look very dark – but do NOT panic – within ONLY 3-4 days, the strokes will lighten back up to the original color.
How long does a microblading procedure take?
Many important steps are followed when a permanent procedure is done correctly. Because I’m an artist as well as a trained and experienced permanent makeup practitioner microblading will take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours,
Both the client and technician will determine the best design, color and shape of your brows. Close-up photos of the brows will be taken before the procedure, then the pigment will be applied. After photos will also be taken for our records.
Can microblading cover old style solid tattoos of the past?
If the brows are faded light enough, I can add microblading strokes to cover the old, solid tattooed brows. Text a photo of your bare brows so I can review them to determine if microblading can cover the old tattooed brows. Do note that depending on how dark the old tattoo is, you may need two touch ups after the first session.
How long does Microblading Permanent makeup last?
Since microblading is done with a hand held blade, it does not go as deep as a rotary tattooing machine. So we like to call it semi-permanent makeup as you will need to do annual touch ups to maintain the color. Color retention is affected by different factors including the shade of the original color, the person’s age and metabolism, skin type and condition, lifestyle such as swimming in salt water, pools, doing profusely sweaty exercise, sun exposure, tanning booths, smoking, certain drugs and medications, and skin peeling treatments such as AHA’s, Retin-A or microdermabrasion. After your initial appointment and a 4- week touch up, for maintenance I recommend you come in no later than 8 months – 10 months from your last visit. I charge only $275 – $299 for a maintenance touch up within one year from your last visit.
What should I do after my 4-week Touch-up appointment?
During the initial microblading procedure, the color will be applied. During the first four weeks, the color will heal into the skin. However, to secure the color and shape, a touch up appointment scheduled 4-5 weeks after the original session must be scheduled to re-instate the strokes. This ensures your brows strokes last at least 10-12 months – depending on lifestyle. This is called a touch-up appointment. A 4-week touch up fee is only $150. Once your desired results are achieved, a maintenance visit should be booked within 12 months from your last visit (usually 6-10 months is best) to keep the hair strokes looking crisp. Keeping your face protected from the sun will help maintain your pigments. Wear large sun glasses or a visor to protect the strokes from the sun when outdoors. Do not apply moisturizers of sunscreen on your brows after healing. Also do not lather or scrub your brows to help the pigment last longer.
Can I have an MRI procedure after Cosmetic Tattooing?
Yes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and electromagnetic fields to create pictures of internal human organs. The magnetism and temperature changes during these procedures may cause mild temporary discomfort (mild burning sensation) in BODY tattoos containing large amounts of iron oxide metals. However the amounts of iron oxides in brow microblading is much much less than for body art tattoos. Studies showed that only a few patients with an iron oxide tattoo reported a mild pulling or burning sensation during an MRI test. Most people with regular tattoos have had no problems. The size of a tattoo and the total number of tattoos seems to affect the amount of magnetic pull. According to MRI safety experts, the iron particles in most cosmetic tattooing pigments are too microscopic to react as metal pieces. However, they recommend that a patient with a tattoo (body or face) should inform their radiologist and technician where it is located because it may create a small artificial image.
Can someone donate blood after a procedure?
The Red Cross blood donation eligibility guidelines specify that each potential donor’s health history is discussed before any blood is collected. The Red Cross will have you complete forms that will ask if you have had a tattoo done within one year. Microblading is a form of tattoo thought not as deep into the skin. However, I would avoid donating blood following their eligibility guidelines. Please be honest on your questionnaire.
Am I a candidate for permanent makeup if I am diabetic, have HIV/AIDs or Hepatitis?
Please be sure to inform your technician BEFORE coming to your appointment if you have either HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis B or C and she will advise you. Y
Is microblading expensive?
Please read the testimonials page for comments from many satisfied individuals about my artistry, skill and affordable pricing. My goal is to help women look their best without breaking the bank. See my prices on the home page.
Permanent cosmetics including microblading are affordable for most people, and the long term benefits make it fairly inexpensive. Other non-surgical procedures like Botox or fillers cost the same or more. But they may last for only three to six months while microblading permanent makeup can last for many months to years with annual touch ups. Price also depends on the city and availability of the treatment. See our Before and after photos on the Photo Gallery page to help make your decision.
Call or text photos of each brows without brow pencil to 310-990-2704
Email: ljgraves@sbcglobal.net