FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+ HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
  • To book an appointment, please use my online booking page for all brow services.
  • All appointments require a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit to schedule and secure your appointment and will be deducted from the total price of your procedure. The remaining amount will be due the day of your appointment. This deposit is to ensure that you are committed to undergoing a cosmetic tattoo. If you wish to reschedule your appointment you must notify me 72 hours prior to your initial appointment. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of your deposit. Please email info@theorchidstudio.ca or text/call 403 370 6680 if you need to reschedule or change your appointment time.
  • Prior to booking your first appointment, if you have an existing brow tattoo please send me clear photos via email (info@theorchidstudio.ca) so I can assess and determine whether or not you can be performed on. All previous work is considered a full service and subjected to an extra charge of $100+ depending on the severity of each case.

+ WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COSMETIC BROW TATTOOING?

Cosmetic tattooing is ideal for both men and women. Whether if you have uneven and sparse brows, or you’re looking for a low-maintenance, but defined appearance, cosmetic tattooing can enhance your current features.

The benefits of cosmetic tattooing include:

  • Sweat, smudge and waterproof brows
  • Correcting asymmetrical brows
  • Saves time off your make up routine
  • Hides scars, sparse areas or hair loss for a natural look
  • Great for everyone!

+ WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

Microblading is a form of permanent makeup that creates natural, beautiful eyebrows manually with a handheld microblade. It’s perfect for people who have overplucked or those who want to define, darken or reshape their eyebrows.

Technically, microblading is a form of eyebrow tattooing. However, unlike traditional tattooing, which uses a machine, microblading artists apply each hairstroke with a handheld microbladed tool. This produces a very fine line that resembles real hair. Each individual hairstroke is hand drawn by the artist and blended in with the client’s existing brow hair. 

This procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the client and eyebrow shaping. Majority of clients require 2 sessions to have their desired brows. Touch up appointments can be made 2 to 3 months after your first initial visit.

Microblading is best suited for those who have normal to dry skin and lots of brow hairs. Oily skin and aging/thin skin is not recommended as results will not heal, or look as natural. If this is you, you would be a better candidate for Ombré Powder, Combination, Microshading, or 3D Nano Hairstrokes. Not sure where you fit in? Email info@theorchidstudio.ca and we can help you determine what technique is best suited for you!

    + WHAT IS OMBRÉ POWDER?

    Ombré brow tattooing is applied by using the more traditional method, a digital tattoo machine is used. This technique leaves a behind a soft powdery finish within a crisp design. The density of the pigment that is implanted starts soft and light at the beginning of the brow and gradually gets darker and heavier towards the tail. This technique tends to last longer and is overall better for the integrity of the skin. 

    This procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. Majority of clients require 2 sessions to have their desired brows. Touch up appointments can be made 6-8 weeks after your first initial visit.

    Suitable for ALL skin types. This is great for the individuals who have little to no hair, oily skin, covering up an old brow tattoo or those who love the look of defined, makeup brows! You can choose between soft, medium and bold powder brow looks. 

      + WHAT IS COMBINATION BROWS?

      Can’t decide between shading and microblading? The combination is the best of both techniques! Custom hair strokes are created at the front of the brow by microblading and then shaded for depth and dimension used by a machine with a single needle for a slighter deeper definition. 

      This procedure can take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours. Majority of clients require 2 sessions to have their desired brows. Touch up appointments can be made 6 to 8 weeks after your first initial visit.

      Suitable for MOST skin types. Hairstrokes are further part for oily skin clients. This could be a great option for covering up previous old brow tattoos (depending on how light and faded they are). Perfect for clients who are a perfectionist and want a more bold but natural look.

      + WHAT IS MICROSHADING?

      If you’re caught deciding between shading and microblading but still wanting that natural look, microshading gives you just that! Custom hair strokes will be made throughout the entire brow by microblading. Next, soft shading from the tail and blended towards the center/front giving it more depths and density leaving your brows with a natural 3D effect.

      This procedure can take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours. Majority of clients require 2 sessions to have their desired brows. Touch up appointments can be made 6 to 8 weeks after your first initial visit.

      Suitable for MOST skin types and heals very soft and beautiful. NOT recommended for oily skin or cover-ups (depending on the severity of the previous brow tattoo).

      + WHAT IS 3D NANO HAIRSTROKES?

      Nano hairstrokes are all done with a digital tattoo machine using a single needle to mimic hair-like strokes to create a beautiful, soft and natural effect.

      This permanent procedure can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours. Majority of clients require 2 sessions to have their desired brows. Touch up appointments can be made 6 to 8 weeks after your first initial visit.

      Suitable for ALL skin types including oily skin, and heals very soft and beautiful. NOT recommended for cover-ups (depending on the severity of the previous brow tattoo).

      + AM I A CANDIDATE FOR COSMETIC BROW TATTOOING?

      The following requirements must be followed or healing results of this procedure may be unsuccessful. I may request a physician’s note or refuse service for any reason.

      Client NOT suitable for cosmetic brow tattooing procedure:

      • Previously had a solid permanent makeup tattoo that is very dark and discolored. Must be 40-50% faded! Please send a photo of your bare brows before booking to info@theorchidstudio.ca.
      • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Color retention and sensitivity levels are unpredictable.
      • If you are on any medications that are blood thinners like Advil, Retin-A. Stop 6 weeks prior to the procedure.
      • If you are undergoing chemotherapy, just wait a minimum of 6-months for optimal results. Please consult with your physician prior.
      • If you are on Accutane, must wait a minimum of 6-months before undergoing the procedure.
      • Skin diseases like psoriasis, ingrown hairs, dermatitis, undiagnosed rashes and blisters on or around the area.
      • If you are prone to keloid scarring there may be a higher chance you may get it after the procedure.
      • Recent sun exposure that has caused a burn will be very sensitive and painful. Wait 4 weeks after have recently burnt to have the procedure done.
      • Mature skin that is loose and wrinkles are difficult as the strokes will get lost in between the creases. (Not meant for Microblading, Ombré Shading or Combination is recommended).
      • Eczema or dry skin are more prone to pigment loss as the skin is shedding more often.
      • Oily skin or clients with large pores tend to bleed more easily, making the tattoo strokes thicken and blur together over time. Wider gaps between strokes can counteract this.
      • Growth serum, please discontinue 6 weeks prior to the procedure.
      • Clients who have a bleeding disorder, heart condition or have a pacemaker, autoimmune disorder, and shingles cannot have this procedure done.
      • Certain medications may cause issues during the procedure. Please consult your physician prior and disclose that information before booking your appointment.
      • Disclose any allergies to the technician before booking your procedure as some ingredients may be in the pigments or numbing agents used.
      • Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation can cause the skin to become darker and discoloured. (Common with Fitzpatrick 6 skin-types). 

      + WHAT IF I HAVE AN EXISTING BROW TATTOO?

      Prior to booking your new appointment, please email info@theorchidstudio.ca clear photos of your bare brows so we may assess and determine whether or not they can be performed on.

      Your existing brow tattoo must be AT LEAST 40-50% faded. We cannot guarantee results for cases such as these. In some instances where the previous work is too dark, misshaped, discolored or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before booking an appointment with me to achieve the best results. Previously tattooed areas will almost always require additional sessions for optimal results and will be charged accordingly.

      + HOW LONG DOES A BROW TATTOO LAST?

      Cosmetic tattooing has been termed permanent since is only supposed to target the superficial layer of the skin, unlike traditional tattooing which targets the deeper dermal layer. The results of the longevity of your new tattoo will depend greatly on your lifestyle, sun exposure and how you take care of your skin during the healing process and beyond. There are many factors that can affect the time frame. Each clients skin will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates.

      Typically brows will last 1-3 years depending on your skin type. This information acts as a guideline only; I cannot guarantee your results. It is recommended to have a touch-up procedure done annually to retain the proper shape and saturation of pigment.

      ***Please note: All previous work is considered a full service and an additional $100 will be added onto the service for a cover-up/correction as they are much more complicated to work on than virgin brows. 

      + WILL I NEED A TOUCH UP AFTER MY INITIAL APPOINTMENT?

      The majority of clients require 2 sessions to have their desired cosmetic tattoo. Touch up appointments can be made 6-8 weeks after your FIRST initial service. At your second session, we will access the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Clients with corrected work, little or no hairs may need further density added whereas clients with fuller brows may not need an additional touch up as frequently. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. An annual touch-up is highly recommended to maintain the brow tattoo.

      + DOES IT HURT?

      A topical anesthetic (5% lidocaine ointment) is applied prior to your procedure. I also layer an additional numbing agent between each pass to increase your comfort. Pain is usually minimal and small amounts of discomfort to be expected but everyone is different and will depend on each individuals pain tolerance. If you are on your menstrual cycle, you may be more sensitive than usual. 

      + HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

      The procedure takes roughly 2.5-3 hours but may be longer or shorter. Please allow a solid 3-hour window for your appointment. It likely will not require that much time but it is something that should not and cannot be rushed! 

      + HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?

      Healing time varies per individuals. Usually, it takes about 7-14 days for the scabbing and peeling phase to flake off. Your skin will be considered healed after that happens. The pigment will then take some time to settle into the skin, 4-6 weeks should pass before they are considered complete. 

      + HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE COLOR?

      The color will be chosen based upon your skin-tone and to mimic your natural brow hair as best as possible, unless a different color is desired.  

      + DO YOU HAVE TO SHAVE OFF MY EYEBROWS?

      No! Every attempt is safer to remain all-natural eyebrow hair and integrate the design as naturally as possible. In some cases, where shaping of the natural brow is required, a few hairs here and there may be removed to create a clean and aesthetically pleasing result. We NEVER tattoo 2mm outside of the natural hairline!

      + CAN YOU GUARANTEE YOUR WORK?

      Unfortunately, we cannot. It is impossible to predict how the skin will react in each individual and many factors are taken into consideration; skin-type, age, scarring, diet, stress levels, facial products used, lifestyle, etc. These all play a key role in how the pigment will hold, which is why it is crucial to know that more than one touch up may be required. 

      We treat our client's brows as our own and offer the best possible treatment we can. Using our experience and expertise to give the absolute best outcome possible. We guarantee to strive for complete satisfaction in the design of your brows every time. Again, reiterating that there are NO guarantees in this industry. Please carefully take into account all aspects of the process and decide carefully if having cosmetic tattooing is right for you.