Frequently Asked Questions
All Clients MUST BE 18+ Yrs, no exceptions
How does microblading differ from a traditional tattoo?
Microblading is a method of eyebrow tattooing, however unlike traditional tattoos performed with different pigment, microblading uses a handheld manual tool to create hair-like cuts into the skin to mimic hair. Pigment is embedded into the epidermal layer of the skin.
Microblading allows for the finest hair-like strokes to be made that appear as real hair growth which makes this technique far more customizable compared to traditional tattooing. Each hair stroke is hand drawn and blended with the natural hair growth pattern. Shading is recommended for anyone who wants thin or petite brows, has coarse brow hair, has inconsistent brow hair growth or wants to not have to worry about any makeup.
Unlike traditional tattoos, the pigment used is designed to fade over time. This technology decreases the likelihood of color shifting or outdated brows. The pigment used by AZ Brow Nurse is laboratory tested to fade a lighter version of itself over time.
Microblading is said to last 1-3+ years depending on skin type, lifestyle factors, sun exposure, medications and more.
If you have excessively oily skin and/or large pores in the area, brows may last a year or more before needing a Touchup. Any form of shading will help keep your brow retention better than microblading alone. A client with non-oily skin may last 2-3 years before needing a touchup.
Powder brows create less trauma to the skin and results last longer than Microblading alone.
Does the procedure hurt?
Everyone's pain tolerance is different person-to-person.
Each client may have a different level of discomfort associated with the procedure. Some say they only feel pressure and others say it feels similar to tweezing. Two topical anesthetics will be applied prior to and throughout the process to help ensure your comfort. If you would like to bring headphones to listen to music during procedure as a distraction, feel free to do so!
What is the recovery time?
Immediately after the procedure, your brows may appear pink/red and the pigmentation may seem larger and darker than you may prefer (this is expected). The skin has been opened, minimal swelling may occur and this causes the brows to look larger than they will be once healed. The brows always heal lighter! The healing process takes about 2 to 4 weeks to be fully healed. Please see “Microblading Aftercare” for full healing expectations.
How often can I get touch-ups?
Individual results do vary. Each client’s skin type, skin texture, pore size, hair texture and lifestyle factors play into the healed result of the brows.
It may be common that some fading or unevenness in pigmentation may occur after just your initial session. To achieve the best results, AZ Brow Nurse may recommends a 6-8 week Perfecting Session from your initial session.
Due to variance in individual results, a 6-8 week Perfecting Session is optional. If no concerns are visible, enjoy your brows until they fade significantly! Having a Perfecting Session is client specific. If not needed, but performed, the brows may appear too saturated.
After your initial session & Perfecting Session with AZ Brow Nurse, additional touchups should be delayed until significant fading in color AND saturation has occurred. Please allow the brows to fade 80% throughout before any additional touchup in order to achieve the best overall outcome. The brows are designed to fade, let them fade before returning! This helps your next session achieve crisp results!
**Please see service list for touchup schedule breakdown.**
All returning clients who return 3 months -3 years after initial session will be considered "Returning Client Touchup" session.
How long will the results last?
Microblading is considered a form of permanent makeup, meaning it will not wash off, however, will fade gradually with time.
Skin type, pore size, medication use, sun exposure, aging & other lifestyle factors may contribute to faster fading.
Clients with oily skin will fade sooner than those with normal-to-dry skin types.
Shading or Powder technique is suggested for those with oily skin or large pores for better retention.
Typical microblading results tend to last on average 1-3+ years.
Good AFTERCARE is important in the longevity of your brows! Healed results is 50% application of the brows and 50% what the client does at home.
Questions
You cannot receive permanent cosmetic treatment if you are:
- Under the age of 18
- Pregnant or breast feeding
- Accutane use within past 12 months
- Blood thinners
- Antibiotics or Steroids
- Sunburned skin or infection, eczema or rosacea
- History of keloid scarring
- Diabetic
- Poor healing
- Immuno-compromised (Transplant recipient, HIV, AIDS, etc)
- Currently undergoing cancer treatment
- Chemo or Radiation treatment
- Viral Infections
- Active cold or flu
- Botox or neurotoxin within 3 weeks
- Any client with unrealistic expectations!!!
How should I prepare for my appointment?
- Please avoid aspirin, NSAIDs, Fish Oil supplements or blood-thinning agents for 72 hrs prior. If you are under physician supervision please contact your doctor before stopping any medication.
- Discontinue Retin-A, Retinol products 1-2 weeks prior
- Botox treatment must wait 2-3 weeks before and 2 weeks after.
- No chemical peels or abrasive skin treatments 2 weeks prior
- Avoid any alcohol consumption 48-72 hrs prior to appointment (increases bleeding and hinders healed results).
- Avoid caffeine consumption 24-48 hrs prior to appointment (increases blood flow, increases bleeding and hinders results). I have clients walk in with Starbucks in their hand, I know they didn't read the instructions LOL!
- Please research address/location prior to appointment date.
- No children during your appointment, this is YOUR time!
- Space is limited in the suite so please be mindful of only 1 guest, if necessary.
- Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes to your scheduled appointment as I might be with a client up until your scheduled time. If so, please wait in the lobby until your time.
- Arriving 9 minutes past your appointment time will result in automatic cancellation and 50% of total service charge. You will be asked to reschedule online with new deposit.
Do I need a consultation before making an appointment?
During your initial session we spend upto 3 hours together. A consultation is built into our time together. We will discuss your history, style preferences, lifestyle and brow expectations. Your brows will be mapped and color matched before the procedure begins. You will be involved the entire time!
Realistic expectations are required. Each person's face, facial features, brow bone structure, current brow hair growth and desired outcome vary.
If you have had ANY previous brow tattooing performed, please send photos via email to INFO@AZBROWNURSE.COM before making a reservation.
Once your photos are reviewed, the best recommendations will be sent to you.
Not everyone who has had previous brow tattooing is candidate for a cover/correction. Some cases, removal is suggested before a new set of brows can be applied.
Any new client to AZ Brow Nurse will be considered a New Client Session, not a touchup.
I had my eyebrows microbladed by someone else, will you touch them up?
If you are a New Client to AZ Brow Nurse, it will not be considered an AZ Brow Nurse touchup.
First, email photos to INFO@AZBROWNURSE.COM before making a reservation. Once your photos are reviewed, the best recommendations will be sent to you.
New Clients to AZ Brow Nurse must book as a New Client initial session.
It is not considered an AZ Brow Nurse touchup unless you have had your initial session completed here.
I see you offer a BROW FRIENDS Special, how does that work?
- The BROW FRIENDS Special is the best way to save the most.
- Must book with a friend(s) to be eligible.
- You will make a reservation online & your friend(s) must make their own reservation online as well.
- Reservations do NOT need to be made for the same day.
- If your friend already received services from AZ Brow Nurse, the special is not applicable.
- Includes your choice of Microblading, Blade & Shade or Powder brow techniques. We will discuss this together at your appointment.
- Strict cancellation policy applies.
- Not to be combined with any other promotion.
Is shading an option for the Brow Friends Special too?
- Yes, we will discuss this at your appointment together.
- If you have booked a brow friends special, shading is included if desired.
- If you have any previous brow work, please inquire via email. Not everyone is eligible.
Should I wax or tweeze before my appointment?
No, it is not necessary, but that is fine if you do. Be sure to have it completed a minimum of 1-2 weeks before your service.
Once your brows are mapped and shape is agreed upon, any remaining hair that falls outside of the design will be shaped accordingly.
Can I wear makeup to my appointment?
Sure! Although it is not necessary, it does help give a better idea of what you are used to drawing (and we will always make it better)!
Can I bring a friend or family member with me to my appointment?
Microblading requires diligent focus, concentration and sterility. It is suggested that you come to the appointment with a commitment to perfection. In order to achieve this, we ask that you understand the sterility and precision that goes into designing your brows. Please be courteous and plan to attend your appointment without children or infants. One guest is permitted, all others will need to wait in the lobby.
What type of pigment do you use?
A high quality pigment formulated by Tina Davies X Permablend. The ingredients are a combination of powdered pigmentation, glycerin, isopropyl alcohol, aqua, witch hazel, rosin and DMDM hydantoin. The pigment is gamma-ray sterilized. Pigment is also VEGAN and animal cruelty free.
Do I need shading?
We will always discuss this at your initial session together, but it helps to be familiar with the differences.
**Shading is highly recommended for clients with oily skin, large pores or minimal hair.
Microblading alone sometimes is just not enough.
Shading is used where hairstrokes are not enough and blending/density is needed.
How do you choose a color?
Each client is color matched by color swatching pigment to the skin near your brows. Skin tone, hair color and personal preference are all taken into consideration during the color match process. We want to match your new brows as close as possible to your brow hair as possible.
Initially, your brows will appear darker than anticipated, but will fade into the intended color during healing.
Are there any possible side effects?
This is a relatively safe procedure as long as you are an ideal candidate (no contraindications), follow prep before your appointment, and adhere to the aftercare instructions provided to you.
Minor bleeding during the procedure followed by slight swelling and redness is expected the first day. Slight bruising is rare, but possible. Tenderness is likely for a few days following the procedure. Follow all aftercare instructions in order to help prevent the risk of infection and promote best healing.
Risk of infection is always possible in any treatment when the skin is broken or penetrated.
Should I have a Pigment skin patch test performed?
A Pigment Skin Patch Test is where pigment is implanted into the skin in the area we wish to perform the full procedure on. Several strokes are placed with pigment and allowed to heal for 1 week. After 1 week, the skin is analyzed for allergic reactions or sensitivities abnormal to healthy healing.
If you have skin allergies or sensitivities and think you may like a Pigment Skin Patch Test, please inquire. Every client is offered a Patch Test upon their initial session, if indicated.
Not all clients require or request this.
If you currently have tattoo pigment in your skin (anywhere on your body), chances are you are not allergic to pigment for cosmetic tattoo purposes.
How do I prepare for the appointment?
No alcohol or caffeine 48 hrs prior (can cause the pigmentation to heal “gray/ashy”).
- No Advil, ibuprofen, Aspirin, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Niacin or blood-thinning agents unless medically necessary 72 hours prior to the appointment.
- No waxing or tanning 3 days prior.
- No chemical peels prior
- Botox/neurotoxins and injectable fillers should be avoided up to 3 weeks prior. (symmetry purposes)
- Please complete the online consent form texted or emailed to you via link.
- Some clients will bring "brow inspiration" photos of what they like or don't like. Keep in mind we will map brows according to your facial features, but getting a feel for your taste is great!
- Only 1 guest will be permitted with you, all others are kindly asked to wait in lobby area for sanitation and privacy.
- No children or infants. This is your time to relax!
- Please arrive to your appointment on time, any arrivals 7 minutes after scheduled time will be rescheduled with a new deposit required.
- PLEASE RESEARCH THE LOCATION ahead of time. Each client receives a confirmation email/text upon booking with details and a reminder 3 days before appointment.
What are factors that contribute to fading?
Inability to follow proper aftercare (please see Aftercare section).
Chemical peels applied directly to the area, glycolic acid, retinols/retinoids, sun or tanning bed exposure.
Thyroid disease and the natural aging process (skin cell turnover rate).
Clients with excessively oily skin and/or large pores in the brow area may notice fading sooner than clients with dry to normal skin type.
Do I get to choose my brow shape?
Clients are more than welcome to bring in inspiration photos of their ideal brow and even fill them in as you normally do to see for reference.
Keep in mind, the perfect brow for YOU is going to be based on YOUR measured facial features and bone structure while your desired brow will be taken into consideration in the process.
We will not begin the actual procedure until the client is in 100% agreement with the final mapped out design and pigment selection.
A consent form will be signed once agreement is settled and before procedure begins.
**Please note that AZ Brow Nurse has the right to refuse service to any client with unreasonable or unrealistic requests and/or expectations.**
What are your safety precautions?
AZ Brow Nurse takes great pride in having a clean and sterile workspace and studio.
Only sterile, single-use, surgical-grade, stainless steel tools are used which are safely discarded in a Sharps needle container after each appointment.
Sanitization of the work area occurs before and after each client with industrial medical grade cavicide-wipes and the use of sterile gauze, cotton swabs, gloves are used for protection.
Gloves are worn at all times during the procedure when the skin is open.
What does the microblading appointment process entail?
Your initial appointment is scheduled for 3 hours. The first portion of the appointment begins with a consultation and the second half being the actual procedure itself.
The first half of the appointment is spent completing paperwork, going over your expectations, measuring and mapping out facial features, brow shaping, design and color matching. Photos of your natural brow will be taken.
Once the brow shape and color are agreed upon, a consent form is signed. The second half of the appointment includes the application of topical numbing to the brow area and the procedure will begin.
Following the procedure, final photos are taken, aftercare instructions are provided, topical ointment is applied, and final questions are answered.
Are touch-ups necessary?
The initial appointment is about brow structure, design and hair strokes. A Perfecting Session is available, if needed, 6-8 weeks after initial session. A Perfecting Session can be completed to make any necessary detail hair strokes, adjust any concerns, enhance pigmentation and make any adjustments to symmetry, definition or volume.
It is completely normal for some clients to not retain pigment in some areas after their initial session.
Individual results vary. All clients are different!
**Please visit service & price list **
Questions about symmetry/shape.
Microblading is an art, not a science. Have you ever heard the saying “eyebrows are sisters, not twins”? That is true in that everyone’s facial features are never exactly symmetrical and proportioned. It is unrealistic to have 100% symmetry in aesthetics.
If we drew a line down the center of your face and compared the sides (Left to Right), we would see symmetrical differences. While absolute perfection can never be guaranteed due to the many factors (age, genetics, ethnicity, skin type, skin quality, lifestyle choices, aging process etc.) that contribute to the healing process and overall result, there are things clients MUST do in order to achieve great results.
- Following good AFTERCARE is the most important part that can be controlled! (Please see “Microblading Aftercare” section).
- Your final brow results are 50% artist application and 50% what the client does at home during healing.
How do I make an appointment and why is a deposit due?
All reservations are to be made online. AZ Brow Nurse & Aesthetics is operated solely by the owner herself. Online reservations allow for ease of booking for all clients as most of the day is spent face-to-face with clients. Please feel free to contact with any questions prior to making a reservation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Each client’s initial session requires a non-refundable deposit to secure your desired appointment time. This is because a time slot of 3 hours is reserved to devote to you and your brows. Should a potential client no-show to their appointment or cancel short notice, that time slot could have gone to someone. Often times, AZ Brow Nurse is booked out a few months in advance, it is not fair to other clients who are patiently waiting for their time.
Your non-refundable deposit will secure your appointment and is applied to the total service amount due at your session.
Late cancelations (within 48 hrs) will result in 50% service charge.
Any no call/no shows will result in 75% service charge.
Continuous re-scheduling or cancellations will result in inability to book in the future.
Any previous brow work MUST inquire prior to appointment approval.
- Online reservation only
- Non-refundable booking deposit. Applied to total service due at appointment.
- By making a reservation and submitting a deposit, you accept full responsibility and acknowledge you have fully read all FAQ & ABOUT section on website.
- By making a reservation, you accept and agree that you are a candidate for treatment and have no contraindications listed.
- In ANY event a late cancellation or reschedule occurs, your deposit will be non-transferable. A new reservation with new deposit must be required for new appointment.
- After 120 days from date of purchase, your deposit will become NON-REFUNDABLE should you decide to cancel entirely. Deposit can be used toward other services at AZ Brow Nurse.
- No refunds on any services, no exceptions.
- All clients will receive a confirmation email/text immediately upon making a reservation. This will confirm your date and time of desired appointment.
- All clients will receive a reminder email/text 3 days before scheduled appointment.
Healing Process
After your appointment, you will have new brows, but it doesn’t stop there! Protect your investment and follow a strict aftercare regimen to ensure the best outcome. Know that the brows are essentially an open wound for the first few days and must be treated as so. The body will begin its repair/healing process and your brows will go through several stages.
Day 1: You are excited or nervous to get your new brows. Immediately after the procedure your skin may be a bit pink or red and it may be slightly sensitive to the touch with some swelling. They may feel larger and look darker than how they will heal. If you aren’t used to filling them in, they may seem more dramatic in appearance at first, but remember the pigment will fade 30-40% with healing.
Day 2: Your brows could still be a bit red, tender, and may even seem a bit thicker in texture than the day before. The pigment in your brows will be darker and warm toned (red/orange tint) for a day or 2. This is NORMAL and will not remain this way. Follow your aftercare and you are on your way to good healing.
Days 3-4: Not much of a difference, the redness may be diminished. The tenderness should have subsided by now and the brows will (temporarily) be slightly darker and thicker/denser. At this point you are beginning to adjust to having brows when you wake up and may notice how much less time you may spend getting ready in the morning!
Day 5-7: Things begin to change a bit as the brows are still dark as they are begin to scab (as expected). They may be starting to itch (normal sign of healing), but refrain from touching them or picking at them for any reason! Do not disrupt the scabs for any reason as new skin is forming and healing beneath and you could cause patchy/bald color loss should you pre-maturely remove any scabbing. Your body is actively repairing itself, hence the scabbing. Remember this is a process.
Days 7-10: This is the awkward period when flaking begins and the brows look inconsistent. Some areas are dark and scabbed, some areas are in the midst of flaking and other areas have flaked and the skin showing now looks VERY light. It may look as if the pigment was lost and nothing held. The new skin is actually still healing as well.
Days 10+: Your scabs have probably flaked off by now and they appear very light for this phase. They could look patchy in color as some scabs have shed naturally while some spots the scabs still remain. The areas where the scabs have shed may appear as if you lost pigment or seem light. Please be patient as this is normal. In a few days they will even out and adjust! Remember this is new baby skin that was just created, it is going to be light and new! You might think your skin did not take the pigment, but that’s not the case.
The color will darken over the next couple weeks into their final healed color.
Days 14-21: Healing is well on its way. You made it through the hardest parts of healing and you are almost there! The color and definition of the hairstrokes from the microblading will gradually return. The color is beginning to even out and you are able to wear brow makeup at this time to guide you through the rest of the healing process.
Day 30: Your brows are healed! The color has come back, but is always lighter than day 1. Normally, clients return at the 6-10 week mark for a perfecting session. At that time, any adjustments such as adding a darker color, filling in any patchy areas, making them more dense etc. This is the point where you can decide if there is anything you would like to add to your brows now that they are healed.
