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FAQ: Gentle Hand Tool Method &
Saline Tattoo Lightening & Removal
The SofTap gentle hand tool method is a "machine-less" method and is 100% disposable. The shading/tapping hand tool method of permanent cosmetics uses highly specialized surgical stainless steel needle brush tools to gently implant color on the face and body.
As a Make-up Artist, using tools like make-up brushes, air brush tools, prosthetics, and a variety special effects make-up, this gentle hand tool method and technique works really well for creating soft-natural look that is gentle on the skin.
*What is Saline Tattoo Lightening & Removal?
Saline Lightening Solution is a non-chemical, non-acid, high salt based, fruit seed extract saline tattoo lightening product that is so effective it can lighten a tattoo or permanent makeup procedure to the point it is no longer visible. The saline solution is made with very particular types of natural, clean salts in combination with each other in extremely specific percentages to achieve ultimate lightening and results. These special salts are then ground down to an exceptionally fine powder eliminating any grit and allowing quick and easy implantation and absorption.
Microblading different from traditional eyebrow tattooing:
Microblading each hair stroke is applied with a hand-held tool/pen which can create a crisp, hyper realistic hair strokes. Whereas traditional tattoo is done with a motorized device.
Microblading artists typically use pigment instead of ink that is semi-permanent. Traditional eyebrow tattoo uses ink and tends to have more permanent results. Microblading pigment will eventually lighten and fade away over time, hence being semi-permanent, with the constantly changing brow trends semi-permanent cosmetics is a great option.
Microblading Procedure:
Microblading is a two step process. This first session is approximately two to three hours. The procedure consists of designing a custom shape, pigment shade, applying topical anesthetics, completing microblading procedure. The second session is a five to eight week touch-up to make any adjustments needed including corrections, adjusting the shape and color if desired by the client. The color fades significantly when the skin heals over your strokes. The new skin is not transparent at first and is like a veil over the pigment. In some cases the clients go darker at the touch-up for this reason.
First session: Start conservative, thinner and lighter. It's easier to add than to take away.
Second session: Choosing to go thicker and darker based on retention.
What is Micro-shading?
Microshading is a great way to blend the natural hair and the microbladed strokes. Many clients are used to applying solid brows with pencil or powder, micro shading gives that soft make-up effect aka ombre brows.
Microshading also has better staying results and is a great option for oily skin, mature skin, scars and clients on medication.
How long does the appointment take?
Your initial appointment will take between 2-3 hours. Please arrive with how you normally wear your make-up on a daily basis as this will help in creating the right brow for you and your lifestyle.
- mapping (creating style and shape for your face)
- color (matching existing brow color or if you don't have eyebrow hair, determining the right pigment to compliment your skin tone and hair color)
Is microblading for me?
Everyone's skin is different and results will vary. The hair strokes will not work well if you have extremely oily skin, as the pigment will not last as long and the strokes will end up having a softer look (not as crisp).
If you are anemic and bleed easily your pigment my fade faster and bleeding may occur during and after the procedure.
*This procedure is NOT suitable if you are pregnant or nursing.
How Long will the microblading last?
Microblading results will usually last between 12 - 24 months. We recommend coming in every 9-12 months for a touch-up.
What The Ink?
There are 2 main types of medical tattooing inks; they are the same in color combination only.
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Iron oxides
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Synthetic
Pigment changing color?
Color changes with sun exposure. All inks react and change color with repeated sun exposure.
Iron oxide based inks usually turn reddish over time, while synthetic inks can turn bluish/grey over time.
Cosmetic pigments are meant to fade over time and are not permanent like a regular tattoo ink.
Preparing for your appointment:
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No Alcohol or Caffeine for 24 hours
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No vitamins, supplements like fish oil, blood thinners, ibuprofen or any anti-infammatory medicine 1 week prior to your appointment as any of these may increase inflammation or facial swelling during the procedure.
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No retinol for one week prior to appointment.
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No covid vaccine within 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
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No antibiotics for 4 weeks prior to your appointment.
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No accutane for 1 full year prior to appointment.
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If your skin is constantly inflamed or acne-prone this procedure may not be right for you. We cannot proceed with the procedure if there is any type of facial break out, rash, inflammation, abrasion, blemish, bruise or sunburn. Your skin is the canvas from which pigment is deposited. I f your skin is compromised, the pigment will not retain well and is more prone to an infection after each application.
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No working out 24 hours before your appointment and we advise refraining from working out 7 days after your procedure. Increased blood flow will heal your brows prematurely and result in poor pigment retention.
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Do not pluck, wax, sugar or thread your eyebrows in advance. It would be nice to see how and where your hairs actually grow. Wait at least 10 days after appointment to having any hair removal.
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If you normally tint your eyebrows with hydrogen peroxide, it is recommended that you do this at least 10 days prior to your appointment. If you continue to do so after your procedure, it will cause premature fading.
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No chemical peels, Botox, injectables, fillers for at least 4 weeks prior and 4 weeks after your appointment. These treatments can interfere with how your brows heal and can cause unwanted results.
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No Botox until 2 weeks after your appointment.
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No facials, skin care treatments; lightening, resurfacing, anti-aging, anti-acne type products for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Skin treatments will interfere with the healing process of your permanent make-up and may cause unpredictable results.
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No cosmetic surgery such as eyelid surgery, or any type of face-left surgery for at least 1 year prior to appointment. These surgeries can change the shape of your eyebrows once the swelling subsides.
This list is to help you have the best results. As these factors affects the retention and will produce discolored healed strokes. It also inhibits the strength of the numbing cream.
How long will it take to heal?
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Keep in mind that your microblading will appear 30-40% DARKER for the first week. Then they will start to soften and may become dry and flaky - do not touch!
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Do not use any type of make-up or pencil on your brows for the first 10-14 days.
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Do not submerge your brows in water (swimming pool, jacuzzi, ocean).
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Stay out of the sun!