F.A.Q

An initial permanent cosmetic brow service is a two step process. The initial session and the perfecting touch up session, which are scheduled approximately 6-8 weeks apart.

The initial session includes a full consultation, where the best technique to achieve the desired result is determined. The amount of existing brow hair, skin type and lifestyle are also key factors in which treatment would be most suitable. Facial measuring and mapping is performed to obtain the most balanced brow shape and placement to best compliment facial features. The suggested shape is outlined and discussed, and natural color matching is selected based on skin tone and brow hair. Topical anesthetics are used prior to and throughout the treatment to keep every guest comfortable. Aftercare instructions are thoroughly explained and given to take home with each aftercare package, and the perfecting session is scheduled.

The perfecting touch up session is essential to the process because this is where the healed results are accessed, and any inconsistencies that may have occurred during the healing process are rectified. This is also where the pigment and shape is reinforced to obtain lasting results. The aftercare and healing process is the same after the perfecting session as it was after the initial session.

Please note… some skin types may require an additional perfecting session to achieve maximum results, and one can be scheduled for 6-8 weeks after if needed.
You are NOT a suitable candidate for permanent cosmetics if you currently have/are...

  • Pregnant or nursing
  • Undergoing chemotherapy
  • Viral infections and/or diseases
  • Skin Irritations or Psoriasis near the area to be treated (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
  • History of, or are prone to keloids, hypertrophic scarring and/or post-inflammatory hypo-pigmentation
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Poor general health
  • Used Accutane, oral tretinoin or isotretinoinin the past year
  • Had Botox in that last month
  • Had fillers in the brow area in the last month
  • Allergic reactions to metals, hair dyes and/or topical makeup products
  • Oily skin (for microblading)
  • Are not able lay flat and/or still for an extended period of time


You MUST obtain proper medical clearance (on doctors Rx pad) if you currently or previously have/are...

  • Undergone chemotherapy and/or radiation
  • Insulin dependent diabetic
  • Hepatitis A, B, C
  • Autoimmune disorder
  • Heart disease, heart attack and/or heart condition
  • Valve replacement, valve implants, mitral valve prolapse
  • Pacemaker, stents, joint replacement, titanium rods or screws
  • Antibiotic therapy prior to dental procedures
  • Any illness, treatment/medication that compromises the immune system and healing
  • Organ transplant
  • Glaucoma or any other eye disease, disorder or trauma
  • Pre-existing nerve damage on the area to be treated
  • Epilepsy, seizures and/or fainting spells
  • Hemophilia or clotting disorder


Factors to be considered and to be avoided prior to permanent cosmetic application...

  • Dark pre-existing eyebrow tattooing and/or permanent makeup
  • Blood thinners (Advil, ibuprofen, aspirin, niacin, vitamin E, fish oil, etc.)
  • Aging skin that has lost elasticity around the eye and brow area
  • Allergy to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, epinephrine, alcohol or any numbing agents
  • Botox and/or filler treatments
  • Cosmetic surgery of any kind on or around the brow area
  • Chemical peels/facials
  • Tanning by booth or sun
  • Use of skin care products containing Retin-A, glycolic acid or alpha hydroxyl acid
Microblading is best suited for those with naturally full brows and dry to normal skin types. This technique adds definition to the existing shape with visible skin between each hair stroke. Therefore, it does not eliminate the need to fill the brows in if you’re used to seeing them with brow pencil or powder.

Powder is the most suitable for all amounts of natural brow hair and most skin types. From full natural brows to little or no brow hair, sparse, patchy or uneven brows. This technique leaves a soft silhouette of color in the skin that creates a natural day-to-day look that can quickly and easily be topped with brow pencil or powder to create a more dramatic or makeup filled look. With powder we’re able to create more symmetry and balance, blend gaps or sparse areas, add more fullness to produce more even look.

Combination is a mixture of microbladed hair strokes and powder shading that is suitable for most skin types depending on the amount and placement of the hair strokes (the strokes should only be placed within natural hair to produce the most natural results). There are different variations of the combination brow that are used depending on the amount of natural brow hair and the desired result. The most common being hair strokes at the front, blended into shading throughout the rest of the brow.


**Please note…. Every person has a different skin type, underlying condition(s), lifestyle, daily routine, etc. that is unique to them and their outcome. With all treatments, each individual guest will heal differently and produce different results.
You can select whichever initial session service you‘d like when scheduling. The first part of your appointment will be a full consultation where we will determine which treatment is most suitable based on your skin type, natural brow hair, lifestyle, skincare and desired results.
Microblading is a permanent cosmetic treatment where pigment is implanted into the skin in small hair-like strokes. Microblading may feel like it fades faster than other brow treatments because much less pigment is implanted in the skin with the hairstroke technique.

A powder brow is a permanent cosmetic treatment where pigment is implanted in the skin to create a soft shaded appearance throughout the entire brow. The powder brow may feel like it lasts longer than the other treatments because much more pigment is implanted in the skin with this technique, therefore it takes longer for it to fade out.

The combination brow, which is a mixture of microblading and powder shading, will follow the above guidelines for each service depending on the variation on the combo and the amount and placement of the hair strokes and powder shading.

With all treatments, time, lifestyle, daily routine, skin type, etc.—which all vary greatly from person to person—are the factors that determine how long the pigment will last in the skin. Some skin types and pigment colors may require more frequent touch ups than others.

On average, cosmetic tattooing pigment should last approximately 1-3 years.
Depending on the desired application(s), the initial appointment takes approximately 3 hours. Which includes full consultation, facial mapping and measuring, desired shape and pigment selection, application of permanent cosmetic, aftercare and booking of perfecting touch up session. The perfecting touch up session takes approximately 2 hours, depending on the outcome of the healing process.

Refresh sessions are approximately 2-3 hours depending on pigment retention and what is needed to fully refresh the brows.

**Please note... The duration of each session is listed with the service when booking. If you are unable to attend for the full appointment time, the service will not be completed and cannot be rescheduled for another day. Please be sure to schedule accordingly.
With microblading, to maintain the hair stroke appearance, you need at least 60-70% of the pigment faded before refreshing the entire brow. Without having a good amount of pigment faded, the area will become over saturated and cause the strokes to blur together. Over saturation can also cause the pigment to migrate and change the shape of the brow, as well as become one solid area of color. Ideally, you want the brows almost completely faded and back to natural before covering the entire brow with more pigment. This is the best way to keep the hair stroke look of microblading.


With a powder or combination brow, you want the pigment to be at least 50% faded before having them touched up. Although, you still do not want to over saturate the area, as this can cause the pigment to migrate and change the shape of the brow.
If your brows were done by another artist and you would like to have them done at Ink’d Arch, you would need to schedule an initial session. All first time Ink'd Arch guests are considered initial sessions.

This is because there is much more work involved when there is unknown existing pigment in the skin. Multiple factors come into play when the area has already been treated. There are different techniques, pigments, patterns, blades and needles that each individual artist customizes for every guest. All of these factors fade out differently over time and cannot be visually determined, as each persons skin reacts differently. You cannot know the starting point by looking at the ending.

Microblading is the most superficial of all the brow treatments and is not recommended to correct or cover old work. In some cases, if the pigment is faded enough, it may be possible to select a treatment that will cover and correct. If they existing pigment is too dense or saturated, removal will be needed.

If you have previous work and would like to have your brows done, you must send clear photos or schedule a separate consultation prior to the initial session to determine if they can be worked on.

Please note… in some cases there may be additional correction fees depending on each individual case.
Yes, there is a cancellation list for scheduled guests to possibly get an earlier date if one becomes available. When scheduling, just ask to be added to the list in the booking notes section. If you are only available on certain days or times, please add that in the notes as well. There is not a cancellation list for those who are not already on the schedule.
You do NOT shave off your eyebrows before microblading. Facial measuring and mapping is determined by your bone structure, face shape and existing brow hair. Once the desired shape is drawn out and approved, the technique is applied in and around the existing brow hair. Any stray hairs outside of that shape are cleaned up during the session, as you would with routine waxing or tweezing.
To ensure your are as comfortable as possible during the treatment, please be sure to follow all pre-appointment instructions as closely as possible. A strong topical anesthetic cream is used prior to, and during the treatment. Some clients find it uncomfortable, while others report no discomfort at all.

**Ladies, avoid booking during your menstrual cycle, as it can increase your pain.
  • Do not have any type of chemical peel 4 weeks prior to the treatment. The skin needs time to properly and fully heal.
  • Do not have Botox 4 weeks prior to the treatment. If Botox has been performed, allow it to fully settle before having any brow treatment. Uneven settling will cause uneven brows.
  • Do not use any type of retinol products on or around the brow area for at least 4 weeks prior to the treatment. The change in skin texture will affect the treatment and the healed results
  • Do not have any type of facial 2 weeks prior to the treatment. The brows will peel quicker due to chemicals traveling under the skin.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and/or tanning 2 weeks prior to the treatment. This will cause sensitivity, as well as alter the tone for natural pigment matching.
  • Do not pluck, tweeze, wax, tint, thread or perform electrolysis 2 weeks before the treatment. Your brows will be shaped during the time of the appointment.

  • Do not take any prescription, OTC or natural blood thinners unless medically necessary (proper clearance is required) 48 hours before or immediately after your treatment. This includes but is not limited to: Advil, ibuprofen, aspirin, niacin, Aleve, Bufferin, Excedrin, Motrin, vitamin E, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper or fish oil.
  • Do not drink alcohol for at least 48 hours before your treatment.
  • Do not drink caffeine at least 24 hours before your treatment. 
  • Do not exercise or work out on the day of your appointment.
Any of the above will cause bleeding, which will affect pigment retention during and after the treatment.


  • Music will be playing during the session, but please feel free to bring earbuds if you would prefer to listen to your own. This also discourages any talking during the treatment which causes your face and brows to move.
  • Dress comfortably. You will be laying down for a majority of the appointment.
After the treatment, your eyebrows will go through several phases of the healing process. Essentially, we are creating tiny wounds that need to properly heal.

Initially, it is natural if your brows have slight redness and minimal swelling. The skin will begin to calm down anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Immediately after the treatment, the pigment will appear sharp and dark. This is because pigment is sitting on top of the skin and needs to completely settle in. The pigment is also beginning to oxidize, which causes it to become darker. It will continue to get darker over the next few days as your brows begin to heal. Don’t panic, this is not the color they will stay.

Once they begin to scab, do NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring and loss of color. It is completely normal for them to appear patchy and uneven during this time.

Once all of the scabbing has naturally exfoliated away, they will begin to lighten. It may appear as if the color has come off with the scabbing, but it has not so please do not panic. Over the remainder of the healing process the color will begin to return. After the first 10 days when the surface area has healed, you can fill in any uneven spots with makeup. The color will eventually be 20-40% lighter when healed, depending on how your skin retains the pigment. Some areas will disappear and reappear in the next few weeks. This is all completely normal and will be addressed during the touch up session.
After the initial appointment, strict aftercare MUST be followed for the first 10-14 days. Detailed information and instructions will be given to you and thoroughly discussed during your appointment. After the first 10-14 days, your are able to resume most normal activity (getting the area wet in the shower, working out and exercising, wearing makeup, etc.) while the area continues to heal over the following weeks. The brows are fully healed in approximately 6 weeks from the day of treatment.

In most cases, a permanent cosmetic brow treatment is completed in two visits, with approximately 6-8 weeks between each visit to give the skin the proper time to fully heal. Therefore, the full results from both sessions will be seen in approximately 12-16 weeks from the date of the initial session.
The 10 days following the treatment require a strict aftercare regimen that must be followed for the brows to properly heal and for maximum pigment retention.

  • Avoid any moisture or water on the treated area for the first 10 days following the treatment. The only water on the area should be while properly cleansing.
  • Avoid topical makeup and sunscreen on the treated area for the first 10 days.
  • Do not work out or exercise for the first 10 days.
  • Avoid sweating for the first 10 days.
  • Avoid any swimming, hot tubs and/or steam of any kind for the first 10 days.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and/or tanning for 4 weeks following the treatment.
  • No facials, botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks following the treatment. 
Detailed information and instructions will be given to you and thoroughly discussed during your appointment.

Please be sure to be aware of any prior scheduling conflicts within those first 10 days and 4 weeks following the treatment when scheduling your appointment (i.e. special events, vacations, holidays, etc.).
After the treated area is fully healed you can continue with most normal skincare routines. Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer on the brow area. Avoid the use of any exfoliants or products containing retinoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, hydroquinone, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid; also known as glycol or lactic acids) and/or BHAs (beta hydroxy acid; also known as salicylic acid) on or around the pigmented area. Also avoid using any peels or "brightening" products, as these ingredients will prematurely fade and/or discolor the pigment. Always use sunblock and protect the area from excessive sun exposure.

Avoid applying face makeup (foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, powder, bronzer, etc.) on the brows. This will act as another layer of skin over the pigment and cause the color to appear lighter, dull and possibly ashy. Makeup is used to cover, correct and alter color and it will do just that to the pigment.

You can wax or tweeze around your new shape and continue your regular maintenance after the full 4 week healing process.
All proper precautions for a safe session are taken by using sterilized and disposable equipment and needles in a sanitized environment. Should clients follow the pre- and post-care instructions properly, there should be minimal risks or complications. Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. A pigment patch test is always suggested for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:

  • Topical makeup products
  • Gold, silver and nickel
  • Hair dyes

Patch tests should be performed at least 2 weeks prior.
The pigments used at Ink'd Arch have been developed by one of the industry's leading experts in color theory and has been a top pigment for the past 15 years. This line uses the highest quality colorants available, ensuring excellent color retention and optimal results. They consist of a sterile water based formula that is beneficial for those with sensitive skin. They are gamma-sterilized, safe to use and are manufactured entirely in the United States.
Cosmetic tattooing pigments are divided into two categories: Organic and Inorganic. Because we are all familiar with the term organic, many might gravitate toward this option feeling it is superior or better. Organic products are often portrayed as more natural, better for you, or derived from the earth. The word "organic" actually means something very different in chemistry than it does when talking about produce or food. In modern pigment chemistry it is actually the opposite.

Historically, organic pigments were from living sources that contained the carbon atom such as plants, and inorganic pigments were mined minerals and clays. In earlier days, there were often great inconsistencies in color from batch to batch. By the mid 20th century, international standards were created for pigments and technology evolved to better extract and refine color. Modern pigment science and development has dramatically advanced and improved. Much of what it used today is synthesized or synthetically altered through chemical engineering and manufacturing to create the most stable and highest performing pigments. These pigments are much more appropriate for tattooing with many heavy metal and impurities removed to minimize the risk of allergic reaction. Inorganic pigment properties have several advantages when used in permanent cosmetics:

  • Colors are considered more dull and earthy (organic are more bright and vibrant) which makes them more appropriate when used as colors on the face. Few clients want bright and vibrant brows!
  • Opacity is high, which means coverage will be higher (vs. organic with very low opacity, making it more of a 'stain' than true color).
  • Particle size is usually large. This is important to avoid pooling or migration of the pigment molecules. Migration is when pigment seems to blur or spread beneath the skin outside of the intended design. This can occur from using improper technique, but the risk is much higher when using organic pigments.
  • Migration risk is low (vs. organic which has high risk).
  • Allergy risk is very low (organic has higher potential risk).
  • High lightfastness. Light can breakdown or change the chemical bonds of the pigment causing the color to fade or alter. Inorganic pigments resist this affect making them generally have high lightfastness.

Organic pigments are by definition based on carbon and hydrogen and are created through complex carbon chemistry, whereas inorganic pigments are synthesized through basic reactions (and technically the more 'natural' of the two).


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Permanent cosmetics are typically safe with MRI's. However, there can still be risks. Any client with permanent cosmetics should always make the technician aware of the fact before the MRI begins. The microscopic metals in pigments may react in the skin causing a tingling or warming sensation to the patient. In very rare cases, 1st degree burns can result at the treatment site. To date, there have been no reported incidences where pigments produced by the company used have resulted in adverse effects from MRI's.
As with all cosmetic procedures, individuals should not make their choices lightly. As always, it is recommend that clients do their research. To understand the service and compare different artists' work when making their decisions. A large amount of time is spent on facial mapping and measuring to style the brows/eyes/lips to the clients satisfaction prior to the treatment. Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. All facial features are sisters, not twins (especially the eyes and brows). If an uneven appearance or pigment discoloration occurs during the healing process, it can most likely be corrected during the touch up session. Despite the name, permanent cosmetics are treatments that eventually fade over time if no additional touch ups are done.