A cosmetic eyebrow tattoo isn’t a new word in the beauty industry. Chances are, you’ve already heard the term eyebrow tattoo and microblading, especially if you are one of those who wished to have perfectly bushy brows every morning.
Microblading or eyebrow tattoo is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo that uses a blade to embed pigments and create super-thin, hair-like strokes in the eyebrows. It will give an appearance of more defined and filled brows. However, it is a prominent cosmetic procedure that, if done incorrectly, can result in scarring, or worst an infection. You may end up with botched caterpillar-like eyebrows.
If you’re considering microblading, it’s best to know how to avoid getting horrific outcomes. As a precaution, here are some of the red flags that you should watch out for.
There’s no certificate and license plastered on the walls
Adequate microblading courses, training, and education are significant for a successful microblading artist. Without proper license and permits, you might be walking in an illegitimate clinic.
It’s best to ask for a copy of the artist’s body art license, business license, health certificate, updated bloodborne pathogen certificate, and insurance. You should also see their training certifications and research the legitimacy of the institute that issued the certificate to make sure they’re valid and qualified.
If the clinic you’re contemplating doesn’t have copies of these papers visible or available for your request, you should be walking away as soon as possible.
You don’t have a pre-consultation appointment
If the cosmetic artist doesn’t offer a consultation beforehand or rejects your request for one, do not move forward with the appointment. You should know that before any microblading procedure, you need to have a consultation appointment with a skilled artist to assess if you’re the right candidate for microblading.
Microblading is a method of tattooing that may not be suitable for everyone’s skin. There are some medications, medical conditions, lifestyle habits, and prior tattooing that can affect your experience.
If you proceed with microblading when you shouldn’t have, you may end up with unwanted results and expensive touch-ups.
A pre-consultation appointment will also give you an overall expectation of what the outcome of your eyebrows should be. The microblading artist will show you a customized measurement according to your facial features to give a more natural and realistic result. Without a pre-consultation appointment, you may end up with a result far from what you expect.
Calgary-based Candid Cosmedics offers a same-day consultation and procedure. Consultations are free, and you’ll have no obligations if the consultation determines the process is not suitable for you. Save yourself time, money, and terrible results by evading clinics that don’t offer consultations before an appointment.
You are uncomfortable
Your gut feeling is a good indicator of whether you are in the right clinic. Try to visit your preferred tattoo clinic beforehand; it should be a positive and friendly experience from the moment you step through the front door.
You don’t want to work with a rude artist that ignores you on your first visit. A visit that begins with negative energy can dictate the experience of getting a cosmetic tattoo, particularly for those first-timers who are nervous and anticipate a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
If you immediately feel anxious inside the cosmetic tattoo clinic or around employees, it’s best to walk out as they may not be your best choice.
No images of healed results
You should also see the artist’s portfolio and healed results to get a general idea of their mastery, style, and artistry. Seeing their portfolio will allow you to know if they are the perfect fit for the outcome that you wanted and ensure that your final brow tattoo turns out just the way you want it.
Remember that healed brows will take 6 to 8 weeks from the initial microblading procedure. During the recovery process, the brows will appear darker and will lighten up after a few weeks. Photos of their previous work will give you a good idea of what to anticipate during the procedure.
If your preferred artist doesn’t have any after images or declines to give you any, then you have no way of knowing what to expect, or worse, they haven’t even done it. It may lead to disappointments, and that’s not worth the risk.
Also, taking a moment to confirm if the photos the artist provides aren’t stock of stolen images. Images should also be high-quality and unedited.
Unhygienic and non-sterile clinic
As with any other business, a tattoo clinic’s cleanliness will reflect its quality of work. Without proper sanitation and safety standards, you’ll have a greater possibility of bacterial infection and getting bloodborne pathogens.
During your consultation, notice if the artist mentions any sterilization method. If they haven’t, it’s best to ask and investigate. Standard procedure always indicates that artists should use freshly opened needles and sterile equipment to avoid cross-contamination.
Also, observe if there’s trash lying around and if the artist and employees practice proper health protocols, especially around the work stations. Having a sterile clinic, equipment, and tools are essential to the health of every client.
There are no aftercare instructions
Tattoo artists should be able to address any questions or concerns you might have before and after getting your brow tattoo.
They should provide you clear aftercare instructions and medications to take even before your appointment and reiterate it after. Your preferred artist should also walk you through the process and give the pros and cons of microblading.
Good aftercare determines the longevity and appearance of a brow tattoo. Thus, it is crucial that your tattoo artist can adequately educate you. In any case that
They are pressuring you
Your brows are one of the most prominent features of your face. It should reflect you, and not who an artist believes you should be. If, in any circumstance, that an artist tries to force you into approving or altering your brows, they are likely not the best choice.
You should never feel pressure in getting any procedure like a brow tattoo. Your artist should be able to understand that you’ll likely carry it for a few months and may result in lasting effects.
Takeaway
These are six major red flags you need to watch out for before getting a brow tattoo. We can’t emphasize enough that research is essential to procedures like microblading. And if anything sounds too good to be true, or doesn’t feel right, always your instincts and don’t go forward with the procedure. You don’t want to end up hating your eyebrows.
Author’s bio:
Lexi is a student and freelance writer who loves all things beauty related! Her side job at Ulta keeps her up-to-date on many of the trends in make-up, hair and skin care and she enjoys sharing her knowledge with her customers. Hoping to grow her online presence in the wake of COVID, Lexi has also begun writing blogs and articles to develop an audience and help women outside her social circle to recognize that, while true beauty comes from the inside, it’s easy and fun to reflect your inner beauty on the outside! When she isn’t working, studying, or creating make-up and skin care tutorials for her friends, Lexi enjoys skiing and visiting amusement parks to find the best roller coasters, or curling up with her cat, Mandu, a great cappuccino, and a good romance novel.
