What are semi- permanent cosmetic brows?

MICROBLADING- This method is done using a manual microblade to create delicately hand-drawn hair strokes to enhance your natural brow features. This technique is ideal for those individuals with sparser brows, who have normal skin. Microblading is perfect for those wanting the most natural, undetectable brows. 

OMBRE BROWS (not currently offered)- This technique is performed using a small digital machine and looks similar to makeup as opposed to hair-like strokes. The tail of the brow is darker and fades lighter at the beginning of the brow. This technique is also a great option for those who prefer a more defined brow.

NANO BROWS- This technique creates life like hair strokes and is performed using a digital tattoo machine. Basically, see nano brows as microblading with machine results and thicker, more defined hairstrokes. 

COMBO BROWS- Combo brows use a mix of microblading and ombre methods to achieve a natural, but more defined brow look.

Please visit the Gallery page for more examples of microblading, ombre, nano and combo brows.

A topical, numbing cream (5% lidocaine) will be applied before and during your procedure to numb your eyebrow area and keep pain to a minimum during your appointment. Each person can tolerate a different level of pain and sensitivity and I will do my best to keep you comfortable during your appointment. Many clients relate the procedure to the same level of pain as eyebrow threading or scratching of the skin. Please note that having permanent makeup done while on your menstrual cycle can increase the level of pain you experience, so please book your appointment accordingly!

All equipment and workspaces have been fully disinfected prior to your appointment. All needles used are sterile, sealed prior to your appointment and for single use only. The needle will only be opened at the time of your appointment, in front of you, to ensure its sterility. We are proud to use only sterile, single-use, disposable supplies and all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used such as gloves, will be freshly used and disposed of for each individual client. All procedures are conducted in accordance with the blood borne pathogens standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). To ensure your safety, your owner/operator, Jasmine is CPR and First Aid Level 1 certified in addition to having Blood Borne Pathogens and Asepsis Certification. Arch&Co is also Island Health approved and insured!

It is important to follow your aftercare instructions to avoid any complications to your procedure and remember that tenderness, puffiness, itching and redness are all normal.

Microblading, ombre, nano and combo brows are semi-permanent procedures and healed results can vary from person to person. Results are based on a number of factors including aftercare, skin type, medication and technique but the results can last 6 months to 5 years. Over time, the pigment will fade and need to be refreshed; most people have touch ups every 6-24 months.

Additional touchups may be required after your initial appointment to achieve your desired look and will be at your own cost. At the time of your perfecting session, we can go bolder, darker and thicker and correct any areas you would like. During a perfecting session, your brows will be re-mapped, we will fix any problem areas and make adjustments as needed. You will go through the same healing process as the first appointment.

WAIVER/CONSENT FORM - A waiver and consent form will be filled out at the start of your appointment. Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment time to complete this. 

NUMB - A numbing cream (5% lidocaine ointment) will be applied to the treatment area for microblading procedures. Numbing takes 20 minutes to make you as comfortable as possible during your appointment. Ombre and nano brows are less invasive and so, we will skip ahead to the consultation step and numbing will be applied after the 1st pass. Numbing cream will also be applied throughout your appointment to ensure you are comfortable. 

CONSULTATION- A brow consultation to discuss shape, colour and desired design and to go over any brow examples you have brought with you.  'Before' photos will also be captured at this time. 

OMBRE BROWS (not currently offered) - You will select how bold you would like your ombre brows to be (light, medium, or dark) and I will shade directly over your brow design. Depending on your chosen ombre level, I will do 3-8 passes of each brow; this usually takes 30-45 minutes. 

MICROBLADING/NANO BROWS - Your brows will be filled in one stroke at a time, until each side is full, this usually takes 3 passes of each brow.

COMBO BROWS - Your brows will first be filled in with microblading strokes, until all strokes are complete (usually three passes of each brow). Next, the tail and middle section of your brows will be shaded to create depth. This can take 45mins-1.5 hours 

FINISHING TOUCHES - While the pigment on your brows sits for the last few minutes before the big reveal, we will discuss the aftercare and go over any questions you have.  Then the moment of truth- the reveal!  After photos will be taken at this time. 

The complete appointment can take up to 2-3 hours.

After your appointment, you can enjoy your brows and continue life as normal, each initial appointment comes with a complete aftercare kit. Please read our 'Important Reminders' below for activities to avoid while healing. 

BROWS 

- Avoid heavy waxing /plucking / threading the week of your appointment

- If you normally tint your brows, please have them tinted one week prior to your appointment

- Tame your brows, I do not do any waxing or plucking during your appointment

- If you normally wear brow makeup, please come to your appointment with your brows drawn on

 SKINCARE

- Do not tan, burn or have any facial treatments for two weeks prior to your appointment

- Avoid hydroxyl acids, lightening creams and retinol for at least 48 hours prior

- No Botox, fillers, laser, or peels two weeks prior to your brow appointment. 

OTHER

- Avoid blood thinners (fish oil, niacin and Vitamin E) for 24 hours prior to your appointment

- Do not consume heavy amounts of alcohol for the day before your appointment

- Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen the day of your procedure

- Have a small meal/snack before your appointment

- Do not work out before your appointment

During your appointment, most, if not all of your forehead makeup will be wiped away and your skin may be irritated after the procedure, please read our 'Important Reminders' below and plan the next two weeks after your appointment accordingly. Failure to follow these pre- care instructions may alter your healed results. 

DAY 1-5 - Your eyebrows will be 20-50% darker and bolder due to oxidation and swelling. The area may also be swollen, irritated and feel 'tight' (like a sunburn) for the first few days, but discomfort should be minimal. Sleeping slighting elevated and using cold packs (10 minutes at a time and wrapped in a clean paper towel) can help with any swelling. 

DAY 5-8 - Scabbing and peeling will begin around Day 7.  Your brows will look patchy and be itchy. Do not pick or pull at the scabs and allow them to fall off on their own.  

DAY 5- 45 - After the scabs have fallen off, your brows will soften and lighten as the outer pigment falls away and it may seem like a lot of the pigment/hair strokes have been lost. Your skin is naturally exfoliating and regenerating during this time, your colour will deepen over the next few weeks and it is important to trust the healing process! The true colour and healed results of your brows will not be evident until at least 6 weeks.

DAY 45 - 60 -  Its time for your perfecting session!  It is normal after your initial appointment to lose some intensity and possibly heal unevenly; this is the reason for the perfecting session. During the follow-up we can go darker, thicker and fix any problem areas. 

SUNSCREEN - After 14 days, apply an 50 SPF daily to prevent fading and discoloration of the area. Hats and large brow covering sunglasses can also help with sun protection during healing.  

EXFOLIATION - Avoid laser resurfacing, chemical exfoliators, peels and microdermabrasion on your brow area. 

SWIMMING - Salt or chlorinated water can cause a lightening effect, you can help prevent this by covering your brows with Vaseline when doing these activities. 

ANNUAL TOUCHUPS - Have a touch up every 6-24 months to keep brows looking fresh! 

Please read the below aftercare instructions and remember that proper aftercare is important and required to achieve optimal results in the finished product.