Most Frequently Asked Questions
At Ibrow Designs Ink, I am proud to serve you from two convenient locations in Plainview and Smithtown. My mission is to deliver flawless, natural-looking brows and empower you through education, so you feel confident, informed, and comfortable every step of the way.
Whether you're new to semi-permanent brows or just want to better understand the process, these frequently asked questions cover the most common questions about microblading and the powder brow process, from what to expect during your appointment to how to care for your brows afterward.
If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out—I am happy to help!
What is microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure where pigment is manually implanted into the skin using a fine blade to create natural-looking hair strokes. It enhances the shape, fullness, and symmetry of your brows.
What is the difference between microblading and the powder brow technique?
Microblading ✒️
Technique: Uses a manual tool with tiny needles to create fine hair-like strokes.
Look: Very natural and mimics real brow hairs.
Best for: Normal to dry skin types. Not ideal for oily or mature skin, as the strokes may blur over time.
Healing: Can fade quicker than powder brows. Typically lasts 1–2 years.
Powder Brows (also called Ombré Brows or Shading) ☁️
Technique: Uses a machine to create a soft, shaded pixelated effect, like a light brow powder or makeup.
Look: More defined and filled-in, but still soft. Can be ombré (lighter in front, darker at the tail).
Best for: All skin types, especially oily or mature skin.
Healing: Tends to last longer—typically 2–3 years—with more even fading.
How is microblading different from tattooing?
Unlike traditional tattooing, microblading uses pigment (not ink) and is applied to the upper layers of the skin, making it semi-permanent and more natural in appearance. It fades over time rather than lasting forever.
Does microblading hurt?
Discomfort is minimal. A topical numbing cream is applied before and during the procedure to keep you comfortable. Most clients describe the feeling as light scratching.
How long does microblading last?
Results typically last 12 to 24 months, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. Oily skin types may fade faster. Touch-ups are recommended once a year to maintain shape and color.
What can I expect during the healing process?
Your brows will go through several stages, including darkening, flaking, and fading, before settling into the final color. Full healing usually takes 4–6 weeks.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood thinners (like aspirin or fish oil) 24 hours before your appointment. Do not wax or tint brows for at least one week prior.
Should I wax or pluck my brows before my appointment?
No need! It's not necessary to shape your brows beforehand—I’ll take care of that during your appointment to ensure the final result is exactly what you want.
Who is a good candidate for microblading?
Most healthy individuals are good candidates. However, microblading may not be suitable for those with certain skin conditions, autoimmune diseases, or who are pregnant or nursing.
Is microblading safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained and certified professional using sterile tools and high-quality pigments. We follow strict hygiene protocols to ensure your safety.
How long does the procedure take?
Expect your first session to last about 1.5 to 2 hours, which includes a consultation, brow mapping, color selection, numbing and the actual microblading process.
What if I have oily or sensitive skin?
We adjust techniques based on your skin type. While results may fade faster on oily skin, proper aftercare and touch-ups help maintain your brows beautifully.
Can I wear makeup after microblading?
Avoid wearing makeup on or around the brow area for at least 10 days. This helps prevent infection and ensures proper healing.
Will my brows look too dark or fake at first?
Right after the procedure, brows may appear darker and bolder than expected. This is normal and will soften by 30% as they heal.
What is the aftercare process like?
We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to keep the area clean, what to avoid (no sweating, sun, or swimming), and when to apply healing ointment.
Do I need a touch-up session?
Yes, a perfecting session is required 6 weeks after your initial appointment. This allows us to adjust shape, fill in any faded areas, and perfect your results.
Can microblading cover old tattooed eyebrows?
In some cases, yes. However, results vary depending on the saturation and depth of your previous tattoo. A consultation is required to evaluate. We do have
What pigments are used—are they natural or safe?
We use high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free pigments that are specifically designed for cosmetic tattooing. They are safe and designed to fade gradually without turning strange colors.
Can I get microblading while pregnant or nursing?
We do not perform microblading on clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding for safety and healing reasons.
How much does microblading cost?
Prices vary depending on the artist’s experience and location. Our initial session starts at $600 and includes your consultation, first session, and aftercare kit.
What are the risks or side effects?
Minor swelling, redness, and tenderness are common right after the procedure. With proper aftercare, risks are minimal. Infection or allergic reaction is rare but possible.
How do I choose the right brow shape and color?
We work with your natural features, face shape, and preferences to map out a flattering brow shape. You’ll approve the shape and color before we begin.
When can I get Botox before or after microblading?
It’s best to schedule your Botox treatments at least 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after microblading.
Before microblading: Getting Botox first allows your facial muscles to settle into their new position, helping us design your brows with better accuracy.
After microblading: If you already had your brows done, wait 10–14 days before getting Botox to allow the skin to fully heal and avoid any disruption to pigment placement.
For the most natural and long-lasting results, always let your brow artist know about any recent or upcoming Botox appointments.
