Are Semi Permanent Eyebrows for me?

Are they permanent?

Firstly, they are semi permanent and not permanent. That being said, you need to treat them as if they are permanent, as there is no exact science as to how long they will last. As a guide, they can last anywhere between one and five years before needing a colour boost. Factors that contribute to how long they last are your initial skin colouring, skin type, aftercare and lifestyle. This will all be discussed at a consultation with you.

Who are semi permanent eyebrows suitable for?

Clients turn to semi permanent makeup for many different reasons. For some it could be that they simply don’t want to have to worry about doing their eyebrows every day! Sports enthusiasts want to be able to work out, without worrying about having their makeup smeared half way down their face mid workout. Similarly, having makeup up that stays put on holiday is a dream come true. So there’s no doubt that semi permanent makeup is a great time saver……fancy an extra 30 mins in bed in the morning? Then this treatment is for you!

It may also be a surprise to know that many clients have semi permanent eyebrows as a result of a medical condition or treatment. I have created eyebrows for many ladies that have been through chemotherapy, have alopecia and also those with thyroid disorder (the other thirds tend not to grow). Also, as we age, hair growth tends to slow down and the brows can thin. It’s possible to create really natural brows using either an ultra fine nano needle for natural hair strokes, or a very soft and gentle ombre powder brow. Using the latest in advanced techniques, semi permanent eyebrows can look so natural no one will ever know they aren’t real!

Semi Permanent Makeup v Microblading

This come up such a lot. ‘Microblading’ seems to be the buzz word in the media at the moment. Whilst both are a form of micropigmentation (the process of implanting pigment into the skin), the techniques, results and process are quite different.

Semi Permanent Makeup (which is what I offer) involves using a specially developed medical and cosmetic tattoo machine and needles, specifically for this purpose. The pigment is implanted around 1.5-2mm into the layers of the skin. There are a variety of needles and techniques available with machine work, from super fine natural hair stokes, through to soft ombre powder brows and bolder full powder brows. Or if you’re feeling really fancy, you can have a combination brow – with hair strokes at the front, going through to a powder effect in the full body of the brow. Typically you can expect to have a colour boost top up at around 1.5 – 2.5 years.

Microblading is a technique that involves using a hand held tool, which has micro blades attached to it. The technician creates fine hair strokes in the skin by slicing the blades in a hair stroke motion. Pigment is implanted at a much more superficial level into the layers of the skin. This technique is often referred to as eyebrow embroidery. Typically you can expect to have a colour boost top up at around 9-12 months.

Each of these treatments has it’s only benefits, the best thing to do is discuss your requirements with your technician. They will be able to tell you whether you are suitable for semi permanent eyebrows or microblading.

How do I choose a technician?

Carefully is my advice! This is currently an unregulated industry, although this is changing as we speak. From November 2017 there will be a voluntary register with the VTCT, where you will be able to go and see a list of technicians that have passed this formal assessment (I’ll be there!). The formal qualification is a Level 4 in Semi Permanent Makeup (or Microblading) and will provide assurance of a certain level of training, knowledge and skill. It is a universal qualification that every student must meet – which is just brilliant for client peace of mind.

Don’t be afraid to ask to see your technician’s certificates of training and ask for pictures. I’d always recommend a consultation so you can go and meet your technician, plus a products patch test is mandatory for my clients, I do not want to risk an allergic reaction. Pictures of past work are also a good indication too – although remember that each client is very individual and treatments are adapted entirely for the clients needs and desires.

If you want to know more about my consultation process, have a little look on my website. I like to ‘keep it real’ – so you’ll see the amusing consultation process in it’s full glory!

Please do get in touch if you have any questions. Even if I am not the right technician for you, I may well be able to point you in the right direction.

Nikki x