Eyebrow Services & FAQs
Microblading Brows
Microblading is a widely popular eyebrow enhancement procedure done with a tiny micro blade to create semi permanent hairlike strokes. This handheld device deposits tiny lines of pigment to create natural looking brows that fade over the coming years. This can be used with or without a tattoo machine to create shading or build density in the eyebrows. The use of both of these techniques is widely referred to as a combination brow.
Nano Brows
Nano brows are a newer technique growing quick in popularity. This uses a tattoo machine to create soft hair strokes. Similar to microblading, it creates a semi permanent tattoo lasting 1-4 years that will fade over time with a softer, hyper realistic blended look. This technique can be preferred for those who are not a candidate for microblading or prefer a softer look.
Brow Lamination
Brow lamination is the process of perming the eyebrow hairs in an upward and curved pattern to enhance the texture and overall fullness of the brow. This process lasts on the brow hairs 4-6 weeks depending on the hair cycle. This process can be done with or without a tint for an added enhancement. Brow laminations can be styled for full fluffy brows or sleek and curved depending ond the clients preference.
What does a microblading appointment look like?
Your appointment will be broken into 4 parts.
Consultation (30 min): Where we discuss your brow goals, map out a brow shape to suit your facial structure and discuss colour.
Numbing (25 min): 5% Lidocaine is applied to the skin to ensure maximum comfort.
Microblading (60-90 min): A combination of microblading strokes and strategic shading is used to create your custom dream brow. Numbing is reapplied during this time.
Aftercare Review (5 min): Aftercare package is given and instructions are reviewed. .
Who is a good candidate for microblading?
The ideal candidates for microblading typically have dry to normal skin types with smaller pores. It's also possible for individuals with combination skin to be suitable for microblading, depending on the pore size and skin texture in the brow area. However, for those with oily and thicker skin (similar in texture to an orange), microblading may not yield the desired crisp strokes. In such cases, options like nanoblading or combination brows could be more suitable. If you have oily skin type, feel free to reach out to discuss which brow technique would work best for you. Individuals whose skin tends to bleed excessively, heal poorly, or have other skin issues might want to consider other options besides permanent brows. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!
I have previously microbladed eyebrows, can I still book an appointment?
Any new microblading clients to me would be booking under the initial brow appointment. I do accept clients who have had previous microblading but require a picture. I am able to work on your brows if they are not overly grey or saturdated.
If you have previous microblading that is overly saturated or grey, tattoo removal may be the best option before booking an appointment.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
Gently exfoliate your face (specifically the eyebrow area) the night before to remove any dry/dead skin cells. You can wear make up to your appointment if you feel more comfortable, I will remove what I need to beforehand! NSAIDS (Advil, Naproxen, Motrin), Caffeine and alcohol are not recommended within 12 hours before your appointment - these work as blood thinning agents and can lead to more bleeding and scabbing and sub-optimal healing. I'm sorry about your morning coffee! You are welcome to enjoy these once the procedure is finished. All retinols and AHA use should be stopped one week before your appointment.
You are not able to get microblading if….
You are prone to keloid scarring
You have been on Accutane in the last 6 months
You are on anti-coagulants or immuno- suppressants
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You have HIV or Hepatitis
If you have high blood pressure, an autoimmune disease, are diabetic, have a heart condition, or have any difficulty healing you should consult your doctor before making an appointment
What should I avoid while my brows are healing?
AVOID scratching or removal of scabs, dry skin/flakiness.
AVOID application of any brow makeup for 2 weeks.
AVOID the use of Vaseline, Neosporin and Polysporin.
AVOID Activities that will cause heavy sweating for 10 days. (Cardio workouts, hot yoga etc)
AVOID swimming pools, Jacuzzis, steam rooms or saunas for TWO weeks.
AVOID UV exposure (including tanning booths) or laser light therapy, as it can distort the pigment.
AVOID exfoliants, retinol acids or AHA’s on the area for 30 days after the appointment (causes premature fading).
AVOID Massages, facials or skin treatments for two weeks or until the skin is healed.
You may shower or bathe normally, but avoid getting any soaps, shampoos or other cleansers on the treated area for the first five days as they can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilize in the dermis. Avoid direct water pressure to face or completed submerging face until 14 days after appointment.
Does it hurt?
While I never tell my clients to expect no pain, it is very reasonable to expect a 2/10 discomfort. High quality 5% lidocaine numbing cream is applied before the procedure to ensure maximum comfort throughout. You are also able to take Tylenol (1000mg) before the procedure.
Immediately following the procedure, your brows may experience minimal discomfort on the treated area. Many clients describe a similar sensation as a sunburn, with redness and swelling. Symptoms will subside within 24-48 hours. Cool compresses may be applied in addition to Tylenol and Advil for comfort.
How do I care for my brow tattoo?
DAY 1 : At the end of the day, splash with warm water and pat dry with paper towel. There may be some residual pigment left over on the skin that is normal. If you see blood or lymph (yellow clear fluid), use the splash and pat method a couple times the first day!
DAYS 2-5: Clean your brows MORNING and NIGHT with warm water (splashing method) and pat dry. IF THEY ARE FEELING DRY/ TIGHT OR LIKE THEY MIGHT CRACK - Apply a thin layer of the provided ointment. If they are healing well, introduce on day 3-5 instead. For oilier skin types, avoid the use of lotion if at all possible. Microblading heals best in dry skin types. As microblading heals, the pigment may be more bold at this time.
DAYS 5-14: Cleanse brows MORNING AND NIGHT, using splash and pat dry method. Use a grain of rice amount of the aftercare ointment once a day. Avoid soaps/lotions on brow area until the skin outer layer has healed (usually after 2 weeks).
What does brow healing look like?
Most clients require at least two sessions for ideal results. The 1st session is to build shape and gain symmetry; the 2nd session is to perfect the brows and add density. Adjustments can be made at your touch-up appointment 6-12 weeks after your first visit. It is possible to need more than one touch up appointment. The results and longevity of your tattoo will depend greatly on how you take care of your brows during the healing process and beyond. Each client’s skin will respond differently, both in the length of time it takes to heal, and the number of sessions needed for your desired results and colour retention. This information acts as a guideline only, and we cannot guarantee your results.
During the first 3-5 days, your brows will initially appear to be darker and more sharply defined than the final result. This is normal and will lighten after a few days when the skin sheds. Give your brows a few weeks and the hair strokes will become clearer. Scabbing, flaking and dryness of the skin is normal after the first 14 days of healing. To avoid loss of brow hair stroke pigmentation, do NOT itch or remove scabs. They will naturally fall off on their own. Results vary from client to client. Not all brows heal clean and crisp. Hair strokes for oilier skin types tend to heal more.
Skincare Services & FAQs
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that treats skin concerns by stimulating collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment creates micro-punctures in the skin using micro, single use needles triggering your skin to produce more collagen. Microneedling is great for almost all skincare concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and dehydrated skin. At The Olive Brow, only the highest quality equipment is used. Salient Medical’s E-pen is Health Canada approved and medical grade. Typical healing time is 2-4 days with mild redness and peeling. Treatments can be done in a series or as a single stand alone service. Each service includes a take home kit with professional products to optimize results.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a procedure in which the skin is manually exfoliated to remove dead skin buildup and fine hairs. Dermaplaning uses a sharp No. 10 surgical blade (a larger, flat surgical blade) held at a 45-degree angle to gently scrape the outer layer of the skin which consists of dull, dead skin cells and vellus hair leaving your skin glowing and soft. Dermaplaning typically requires zero downtime. For sensitive skin types, skin may be red for 1-2 hours.
This procedure is often paired with a customized facial to suite your skincare needs from enzyme treatments, to hydration masks to application of professional skincare products.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels utilize different types of acid to encourage skin cell turn over, with each acid targeting different skincare concerns and depth of skin. Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin and acne scarring and give glowing results. The Olive Brow uses Circadia’s medical grade chemical peels including salicylic acid, mandelic acid, retinol, lactic acids and blends. Depending on the type of chemical peel applied, downtime can range from zero to 12 days. Typically treatments are done in series of 3-5 depending on skincare concerns or done with microneedling. Each service includes a take home kit with professional products to optimize results.
Does microneedling hurt?
Before your microneedling session starts the area will be numbed for 20-30 minutes prior. Although this doesn’t take the pain to a zero, clients states that the discomfort is very minimal. You can expect a sunburn like sensation for 24 hours post treatment.
Do chemical peels hurt?
Depending on the acid selected, there may be a slight burning sensation for 1-2 minutes as the peel is being applied. You can expect a sunburn like sensation for 24 hours post treatment.
How do I take care of my skin after my treatment?
For each treatment, the aftercare will be discussed in detail at the appointment. For chemical peels and microneedling, you will be sent home with professional grade aftercare kit to last you for the next week of healing.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
For microneedling and chemical peels, it is suggested to stop “active” ingredients for the one week leading up to your appointment. This includes stopping skincare that contains retinol, salicyclic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid and enzymes. If you are unsure, please contact me.
I have active acne, what facials am I able to get done?
For those with active acne, my reccomendations would be an Oxygen Acne facial or a Acne Chemical peel. Microneedling and dermplaning are ideal on clients with mild or mostly healed acne.
I am lost with my skincare routine, where should I start?
I offer skincare consultations that discuss what products are ideal for your skin type, how to incorporate the products you already have and which items are worth the highest priority to start incorporating into your routine. Message me to book a skincare consultation.
What’s the best facial for anti-aging?
The best 2 options for anti aging are microneedling and chemical peels, Often I suggest a combination of both to treat fine lines and wrinkles from multiple angles and encourage collagen products. These treatments combined with professional homecare can lead to powerful results. My suggestion depending on the skin is to alternate microneedling, chemical peel and then microneedling (3 sessions total) for best results.
How do I know which facial to book?
If you are unsure what facial to book, please contact me so we can create an individualized plan that best meets your desired results and budget!
What are the must have skincare items?
Morning must haves: Vitamin C and Sunscreen,
Nighttime must haves: Peptides and Retinol.
“Enhancing your natural beauty is what we do best.”
— The Olive Brow
Contact us
Contact us
Questions about skincare or brows? Looking to book a consultation? Fill out this form and get in touch!