Welcome to the world of Eyebrow Embroidery .
About Olive O’Sullivan.
Olive is a Registered Nurse , a fully qualified and insured Eyebrow Microblading Technician from Clonakilty, West Cork.
Most of the common questions are covered here, and most especially on the blog on this website, however if you have further info you require , we deliver this by email.
Anyone who makes an enquiry via email gets our BIBLE of KNOWLEDGE by return which covers all questions you may have about the treatment.
Microblading is often described as Permanent Makeup .
It is a tattoo.
A tattoo delivered by hairstroke technique using a unique hand tool to create curved strokes carved into the skin and filled with medical grade pigment to create the illusion of eyebrows..
A unique hand tool with very sharp needles is used to deliver this method , not a machine.
Pixiwoo Sam ( UK blogger) gave her very honest review recently on microblading .
Here Is the U Tube link; .
https://youtu.be/gZ_hEFdcpTc
Olive is Registered Nurse, the majority of her clients have had a recent illness, post cancer treatments or about to begin Chemotherapy.
Her 30 years medical knowledge and hospital hours has reassured Oncologists, Oncology nurses, GPs etc in their referrals of their patients into her hands.
Getting new eyebrows for some one recovering from Chemotherapy has been voted as the most important treatment most ladies have had in minimising the side effects of what chemotherapy does to ones body- more so than losing head hair .
It is now part of the preparation for Chemotherapy to consider Microblading .
This way we can capture your natural brow shape before you lose your eyebrow hair.
Because of Olive’s vast experience in the Nursing world she attends to clients have been ill, have Alopecia, Chemotherapy, postnatal , stress, depression , and thyroid issues which lead to various anomalies in the brow hair health, leading to brow hair loss, gaps, scarring, or just a poor quality brow .
However, you do not need to be ill to avail of our services- we welcome ALL eyebrows.
Olive’s ethos is to create a 'natural look' - emphasising the clients natural features and great care is taken ,,with pigments matched to your existing brow hairs, for an overall attractive look. Each brow stroke is drawn on one by one . This is often referred to a 3D , hyper realism, 6D and so on. What best describes this technique is that the hair strokes are placed one by one under the skin ( not deep at all) and the pigment settles into a home there .
Fading varies from client to client and annual Colour Boosts are part of the maintenance treatment .
Before commencing the procedure Olive takes time with each client to discuss their needs-answering any questions about the process. A detailed consultation ensures that the end result suits the client and matches their expectations. Custom blended pigments are blended to tailor for each individual client from taupe to suits blondes, redheads, a variety of Browns for brunettes and darker shades for black skin/Fitzpatrick type 5.
Please read the below and if you have any further questions they can be answered at consultation time. A detailed consent form is emailed out to you in advance , so that you can perform your own checklist to ensure you are a suitable candidate.
If you are currently under going Cancer chemotherapy it is usual to wait 6 weeks after the treatment end to have your Eyebrows attended to with most other Microbladers, however Olive has the confidence of the Oncologists in Cork to perform the treatment safely with written permission DURING chemotherapy.
Please review the separate heading applicable to clients undergoing chemotherapy.
How long does a treatment take?
Step 1 takes 2 hours 20 min .
Step 2 takes 1 hour.
Colour Boosts take 1 hour.
Eyebrow Embroidery is a 2 step process- usually 30-60 days apart. This is very important to complete 2 visits.
A complimentary third visit is optional but advisable.
The initial procedure takes 1-2hr approx.. During this time , a consultation is undertaken, a colour tone chosen and initial outline of the procedure area is drawn on for the client to approve. Once the client is satisfied with the basic shape and symmetry, (please note that our faces are NOT symmetrical, as one side is flatter than the other), however as Brow Artists, we aim to create as much symmetry as possible.. The area is then traced over, then the permanent pigment is applied with a disposable, one use only hand held tool and not a machine. The procedure does not commence until the client is 100% happy with the shape.
The technique I trained in is the European Technique which means the brow hairs at the head of the brow are curved upwards, transitioning to a flatter curved brow hair stroke I the first 2/3 of the brow and finally the hairs in the last 1/3 grow downwards- so it's the pattern I follow to create a natural look . All Brow Artists have their own style - this is why I urge clients to come for a consultation ( it can now be done on line - face to face , if you book on the Schedulista tab) before the procedure so you can determine if Olive is the Brow artist for you .
The end result will depend on 50% pigment and 50% healing. We all heal differently, and what works on one client may not be effective on another. This is why a second visit it so important, it corrects any irregularities in colour tones,and makes the look semi permanent.
Step 2.
The second stage of the treatment is called a ‘touch up’,and takes 50 min plus approx.. This usually happens after 30-60 days because it takes that long for the pigment to settle in the skin, heal, peel and fade off softer. The brows naturally exfoliate in the previous month giving way to healed skin with the brow strokes just underneath it. It is IMPERATIVE you complete the touch up treatment, as without it, it will be a job half done and the results will not be optimum.
No different to a wall needing 2 coats of paint to look true to colour, Microblading tattoo is the same.
The touch up gives the client an opportunity to get used to the initial finish before a final touch up consolidates the pigment into the skin , thus preventing fading. The colour will have faded significantly in this 30 days as the skin heals, peels and fades. This is normal.
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The look of the brows in the first 10 days will be very defined and no indication of the finished result. .
If the touch up is not attended to after 4-6 weeks , the brow will fade away gradually , and you will wonder why you bothered.
Occasionally a third visit is necessary for certain clients , (30 days later again.) This is not uncommon, however most clients cancel this apt .
How long can I expect it to last?;
Indefinitely with annual Colour Boosts..
Refreshing of the colour is done once in 6 -18 months , depending on skin quality, how well you mind your investment and the colour chosen.
What if you don't like the results- is there 'time to change you mind'?
Once consultation is done, a proposed brow is traced with pencil for you to approve. The bespoke brow designed for you takes into consideration your face shape, PLUS a number of precise facial measurements calculated according to the morphology of the face and the golden mean (1.618).
Symmetry is determined digitally when facial muscles are relaxed, your eyes closed. This approved brow is then outlined with a water proof marker to ensure the Microbladed strokes are WITHIN these lines.
However if after the initial treatment ( they fade up to 40-70% after the first week) and you decide they are just not for you-you do not proceed with Step 2, and you let the brows just fade off. This pigment will always be under your skin and never totally fade.
Allergies, does this often happen?
Patch test is advised 48 hrs prior. It is an insurance requirement and non negotiable.
Special precautions:-
Clients who have medical conditions / cardiac may need a doctors clearance letter, and quite possible antibiotic cover prophylactically before going ahead
A list will be emailed to you once you register an interest in the procedure .
Do I need to do anything before my apt?
Yes! Read your consent form, and carry out any release letters you may need if you do not fit into the criteria . Bring it with you to apt.
Do your research . Eyebrow Microblading and the Tattoo industry in Ireland is sadly unregulated, so be sure to ask prudent questions wisely.
Apply your brow pencil as you normally like it so that I can work within these parameters , and bring your pencil / powders with you. I will still measure , and suggest tweaks but ultimately the brow shape will look like it always did. Designing a total new brow on clients who have no brow hair take time , and takes the bulk of the consult.
Nothing happens until you are 100% happy with the pre draw stage and you give your approval.
Speak to friends who have had the treatment done and learn what to expect during the process and for the interim period directly after.
Are Semi -Permanent Eyebrows deemed permanent?
Technically, semi-permanent Eyebrow Embroidery procedure are considered permanent because the colour is implanted into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. The pigment is implanted in the skin and will always be there but it naturally fades over time. This semi permanent method has gained popularity in the past 3 years -due to the fact that brow hair returns, people get well, etc.
Does it hurt?
Topical cream is applied 15 min prior to procedure, and a liquid topical anaesthetic is applied onto the brow after each pass.
At BrowtiqueCork , as a Registered Nurse we use superior medical grade TRIPLE numbing to ensure you are comfortable.
There is usually 3- 4 passes at each treatment. Everyone has a different level of sensitivity so topical anaesthetics are applied before and during the treatment to alleviate any sensation or discomfort. Whilst its not a spa treatment here at Browtique Cork, we will ensure comfort always.
Some clients naturally feel one brow sorer than the other, and more so at times of menstruation. If soreness anxiety is preventing you from the brows of your dreams, a pain relief can be collected/posted out -this can be applied 1-2 hours before your apt.
The natural brow hairs grow upwards at the head of the brow, curved in the arch of the brow, and grow downwards at the tail of the brow- and this is mimicked at the Embroidery treatment.
It often happens that a client needs to sneeze during the procedure, as the facial nerve is tickled during the process. Be sure to let your Tech know when you are about to sneeze.
Will I be able to go out after the procedure without people noticing?
Of course! Most ladies return to work right away. Work performance will be unaffected.
Excess pigment sits on the brow area for a few hours and can draw attention, so some ladies take a few hours off after the procedure .
After the procedure, the area treated will be darker and more intense, this is normal. This will last a few days until the skin heals and peels and naturally exfoliates and the true colour emerges. In the first week as the tiny scabs form in order to heal, they may look even darker/thicker due to some minor swelling. The 2 nd and 3 rd week you may think they even disappeared altogether( this is due to the new skin forming over the scabbed area). Week 4 is where natural exfoliation has happened and the true colour emerges. Generally, only the client will notice the changes. It will look like you had your eyebrows tinted that day ( which looks darker initially). Other people may notice ‘something’ is different , but they are unlikely to identify the source of the difference. The brows may also appear thicker than you might like, however, this settles after 10 days, as this minor swelling recedes and the hair stroke will shorten as a result. Swelling/oedema is usually very minimal, however it must be mentioned that some swelling happens..
Of the 9 colours I use, I can blend several to achieve even more shades to suit the client. ALL clients who have had the procedure done will be conscious they have brows that are very obvious, however please bear in mind, the skin has been broken to allow the pigment settle into the created curved hair stroke and healing has yet to take place. This is why I ask you to bring your eyebrow pencil with you at appointment - so I can match the pigment to the desired HEALED RESULT, which emerges after new skin has grown over the created hair strokes,,the tiny scabs naturally fall off and the skin gently exfoliates naturally itself to reveal the new brow hair strokes through the healed new skin.
Clients who are used to having no brows for a long time, can find this few weeks challenging . Clients who are very blonde/grey/red hair usually opt for lighter colour pigment, still go through the healing phase which looks very dark for 10 days . The true colour does not emerge until week 3-4 when healing is complete. .I usually advise clients who have sparse/ no brows to start wearing pencil or brow shading for some time before the process so they get used to having a brow!
Return Touch up visit has to be completed within 45-60 days ( unless ill advised my Doctor , say in the case of clients undergoing Chemotherapy),I have discovered that whilst the client found the initial result dramatic, they get used to it, and during the healing process, the brows shorten and subside as swelling subsides, they come back at touch up, and ask for the darker/thicker brow! However I would exercise caution in requesting a very thick brow, as fashion constantly changes. My usual advice is to go as natural a shape as possible and use your pencils/brow shaders to thicken the brow up for night time. If you do not like the decision you made, the Touch Up can be cancelled and the pigmented brow naturally fades away over time.
Do my existing eyebrows need to be shaved off?
Absolutely NOT!
Regular brow hair removal will continue to keep the brows looking tidy, and its usually advisable to have them shaped a week before your apt. You regular brow wax/thread/tweezing and tinting should continue once the brows have healed.
Occasionally clients brow hair can grow in different directions and can jeopardise the over all result, ie; brow tail. This may be removed by shaving at the appointment time with the clients consent to give a nice over all finish. Once the brows heal, the client can continue to have her brows waxed/ tweezes/threaded to keep the look defined. Stray hairs outside the brow line can make the brows look untidy, however this is the case in ALL brow maintenance.
Consent forms and aftercare, are they important?
But of course, I have clients who do not read consents, or aftercare, and sign the dotted line, just because they want it done.
This is not legal, and why I send all the relevant info out to you before any appointment is made.
If you do not have a printer we can give you the consent form at the clinic, but we must stress that you have it read at home in advance.
Pre Chemo Prep
I am about to undergo Cancer treatment, can I come before my cancer chemotherapy?
Ideally yes! The first treatment can be done even before you lose your brows, so that an imprint of where your brow once was is there. This blueprint guides us in giving you the same brow you once had, rather than designing a whole new brow. It is usual in this instance to have your top up after the cancer treatment is complete, or sooner if your Oncologist approves. As a nurse , this is my largest client base.
With each subsequent chemo therapy the brow hair gets thinner and thinner, and eventually they may not ever return at all. This is where a baseline is very helpful, as I can Embroider along the template. This is preferable rather than designing a whole new brow that may not look like what you looked like before treatment.
In cases like this I urge clients to bring an old photo, so I can emulate you old brow
Who would use Semi Permanent Eyebrow Embroidery?
Usually clients who;
Apply brow pencil/ brow powder daily to cover in bald spots/or due to scarring.
Clients who naturally have a very very thin brow and want it fuller.,
Suffer from Alopecia or other hair loss problems.
Are dissatisfied with the shape of their eyebrows .
Want to save time due to busy schedules.
Want more confidence and want to enjoy a no-fuss beauty routine.
Have visionary problems when pencilling/shading in brows.
Have sustained burns/scars in brow area.
Clients about to undergo Chemo and will lose brow hair.
Cancer
Clients about to undergo Cancer treatments and fear they may lose their eyebrows during their treatment process. The transition from having brow hair to no brow hair is less traumatic in this instance. The Embroidery is 3 D there for its very lifelike . Ideally I like to do the first Embroidery session before chemotherapy begins so that the first ' pass' is complete. This ensures the client gets the brow they originally had , as an imprint is now implanted. This avoids designing a completely new brow . The second visit can be delayed to when chemotherapy is completed in this instance . This can be done up to a few weeks before chemotherapy starts. Clients for chemotherapy AND on aspirin are not deemed suitable for Embroidery before treatment .
The majority of my clients either are about to embark on a chemotherapy journey, or post chemotherapy . Whilst head hair loss can be complimented by wigs/ bandanas etc, the hair eventually returns . Eyebrow hair gets thinner and thinner but rarely returns to its former glory. Eyebrow wigs often slip , and drawn on brows can look very flat. 3d Embroidery whilst flat gives an illusion of a brow hair stroke.
Clients with Alopecia.
Due to the nature of the skin on clients with Alopecia, the experience to date has been the pigment retention is poorer with machine powder brows than with Embroidery . However to date, the retention with the unique hand tool that I use, has been considerably longer. Block brow by machine is not a service I offer , favouring the Embroidery technique, where each hair is drawn in, one by one giving a more natural look. Retention from client to client is varying, however freshen up Colour Boosts could be as frequent as every4- 6 months to keep the look fresh. .
Eyebrows are eyebrows , and the procedure is the same on all, once the measurements are done. However more frequent visits are required for the Alopecia client, irrespective of the pigment colour used
If you are unsure about your decision, a separate consultation apt or “ ON LINE CONSULTATION “ can be arranged to discuss the procedure and check my portfolio.
Tops ups are necessary, anything from 8-18 months.
Tops ups within a year of the full procedure is at a reduced fee.
Top ups outside of 2 years is not considered a top up, but a whole new procedure, and the full fee is payable. If you wish to be reminded via text or email when your top up is due to be scheduled, please make it known at your apt time.
Olive O Sullivan EIPMU CIBTAC SRN SCM AIT
